Alaska Volcano Observatory

Christopher Nye

Institute:	ADGGS
Discipline(s):	Geochemistry Geology Petrology

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Chris Nye manages the participation within AVO of the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys. Duties include operational, managerial, and programmatic tasks, and studies of active volcanism and volcanic deposits. Research focuses on the geochemistry, petrology and geology of convergent margin volcanoes, with special emphasis on detailed trace-element geochemical studies of individual volcanoes in an attempt to understand temporal variations in their magmatic plumbing systems. Additional interests involve regional and arcwide patterns of volcanism and the interplay between volcanism and neotectonics.

[Show Publications]

Historically active volcanoes of Alaska 4565

Schaefer, J.R., Cameron, C.E., and Nye, C.J., 2009, Historically active volcanoes of Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys Miscellaneous Publication 133, 1 sheet, scale 1:3,000,000, available at http://www.dggs.dnr.state.ak.us/pubs/pubs?reqtype=citation&ID=20181 .

PDF files on DGGS's web site

Magmatic differentiation at an island-arc caldera: Okmok Volcano, Aleutian Islands, Alaska 4452

Okmok volcano is situated on oceanic crust in the central Aleutian arc and experienced large (15 km3) caldera-forming eruptions at 12 000 years BP and 2050 years BP. Each caldera-forming eruption began with a small Plinian rhyodacite event followed by the emplacement of a dominantly andesitic ash-flow unit, whereas effusive interand post-calderalavashavebeenmorebasaltic.

Finney, Benjamin, Turner, Simon, Hawkesworth, Chris, Larsen, Jessica, Nye, Chris, George, Rhiannon, Bindeman, Ilya, and Eichelberger, John, 2008, Magmatic differentiation at an island-arc caldera: Okmok Volcano, Aleutian Islands, Alaska: Journal of Petrology, v. 00, n. 0, p. 1-28, doi:10.1093/petrology/egn008 .

Magmatic differentiation at an island-arc caldera: Okmok Volcano, Aleutian Islands, Alaska 4488

The Alaska Volcano Observatory - 20 years of volcano research, monitoring, and eruption response 4443

Since 1988, the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) has been monitoring volcanic activity across the state, conducting scientific research on volcanic processes, producing volcano-hazard assessments, and informing both the public and emergency managers of volcanic unrest. Below are some examples of the activity at Alaska's volcanoes that have held the attention of AVO staff.

Schaefer, J.R., and Nye, Chris, 2008, The Alaska Volcano Observatory - 20 years of volcano research, monitoring, and eruption response: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Alaska GeoSurvey News, NL 2008-001, v. 11, n. 1, p. 1-9, available at http://wwwdggs.dnr.state.ak.us/pubs/pubs?reqtype=citation&ID=16061 .
ADGGS website with link to PDF
full-text PDF on AVO's server : 5.68 MB

Late Pleistocene and Holocene caldera-forming eruptions of Okmok Caldera, Aleutian Islands, Alaska 4464

Okmok volcano, in the central Aleutian arc, Alaska, produced two caldera-forming eruptions within the last ~12,000 years. This study describes the stratigraphy, composition, and petrology of those two eruptions. Both eruptions initially produced small volumes of felsic magmas, followed by voluminous andesite and basaltic andesite. The Okmok I eruption produced >30 km3 DRE of material on Umnak Island, and Okmok II ~15 km3.

Larsen, J. F., Neal, Christina, Schaefer, Janet, Beget, Jim, and Nye, Chris, 2007, Late Pleistocene and Holocene caldera-forming eruptions of Okmok Caldera, Aleutian Islands, Alaska, in Eichelberger, John, Gordeev, Evgenii, Izbekov, Pavel, Kasahara, Minoru, and Lees, Jonathan, eds., Volcanism and Subduction: The Kamchatka Region: Geophysical Monograph 172, American Geophysical Union, p. 343-364.

The reawakening of Alaska's Augustine Volcano 4177

Augustine volcano, in south central Alaska, ended a 20-year period of repose on 11 January 2006 with 13 explosive eruptions in 20 days. Explosive activity shifted to a quieter effusion of lava in early February, forming a new summit lava dome and two short, blocky lava flows by late March (Figure 1). The eruption was heralded by eight months of increasing seismicity, deformation, gas emission, and small phreatic eruptions, the latter consisting of explosions of steam and debris caused by heating and expansion of groundwater due to an underlying heat source.

Power, J.A., Nye, C.J., Coombs, M.L., Wessels, R.L., Cervelli, P.F., Dehn, J., Wallace, K.L., Freymueller, J.T., and Doukas, M.P., 2006, The reawakening of Alaska's Augustine Volcano: Eos, v. 87, n. 37, p. 373, 377.

The 2006 eruption of Augustine volcano: overview 4150

Nye, C.J., 2006, The 2006 eruption of Augustine volcano: overview [abs.]: Geological Society of America - Abstracts with Programs, v.38, n. 5, p. 28.

Variations of glass composition at the start of the 2006 eruption, Augustine volcano, Alaska 4162

Izbekov, Pavel, Wallace, Kristi, Larsen, Jessica, Nye, Chris, and Eichelberger, John, 2006, Variations of glass composition at the start of the 2006 eruption, Augustine volcano, Alaska [abs.]: Geological Society of America - Abstracts with Programs, v. 38, n. 5, p. 76-77.

Preliminary volcano-hazard assessment for Okmok Volcano, Umnak Island, Alaska 4029

"Okmok Volcano is an active volcano located on the northeast end of Umnak Island, about 100 kilometers southwest of Dutch Harbor. The volcano is capped by a large, circular caldera, 10 kilometers in diameter and 500 to 800 meters deep, that formed during catastrophic eruptions about 12,000 and 2,000 years ago. Since then, more than a dozen separate vents within the caldera have erupted, some of them multiple times, to produce lava flows and widespread tephra (volcanic ash) deposits, with the most recent eruption occurring in 1997. Very large floods and lahars also have accompanied past eruptions, one of which destroyed an Aleut village in 1817. Multiple eruptions of lava and ash also have occurred from vents on the volcano's flanks. The volcano's long-term pattern of frequent eruptions, and dramatic intra-caldera deformation and accompanying seismicity since 1997 show that it remains active, and almost certainly will be the site of explosive and nonexplosive eruptions in the future. Understanding the variety of potential hazards associated with different types of volcanic processes typical of Okmok Volcano can help minimize the impacts of future eruptions."

