Timothy - Camp: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:00PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Here is some basic biographic information on Dr. Trombley. registered volcanologist with the International Association of Volcanology & Chemistry of the Earth's Interior (IAVCEI). He is an award winning scientist and has traveled all over the world working on volcanoes. Dr. Trombley is also affiliated with many other volcanological associations. He is the principal designer of the highly successful software programme "ERUPTION" Pro 10.0 which forecasts volcanic eruptions all over the world. "R. B." has written, and had accepted, a paper for the American Geophysical Union (AGU), as well as several other papers, authored the book "Island Born of Fire: Piton de la Fournaise" and has also written several articles involving volcanology for various volcano related publications. Dr. Trombley has also served as one of the Technical Advisors to the National Geographic Society on a TV documentary about volcanoes. He has been elected to "Who's Who" twice in his career. Dr. Trombley is a Professor Emeritus at the Phoenix, Arizona campus of the DeVRY University. Dr. Trombley received his BSEE from the Lawrence Institute of Technology, his Law degree from LaSalle University and his Ph.D. from Dallas State College and completed post-doctorate work at UCLA and the University of New Mexico in geology & physics. R. B.'s e-mail: swvrc@usa.net

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:04PM PST (-0800 GMT)
We invite our guests to learn more about the Southwest Volcano Research Center by visiting button .......... Dr. Trobmley visited with Camp Internet last week on the morning fo the 11th for a rousing student chat and tonight is a chance for people of all ages to ask their 'burning' volcano questions ............ Each month the SWVRC features a Volcano of the Month and this month's its a 4-in-1 in Africa ... click here to learn more ....... button

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:06PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Dr. Trombley - we would like to know what the most sophisticated break-throughs in volcano studies have been - the innovations in technology that make the science more precise in monitoring eruptions .... what are the names of the equipment and how do they work?

Sarah and Jessie: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:07PM PST (-0800 GMT)
We would like to know what a vulcanologist actually does out in the field .. and back in the lab .. what is your life like ? Do you ever get burnt ?

Rosemary and David Robbins: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:09PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Someone I work with spent a good part of last year on an island in the Caribbean where there had been a volcano disaster .. I never knew exactly where or what had happened. Do you know what it might have been ? They seemed to be working on it for the US govt but never would explain in full what it was all about ... was ther a security issue around this ?

Ayami and Morgana PHS: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:12PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Last year at this time we went ot the volcano on the Big Island and the day we were there Mt Etna in Italy had a big explosion they said ... can we look up specific explosions on your web site ? Or anywhere online ?

Sammy Evans: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:15PM PST (-0800 GMT)
If we are on the ring of fire here in California - why aren't there any volcanoes here any more ?

Theresa Simmons: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:16PM PST (-0800 GMT)
I live in Victorville Calif - what is the closest volcano to my house ? Is it dangerous ?

Mrs. Barclay: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:18PM PST (-0800 GMT)
As a teacher, I try to help my students understand how islands are formed by volcanoes .... I read that the Hawaiian islands each was once on top of the same vent and then moved north ? Is this true ? is it a plate tectonics thing ? Or is there a vent under each one which I always thought ...

Sammy Evans: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:19PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Where are there the most volcanos in the wrld closest together ?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:21PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hello all - Probably the most significant "breakthrough" in volcanology is the use of satellite date, namely thermal imaging to help us forecast erutpions.

Ayami PHS: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:21PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Dr. Trombley - you told us last week that you originally planned to be some sort of lunar scientist - what did you mean and how can someone study the moon and not be up there ?

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:22PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Tell us about how thermal imaging works - how deep does it measure? And what was it you told us before about measuring micro gravity ? How is that done ?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:22PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Mrs. Barclay-- The Hawaiian volcanoes are formed from what is known as a "hot-spot" -- a sort of hole in the earth's crust. As the tectonic plate moves (the Pacific plate in this case) the "hole" remains stationary and the land move over it.

students - PHS: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:23PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Dr. Trombley - do volcanoes represent a source of energy like oil or solar?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:24PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Ayami ! Nice to chat with you again. I was originally stduying selenolography (lunar geology). You don't have to be there to do research and so forth as you can get more than you tink from photos, etc.

