VolcaKnowledge

Ever wondered what life is like for a scientist who works a volcano observatory during an ongoing eruption?! Well now you don't have to! In this special VolcaKnowledge episode we're joined by two of the science team from the United States Geological Survey Hawai'i Volcano Observatory (USGS HVO) to discuss the current* activity at Kīlauea volcano.HVO Research Geologists Dr. Kendra J. Lynn and Dr Heather Winslow take us through life working at a volcano observatory and what they are learning about this incredible volcanic system through a huge variety of data and observations.We discuss the volcanic activity from December 2024 - January 2026, managing the logistics of HVO during a time of ongoing volcanic activity at the surface, and highlight the incredible range of job roles and dedication needed to make an observatory run effectively!*NOTE: All topics, data, and current state of alerts and access to witness activity at Kīlauea discussed within this episode may only be relevant until the date of January 16, 2026 (Eruption Episode 40). Any changes to eruptive activity and alerts since then may not be reflected by specifics within this episode.Learn a little more about our guest observatory scientists:Dr. Kendra J. Lynn (she/her) - U.S. Geological Survey Research Geologist – Petrologist As a Research Geologist at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, I leverage petrology and geochemistry to investigate the timescales of geologic processes operating in Earth’s mantle and volcanic systems – from the generation of magma during melting to its eruption. Understanding the timing and duration of magma storage and transport is critical for constraining the dynamic evolution of our planet and volcanic eruption scenarios. My ongoing work investigates these themes for Mauna Loa, post-2018 Kīlauea eruptions, and Kīlauea’s explosive eruptive past.Dr. Heather Winslow (she/her) - Mendenhall Research Fellow - Research GeologistAs an igneous petrologist, I specialize in using crystal records from erupted volcanic products to determine pre-eruptive magma storage constraints and timescales of magmatic processes. My research has spanned from field areas in the Cascades, the Chilean Andes, and now to Hawaii. My research at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is focused on Mauna Loa and constraining its storage conditions and magma transfer pathways between its summit and rift zones. I am also involved in eruption response and research at Kīlauea. Relevant links to the Hawai'i' Volcano Observatory:Multimedia pages (images and videos of the eruption)Kīlauea volcano updates from HVOMonitoring data from activityLive HVO webcams for KīlaueaAll USGS Volcano ObservatoriesHawai'i Volcanoes National Park (US NPS)NOTE: For anyone planning on visiting Kīlauea to observe any ongoing activity, please first check and be aware of all notices and alerts from the Hawai'i' Volcanoes National Park.

For our latest episode, we dig (literally) into the world of geological field tools with geologist Lauren Heerschap, CEO of Brunton - one of our sponsors. Join us as we discuss Lauren's journey from geologist to designing tools to running a company! Lauren Heerschap (she/her) is a geologist and educator whose invention of the revolutionary Axis transit led to her to working alongside Brunton for its launch. One thing led to another and in 2021, her and her husband, David, were able to purchase Brunton, helping ensure the brand's longevity as the main US manufacturer of quality compasses used around the world by geologists, outdoor recreationists, and military professionals. Social links:Brunton FB - https://www.facebook.com/BruntonInternationalBrunton Insta - https://www.instagram.com/brunton_intl/Brunton LinkedIn - Brunton InternationalBrunton YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@bruntoninternationalLauren FB - https://www.facebook.com/lauren.heerschap.1Lauren Insta - https://www.instagram.com/laurenheerschap/

Volcanic rocks can prove very versatile as building and construction materials , and in one site in south west England, a 400 million year old band of volcanic lava is being used for exactly that!In this episode, we speak to Ben Dormer, Operations Director and prior Quarry Manager, for John Wainwright & Co., an aggregates and asphalt quarrying operation in Somerset, England. At Moons Hill Quarry, Wainwright Aggregates have been quarrying a large body of andesite for over 130 years, providing a strong and robust material for construction and aggregate asphalt across the UK.Ever wondered what process goes into the quarrying industry? How rocks are chosen, how they are extracted, and how they become final materials for clients? We delve into this industry and the many roles needed for it to operate smoothly, with our podcast sponsor.Find out more about Wainwright Aggregates here: https://wainwright.co.uk/