Beget, J.E., Larsen, J.F., Neal, C.A., Nye, C.J., and Schaefer, J.R., 2005, Preliminary volcano-hazard assessment for Okmok Volcano, Umnak Island, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Report of Investigation 2004-3, 32 p., 1 sheet, scale 1:150,000.
full text of report : 3.4 MB
map sheet : 53.2 MB
link to all files for this report on DGGS website

Chemical versus temporal controls on the evolution of tholeiitic and calc-alkaline magmas at two volcanoes in the Alaska-Aleutian arc 3676

"The Alaska---Aleutian island arc is well known for erupting both tholeiitic and calc-alkaline magmas. To investigate the relative roles of chemical and temporal controls in generating these contrasting liquid lines of descent we have undertaken a detailed study of tholeiitic lavas from Akutan volcano in the oceanic Aleutian arc and calc-alkaline products from Aniakchak volcano on the continental Alaskan Peninsula. The differences do not appear to be linked to parental magma composition."

George, R., Nye, C., Stelling, P., Dreher, S., Turner, S., Hawkesworth, C., and Bacon, C. R., 2004, Chemical versus temporal controls on the evolution of tholeiitic and calc-alkaline magmas at two volcanoes in the Alaska-Aleutian arc: Journal of Petrology, v. 45, n. 1, p. 203-219.

Preliminary geologic map of Great Sitkin Volcano, Alaska 3495

Waythomas, C. F., Miller, T. P., and Nye, C. J., 2003, Preliminary geologic map of Great Sitkin Volcano, Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report OF 03-0036, unpaged, 1 sheet, scale 1:63,360.
PDF : 3 MB

Preliminary geologic map of Kanaga Volcano, Alaska 3496

Miller, T. P., Waythomas, C. F., and Nye, C. J., 2003, Preliminary geologic map of Kanaga Volcano, Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report OF 03-0113, unpaged, 2 sheets, scale 1:20,000.
sheet 1 (PDF) : 1.5 MB
sheet 2 (PDF) : 10 MB

Preliminary volcano-hazard assessment for Great Sitkin Volcano, Alaska 3493

"Great Sitkin Volcano is a composite andesitic stratovolcano on Great Sitkin Island, a small (14 x 16 km), circular volcanic island in the western Aleutian Islands of Alaska. Great Sitkin Island is located about 35 kilometers northeast of the community of Adak on Adak Island and 130 kilometers west of the community of Atka on Atka Island. Great Sitkin Volcano is an active volcano and has erupted at least eight times in the past 250 years (Miller and others, 1998). The most recent eruption in 1974 caused minor ash fall on the flanks of the volcano and resulted in the emplacement of a lava dome in the summit crater."

Waythomas, C. F., Miller, T. P., and Nye, C. J., 2003, Preliminary volcano-hazard assessment for Great Sitkin Volcano, Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report OF 03-0112, 25 p., 1 sheet.
full-text PDF : 18.5 MB
map sheet plate (PDF) : 2 MB

Geology and late Quaternary eruptive history of Kanaga Volcano, a calc-alkaline stratovolcano in the western Aleutian Islands, Alaska 3502

"Recent studies by the Alaska Volcano Observatory have been focused on addressing this concern by studying the geology and eruptive history of historically active volcanoes in the Aleutian Arc to better understand the characteristics of future explosive eruptions. Here, we report results from our study of Kanaga Volcano, an active calc-alkaline stratovolcano in the western Aleutian Islands of Alaska."

Waythomas, C. F., Miller, T. P., and Nye, C. J., 2003, Geology and late Quaternary eruptive history of Kanaga Volcano, a calc-alkaline stratovolcano in the western Aleutian Islands, Alaska: in Galloway, J. P., (ed.), Studies by the U.S. Geological Survey in Alaska, 2001, U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper PP 1678, p. 181-197.
full-text PDF : 1.5 MB

Melting processes and fluid and sediment transport rates along the Alaska-Aleutian arc from an integrated U-Th-Ra-Be isotope study 3671

"A comprehensive data set for young lavas erupted along the Alaska-Aleutian arc is used to examine how fluid and sediment transport rates and melting processes vary in response to systematic changes in subduction rate and dip along the arc and across the ocean-continent boundary. Positive correlations between convergence rate, volcano volume, and 238U excesses suggest that magmatic output is closely linked to the size of the fluid flux which occurred <10 kyr prior to eruption. Sediment-sensitive tracers like Th/Nb, Ce/Ce*, and 10Be/9Be also increase with convergence rate."

George, R., Nye, C., Ryan, J. G., Zheng, S. H., Turner, S., Hawkesworth, C., and Morris, J., 2003, Melting processes and fluid and sediment transport rates along the Alaska-Aleutian arc from an integrated U-Th-Ra-Be isotope study: Journal of Geophysical Research, v. 108, n. 5, p. 6-25.

A conceptual model of the Mount Spurr magmatic system from seismic and geochemical observations of the 1992 Crater Peak eruption sequence 807

A conceptual model of the geometry and dynamics of the Mount Spurr magmatic system is developed using seismic, geochemical, and visual observations of the 1992 Crater Peak eruption sequence. The basis for this model is a new classification of all located seismic events and results from prior studies of seismology, geology, geochemistry, and geophysics of the Mount Spurr area.

Power, J. A., Jolly, A. D., Nye, C. J., and Harbin, M. L., 2002, A conceptual model of the Mount Spurr magmatic system from seismic and geochemical observations of the 1992 Crater Peak eruption sequence: Bulletin of Volcanology, v. 64, n. 3-4, p. 206-218.