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:25PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Students of PHS -- Yes, volcanoes do represent a source of energy. In Iceland, for example, they use the heat generated by the volcanoes as their heat source for the entire country.

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:28PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Great question about energy - what is the big debate on the use of thermal energy on the Big Island of Hawaii - what are the possible down sides ? they write a lot there about offending Pele ... are there other volcano goddesses or gods honored around the world ?

Silvia: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:29PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Dr. Trombley - do you stay in close communication with volcanologists around the world? Is there strong cooperation between academic specialists and Governments in gathering data?

Mrs. Barclay: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:30PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Thanks for answering the Hawaiian vent question - does anyone know how long it takes for the vent to bubble up once the previous lava land mass has moved on ? How many years between each islands creation ? thousands ? tens of thousands ? more ?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:30PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Marcy ! Hoep you are well and good ! I am not really aware of any "problems" in using thermal energy from the volcanoes however, I am aware of the great and very deep Hawaiian culture and the reverence to the goddess "Pelee". I think that the "problems" are more political that otherwise.

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:31PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Silvia -- Yes, I am in almost constant contact with other volccanologists from around the world. We communicate with one another almost everyday.

Sarah and Jessie: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:31PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Is your research center near a volcano ? is it active ? do you work in it ?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:32PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Mrs. Barclay -- It takes thousands of years to form an island in the Hawaian island chain.

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:32PM PST (-0800 GMT)
A little more about Hawaii - are the volcanoes on all the other islands than the Big Island now extinct ?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:32PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Sarah & Jesse -- No, the research centre is not near an active volcano.

Geraldo S: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:33PM PST (-0800 GMT)
What is the story about Krakatoa ? Did it really blanket the whole earth in ash ?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:33PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Marcy -- Basically yes. Since the plate has moved, the volcanoes, one by one eventually become extinct.

students - PHS: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:34PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Dr. Trombley - are there some areas of study in volcanology which are especially cutting edge or not fully accepted yet potentially important?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:34PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Geraldo -- Yes. Not only that the 1873 eruption of Krakatau created the loudest noise ever produced by a volcano. The eruption was heard over 3,000 miles away.

A and R: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:35PM PST (-0800 GMT)
There are hot springs in the foothills of southern california in different places ... are these all heated by magma close to the surface ? does it mean volcanic activity might happen there ?

Sarah and Jessie: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:36PM PST (-0800 GMT)
We would like to know what a vulcanologist actually does out in the field .. and back in the lab .. what is your life like ? Do you ever get burnt ?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:36PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Students of PHS -- Yes, we do here the "cutting" edge in volcano eruption forecasting. We are the only agency in the world that we know of that produces a relatively accurate long-range eruption forecast. (BTW - we have correctly forecasted 46 of the 51 eruptions to date in Y2K)

Sammy: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:37PM PST (-0800 GMT)
what was your most dangerous moment as a volcano scientist ?

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:37PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Is it a secret how you do these long range forecasts ?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:39PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Sarah & Jessie -- We do a lot of measurement of data in the field. Back in the lab we do analysis of that data. My life is very busy with anlysis, developing new algorithms, etc. No, I have not been burnt so far. A and R -- The hot springs are caused by magma which is relatively clsoe to the surface but there will probably not be an eruption.

Sammy Evans: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:40PM PST (-0800 GMT)
If we are on the ring of fire here in California - why aren't there any volcanoes here any more ?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:40PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Sammy -- Do know. I guess working on a volcano that is NOT erupting is the most dangerous. Why ? - The fuse is lit and you don't know how long the fuse is, can't see it and do not know when it was lit !

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:41PM PST (-0800 GMT)
I noticed on your swvrc.org web site that you have been studying a volcano in California lately .. I think out in the desert ? what are you learning from it ?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:42PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi MArcy - No, its no secret. My paper on this subject is available on our website in the "Other Information" section. Hi Sammy -- There are plenty of volcanoes in California ! We monitor several of them every day.

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:43PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Marcy - That was Amboy Crater near Needles, CA. We use it as a training ground for some of our staff members. Last time we did some GPS measurements to measure the volcano's movement relative to the Pacific Plate. Also, did some lava sample collection.

