Ronald K. Sorem Mt. St. Helens Projects Papers, 1980-1990

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Cage 669
Ronald K. Sorem
Mt. St. Helens Projects
Papers, 1980-1990

The papers of Ronald K. Sorem were given to Washington State University Library by Mr. Sorem in 1994, accession #MS94-42. The records were processed by Anna Vogt in May 1999.

Number of containers: 2
Linear feet of shelf space: 1.5

BIOGRAPHY

Ronald Keith Sorem was born in 1924. He received his B.A. in Geology in 1946 and his M.S. in 1948 from the University of Minnesota. In 1952 he began working for the U.S. Geological Service as a geologist and finished his Ph.D. in Wisconsin in 1958. He was hired in 1959 by Washington State University in the Geology Department and in 1980 became the Division of Sciences half-time Associate Dean. Sorem taught graduate courses in Ore Microscopy and X-ray analysis in addition to his own research, which focused primarily on the study of the mineralogy of marine manganese nodules. However after the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens, Sorem became a regional "ash specialist." Interested in scientific and medical information about the ash, the WSU Council of Deans requested on May 20, 1980 the formation of the WSU Volcanic Ash Study Committee, on which Sorem served as the panel geologist. The conclusions reached by this committee were presented in an hour-long local public television program aired on May 23.

Sorem proposed a continuation of this committee for a more systematic study of volcanic ash. The committee created was named BASHCOM-WSU (Bustad Ash Study and Health Committee, Washington State University). Soon after studies began, a controversy arose over varying laboratory calculations of the level of crystalline silica, which if inhaled frequently could cause the respiratory disease, silicosis, existent in the Mt. St. Helens ash. Sorem and Washington State University became well-known in the scientific community for their "free-silica" stance on the issue, claiming very minimal and unharmful levels of silica in the ash, which directly challenged the much higher silica findings by the NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health). This dispute was presented in Analytic Chemistry in September and October 1980 and again in March 1986 in the American Journal of Public Health, following an attempt to solve the scientific discrepancies. Sorem was one of the leading spokespersons and researchers on the silica issue and also published his own conclusions on the physical structure of the Mt St. Helens ash, known as ash clusters, as well as the effects on the Pullman, WA area. He presented this information to several conferences held at WSU, the Committee Technical Conference in Nov. 1980 sponsored by FEMA and NSF in Washington D.C., and to the International Geological Congress in Paris. In 1982 his article "Volcanic Ash Cluster: Tephra Rafts and Scavengers" was published in the Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research.

ARRANGEMENT AND DESCRIPTION

The files of Ronald K. Sorem are arranged according to their original order when received by Washington State University. Generally, there are eight distinguishable sequences of papers: Ash-Minerals, Ash Clusters, May 1990 Review of 1980 Ashfall in Pullman Area, 1986 American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) Dollberg Publication, Ash Information, CASSIDY Aftermath Conference, Ash Effects and files relating to the effects of Mt. St. Helens on the Pullman, WA area.

ABBREVIATIONS USED:
AJPH - American Journal of Public Health
ASPP - American Society of Plant Physiologists
BASHCOM - Bustad Ash Study and Health Committee
BEVA - Biological Effects of Volcanic Ash
IGC - International Geological Congress
NAS - National Academy of Sciences
NIOSH - National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
MS - Manuscript
RKS - Ronald K. Sorem
SEM - Scanning Electron Microscopy