The 1999 eruption of Shishaldin Volcano, Alaska: monitoring a distant eruption 2968

Shishaldin Volcano, in the central Aleutian volcanic arc, became seismically restless during the summer of 1998. Increasing unrest was monitored using a newly installed seismic network, weather satellites, and rare local visual observations. The unrest culminated in large eruptions on 19 April and 22-23 April 1999. The opening phase of the 19 April eruption produced a sub-Plinian column that rose to 16 km before rapidly dissipating. About 80 min into the 19 April event we infer that the eruption style transitioned to vigorous Strombolian fountaining. Exceptionally vigorous seismic tremor heralded the 23 April eruption, which produced a large thermal anomaly observable by satellite, but only a modest, 6-km-high plume.

Nye, C. J., Keith, T. E. C., Eichelberger, J. C., Miller, T. P., McNutt, S. R., Moran, S., Schneider, D. J., Dehn, J., and Schaefer, J. R., 2002, The 1999 eruption of Shishaldin Volcano, Alaska: monitoring a distant eruption: Bulletin of Volcanology, v. 64, n. 8, p. 507-519.

Preliminary volcano-hazard assessment for Shishaldin Volcano, Alaska 3380

"Shishaldin Volcano is a 2,857-meter-high stratovolcano on Unimak Island, the most easterly of the Aleutian Islands. It is located about 45 kilometers west of False Pass, a small, permanently inhabited fishing village on Unimak Island that has a summer population of about 100. Shishaldin Volcano is historically one of the most active volcanoes in the Aleutian Islands. Eruptive events have occurred on at least 39 occasions since the late 1700s, when Russian traders and explorers began keeping written records. The most recent eruptive episode occurred from February to July of 1999, when the volcano produced tephra plumes on several occasions and extensive scoria blankets, and lahars on two occasions. The largest explosive eruption, on April 19, 1999, sent ash higher than 16 kilometers above sea level. The ash cloud drifted southward with the wind over the North Pacific Ocean, causing local disruptions in air traffic."

Beget, J. E., Nye, C. J., Schaefer, J. R., and Stelling, P. L., 2002, Preliminary volcano-hazard assessment for Shishaldin Volcano, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Report of Investigations RI 2002-4, 28 p., 1 sheet, scale 1:500,000.
full-text PDF : 2.25 MB

Historically active volcanoes of the Aleutian Arc 710

Schaefer, Janet, and Nye, C. J., 2002, Historically active volcanoes of the Aleutian Arc: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Miscellaneous Publication MP 0123, unpaged, 1 sheet, scale 1:3,000,000.
MrSID map sheet : 3.3 MB
page-size PDF : 700 KB
poster-size PDF : 4.87 MB

Preliminary volcano-hazard assessment for Mount Spurr Volcano, Alaska 2936

"Mount Spurr volcano is an ice- and snow-covered stratovolcano complex located in the north-central Cook Inlet region about 100 kilometers west of Anchorage, Alaska. Mount Spurr volcano consists of a breached stratovolcano, a lava dome at the summit of Mount Spurr, and Crater Peak vent, a small stratocone on the south flank of Mount Spurr volcano. Historical eruptions of Crater Peak occurred in 1953 and 1992. These eruptions were relatively small but explosive, and they dispersed volcanic ash over areas of interior, south-central, and southeastern Alaska. Individual ash clouds produced by the 1992 eruption drifted east, north, and south. Within a few days of the eruption, the south-moving ash cloud was detected over the North Atlantic. Pyroclastic flows that descended the south flank of Crater Peak during both historical eruptions initiated volcanic-debris flows or lahars that formed temporary debris dams across the Chakachatna River, the principal drainage south of Crater Peak. Prehistoric eruptions of Crater Peak and Mount Spurr generated clouds of volcanic ash, pyroclastic flows, and lahars that extended to the volcano flanks and beyond. A flank collapse on the southeast side of Mount Spurr generated a large debris avalanche that flowed about 20 kilometers beyond the volcano into the Chakachatna River valley. The debris-avalanche deposit probably formed a large, temporary debris dam across the Chakachatna River."

Waythomas, C. F., and Nye, C. J., 2002, Preliminary volcano-hazard assessment for Mount Spurr Volcano, Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report OF 01-0482, 46 p.
full-text PDF : 11.25 MB

Preliminary volcano-hazard assessment for Kanaga Volcano, Alaska 3494

"Kanaga Volcano is a steep-sided, symmetrical, cone-shaped, 1307 meter high, andesitic stratovolcano on the north end of Kanaga Island in the western Aleutian Islands of Alaska. Kanaga Island is an elongated, lowrelief (except for the volcano) island, located about 35 kilometers west of the community of Adak on Adak Island and is part of the Andreanof Islands Group of islands. Kanaga Volcano is one of the 41 historically active volcanoes in Alaska and has erupted numerous times in the past 11,000 years, including at least 10 eruptions in the past 250 years (Miller and others, 1998). The most recent eruption occurred in 1993-95 and caused minor ash fall on Adak Island and produced blocky aa lava flows that reached the sea on the northwest and west sides of the volcano (Neal and others, 1995)."

Waythomas, C. F., Miller, T. P., and Nye, C. J., 2002, Preliminary volcano-hazard assessment for Kanaga Volcano, Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report OF 02-0397, 27 p., 1 sheet.
full-text PDF : 38.5 MB
map sheet plate (PDF) : 17.5 MB

Geology and petrology of ejecta from the 1999 eruption of Shishaldin Volcano, Alaska 3487

Stelling, P., Beget, J., Nye, C., Gardner, J., Devine, J. D., and George, R. M. M., 2002, Geology and petrology of ejecta from the 1999 eruption of Shishaldin Volcano, Alaska: Bulletin of Volcanology, v. 64, n. 8, p. 548-561.

The time scales of magmatic differentiation at island arcs 3633

George, R., Turner, S., Hawkesworth, C., Nye, C., Stelling, P., and Dreher, S., 2002, The time scales of magmatic differentiation at island arcs [abs.]: Abstracts of the 12th annual V.M. Goldschmidt conference, Geochimica et Cosomchimica Acta, v. 66, n. 15A, p. 270.