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:46PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Marcy - How many schools are in tonght's "chat" ? Or are they just families tonight ?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:48PM PST (-0800 GMT)
To all - Today was kind of neat around here as we needed to verify for the Europeans the eruption of Cerro Azul in the Galapagos Is. We verified that with a satellite GOES-10 satellite image in real time.

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:52PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Marcy - Are we still on the air ?

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:53PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Dr R.B. - tonight is an open house family night posted to be from 7-8, but people were invited to come in early and post if they couldn't be online 7-8 .... tell us more please about the GOES-10 real time work - how do you do that ?

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:55PM PST (-0800 GMT)
We will be studying Mt Lassen and Mt Shasta with our California Backcountry group over the next few weeks - can you tell us a little about those volcanoes ? I noticed that Lassen had erupted sometime in the early 1900s, maybe around 1915 ?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:56PM PST (-0800 GMT)
SUre -- We have a direct satellite link here at the Research Centre. We have several bands that we look at but the simple explanation is that we look for the "Thermal Signatures" of the area under study. A bright "red" spot indicates the presence of lava. We have several different "cuts" at the images in order to basically verify that we are looking at a lava source as opposed to a "false" image which might be given off from sunlight reflections off the surface of the earth.

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 6:59PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Marcy - Mt. Shasta last erupted in 1786. Shasta is 14.163 ft in elevation and has erupted 23 times since 8050 BCE. Mt. Lassen last erupted in 1914 has erupted 6 times since its first in 800 CE.

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:00PM PST (-0800 GMT)
BTW - Mt. Lassen is 10.456 ft in elevation.

Arika Timor: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:01PM PST (-0800 GMT)
I was looking at your web site and see the brief on the Volcano PITON de la FOURNAISE - how long has it been erupting for and are there any people living on it ?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:03PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Arika -- Piton de la Fournaise has been erupting since 1640. There are people living on the island (Reunion) but they mostly live on the opposite side of the island, away from the volcano. I worked on this volcano for a few months in 1993. It has erupted 175 times to date including 3 times in 2000.

Aquila T: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:06PM PST (-0800 GMT)
My geology class visited Owens Valley and saw a cinder cone along the way - how long ago was that area active ?

Brian Bartlett: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:06PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Good evening. There are several faminies here tonight as part of our first family night. We will get going shortly.

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:06PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Aquila -- Sorry, that one I do not know. (darn it !)

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:07PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Brian -- Hello - and I am ready to receive the questions !

Aquila T: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:08PM PST (-0800 GMT)
I saw Mt St Helens up in Washington from an airplane that week end - we saw all the ash that was blocking the rivers, will that permanently change the landscape ?

TOMMY : . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:09PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Are their many Volcanos in California?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:09PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Aquila - Yes, it already has. Eventually and inevitably, the land will change until its next eruption.

Marcy: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:09PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Brian - glad you are there - I have asked alittle about Shasta and Lassen as we will be studying them soon in Backcountry - any questions along that line ?

Travis/RES: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:10PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Are there any volcanos in Yucaipa?

TOMMY : . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:10PM PST (-0800 GMT)
are earthquakes and volcanos related at all?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:11PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Tommy - yes, there are several in California.

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:11PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Travis -- No, not that I am aware of.

Patrick/RES: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:12PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Are there any active volcano in southern California?

M. Sibulkin: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:12PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Dr. R.B: Kilauea seems to ebb and flow, sometimes lying rather dormant and other times bubbling up ferociously. If there is a vent there already, why the frequent change?

Aquila T: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:13PM PST (-0800 GMT)
How do the hot spots - like the one that created the Hawaiian islands - form ? And how common are they ? where else in the world are they ? How long do they last ?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:13PM PST (-0800 GMT)
BTW - Is Yucipa a city ? If so, sounds like it is in Mexico and we monitor several volcanoes in Mexico. We organize volcanoes by country, not by city.

TOMMY : . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:13PM PST (-0800 GMT)
where are the volcanos at in Southern California?

: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:13PM PST (-0800 GMT)
how does a valcanoe errupt.