CONTAINER LIST

Box Folder Description
1 1 Ash Minerals, Center for Disease Control Publication, "Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica"
2 Lions Talk - Feb. 16, 1981 [Notes and information used for a speech given to the Coeur d'Alene Lions Club, titled "Northwest Volcanic Activity- Past, Present and Future."]
3 Ash Clusters, May 1980 SEM Photos (Spokane Samples)
4 Clusters, Journal of Volcanology, Ash Manuscript, Figures, Prints and Negatives
5 Ash Clusters, Journal of Volcanology, Ash Manuscript Revised
6 Ash-Minerals, Letter from June 9, 1980, Related Correspondence [Letter calls the attention of the science community to newly found ash analysis.]
7 Ash - Large Ash Samples Donated [Note from May 17, 1982.]
8 Ash - Clippings, 1981 on
9 Symposium, Cheney 1981 [Includes notes, brochures, articles, address lists, and the article "After Mount St. Helens: Seven Gray Days in May," by Don Dillman.]
10 Ash Work Comments - Glenn Terrell, Post May 18, 1980 [letter]
11 Eruption, Science, June 27, 1980 [Article titled "Mount St. Helens: An Unpredictable Foe]
12 Health Reports, Jack Conway, June 24, 1980 [Memorandum from Conway, and article by the Dept. of Health Services.]
13 Ash-Minerals, Ash Comments [Memorandum and newspaper articles]
14 Ash-Minerals, Ash Work Comments - Leo Bustad, Post 18 May 1980 [letter and newspaper articles]
15 Ash-Minerals, Miscellaneous News Clips, Post 18 May 1980
16 Ash-Minerals, Ash Reports - 1980
17 Ash-Minerals, Division of Geology Ash Map, Report of Investigation #24 (Moen and McLucas)
18 Ash-Minerals, Analytical Chemistry (entire publication from Sept. 1980)
19 Ash-Minerals, Ash Conference, Abstract July 8, 1980 [Title: "Some Geological Aspect of the Ash Fallout in Pullman and Vicinity" by R.K. Sorem]
20 Ash-Minerals, Ash Reprints (of others) [Offprint from Science titled, "Composition of the Mount St. Helens Ashfall in the Moscow-Pullman Area on 18 May 1980" by P.R. Hooper et al. 5 Sept. 1980. Also copied article from Science, 20 Feb. 1981.]
21 Ash-Minerals, Analytical Chemistry - October 1980 [Copy of article entitled "Scientists Still Split over Silica in Ash."]
22 Ash-Minerals, Analytical Chemistry - Sept. 1980 [Copy of article entitled "Controversy Erupts over Mt. St. Helens Ash."]
23 Ash-Minerals, Geballe & Other Letters, etc.
24 Ash Minerals, Ash Clusters [B/W magnified photos]
25 Ash Minerals, Benson, Williams (NAS) 1980 correspondence
26 St. Helens Information for Taxpayers
27 Ash Clusters, Daily News 1990 Mt. St. Helens Issue Contribution from RKS, May 14, 1990.
28 Ash Clusters, Ash Samples to Others - 1990 [correspondence and notes]
29 Ash Clusters, Ash Cluster Reprint sent on Request [Written requests]
30 Ash Clusters, Journal of Volcanology Ash Manuscript, Correspondence and File Copy
31 Ash Clusters, Ash Cluster Manuscript Reviews [Review by the editors of Science.]
32 Ash Clusters, Copy of Corrections for "Volcanic Ash Clusters: Tephra Rafts and Scavengers"
33 Ash Clusters, IGC-1980-RKS Abstract (Ash) [IGC, Paris abstract entitled "Distant Effects of Mount St. Helens Volcanic Ash]
34 May 1990 Review of 1980 Ashfall in Pullman Area, General 1980 Eruption file, 1990 Section
35 May 1990 Review of 1980 Ashfall in Pullman Area, Review Notes for Ash Letter to Daily News, May 1990 [summaries, etc.]
36 May 1990 Review of 1980 Ashfall in Pullman Area, Ash in Pullman Photos
37 May 1990 Review of 1980 Ashfall in Pullman Area, Ash in Pullman Xerox Photos and Tables, etc.
38 WSU- 1986 Reaction to RKS on Dollberg et al. and Aftermath
39 1986 AJPH Dollberg Publication and Aftermath, 1986 Dollberg Aftermath [correspondence, notes, articles]
40 1986 AJPH Dollberg Publication and Aftermath, Dollberg et al., 1986 [Xerox copies]
41 1986 AJPH Dollberg Publication and Aftermath, Stimson-WSU [Information and tips sent to Bill Stimson in March of 1986 from R. Sorem regarding a news story to be written about Mt.St.Helens Ash in Pullman]
42 1986 AJPH Dollberg Publication and Aftermath, Yankauer, Merchant, Dollberg Correspondence 1986
43 1986 AJPH Dollberg Publication, Notes on Dollberg et al. Leading to letters of March 31, 1986.
44 1986 AJPH Dollberg Publication, Leo Bustad [correspondence and newspaper articles on Bustad]
45 1986 AJPH Dollberg Publication, Review of Ash Controversy March 1986
46 1986 AJPH Dollberg Publication, BEVA Monograph - AJPH Miscellaneous Information
47 1986 AJPH Dollberg Publication, Miscellaneous NIOSH Letters and Replies
48 1986 AJPH Dollberg Publication, NIOSH Round Robin Letters and Replies
49 1986 AJPH Dollberg Publication, SiO2 Status Report - Aug. 27, 1980
50 1986 AJPH Dollberg Publication, BASHCOM - Memo Copies, etc.
51 1986 AJPH Dollberg Publication, C.J. Nyman - Volcanic Ash
52 Material Sent to Daily News (5/30/90), Photos, Maps, etc.
53 Ash Info., Ash Letters, Spokesman Review
54 Ash Info., Ash Analysis - Minerological Problem
55 Ash Info., Ash TV Program - May 23, 1980 [Memorandum and program tentative outline.]
56 Ash Info., "Fallout" TV Program [Program tentative outline.]
57 Ash Info., Chris Bogan
58 Ash Info., Lemont Report - Dec. 1980
59 Ash Info., Battelle News Items
60 Ash Info., Battelle Manuscript, Aug. 1980 [Title: "Mount St. Helens Ash Characterization May 18, 1980, Eruption: Chemical, Physical, Mineralogical, and Biological Properties."]
61 Ash Info., Ash Correspondence - Miscellaneous
62 Ash Info., IGC Abstract - Ash Talk 1980
63 Ash Info., ASPP Ash Symposium - Aug. 1980
64 Ash Info., American Society of Plant Physiologists Meeting, Aug. 6, 1980
65 Volcanic Ash Notes, Meetings, Telephone Calls, etc. [Small binder of Sorem's notes as well as phone and address lists of "ash contacts."]
66 Evergreen Interviews - Sept. 8, 1980
67 Ash Display Material 1981
68 Ash TV Interview - May 7, 1981
69 Ash Cluster, Manuscripts, Letters, etc.
70 Early Notes on May 18, 1980 Ash Fall
71 Pullman Ash Debate, X-ray and Sample Data
72 Slides, X-Ray Films, Eruption Aftermath - May 18, 1980
73 Chronical of Higher Education Ash Report - June 2, 1980
74 Pullman Ash Data
75 Wayne Moen, Olympia [Transcript of a telephone call made on May 28, 1980 regarding ash minerology.]
76 Ash Minerology "White Paper" - June 16, 1980
77 Quinn and Folsom - Ash Maps
78 CASSIDY Aftermath Conference, Ash Aftermath Conference Proceedings, WSU, July 8-9, 1980
79 CASSIDY Aftermath Conference, Final Report - Geological Discussion Group
80 CASSIDY Aftermath Conference, Conference Folder Contents
81 CASSIDY Aftermath Conference, RKS "Aftermath" Talk
82 1982 Cluster Project with Sigurdson and Carey
2 1 Ash Effects, USGS Volcano Reports
2 Ash Effects, Ray Wilcox Article [Title "Some Effects of Recent Volcanic Ash Falls With Especial Reference to Alaska."]
3 Ash Effects, Lovelace - Eidson
4 Ash Effects, Silica Minerals, Plagioclase, Ash Background Information
5 Ash Effects, U.W. Airborne Studies - St. Helens [Title: A Preliminary Report of Airborne Studies by the University of Washington of the Effluents from the Mt. St. Helens Volcanic Eruptions," June 12, 1980.]
6 Ash Effects, Fruchter et al. Report - 1980 [Title: Mount St. Helens Ash Characterization May 18, 1980 Eruption: Chemical, Physical, Mineralogical and Biological Properties."]
7 Ash Effects, R. J. Cook et al. Manuscript [From Science, "Impact on Agriculture of the Mount St. Helens Eruption," Jan. 2, 1980.]
8 Ash Effects, Silicates and Silica Separation - Size Separation by Settling
9 Ash Effects, Silicon - Geochemistry, Health [Article written by Howard C. Hopps et al. entitled "Silicon" published in Vol. II of Geochemistry and the Environment.]
10 Ash Effects, Facilities and Ash Problems
11 Ash Effects, Steve Young - Astroturf and Ash
12 Ash Effects, Ash and Agriculture, Aug. 1980

