Page 143 - Volcano and Geothermal Tourism

Case Study 8

Alaska’s Volcanoes

The Aleutian Arc and Wilderness

Malcolm Cooper volcanoes in Alaska make up well over three-
quarters of US volcanoes that have erupted in the
Location last 200 years. The most frequently encountered
The most northerly state of the USA, Alaska is volcano types are stratovolcanoes and calderas, and
home to two groups of volcanoes – some 44 along the dominant activity is explosive (strombolian,
the Aleutian Arc, and another 50+ on the mainland vulcanian, plinian) (Miller et al, 1998; Rosi et al,
(Wood and Kienle, 1990, pp9–15; Figure CS8.1). 2003).
These volcanoes are catalogued on the Alaska In terms of their attraction as tourist
Volcano Observatory website www.avo.alaska. destinations it must be understood that access is
edu/volcanoes/ and in Wood and Kienle (1990). generally difficult and visitation therefore requires
Many of these volcanoes have been active within specific expeditions to be formed (Wood and
the last 10,000 years (and might be expected to Kienle, 1990, p10), especially to the islands.
erupt again), and around 44 on the Aleutian Arc Permission to visit must be obtained from National
have been active within historical time (since Wildlife Refuge authorities or local communities
about 1741; Wood and Kienle, 1990, p10). The where they exist, but may also be restricted.

Figure CS8.1 The Aleutian Chain map and volcano list
Source: Alaska Volcano Observatory, 2009

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