Mid-September Rim Collapse Destroys USGS Camera

In late September, 2008 the time-lapse camera at Brutus on the east crater rim stopped transmitting.  Geologists flew to the rim expecting to repair the radio transmitter or replace batteries.  They were surprised to find that a large section of crater rim (approximately 50 foot wide by 20 feet deep) had collapsed into the crater destroying the camera. 

Photo of collapsed section of crater rim.  Damaged camera can be seen in rubble (yellow circle).  09/29/2008

USGS scientist adjusts remote camera at Brutus on the east crater rim.  08/29/07

During the 2004 to 2008 eruption, the Brutus Camera was

part of a network of remote automated cameras around the crater that allowed geologists to safely monitor the dome-building eruption.

To view pictures from the Brutus Camera and time-lapse

movies of lava dome growth visit the USGS website at:

http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/MSH/Images/MSH04/

repeat_views_from_brutus.html

The collapse of a large section of crater rim and destruction of the Brutus camera illustrates the importance of being cautious when approaching the crater rim.  Watch for cracks, beware of overhanging sections (both of snow and of rock and ash).  Stay safe, stay back!

Photo at right: Scientists setting up remote camera point on the east crater rim at Brutus.  06/15/2005.