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 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:
Multimedia pages (images and videos of the eruption)
Kīlauea volcano updates from HVO
Monitoring data from activity
Live HVO webcams for Kīlauea
All USGS Volcano Observatories
Hawai'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/BruntonInternational
Brunton Insta - https://www.instagram.com/brunton_intl/
Brunton LinkedIn - Brunton International
Brunton YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@bruntoninternational
Lauren FB - https://www.facebook.com/lauren.heerschap.1
Lauren 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 Earth
Released 4th September 2025 (UK) and 4th November 2025 (USA)https://geoscientist.online/sections/books-and-arts/whispers-of-rock-stories-from-earth/tiktok @jurassicg1rl
instagram @anjanakhatwa
X @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 Park
Here's another conversation with Shanda: Learn more