Sarah Finney and Cole Osowski
Investigating the Influence of Climate Change on Volcanic Activity: Mechanisms, Future Projections, and Policy Recommendations
UAF Seniors
B.S. Geoscience & B.A. Political Science
Sarah and Cole received a Spring 2025 Student Project Award.
Climate change’s impact on volcanic activity is an emerging research field, and recent studies suggest a correlation between environmental shifts and volcanic eruptions. For instance, glacial melt has been shown to reduce overlying pressure on magma chambers, potentially increasing eruption frequency (Tuffen, 2010). Additionally, studies on atmospheric changes, such as those by Farquharson and Amelung (2022), indicate that increased rainfall may infiltrate volcanic systems, destabilizing magma chambers and triggering eruptions. These findings highlight the need to explore how changing climate factors like moisture levels and temperature shifts might affect volcanic activity in Alaska, a region with frequent eruptions and a rapidly warming climate.
Understanding these relationships is crucial for improving eruption forecasting models and informing emergency planning and public policy that safeguards air traffic corridors near active volcanoes. The study’s findings will contribute to a clearer, data-driven understanding of climate change’s potential role in modifying volcanic hazards, promoting resilience for vulnerable communities in the face of a warming planet.
How is your project going so far this semester?
Overall, well. Adapting our research to recent state and federal changes has been both challenging and fulfilling. Cole has navigated the complexity of disaster and transportation governance, while I have had to shift my focus from Iliamna to Redoubt due to Iliamna’s lower activity levels. We have also refined our methodology to better connect our findings to economics, public health, transportation, and state-level impacts. We are observing increased activity at Mount Redoubt and Mount Spurr, reinforcing the link between climate change and volcanic behavior. These findings highlight the urgency of continued monitoring and proactive policies to mitigate future volcanic disruptions.
How did you find out about URSA and what encouraged you to submit an application for funding?
We found out about URSA through the UAF Cornerstone newsletter. We were encouraged to submit our application by our mentors Dr. Amy Lovecraft and Dr. Nathan Graham. We wanted to submit an application for funding because we wanted to do an URSA project for our climate/honors capstone project. The funding, as well as the mentorship, drove us to create an application and submit it. The appeal of working on an interdisciplinary project where Sarah could learn more about policy making and Cole could learn more about climate science and volcanology led to us applying. One discussion led to another and here we are.
How does your URSA project relate to your career or personal goals?
Sarah: This research experience has significantly impacted both my education and career by demonstrating my ability to conduct diligent, independent research while managing my academic responsibilities. Balancing both has strengthened my time management skills and resilience, qualities essential for a long-term career in research. Many positions require hands-on lab experience beyond the classroom, and through my work with Dr. Graham, I have gained critical skills in sample preparation and analysis. His guidance has equipped me with the ability to properly handle and interpret data relevant to our research, further reinforcing my ability to contribute meaningfully to the scientific inquiry of this project.
Cole: I am starting law school this fall. This project and my other experiences in policymaking, advocacy, and climate change will be useful for my dream career as an environmental and regulatory attorney. My one-on-one mentoring with Dr. Lovecraft has strengthened my knowledge of the emergency policy making process.
If you could share one piece of advice with students interested in pursuing URSA in the future, what would you say?
Go for it! URSA provides students enrichment beyond the classroom. There have been
several 'aha' moments where we have gained a deeper understanding of a topic we had
learned in the classroom. For example, Dr. Lovecraft teaches Alaska Government and
Politics. Through her class Cole learned about policymaking in Alaska. Through this
project, Cole learned firsthand that climate policymaking on the state and federal
level is largely adaptation based and inconsistent. Applying for and carrying out
an URSA project can seem daunting, but students gain so much by taking advantage of
this opportunity.
You miss 100% of shots you don't take.