Topic: USGS California Volcano Observatory (CalVO) Opens

[Harryca]

National Situation Update: Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Say Hello to CalVO: USGS California Volcano Observatory Opens:

With more than 500 volcanic vents identified in the State of California, sooner or later one of these volcanoes is bound to erupt. With that in mind, the U.S. Geological Survey recently announced the establishment of the USGS California Volcano Observatory, or CalVO, headquartered within existing USGS facilities in Menlo Park, California. Establishing CalVO will increase awareness of and resiliency to the volcano threats in California, many of which pose significant threats to the economy and well being of the state and its inhabitants.

CalVO takes on responsibility for research, monitoring, and assessing hazards for all of the potentially active volcanoes in California and coordinating with local and State emergency managers to prepare for responding to renewed volcanic activity. Previously, the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory in Vancouver, Washington was responsible for responding to volcanic unrest at some northern California volcanoes.

 CalVO replaces the former Long Valley Observatory, established in 1982 to monitor the restless Long Valley Caldera and Mono-Inyo Craters region of California. The creation of CalVO will improve coordination with federal, state, and local emergency managers during volcanic crises, and create new opportunities for volcanic hazard awareness and preparedness. The realignment of USGS Volcano Observatories will further facilitate collaboration with federal and state partner agencies including the California Emergency Management Agency and the California Geological Survey.

Rest of article: http://www.fema.gov/emergency/reports/2012/nat021412.shtm

Edit: The link to the new California Volcano Observatory (CalVO) website: http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/calvo/