National Geographic Expedition to Study Volcanoes of Baja California, Mexico; Photographs are available at the REFORMA 2000 web site: www.asn.csus.edu/reforma/.

Science Editors and News Desks

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 16, 2000

A team of geologists specializing in the study of volcanoes will travel to remote regions in Baja California, Mexico in May-June 2000 to study two active volcanic areas. Led by Dr. Brian Hausback of the California State University, Sacramento Geology Department, the team will search for clues to the volcanic history of La Reforma caldera and the Isla San Luis volcano.

Expedition scientists will use satellite LANDSAT images and aircraft-acquired high-resolution images developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in their study of these volcanoes. They will also use Global Positioning Signals (GPS), radiocarbon dating and gas emissions detection devices for their research. Through a grant from the National Geographic Society's Committee for Research and Exploration, REFORMA 2000 will bring together experts in volcanic studies -- volcanologists -- who have experience with these types of volcanoes.

"I am extremely pleased that the National Geographic Society has chosen to support this expedition. Very little is known about these two active volcanic areas. In learning about their eruptive history, we hope to gain a clearer picture of the present volcanic hazards in Baja California," said Hausback.

In January, Hausback led a reconnaissance trip to these two volcanic areas. As part of the study, the team climbed to the summit of Tres Virgenes volcano, near La Reforma caldera. The January trip helped define the logistical hurdles facing the main research trip, slated for May-June 2000.

Isla San Luis is approximately 300 km south of the international border and just north of San Luis Gonzaga Bay. Eruptions on the island may have occurred in the last 500 years and active discharges of sulfurous gas indicate that this island-volcano remains active. This expedition will mark the first comprehensive attempt to study the record of activity of the volcano.

La Reforma caldera is south of Isla San Luis near the town of Santa Rosalia, on the eastern side of the Baja California peninsula. La Reforma has produced many massively explosive and destructive eruptions. The neighboring Tres Virgenes is a composite volcano. Its very youthful appearance, evidence for recent activity and potential risk to the only transportation corridor along the Baja peninsula make it important to understand the hazards posed by a future eruption at this volcano.

Dr. Hausback is a professor of Geology, specializing in volcanology, igneous petrology, and remote sensing. Joining Hausback will be geologists and crew members from various institutions in the west, including:

      --  Jane Dmochowski, a graduate student at California Institute of
        Technology (CalTech);
      --  Chris Farrar, a Hydrologist and Volcanologist for the US
        Geological Survey, Tahoe City, California;
      --  Sarah Fowler, a Central Washington University graduate
        student;
      --  Arturo Martin, Director of Geologic Studies at CICESE (Centro
        de Investigacion Cientifica y de Educacion Superior, Ensenada,
        Baja California, Mexico);
      --  Francisco Paz, a geologist from Hermosillo, Mexico;
      --  Joann Stock, Professor of Geology and Geophysics at CalTech;
      --  Keith Sutter, an Auburn, California adventure photographer;
      --  Paul Verke, a writer from Fair Oaks, California; and
      --  Chloe Winant, a student at Occidental College, California.