Where should I start looking for information on volcanic hazards maps? Any ideas on unusual sources? I am currently starting a dissertation on these maps and I am searching both Oxford Brookes University and the Radcliffe Science Library with some success. However, it is very difficult to obtain examples of past maps. I would be very grateful if you could advise me on the location of any large collections of such maps, or any useful publications.

rocky Ben Cumming

Ben,

Have you used the American Geological Institute's GeoRef database? AGI provides information about GeoRef on their homepage. You might search the publication lists of the U.S. Geological Survey's volcano observatories. The USGS also offers a :Ask a Geologist feature which might tap their expertise . The Illinois State Geological Survey's Earth/Geoscience Information homepage provides numerous links to national and state geologic surveys. It also lists some newsgroups you could contact. You might also contact the Global Volcanism Network at mnhms@SIVM.SI.EDU. Good luck with your search.

Volcanic hazard maps have been produced for many of the active volcanoes in the United States. One example is the Lava Flow Hazard Map for the Island of Hawaii. It was originally prepared in 1975 by geologist from the U.S. Geological Survey. The map was revised in 1987. The map divides the island into zones that are ranked 1 through 9 based on the probability that will be covered by lava. The zones are based on location and frequency of historic and prehistoric eruptions, geologic mapping and dating of old flows, topographic features, and the assumption that future eruptions will be similar to those in the past. The map is designed to be used by people interested in buying or developing property and by public officials that plan how to best-use the land.

Steve Mattox, University of North Dakota 

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