A podcast exploring how the world of volcanoes interacts across nature, culture and society.
Each episode featuring a new guest for their unique perspective on the world of volcanoes.
Sponsored by: Brunton International LLC, and John Wainwright and Co.
S3 Special. Being a Scientist at the Hawai'i Volcano Observatory
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 (https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo) (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 (https://www.usgs.gov/staff-profiles/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 (https://www.usgs.gov/staff-profiles/heather-b-winslow)(she/her) - Mendenhall Research Fellow - Research Geologist
As 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 (https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo):
Multimedia (https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia)pages (images and videos of the eruption)
Kīlauea volcano updates (https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/volcano-updates) from HVO
Monitoring data (https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/science/volcano-monitoring) from activity
Live HVO webcams for Kīlauea (https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/cams/)
All USGS Volcano Observatories (https://www.usgs.gov/science/observatories)
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park (https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm) (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 (https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/index.htm).
22 Sept 2025
S3 Ep10. Needles and Navigation with Lauren Heerschap
Comnig soon
15 Sept 2025
S3 Ep9. Industry and Igneous Materials with Wainwright Aggregates
Coming soon
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5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 47 / 100
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