Magmas in collision: rethinking chemical zonation in silicic magmas: discussion and reply 836

deSilva, Shanaka, Eichelberger, J. C., Chertkoff, D. G., Dreher, S. T., and Nye, C. J., 2001, Magmas in collision: rethinking chemical zonation in silicic magmas: discussion and reply: Geology, v. 29, n. 11, Boulder, CO, Geological Society of America, p. 1063-1064.

website with link to abstract. GSA subscribers can use link to full-text article

Preliminary volcano-hazard assessment for Makushin Volcano, Alaska 656

"Makushin Volcano is a 2,036-meter-high stratovolcano on Unalaska Island. The volcano is located 28 kilometers west of the towns of Dutch Harbor and Unalaska, the largest population centers in the Aleutian Islands and the principal fishing, shipping, and air-transportation hub for westernmost Alaska. Explosive eruptions of Makushin Volcano have occurred at least 17 times since the late 1700s, when written records began. These historic eruptions have been relatively small, sending ash 3 to 10 kilometers above the volcano summit and depositing ash mainly on the flanks of the volcano. Geologic studies show that larger explosive eruptions occurred more than two dozen times during the last several thousand years, generating more widespread ash layers. In addition, a series of very large eruptions about 8,800 to 8,000 years ago produced a 4-kilometer-diameter crater at the summit of the volcano and generated not only numerous pyroclastic flows and surges that traveled down valleys to the sea on the east, west, and north flanks of the volcano, but a debris avalanche and lateral blast that entered the sea on the north flank of Makushin Volcano."

Beget, J. E., Nye, C. J., and Bean, K. W., 2000, Preliminary volcano-hazard assessment for Makushin Volcano, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Report of Investigations RI 2000-4, 22 p., 1 sheet, scale 1:100,000.
full-text PDF : .87 MB
map sheet plate : 7.68 MB

Magmas in collision: rethinking chemical zonation in silicic magmas 949

Eichelberger, J. C., Chertkoff, D. G., Dreher, S. T., and Nye, C. J., 2000, Magmas in collision: rethinking chemical zonation in silicic magmas: Geology, v. 28, n. 7, p. 603-606.

The 2050 BP Okmok Caldera forming event: evidence for magma mixing as an eruption trigger 3696

Larsen, J. F., Nye, C. J., and Ray, L. A., 2000, The 2050 BP Okmok Caldera forming event: evidence for magma mixing as an eruption trigger [abs.]: Eos, v. 81, n. 48, p. 1376.

Multiple magma series at single volcanoes: examples from the Aleutian Arc 3705

Nye, C. J., and Stelling, Pete, 2000, Multiple magma series at single volcanoes: examples from the Aleutian Arc [abs.]: Eos, v. 81, n. 48, p. 1354.

Magmatism at the eastern end of the Aleutian Arc: implications for the western Alaska Range volcanic gap 944

Nye, C. J., 1999, Magmatism at the eastern end of the Aleutian Arc: implications for the western Alaska Range volcanic gap [abs.]: in Severin, Barb and Anderson, P. M., (eds.), Science in the north: 50 years of change, Arctic Science Conference, 50, Program and Abstracts, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK, Sept 19-22, 1999, p. 178-180.

Deposits of the 1999 eruptions of Shishaldin Volcano, Unimak Island, Alaska 853

Beget, James, Nye, C. J., Gardner, James, Devine, Joe, and Stelling, Peter, 1999, Deposits of the 1999 eruptions of Shishaldin Volcano, Unimak Island, Alaska [abs.]: Eos, v. 80, n. 46, p. 1147.

Volcanic clouds from the 1999 eruption of Shishaldin Volcano, Alaska: comparisons of satellite, seismic, and geologic observations 855

Schneider, D. J., Moran, S. C., and Nye, C. J., 1999, Volcanic clouds from the 1999 eruption of Shishaldin Volcano, Alaska: comparisons of satellite, seismic, and geologic observations [abs.]: Eos, v. 80, n. 46, p. 1146-1147.

The 1999 eruption of Shishaldin Volcano, Alaska: a successful example of "remote" monitoring 860

Keith, T. C., Eichelberger, J. C., and Nye, C. J., 1999, The 1999 eruption of Shishaldin Volcano, Alaska: a successful example of "remote" monitoring [abs.]: Eos, v. 80, n. 46, p. 1145-1146.

Along-arc U-Th-Ra systematics in the Aleutians 886

George, R. M., Turner, Simon, Hawkesworth, Chris, and Nye, C. J., 1999, Along-arc U-Th-Ra systematics in the Aleutians [abs.]: Eos, v. 80, n. 46, p. 1202.

The Denali volcanic gap: magmatism at the eastern end of the Aleutian Arc 887

Nye, C. J., 1999, The Denali volcanic gap: magmatism at the eastern end of the Aleutian Arc [abs.]: Eos, v. 80, n. 46, p. 1202.

Catalog of the historically active volcanoes of Alaska 645

Alaska hosts within its borders over 80 major volcanic centers that have erupted during Holocene time (<10,000 years). At least 29 of these volcanic centers (table 1) had historical eruptions and 12 additional volcanic centers may have had historical eruptions. Historical in Alaska generally means the period since 1760 when explorers, travelers, and inhabitants kept written records. These 41 volcanic centers have been the source for >265 eruptions reported from Alaska volcanoes.

