Michael A. Clynne is a volcanic geologist. A volcanic geologist studies the aftermath of a volcano. Clynne was even one of the many geologists on hand when Mt. St Helens erupted! Volcanic geologists are mostly in the field to make maps that include details such as a rock’s age, size, and type. These maps are useful for people to do a number of things:
• understand volcano hazards
• how volcanoes effect the environment
• understanding the origin of a volcanoes magma
• Overall, learning how the earth and how it works.
Last Monday Clynne came in to talk to the interns about his work but specifically about rocks with crystals. When Volcanoes erupt, they later form rocks that have crystals in them. Crystals also told us about magma’s rate of cooling. Interns viewed rocks and volcanic ash under a microscope. Many of the interns were interested in Mt. St. Helens and Clynne showed them second by second photos of its famous eruption.

By Maria R.