Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2007

Abstract

Since 1994, at least six major (volume >106m3 ) ice and rock avalanches have occurred on Iliamna volcano, Alaska, USA. Each of the avalanches was preceded by up to 2 hours of seismicity believed to represent the initial stages of failure. Each seismic sequence begins with a series of repeating earthquakes thought to represent slip on an ice–rock interface, or between layers of ice. This stage is followed by a prolonged period of continuous ground-shaking that reflects constant slip accommodated by deformation at the glacier base. Finally the glacier fails in a large avalanche. Some of the events appear to have entrained large amounts of rock, while others comprise mostly snow and ice. Several avalanches initiated from the same source region, suggesting that this part of the volcano is particularly susceptible to failure, possibly due to the presence of nearby fumaroles. Although thermal conditions at the time of failure are not well constrained, it is likely that geothermal energy causes melting at the glacier base, promoting slip and culminating in failure. The frequent nature and predictable failure sequence of Iliamna avalanches makes the volcano an excellent laboratory for the study of ice avalanches. The prolonged nature of the seismic signal suggests that warning may one day be given for similar events occurring in populated regions.

Publication Title

Journal of Glaciology

Volume

53

Issue

180

First Page

128

Last Page

140

Required Publisher's Statement

© 2007 International Glaciological Society. View original article at Journal of Glaciology.

Subjects - Topical (LCSH)

Earthquakes--Alaska--Iliamna; Avalanches--Alaska--Iliamna; Glaciers--Alaska--Iliamna

Geographic Coverage

Iliamna (Alaska)

Genre/Form

articles

Type

Text

Language

English

Format

application/pdf

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