The U.S. Geological Survey has announced opportunities to update the equipment used to monitor volcanic activity with funds available as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The contracts are designed to improve data centers and processing capabilities for volcano information products, and specifically mention GIS-based hazard and vulnerability assessments as well as the replacement of aging seismometers, geodetic instruments and telemetry equipment.
In addition to the commercial opportunities, there are funds for research institutions to work on the development of data visualization and analysis, network design and data archiving.
There are some specific projects outlined in the full grant, including:
- Using GIS methodologies and FEMA’s HAZUS program to integrate infrastructure loss estimates with societal vulnerabilities to show interdependencies of decision making on, for example, transportation, health, commerce, just-in-time inventories, places of shelter, etc.
- Obtaining high-quality LiDAR data for select volcanoes and surrounding areas in the Cascades
- The creation of a crisis GIS for use during caldera unrest at Yellowstone
Details on the grant can be found at Grants.gov, including an application form that is due by Sept. 14, 2009.