TOMMY : . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:14PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Yucaipa is in Southern California. 65 miles east of los Angeles.

Ayami: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:14PM PST (-0800 GMT)
I saw an illustration of islands under the sea that extended from Hawaii up towards Alaska - did they all start over the same vent ? How long ago ?

Amber : . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:15PM PST (-0800 GMT)
How do Volcanos eurpt.

Michael and cindy: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:15PM PST (-0800 GMT)
how does a valcanoe errupt.

Laura Peters: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:15PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Is Japan a volcanic island like Hawaii ? mt. fuji ?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:15PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Patrick -- In southern California. none. Hi M. Sibulkin - Yes, that is true that Kilaues ebs and flows. Just the normal time it takes for a build up of magma to work its way up. Hi Aquila -- No one really knows how they form. There several about the world - in Africa, Indioan Ocean.

Brian Bartlett/Ridgeview Elementary: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:16PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Dr. R.B,have volcanos affected the formation of the mountains in California? If so, how can we tell the difference between those that are and those that aren't?

M. Sibulkin: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:17PM PST (-0800 GMT)
When we read about gray ash floating down after a volcanic eruption, what is the composition of that ash?

Michael and cindy: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:18PM PST (-0800 GMT)

Marcy: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:18PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Here is a link to read about the four main kinds of volcanoes .... button Dr. R.B. - which ones exist in the western states ?

M. Sibulkin: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:18PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Which volcano has the largest crater?

: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:19PM PST (-0800 GMT)
what is the longest eruption ever.

Patrick/RES: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:19PM PST (-0800 GMT)
How hot is the magma when it comes out of the volcano?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:19PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Laura -- Japan has many mnay volcanoes. They are not sheild but strato or composite volcanoes. Mt. Fuji is a strato volcano Michael & Cindy -- They are many reasons why a volcano erupts. They are too numerous to give you a detailed answer here but simply stated, magma needs to get out when the pressure gets high enough. When that happens, we have an eruption.

TOMMY : . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:19PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Where and when was the last volcano that errupted?

: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:21PM PST (-0800 GMT)
That last ? was Travis res

Michael and cindy: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:21PM PST (-0800 GMT)
are there any in yucaipa.

Brian Bartlett/Ridgeview Elementary: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:21PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Here is a page that shows many volcanos around the world. button

Marcy: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:21PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Volcanoes around the world from the Smithsonian ......

Chris Williams: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:21PM PST (-0800 GMT)
What was the bigest eruption on record

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:21PM PST (-0800 GMT)
M. Sibulkin -- They ash floating is called pumice. The largest volcano is Mauna Loa in Hawaii. The longest continous eruption is that of Stromboli -- thousands of years of continous (or nearly so) eruption. Hi Patrick -- Magma typically is from 1500-2300 degrees F when it erupts.

Marcy: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:22PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Brian - like minds !

Michael and cindy: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:23PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Do you like them. Because i do.

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:23PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Tommy - The last eruption was of Piton de la Fournaise in the Indian Ocean jsut the other day. Chris - the largest eruption was that of Tamobora in 1815, killed 36,00+ people.

Marcy: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:23PM PST (-0800 GMT)
It is easy to see the ring of fire around the Pacific - what about the volcanoes out at sea ? are they all vents like Hawaii that are in the middle of a tectonic plate ? Or ?

Brian Bartlett/Ridgeview Elementary: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:24PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Great job Marcy!

Marcy: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:25PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Where is Amboy Crater in California located ? How tall is it ? It may be the closest crate to our classrooms ....

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:25PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Marcy - Yes, most of the volcanoes that are in the middle of the ocean are of the sheild or "hot-spot" type volcanoes as there are no tectonic plates in the middle of the oceans per se.

M. Sibulkin: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:26PM PST (-0800 GMT)
I remember that a few years after Mt. St. Helens blew, a volcano in Colombia (don't know its name) also blew, killing some 25,000 people. What is being done to warn people of impending, dangerous eruptions?

Marcy: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:27PM PST (-0800 GMT)
How is it that volcanic lava eventually becomes fertile soil? It looks so impossible to break down, yet on Hawaii plants spring up in areas recently under flow ....

