Harry Glicken

Harry Glicken was an American volcanologist and geologist who specialized in studying explosive volcanic eruptions. He was known for his research on volcanic hazards, particularly pyroclastic flows.

Harry Glicken worked for several organizations throughout his career, including the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the U.S. National Parks Service, and the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

A pyroclastic flow is a fast-moving mixture of volcanic ash, rock fragments, and gas that rushes down the slopes of a volcano during an explosive eruption. It is extremely hot and can reach speeds of over 100 kilometers per hour, making it one of the most dangerous volcanic phenomena.

Harry Glicken made significant contributions to the field of volcanology through his research on volcanic hazards and his work on pyroclastic flows. He conducted extensive studies on the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens in Washington State, which helped improve our understanding of volcanic eruptions and their potential impacts.

Harry Glicken tragically died on June 3, 1991, during the eruption of Mount Unzen in Japan. He was conducting research on pyroclastic flows when a large flow overtook him and several other scientists. Although Glicken's death was a tremendous loss to the scientific community, his contributions continue to influence the field of volcanology to this day.