Miller, T. P., McGimsey, R. G., Richter, D. H., Riehle, J. R., Nye, C. J., Yount, M. E., and Dumoulin, J. A., 1998, Catalog of the historically active volcanoes of Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report OF 98-0582, 104 p.
website with PDF links
title page PDF : 52
intro and TOC PDF : 268 KB
eastern part - Wrangell to Ukinrek Maars PDF : 972 KB
central part - Chiginagak to Cleveland PDF : 2,463 KB
western part - Carlisle to Kiska PDF : 956 KB
references PDF : 43 KB

Geologic map of the Makushin volcanic field, Unalaska Island, Alaska 2105

McConnell, V. S., Beget, J. E., Roach, A. L., Bean, K. W., and Nye, C. J., 1998, Geologic map of the Makushin volcanic field, Unalaska Island, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Report of Investigations RI 97-20, unpaged, 2 sheets, scale 1:63,360.

website with links to sheets in MrSID format

Volcanoes of Alaska 277

Nye, C. J., Queen, Katherine, and McCarthy, A. M., 1998, Volcanoes of Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Information Circular IC 0038, unpaged, 1 sheet, scale 1:4,000,000, available at http://www.dggs.dnr.state.ak.us/pubs/pubs?reqtype=citation&ID=7043 .
website with links to sheets in MrSID format

Postglacial collapse and regrowth of Shishaldin Volcano, Alaska, requires sustained high eruption rates 978

Beget, J. E., Nye, C., and Stelling, P., 1998, Postglacial collapse and regrowth of Shishaldin Volcano, Alaska, requires sustained high eruption rates [abs.]: in Eos, v. 79, n. 17, p. 359.

DGGS active in Alaska volcano observatory mission 618

Nye, C. J., 1997, DGGS active in Alaska volcano observatory mission: Alaska GeoSurvey News, v. 1, n. 2, p. 1-2.

Pre-eruptive temperatures for postcaldera magmas of Aniakchak Volcano, Alaska 825

Bacon, C. R., Neal, C. A., Nye, C. J., and McGimsey, R. G., 1997, Pre-eruptive temperatures for postcaldera magmas of Aniakchak Volcano, Alaska [abs.]: Eos, v. 78, n. 46, p. 792-793.

Chemically and temporally distinct magma series at Aniakchak Volcano and the role of crustal mixing 1001

Nye, C. J., Miller, T. P., and Layer, P. W., 1997, Chemically and temporally distinct magma series at Aniakchak Volcano and the role of crustal mixing [abs.]: Eos, v. 78, n. 46, p. 816.

New geologic map of Aniakchak Caldera, Alaska 1002

Neal, C. A., McGimsey, R. G., Miller, T. P., Nye, C. J., Bacon, C. R., and Felger, T. J., 1997, New geologic map of Aniakchak Caldera, Alaska [abs.]: Eos, v. 78, n. 46, p. 816.

Massive widespread crustal contamination in the eastern Aleutian Arc 1023

Nye, C. J., 1997, Massive widespread crustal contamination in the eastern Aleutian Arc [abs.]: Eos, v. 78, n. 17, p. 331-332.

Deep long-period events associated with the 1992 eruptions of Crater Peak Vent, Mount Spurr, Alaska 1027

Power, J. A., Jolly, A. D., Nye, C. J., and Harbin, M. L., 1997, Deep long-period events associated with the 1992 eruptions of Crater Peak Vent, Mount Spurr, Alaska [abs.]: Eos, v. 78, n. 46, p. 438.

March 1996 seismic crisis at Akutan Volcano, central Aleutian Arc, Alaska 2157

Keith, T. E. C., Nye, C. J., Eichelberger, J. C., Miller, T. P., and Power, J. A., 1996, March 1996 seismic crisis at Akutan Volcano, central Aleutian Arc, Alaska [abs.]: Eos, v. 77, n. 46, p. 815.

Crustal contamination of magmas at Mount Spurr, Alaska 2176

Harbin, M. L., Nye, C. J., and Hutcheon, I. D., 1996, Crustal contamination of magmas at Mount Spurr, Alaska [abs.]: Eos, v. 77, n. 46, p. 770.

Xenoliths from Redoubt Volcano, Alaska 2178

Nye, C. J., Izbekov, P., and Eichelberger, J. C., 1996, Xenoliths from Redoubt Volcano, Alaska [abs.]: Eos, v. 77, n. 46, p. 771.

New monitoring and geological investigations in the central Aleutian Arc, Alaska 2180

Eichelberger, J. C., Keith, T. E. C., and Nye, C. J., 1996, New monitoring and geological investigations in the central Aleutian Arc, Alaska [abs.]: Eos, v. 77, n. 46, p. 771.

Newly recognized Holocene volcanism at Makushin volcanic field, Alaska 2182

McConnell, V. S., Roach, A. L., and Nye, C. J., 1996, Newly recognized Holocene volcanism at Makushin volcanic field, Alaska [abs.]: Eos, v. 77, n. 46, p. 771.

The last 3400 years at Aniakchak caldera, Alaska 1892

Neal, C. A., McGimsey, R. G., Waythomas, C. F., Miller, T. P., and Nye, C. J., 1995, The last 3400 years at Aniakchak caldera, Alaska [abs.]: Abstracts with Programs - Geological Society of America, v. 27, n. 5, p. 67.

The 1992 eruptions of Crater Peak Vent, Mount Spurr volcano, Alaska: chronology and summary 2097

"The Crater Peak vent of Mount Spurr volcano, located 125 km west of Anchorage (figs. 1, 2) and last active in 1953 (Juehle and Coulter, 1955; Wilcox, 1959), erupted three times in 1992 following 10 months of heightened seismicity. The first eruption occurred on June 27, 1992, and was followed by similar events on August 18 and September 16-17, 1992. This paper provides an overview of these eruptions and the Alaska Volcano Observatory's response to them."

Eichelberger, J. C., Keith, T. E. C., Miller, T. P., and Nye, C. J., 1995, The 1992 eruptions of Crater Peak Vent, Mount Spurr volcano, Alaska: chronology and summary: in Keith, T. E. C., (ed.), The 1992 eruptions of Crater Peak Vent, Mount Spurr volcano, Alaska, U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin B 2139, p. 1-18.
full-text PDF : 560 KB

Petrology of some recent eruptions in the Aleutian Arc, Alaska 2224

Harbin, M. L., and Nye, C. J., 1995, Petrology of some recent eruptions in the Aleutian Arc, Alaska [abs.]: Abstracts with Programs - Geological Society of America, v. 27, n. 5, p. 24.

