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As a Consulting Volcanologist, I offer a variety professional services in
the field of volcanology. I pride myself in the provision of honest advise
and services, so that clients needing accurate information about volcanoes
and volcanism will know what to do and how, whether they are planning a
multi-million dollar investment in a power plant or a film, or needing
authoritative advice on a legal matter. I work independently or with a
talented group of colleagues with whom I have formed a Company, Geohazards Consultants International, Inc.
for larger projects. |
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 Hawaiian Volcanology
Hazard Appraisal
Legal Testimony
Media Projects
International Assignments
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My home is on a ridge above the rainforest town of Volcano, Hawaii, with a
splendid view of Mauna Loa's infrequent eruptions and within hearing range
of Kilauea's roaring lava fountains. My consulting services are available
to those needing information about Hawaiian volcanism, and I provide hazards
appraisals, legal testimony, and consulting services for media projects in
Hawaii. |
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"History is the Best Guide to the Future" --- both in the affairs of men
and also in the doings of volcanoes. The most essential ingredient of
volcanic hazards appraisals is thus the understanding the past histories of
active or potentially active volcanoes. Determination of volcanic history
is sometimes easy -- in populated areas like Sicily for example, where
written records of Etna's activity extends back over three millenia.
Unfortunately, few of the Earth's more than 1,500 potentially active
volcanoes have long historical records,, so volcanologists must look for
clues recorded in the prehistoric lava flows and ash deposits from past
eruptions. |
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Over the past 20 years my volcano-teachers have revealed many techniques
for deciphering their past histories. My human clients have little interest
in details of volcano history, however, but do need quantitative information
about the future and how the future could affect their investments or plans.
Provision of such statistical appraisals of future eruption probabilities,
based on evaluations of past activity, is one of my two most important
volcanic hazards "products"; the other is provision of means to reduce
volcanic risk. |
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Decisions to proceed with developments are at times already made or
facilities with vulnerable populations already exist by the time my services
have been requested. In these cases I can recommend means to reduce
volcanic risk, through education, modifications to buildings, or in some
cases by construction of protective structures to protect vital sites from
lava flows or lahars (volcanic mudflows). {thumbnail photo of lava diversion
barriers - 2B provided}. |
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I will not "take sides" in litigation, but by provision of factual
information about volcanic activity, volcanic hazards, and the influence of
volcanic structures on property litigant rights, I can assist clients to
defend their points of view in legal cases. My experience and technical
background is difficult to challenge in court. |
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I have considerable experience as a technical advisor to media projects in
film, video, and print, and can provide on-camera interviews about
volcanological subjects. My consulting work for the soon-to-be-released
Universal Pictures film "Dante's Peak" has
been particularly enjoyable; this will be the most realistic, believable,
"volcano adventure film" ever!
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Although I am personally available for international consulting
assignments, most such work is of sufficient scope to require a team
approach for best results. A new Company, GEOHAZARDS CONSULTANTS, INC. has
been formed specifically to address the needs of clients requiring hazards
assessments of properties in remote or less developed areas.
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