Our relationship with the natural world can be both emotional and spiritual , as well as one of just physical science. But by blending those, we can create an even deeper understanding and respect for the processes and history of our planet. Here to talk to us more about this connection, and her new book "The Whispers of Rock" is Earth Scientist, Presenter and Author, Anjana Khatwa.Dr Anjana Khatwa (She/Her/Hers) is an award-winning earth scientist who has worked for several universities, the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and the National Trust. Dr Khatwa has contributed to and presented TV programmes for the BBC as well as ITV. She has been given the Geographical Award for public engagement by the Royal Geographical Society, the RH Worth Award by the Geological Society of London and the Halstead Medal from the Geologists’ Association. In 2021, she received a National Diversity Award in recognition of her work to champion inclusion within earth science and natural heritage and the same year was longlisted for the 2021 Nan Shepherd Prize for nature writing. She lives with her family in Dorset in a house filled with rocks and fossils collected from all over the world. The Whispers of Rock is her first book.Author of The Whispers of Rock: Stories from the EarthReleased 4th September 2025 (UK) and 4th November 2025 (USA)https://geoscientist.online/sections/books-and-arts/whispers-of-rock-stories-from-earth/tiktok @jurassicg1rlinstagram @anjanakhatwaX @jurassicg1rl  Bluesky  @anjanakhatwa  Youtube @dranjanakhatwa  website  www.anjanakhatwa.com

Imagine going to work every day with a volcano AS your backyard... and your job? to guide people around that volcano and it's incredible environment. In this episode we're joined by Shanda Ochs, an Interpretive Park Ranger for Lassen Volcanic National Park in California, USA.Shanda Ochs has been working as a ranger around Lassen and it's environment for over 20 years, learning about this incredible active volcanic landscape and passing that knowledge onto the many thousands who visit the National Park every single year.There is an incredible variety of geology, volcanic landforms, hydrothermal activity, culture, history, and wildlife with the park and Shanda takes us through all of it, with some incredible insights into the daily life and her responsibilities as an Interpretive Park Ranger. We hope this episode will leave you wanting to pack your bags to go and explore Lassen one day, or to even return (I know I want to...)!Lassen Volcanic National ParkHere's another conversation with Shanda: Learn more

Ever wondered what happens behind the doors of a natural history museum? From collections, archives, conservation to research, there is so much to learn and that we don't see as visitors. To give us some insight into this, please welcome Chiara Maria Petrone from NHM London!Dr Chiara Maria Petrone (she/her) is head of Volcano Petrology at the Natural History Museum, in London, UK. Her research focuses on volcanoes, particularly those that are currently active. Her major research goal is to make robust estimates of the timescales of volcanic eruptions and thereby improve forecasting of future eruptions and their impact on society. She leads development in analytical techniques that push the boundaries of extracting time-related information from single minerals at the micron-scale. She uses the rocks erupted during volcanic eruptions to unravel the hidden processes inside the volcano, as a psychologist explores the human mind.Instagram - @chiara.petrone.1Linkedin - Chiara Maria PetroneWebpage - NHM Mineral and Planetary Sciences