Contamination by heterogeneous continental crust in easternmost Aleutian Arc volcanoes: and implications for the rest of the arc 2245

Nye, C. J., and Spring, S. A., 1995, Contamination by heterogeneous continental crust in easternmost Aleutian Arc volcanoes: and implications for the rest of the arc [abs.]: Eos, v. 76, n. 46, p. 655.

Outburst flood from Kidazgeni Glacier, Spurr volcano, Alaska 2851

Dorava, J. M., Nye, C. J., Hammond, W. R., and Tytgat, G. C., 1995, Outburst flood from Kidazgeni Glacier, Spurr volcano, Alaska [abs.]: Eos, v. 76, p. 199.

Extreme tholeiitic to calcalkaline transition at Aniakchak volcano, east-central Aleutian arc 1894

Nye, C. J., Neal, C. A., Miller, T. P., and McGimsey, R. G., 1995, Extreme tholeiitic to calcalkaline transition at Aniakchak volcano, east-central Aleutian arc [abs.]: Abstracts with Programs - Geological Society of America, v. 27, n. 5, p. 69.

Tephra-fall deposits from the 1992 eruptions of Crater Peak, Mount Spurr volcano, Alaska: a preliminary report on distribution, stratigraphy, and composition 1986

"After 39 years of quiescence, the Crater Peak vent on the south flank of Mount Spurr volcano reawakened with a series of three short lived but violent eruptions of andesitic tephra on June 27, August 18, and September 16-17 of 1992 (Eichelberger and others, this volume; Alaska Volcano Observatory, 1993). Each eruption lasted 3.5 to 4.0 hours and generated vulcanian to subplinian eruption columns that reached altitudes of more than 14 km above sea level (ASL). Carried downwind, these tephra plumes resulted in narrowly distributed fall deposits composed principally of poorly vesiculated, crystal-rich juvenile andesite that ranged in size from coarse bombs to fine ash. Plumes from the three eruptions extended north, northeast, and east away from the volcano. Two of the three 1992 events deposited significant amounts of fallout tephra onto the most heavily populated areas of south-central Alaska (fig. 1A)."

Neal, C. A., McGimsey, R. G., Gardner, C. A., Harbin, M. L., and Nye, C. J., 1995, Tephra-fall deposits from the 1992 eruptions of Crater Peak, Mount Spurr volcano, Alaska: a preliminary report on distribution, stratigraphy, and composition: in Keith, T. E. C., (ed.), The 1992 eruptions of Crater Peak Vent, Mount Spurr volcano, Alaska, U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin B 2139, p. 65-79.
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Preliminary petrology and chemistry of proximal eruptive products: 1992 eruptions of Crater Peak, Mount Spurr volcano, Alaska 2099

"Mount Spurr, Alaska, located approximately 125 km west of Anchorage, is the northernmost historically active volcanic center of the eastern Aleutian arc. Prehistoric Mount Spurr was an andesitic stratovolcano that underwent avalanche caldera formation approximately 10,000 years ago (Nye and Turner, 1990). Following subsequent ash flows, a dacite dome was emplaced in the caldera and now forms the summit of Mount Spurr. Crater Peak, a flank vent, was built in the breach of the southern caldera rim and has been the site of historic volcanism, including the eruptions in 1953 and 1992."

Harbin, M. L., Swanson, S. E., Nye, C. J., and Miller, T. P., 1995, Preliminary petrology and chemistry of proximal eruptive products: 1992 eruptions of Crater Peak, Mount Spurr volcano, Alaska: in Keith, T. E. C., (ed.), The 1992 eruptions of Crater Peak Vent, Mount Spurr volcano, Alaska, U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin B 2139, p. 139-148.
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June 29, 1993, outburst flood from Kidazgeni Glacier, Mount Spurr volcano, Alaska 2116

"The Kidazgeni Glacier is a valley glacier that drains the southern part of the Mount Spurr amphitheater. The glacier is 1.5 to 3 km wide and about 7.5 km long (fig. I). It averages 125 m in thickness and covers an area of about 21 square kilometers (R.S. March, oral commun.). It issues from the amphitheater on the east side of Crater Peak, the active vent of Mount Spurr volcano and the source of the 1992 eruptions (Eichelberger and others, this volume). It flows steeply from an altitude of about 2,135 m (7,000 ft) to about 900 m (3,000 ft) then spreads into a broad, flat lobe that ends at about 700 m (2,300 ft) elevation (fig. 1)."

Nye, C. J., Hammond, W. R., Tytgat, G. C., and Dorava, J. M., 1995, June 29, 1993, outburst flood from Kidazgeni Glacier, Mount Spurr volcano, Alaska: in Keith, T. E. C., (ed.), The 1992 eruptions of Crater Peak Vent, Mount Spurr volcano, Alaska, U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin B 2139, p. 199-204.
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Whole-rock major- and trace-element chemistry of 1992 ejecta from Crater Peak, Mount Spurr volcano, Alaska 2117

"Mount Spurr volcano, 125 km west of Anchorage, is the next-to-last Holocene volcano at the northeastern end of the Aleutian arc. It is about 100 km above the Benioff zone and 500 km from the trench in a direction parallel to the movement between the Pacific and North American plates. The region surrounding Mount Spurr is underlain by a Jurassic to mid-Tertiary granitic batholith, which intrudes Paleozoic to Mesozoic limestone, basalt, and flysch of generally low metamorphic grade (Wilson and others, 1985)."

Nye, C. J., Harbin, M. L., Miller, T. P., Swanson, S. E., and Neal, C. A., 1995, Whole-rock major- and trace-element chemistry of 1992 ejecta from Crater Peak, Mount Spurr volcano, Alaska: in Keith, T. E. C., (ed.), The 1992 eruptions of Crater Peak Vent, Mount Spurr volcano, Alaska, U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin B 2139, p. 119-128.
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Comparative geochemistry of some volcanoes of the easternmost Aleutian Arc 2238

Nye, C. J., 1995, Comparative geochemistry of some volcanoes of the easternmost Aleutian Arc [abs.]: Abstracts with Programs - Geological Society of America, v. 27, n. 5, p. 69.

