Geological Survey Circular 318 Eruption of Trident Volcano — Katmai National Monument, Alaska — February-June, 1953

The following text is a preliminary report of the eruption of Trident Volcano in Katami National Monument (fig. 1). Most of the information, including a sizable film library, was obtained by personal observations during flights of U. S. Navy planes. Supplementary information was obtained secondhand from observers in the U. S. Air Force, U. S. Coast Guard, and commercial planes. The continued cooperation of all branches of the U. S. Navy made possible the successful observation of this eruption by the writer and other observers. Particular appreciation is due Rear Admiral John Perry, USN, Commandant of the 17th Naval District with headquarters at Kodiak, and Captain W. K. Rhodes, USN, Commanding Officer, U. S. Naval Station, Kodiak, for authorizing the use of the Navy facilities and equipment under their commands which were required for the operation.

Figure 1.—Location map of Trident Volcano in Katmai National Monument, Alaska. (click on image for an enlargement in a new window)

Personal acknowledgments are also extended to the following people: Capt. Russell J. Bellerby, Chief of Staff, Com 17; Comdr. W. G. von Bracht, Air Operations Officer, Com 17; Lt. Comdr. J. S. Paretsky, Flight Officer, Kodiak; all the pilots of the Navy planes that patrolled the Trident and Iliamna areas, including Lt. Comdr. George H. G. Webster, Lt. Dee L. Leland, Lt. James Ingram, Lt. Comdr. Richard Larsen, Lt. Mark J. Hessy, Lt. H. G. Silliman, Lt. Robert L. Neth, Lt. (jg.) Robert L. Boiling, Lt. (jg.) R. J. Henning, and P. N. Cedercrans ADC/AP; Lt. Frank O. Brink, Acting Public Information Officer, 17th Naval District Headquarters, Kodiak; Lt. Comdr. Tom Herbert, Radio/TV Officer, 13th Naval District Public Information Office; Lt. Lawrence Barrett, Pictorial Officer, 13th Naval District Public Information Office; Lt. Comdr. Glen Thompson, U. S. Coast Guard unit, Kodiak; all the Navy photographers including Michael J. O'Grady, Jr., AF-3; Samuel E. Bennett, AF-3; James C. Toon, AF-3; Henry A. Geary, AF-3; Dave Berg, AF; William W. Henderson, AF; William T. Edgar, AF; Curtis E. Von Kaenel, AF; and Marvin R. Soper, AF; Gene Vosburg, Jr., JO-3; Miss Anastasia Trasko, Secretary to the Chief of Staff, Kodiak; and all the many crew members of the Navy planes, and other personnel of the Naval Station.

Richard R. McDonald, Seismologist with the Geophysical Branch of the U. S. Geological Survey, observed the eruptive area during the period from February 18 to March 5. The writer's observations were made during the period from February 25 to March 13 and again on June 17. This report includes the observations made by Mr. McDonald, the writer, and many others, evaluated by mutual discussion.