The Nome Nugget

Government Agencies, Universities
Pool Efforts In Scientific Studies
Of Katmai National Monument

WASHINGTON. (AP)-- Five government agencies and several state universities are cooperating in a study of volcanic and seismic forces at Katmai National Monument, scene of recent volcanic eruptions on the Alaska Peninsula.

The studies were undertaken prior to recent eruptions of Trident Volcano and Mt. Spurr. Their objective is to appraise the general geology of the area and changes occurring as a result of volcanic activity.

Katmai National Monument, the largest area in the national park system, consists of nearly 2,700,000 acres. It was established in 1918, six years after a violent eruption of Mt. Katmai, to preserve scientific and historic values for later study and use.

Secretary of Interior McKay said Saturday investigations now being conducted by 15 scientists were made possible only through pooling of the resources of five government agencies.

Anticipating that the research will produce information of military as well as scientific importance, the Office of Naval Research in cooperation with the Army Corps of Engineers is providing helicopter and other transportation services for the expedition, and the Army Quartermaster General's Office is providing a wide variety of equipment and supplies.

The geological survey, which is making a major part of the scientific studies, provided funds and equipment. The Public Health Service also furnished equipment and is participating in the research.

The National Park Service, which administers the monument, is in overall charge of the investigation. Robert S. Lutney of the Park Service staff heads the expedition.

In the investigation, observations are being made in the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, which came into existence at the time of the 1912 eruption. Attention also is being devoted to the lands bordering the lakes and rivers of the monument and along the coast in an effort to measure rates of change in surface conditions and changes in plant and animal life.

The extent and kinds of human use of the area prior to the 1912 eruption are also being studied, as well as changes in the character of the forests, animal diseases communicable to man, and evidences of climatic changes.

The work is being carried out from several field camps, through the use of airplanes, helicopters and folding boats.

Fine Job Printing at the Nugget