Volcanoes and earth science are a very visual field, where illustrations and sketches are critical for a targeted and simplistic understanding. In this episode we speak with scientific illustrator Annabelle Foster about the importance of accurate illustrations and schematics in Earth Science, as well as setting up her own business in this area.Annabelle is a scientific illustrator and Earth scientist with a PhD in volcanology from Durham University, where her love for turning complex science into visual stories first began. She specialises in illustrating Earth science research, but her freelance work spans a wide range of fields, including cardiology, neuroscience, immunology, physics, and bioengineering.Annabelle has travelled far and wide to study volcanoes up close. Her doctoral research focused on an obsidian-rich volcanic ridge in Iceland, where she investigated how obsidian can form from sintered volcanic ash, not just from rapidly cooling lava!Based in North Yorkshire, she works with clients around the world and is dedicated to making science more accessible, visual, and inspiring. Her illustrations have appeared in academic journals, education resources, public engagement projects, and international conferences.Website: www.annabellefoster.comInstagram: @geology_talk

Every continent has a highest mountain, but every continent also has a highest volcano! Wouldn't it be incredible to climb all seven?! So let's speak to someone who has done it! This episode we're joined by mountaineer, military veteran and volcanic climber, Ricardo Kaljouw, who recently completed the Seven Volcanic Summits challenge - to talk all about his experiences climbing these seven volcanoes. You won't believe how different each of these are!Ricardo Kaljouw, born on May 22, 1986, in Vlissingen, Netherlands, is a distinguished Dutch alpinist and military veteran. He is known for his achievements in mountaineering, particularly for completing the Volcanic Seven Summits challenge. This feat, which involves climbing the highest volcanic peaks across all seven continents, was capped by his historic summit of Mount Sidley in Antarctica in February 2025, making him the first Dutchman to complete this challenging endeavor. He is also ranked as number 50 in the world to have completed the Volcanic Seven Summits.Beyond his accomplishments in climbing, Kaljouw is a veteran of the Dutch Armed Forces, having served in multiple military missions. His experience in the military has shaped his approach to both mountaineering and life, instilling a sense of discipline, resilience, and determination that has propelled him through extreme challenges.Kaljouw has climbed over 50 high-elevation volcanoes around the world, some of which are still active. His passion for volcanic exploration goes beyond the summits, as he actively shares his experiences through various platforms. Engaging with a community of fellow explorers, he teaches newcomers about the fascinating world of volcanoes.Website: https://sevenvolcanicsummits.com/Instagram: @sevenvolcanicsummits

Time to get artistic, as nature IS one of our greatest artists, but sometimes we also need human artists to help us better visualize and interpret the world around us. We're joined in this episode by nature illustrator and geologist, Vojta Hybl, as he takes us through his journey across geology and art, and how he is using art as a way of communicating the geological world with the public.Vojta (he/him) is a nature illustrator, writer and educator based in Scotland. He works at the intersection of art and science, exploring the interconnectedness of the natural world as well as our relationship with it. Vojta studied Geology and Physical Geography at The University of Edinburgh and found his way into illustration when doing field sketches. He began communicating geology through art on Instagram as 'Rocks on Paper' in 2021. Since then, Vojta's practice has grown to include all parts of nature and he has worked on science communication and creative projects with National Museums Scotland, Dynamic Earth, The University of Edinburgh and The Nature Library.Socials and links:Instagram: @vojta.illustratesBlueSky: @vojtahybl.comWebsite and shop: vojtahybl.comNewsletter: https://vojtahybl.com/subscribe

How can we use the ever-growing world of social media to educate people about volcanoes?? We're joined by volcano science communicator and content creator, Denali, to discuss everything from creating funny and informative videos to battling viral misinformation during volcanic crises.Denali (they/them) is a graduate student pursuing a PhD in volcanic geochemistry. They obtained a Bachelors of Science degree from University of Florida, completing an honors thesis on mid-ocean ridge volcanism before working as a laboratory technician at the Alaska Volcano Observatory. They now research the evolution of plagioclase ultraphyric basalts in Iceland as a part of their PhD. Denali is very active in science communication and outreach and currently run three different social media accounts focused on increasing public knowledge of geoscience and encouraging young students to pursue a career in the Earth sciences, and promoting equality in STEM as a whole.All socials are under @dykanite:Instagram , Tiktok, Youtube , Bluesky, Facebook