Postglacial eruption history of Redoubt volcano, Alaska 90

Volcaniclastic deposits preserved in valleys on the flanks of Redoubt Volcano comprise a record of the volcano's postglacial eruption history. The oldest and largest deposit is the Harriet Point debris avalanche, emplaced more than 10,500 yr B.P. This debris avalanche travelled more than 30 km down the Redoubt Creek valley to Cook Inlet. About 3600 yr B.P., a massive slope failure of Redoubt Volcano produced at least two lahars that travelled 30 km down the Crescent River valley (Riehle et al., 1981 ). A series of smaller eruptions between ca. 3600-1800 yr B.P. generated additional lahars and floods that affected the upper Crescent River valley. A pyroclastic fan on the south flank of Redoubt Volcano probably also formed during this time interval.

Beget, J. E., and Nye, C. J., 1994, Postglacial eruption history of Redoubt volcano, Alaska: in Miller, T. P. and Chouet, B. A., (eds.), The 1989-1990 eruptions of Redoubt Volcano, Alaska, Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, v. 62, n. 1, p. 31-54.

Aleutian arc volcanoes 688

Nye, C. J., 1994, Aleutian arc volcanoes: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Public-Data File PDF 94-54, unpaged, 1 sheet, scale 1:2,126,841.

Geochemistry of the 1989-1990 eruption of Redoubt Volcano: Part I. Whole-rock major- and trace-element chemistry 2118

The 1989-1990 eruption of Redoubt Volcano produced medium-K calc-alkaline andesite and dacite of limited compositional range (58.2-63.4% SiO2) and entrained quenched andesitic inclusions (55% SIO2) which bear chemical similarities to the rest of the ejecta. The earliest (December 15 ) magmas are pumiceous, often compositionally banded, and the majority is relatively marie ( < 59% SIO2). The most silicic magmas of the eruption are the late December to early January domes (up to 63.4% SIO2). Subsequent magmas formed domes and rare pumices which converge on 60% SIO2.

Nye, C. J., Swanson, S. E., Avery, V. F., and Miller, T. P., 1994, Geochemistry of the 1989-1990 eruption of Redoubt Volcano: Part I. Whole-rock major- and trace-element chemistry: in Miller, T. P. and Chouet, B. A., (eds.), The 1989-1990 eruptions of Redoubt Volcano, Alaska, Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, v. 62, n. 1-4, p. 429-452.

Geochemistry of the 1989-1990 eruption of Redoubt Volcano: Part II, Evidence from mineral and glass chemistry 2313

Early stages (December 1989) of the 1989-1990 eruption of Redoubt Volcano produced two distinct lavas. Both lavas are high-silica andesites with a narrow range of bulk composition (58-64 wt.%) and similar mineralogies (phenocrysts of plagioclase, hornblende, augite, hypersthene and Fe-Ti oxides in a groundmass of the same phases plus glass). The two lavas are distinguished by groundmass glass compositions, one is dacitic and the other rhyolitic. Sharp boundaries between the two glasses in compositionally banded pumices, lack of extensive coronas on hornblende phenocrysts, and seismic data suggest that a magma-mixing event immediately preceeded the eruption in December 1989.

Swanson, S. E., Nye, C. J., Miller, T. P., and Avery, V. F., 1994, Geochemistry of the 1989-1990 eruption of Redoubt Volcano: Part II, Evidence from mineral and glass chemistry: in Miller, T. P., (ed.), The 1989-1990 eruptions of Redoubt Volcano, Alaska, Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, v. 62, n. 1-4, p. 453-468.

The Geyser Bight geothermal area, Umnak Island, Alaska 174

Motyka, R. J., Nye, C. J., Turner, D. L., and Liss, S. A., 1993, The Geyser Bight geothermal area, Umnak Island, Alaska: Geothermics, v. 22, n. 4, p. 301-327.

Extreme and abrupt transition from tholeiitic to calcalkaline volcanism at Aniakchak Volcano, eastern Aleutian Arc 532

Nye, C. J., Neal, C. A., and McGimsey, R. G., 1993, Extreme and abrupt transition from tholeiitic to calcalkaline volcanism at Aniakchak Volcano, eastern Aleutian Arc [abs.]: Eos, v. 74, n. 43, p. 674.

Fumarolic gas chemistry (1982) and thermal spring water chemistry, Crater Peak (1985), Mount Spurr, Alaska 2575

Motyka, R. J., and Nye, C. J., 1993, Fumarolic gas chemistry (1982) and thermal spring water chemistry, Crater Peak (1985), Mount Spurr, Alaska: in Solie, D. N. and Tannian, Fran, (eds.), Short notes on Alaskan geology 1993, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Professional Report PR 0113, p. 31-40.

Geothermal resources of the Aleutian Arc 1018

"Quaternary Aleutian volcanism extends for over 2,500 km, from Buldir Island on the west to Mount Hayes on the east (fig. 1). This belt of volcanic activity lies immediately north of the Aleutian trench, a convergent boundary between the North American and Pacific lithospheric plates."

Motyka, R. J., Liss, S. A., Nye, C. J., and Moorman, M. A., 1993, Geothermal resources of the Aleutian Arc: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Professional Report PR 0114, 17 p., 4 sheets, scale 1:1,000,000.
website with links to PDF and MrSID files

Geology and geochemistry of the Geyser Bight Geothermal area, Umnak Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska 1064

Nye, C. J., Motyka, R. J., Turner, D. L., and Liss, S. A., 1992, Geology and geochemistry of the Geyser Bight Geothermal area, Umnak Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Report of Investigations RI 92-1, 85 p., 2 sheets, scale 1:24,000.

Use of tephra as a petrologic tool: an example from the 1992 eruptions of Mt. Spurr, Alaska 1498

Swanson, S. E., Harbin, M. L., Miller, T. P., and Nye, C. J., 1992, Use of tephra as a petrologic tool: an example from the 1992 eruptions of Mt. Spurr, Alaska [abs.]: Eos, v. 73, n. 43, p. 346.