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:27PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi MArcy - Amboy Crater is located in Amboy, CA about 30 miles west of Needles, CA. It is 260 ft tall. Easy to climb and get to.

Ron Wright: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:27PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Is there any method for intentionally venting volcanoes to lessen the danger of a BIG eruption ?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:28PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi M. Sibulkin - That was Nevado Del Ruiz. Wipe out the town of Amerco. We warn people all the time, but unfortunately, they don't seem to care to much as the farm land is their life.

Ron Wright: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:29PM PST (-0800 GMT)
The question about volcanoes providing energy for electricity - that was really thought provoking. You said Iceland uses it for their power - what is this power called and how is it harnessed ?

Alyssa G: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:29PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi, Dr. R.B. What temperature range is lava? Is there anything that does not burn or melt when it comes in contact with lava?

TOMMY : . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:29PM PST (-0800 GMT)
in california where was the biggest volcano?

Amber : . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:29PM PST (-0800 GMT)
What is more danderas ? The lava or the ash from a Valcanoe.

Michael and cindy: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:31PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Have you ever seen a volcanoe errupt.

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:31PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Ridgeview - you guys have been great attending the daytime events - it is wonderful you can come in with your parents .... and remember - you can attend these from home many Thursday nights this year if you are online ....

M. Sibulkin: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:31PM PST (-0800 GMT)
I remember reading that Tectonic plates are some 60 miles thick, though obviously that's not a constant. Generally, does the magma have to work its way through the entire thickness of the plate?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:31PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Ron -- It is called thermal energy and the basics are that it uses the heat from the volcanoes to heat water which in turn runs the turbines and generators in the conventional manner. Hi Alyssa -- Lava has a range of about 1700-2300 degrees F. Not too many items do not burn when they come in contact with lava.

M. Sibulkin: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:32PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Alyssa, looks like you and I are the only Vanalden representatives. Way to go!!

Alyssa G: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:33PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi, Dr. R.B. What temperature range is lava? Is there anything that does not burn or melt when it comes in contact with lava?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:35PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Michael & Cindy -- Yes, I have been to many eruptions. M. Sibulkin -- Yes, magma does need to work its way up through the crust. Tommy - Biggest volcano in Ca is Mt. Shasta I beleive. Amber - Not familiar with the term Danderas. Maybe you mean calderas (?)

M. Sibulkin: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:35PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Dr R.B.: Have you ever come in contact, viewed, examined, the poor souls who were captured by the eruption and died in the midst of eating, or protecting a child? Is Pompeii the site?

Alyssa G: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:36PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi, Mr. Sibulkin Lava burned my homework, what should I do? Just kidding. Good to see your name. This is a great chat. I'm learning a lot tonight about volcanoes.

Brian Bartlett/Ridgeview Elementary: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:37PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Camp crew (Timothy, Marcy, Ron, Aquila), thats so much for setting this up. It is great to get the kids and families together with professionals like this. It is exciting to get answers right away, and makes the kids feel good about what they ask.

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:37PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi M. Sibulkin -- No, I have not been to the Pompeii site but hope to one day.

Sherry G: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:38PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Dr. R. B.: I've heard that the blast from a large explosion from a volcano is often more dangerous and destructive than the lava flow. Is there a way to detect the power a potential eruption will have?

Sherry G: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:38PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Dr. R. B.: I've heard that the blast from a large explosion from a volcano is often more dangerous and destructive than the lava flow. Is there a way to detect the power a potential eruption will have?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:39PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Brain and all -- It is my pleasure to have had the opportunity to participate in this programme. We are very proud of our "Educational Outreach" programme here at the SWVRC. Glad you are enjoying it and getting something from it.

Sherry G: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:39PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Dr. R. B.: I've heard that the blast from a large explosion from a volcano is often more dangerous and destructive than the lava flow. Is there a way to detect the power a potential eruption will have?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:41PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Sherry - Yes, that is true. It is called a pyroclastic flow - the most dangerous type of eruption and no, there is no way to forecast what a particular eruption my be like. Albeit that, more or less, most volcanoes have the same type of eruption from one eruption to the next.

