May 2009

As we get closer all the arracngments for flights, car and accomadations are complete. Now it is time to monitor the possible volcano and a series of earthquakes
VOLCANO
The 2009 eruption of Redoubt continues. Webcam views today show continued steaming from the summit crater. Occasional rockfalls down the steep sides of the lava dome are also continuing, often generating diffuse, low-level ash clouds at the summit. Seismicity remains low, but is above background levels.
EARTHQUAKES
Alaska is the most tectonically active region in the United States. We experience more than half of all earthquakes recorded in North America each year. This is due to the state’s unique location on the northern rim of the Pacific Basin. At the northwest corner of the North America, Alaska is situated at the receiving end of the Pacific Plate as it slides laterally past southeast Alaska and collides directly with the North American Plate across southcentral Alaska and along the length of Aleutian Island Chain. The accumulation of tectonic stresses at depth along the plate boundaries and the translation of those stresses into the shallower crust of southern Alaska are the driving forces behind the high level of earthquake activity that occurs in our state.

On June 19th Hoppy and I will begin a 9 day adveture in Alaska. Based on my interest in photography and Hoppy's interest in Micro Breweries we will travel Southcentral Alaska. I'll be updating the blog as time permits.