Glass and mineral chemistry of the June 27, 1992 eruption of Mount Spurr, Alaska 1499

Harbin, M. L., Swanson, S. E., Nye, C. J., and Miller, T. P., 1992, Glass and mineral chemistry of the June 27, 1992 eruption of Mount Spurr, Alaska [abs.]: Eos, v. 73, n. 43, p. 346.

Major- and trace-element geochemistry of ejecta from the 1992 eruptions of Crater Peak, Mt. Spurr, Alaska 1500

Nye, C. J., Miller, T. P., Swanson, S. E., and Harbin, M. L., 1992, Major- and trace-element geochemistry of ejecta from the 1992 eruptions of Crater Peak, Mt. Spurr, Alaska [abs.]: Eos, v. 73, n. 43, p. 346.

1982 fumarole gas chemistry, Crater Peak, Mount Spurr, Alaska 1501

Motyka, R. J., and Nye, C. J., 1992, 1982 fumarole gas chemistry, Crater Peak, Mount Spurr, Alaska [abs.]: Eos, v. 73, n. 43, p. 346.

Geology and geochemistry of Mt. Douglas volcano, eastern Aleutian arc, Alaska 2001

Nye, C. J., Beget, J. E., Motyka, R. J., and Layer, P. W., 1992, Geology and geochemistry of Mt. Douglas volcano, eastern Aleutian arc, Alaska [abs.]: Eos, v. 73, p. 634.

Fumarole gas chemistry, Crater Peak, Mount Spurr, Alaska 2864

Motyka, R. J., and Nye, C. J., 1992, Fumarole gas chemistry, Crater Peak, Mount Spurr, Alaska [abs.]: Eos, v. 73, n. 43, p. 346.

Geothermal systems in the Aleutian Arc of active volcanism 921

Motyka, R. J., Liss, S. A., and Nye, C. J., 1992, Geothermal systems in the Aleutian Arc of active volcanism [abs.]: in International Geological Congress, 29, Abstracts, Kyoto, Japan, Aug. 24-Sept. 3, 1992, p. 205.

Post-caldera eruptive history of Aniakchak caldera, Alaska 1891

Neal, C. A., McGimsey, R. G., Braitseva, O., Miller, T. P., Eichelberger, J. C., and Nye, C., 1992, Post-caldera eruptive history of Aniakchak caldera, Alaska [abs.]: Eos, v. 73, n. 43, p. 645.

High-silica rhyolite from Mt. Recheschnoi, Central Aleutians - the A in AFC? 2660

Nye, C. J., and Avery, V. F., 1991, High-silica rhyolite from Mt. Recheschnoi, Central Aleutians - the A in AFC? [abs.]: Eos, v. 72, n. 44, p. 524.

Extent of prehistoric debris avalanche and lahars from Mt. Redoubt, Alaska 311

Beget, J. E., and Nye, C. J., 1990, Extent of prehistoric debris avalanche and lahars from Mt. Redoubt, Alaska [abs.]: Eos, v. 71, n. 43, p. 1706.

Tephra layers and magnetic susceptibility measurements in lake sediments: Cook Inlet volcanism from pre-history to the present 1614

Stone, D. B., Nye, C. J., and Stihler, S. D., 1990, Tephra layers and magnetic susceptibility measurements in lake sediments: Cook Inlet volcanism from pre-history to the present [abs.]: Eos, v. 71, n. 43, p. 1710.

Geology and geochemistry of the Geyser Bight geothermal area, Umnak Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska 1616

Motyka, R. J., Nye, C. J., Turner, D. L., and Liss, D. R., 1990, Geology and geochemistry of the Geyser Bight geothermal area, Umnak Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska [abs.]: Eos, v. 71, n. 43, p. 1686.

Petrology, geochemistry, and age of the Spurr volcanic complex, eastern Aleutian arc 1580

Nye, C. J., and Turner, D. L., 1990, Petrology, geochemistry, and age of the Spurr volcanic complex, eastern Aleutian arc: Bulletin of Volcanology, v. 52, n. 3, p. 205-226.

The 1989-1990 eruption of Mt. Redoubt: magma chemistry 1637

Nye, C. J., Swanson, S. E., and Miller, T. P., 1990, The 1989-1990 eruption of Mt. Redoubt: magma chemistry [abs.]: Eos, v. 71, n. 43, p. 1705.

Petrogenesis of lavas from the 1989-90 eruption of Mt. Redoubt 1638

Swanson, S. E., Miller, T. P., and Nye, C. J., 1990, Petrogenesis of lavas from the 1989-90 eruption of Mt. Redoubt [abs.]: Eos, v. 71, n. 43, p. 1705.

Chemical comparison of the oceanic and continental portions of the Aleutian Arc 1686

Nye, C. J., 1989, Chemical comparison of the oceanic and continental portions of the Aleutian Arc [abs.]: in Continental magmatism: abstracts, New Mexico Bureau of Mines and Mineral Resources Bulletin 0131, p. 205.

Evidence for Upper Plate Crustal Contamination at Mt. Spurr, Easternmost Aleutian Arc 531

Nye, C. J., 1988, Evidence for Upper Plate Crustal Contamination at Mt. Spurr, Easternmost Aleutian Arc [abs.]: Eos, v. 69, n. 44, p. 1495.

Alaska geothermal bibliography 1882

Liss, S. A., Motyka, R. J., and Nye, C. J., 1988, Alaska geothermal bibliography: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Report of Investigations RI 88-18, 44 p.

A geological, geochemical, and geophysical survey of the geothermal resources at Hot Springs Bay valley, Akutan Island, Alaska 1874

Motyka, R., and Nye, C. J., 1988, A geological, geochemical, and geophysical survey of the geothermal resources at Hot Springs Bay valley, Akutan Island, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Report of Investigations RI 88-3, 115 p., 2 sheets, scale 1:20,000 and 1:4,000.

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