Alyssa G: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:41PM PST (-0800 GMT)
What contains the lava or magma inside the volcano if the magma pretty much destroys everything it touches?

M. Sibulkin: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:41PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Ditto Brian's remarks. Outstanding guest in Dr.Trombley. Just wish more families had participated. Shows what online education can accomplish.

Alyssa G: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:42PM PST (-0800 GMT)
What contains the lava or magma inside the volcano if the magma pretty much destroys everything it touches?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:42PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi ALyssa -- Inside the volcano the magma cools at its outer surface and therefore can make its way up the conduit.

M. Sibulkin: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:43PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Sherry, do you and Alyssa always ask a question twice? LOL

Alyssa G: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:43PM PST (-0800 GMT)
What contains the lava or magma inside the volcano if the magma pretty much destroys everything it touches?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:43PM PST (-0800 GMT)
M Sibulkin -- Merci !

M. Sibulkin: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:46PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Dr. R.B. Some of the most devastating volcanoes in history have occurred in China. Is the Chinese goverment working on identification and using experts as yourself? By the way, in Chinese a volcano is a "hwo shan" -- fire mountain.

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:47PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi M. Sibulkin -- Could be. But there are no active volcanoes in China at this time so we do not monitor anything there.

Sherry G: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:47PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi, Dr. R.B.: Do you have any idea how much volcanoes erupting around the world sending ash into the atmosphere contributes to air pollution? I've heard that Silicon Valley was originally going to be in Oregon or Washington, but because of Mt. St. Helens and air quality being a concern, they went south.

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:48PM PST (-0800 GMT)
BTW - No, we are not involved with Chinnese scientists. I guess that is something that they are doing themselves.

: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:48PM PST (-0800 GMT)
What was the biggest volcanoe eruption called?

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:49PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Dr. R.B. - tell everyone about those micro gravity studies you do - they sound really interesting as a forecasting technique ....

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:49PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Sherry - It varies from eruption to eruption. As a general rule, unless it is really a big eruption, there is not that much contribution to atmospheric pollution.

M. Sibulkin: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:51PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Thanks, Dr. R.B.. thanks, Marcy. Good night, Alyssa. See you tomorrow, Sherry.

Alyssa G: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:51PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Dear Dr. R.B.:

Vallery: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:51PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Have you ever been on a volcanoe that has started erupting?

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:52PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Sherry G - no truth to the Silicon Valley rumor or joke ... Intel was well entrenched there long before St Helens -- I worked for them for awhile when lots of experimental tech companies were starting up before it became titled Silicon Valley ... but then there is Microsfot up there in Redmond ... if any one could stop volcanic eruptions from endangering their investment up there I would think Mr Gates would try !!

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:53PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Marcy -- Microgravity measurements are made with magnetmometers. They measure the amount of change in magnetic flux in a given area. If there is an intrusion of magma under the volcano, the mass of magma causes a magnetic flux change that we can measure. It does not necessarily mean that there is going to be an eruption. It is merely an indication that something is happening. I just recently (last June/ July did some anaysis along those lines at the Mt. Pelee volcano in Martinique in the Frech West Indies (Caribbean).

Jorgen Aabech: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:53PM PST (-0800 GMT)
from where do one get the info to feed the Eruption Pro 10.0 Is it possible to find all info on the Internet? Nice seeing how this chat works regards from Norway (time 4.30 am over here)

Shayna G: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:53PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Dear Dr. R.B.: Does lava or magna destroy diamonds?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:54PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Vallery -- Yes, several times.

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:54PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Vallery -- Yes, several times.

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:54PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Shayna - It does not destroy them - it make them !

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:55PM PST (-0800 GMT)
In reading about that eruption in the Caribbean that wiped out most of a French island .. it wasn't the lava as much as the gas balls I remember that were so truly terrifying and unpredicatable - what causes those gas balls ?

M. Sibulkin: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:55PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Shayna, hi Vallery

Janet Gallatin: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:55PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Good Evening! Wow! What a load of information! I enjoyed reading the questions and answers. This has been a great learning lesson for me.

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:56PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Marcy -- That was the May 8, 1902 eruption of Mt. Pelee. It was a pyroclastic flow that killed ~28,000 people in about 30 seconds.

Vallery: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:57PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Mr.Sibulkin. Dr. R.B. What was the biggest volcanoe eruption?

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:57PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hello Jorgen - 4:30am ?!! thanks for dropping in to see how this all works - linking scientists to life long learners is so rewarding for all involved - from youth to parents to grandparents. Are there volcanoes in Norway ?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:58PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Janet -- Glad you are enjoying - but it looks like we will be finishing up here in a few minutes. But we were glad to partcipate.

Gillerman family: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:58PM PST (-0800 GMT)
M. Sibulkin: Shayna says hi back. Glad to see another Vanalden volcanology student online. Vallery, Alyssa says hi.

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:59PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Jorgen ! This is your colleague R.B. here.

Jorgen Aabech: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 7:59PM PST (-0800 GMT)
not on the main-land any longer, but Beerenberg on Jan Mayen, as you have a picture of on your opening-page at SWVRC

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 8:00PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Janet - in reading all of this plate tectonics information, it makes me realize that out in your area in Indio where springs bubble up through cracks in the crust it could also have been lava bubbling up .... that ought to be something for your students to ponder .... the earth seems so permanent to us mortals .. yet it is always undergoing such enormous changes right below the surface ...

Sherry G: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 8:01PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Dear Dr. R.B.: Since you know so much about volcanoes, has NASA asked you to analyze any photos they have of what appear to be volcanoes on various planets in our Solar System?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 8:01PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Well Marcy & Brian -- I guess that's about it for the night. I have really enjoyed participating in this progamme and I hope that you will do it again and invite us to participate.

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 8:02PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Is the Mt Pelee that exploded do terribly named after the Hawaiian volcano goddess ?

Vallery: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 8:02PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Tell Alyssa that I said hi. Dr. R.B. have you studied volcanoes that are in the ocean?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 8:02PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Sherry - No have not been asked by NASA to analyze photos, but they have many experts as well.

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 8:03PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Dr. R.B. - thanks again for participating - its been a wild 2 hours ! We will send you a copy of the session for your records, as well as one from the previous daytime session. It has been great to have you online - any plug you would like to leave us with for the SWVRC ?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 8:03PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Vallery - If you mean undersea volcanoes, no. I only work with terrestial volcanoes.

Janet Gallatin: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 8:03PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Marcy! Yes, the earth is on our minds lately. The valley is sinking because of the draining of the water table. Aslo living so near the San Andreas fault, we think about the forces of nature often.

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 8:05PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi MArcy - No there is no connection between the goddess "Pele" and Mt. Pelee. The word "pelee" in French means bald. And so because the early eruptions of Mt. Pelee basically wiped out the summit area, it was "bald" due to lack of vegitation.

Marcy, Camp Internet: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 8:06PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Good night folks - you will be able to view this chat online using your Camp accounts if you check in the Chat Archives off the main Camp page next week .... your participation was a great contribution to a successful Camp Internet Family Night ! Signing of ....

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 8:07PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi MArcy - No, no plugs per se except to say that we update our website everyday and it is located at www.swvrc.org And remember (especially you students) as we say in France and Quebec -- "L'ecole avant toute !" (Stay in school !)

Vallery: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 8:08PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Dr. R.B. I don't think I got an answer to my question which was: What was the biggest volcanoe eruption?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 8:08PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Good night all and many thanks ! BTW - If you still have questions, you can e-mail us at swvrc@usa.net

Sarah: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 8:09PM PST (-0800 GMT)
How do volcanos erupt?

Dr. R.B.: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 8:09PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Vallery - The biggest eruption was Tambora in 1815. Caused the death of ~36,000 people.

Vallery: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 8:16PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Thank You Dr. R.B. I'm glad to have had the opportunity to talk to an expert. I would also like to thank Mr. Sibulkin for telling my class at Vanalden and myself about this website. I hope to talk to you again. Maybe if you have time you can come and visit our class.

Pam Shetler from Roosevelt: . . . . Thu, Oct 19, 9:52PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Marcy, I got home late but really enjoyed reading all of the postings! I will share the info with my students. I've been to Pompeii. Awesome place! Pam Shetler