Box	Folder	Description
1	1	Ash Minerals, Center for Disease Control Publication, "Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica"
	2	Lions Talk - Feb. 16, 1981 [Notes and information used for a speech given to the Coeur d'Alene Lions Club, titled "Northwest Volcanic Activity- Past, Present and Future."]
	3	Ash Clusters, May 1980 SEM Photos (Spokane Samples)
	4	Clusters, Journal of Volcanology, Ash Manuscript, Figures, Prints and Negatives
	5	Ash Clusters, Journal of Volcanology, Ash Manuscript Revised
	6	Ash-Minerals, Letter from June 9, 1980, Related Correspondence [Letter calls the attention of the science community to newly found ash analysis.]
	7	Ash - Large Ash Samples Donated [Note from May 17, 1982.]
	8	Ash - Clippings, 1981 on
	9	Symposium, Cheney 1981 [Includes notes, brochures, articles, address lists, and the article "After Mount St. Helens: Seven Gray Days in May," by Don Dillman.]
	10	Ash Work Comments - Glenn Terrell, Post May 18, 1980 [letter]
	11	Eruption, Science, June 27, 1980 [Article titled "Mount St. Helens: An Unpredictable Foe]
	12	Health Reports, Jack Conway, June 24, 1980 [Memorandum from Conway, and article by the Dept. of Health Services.]
	13	Ash-Minerals, Ash Comments [Memorandum and newspaper articles]
	14	Ash-Minerals, Ash Work Comments - Leo Bustad, Post 18 May 1980 [letter and newspaper articles]
	15	Ash-Minerals, Miscellaneous News Clips, Post 18 May 1980
	16	Ash-Minerals, Ash Reports - 1980
	17	Ash-Minerals, Division of Geology Ash Map, Report of Investigation #24 (Moen and McLucas)
	18	Ash-Minerals, Analytical Chemistry (entire publication from Sept. 1980)
	19	Ash-Minerals, Ash Conference, Abstract July 8, 1980 [Title: "Some Geological Aspect of the Ash Fallout in Pullman and Vicinity" by R.K. Sorem]
	20	Ash-Minerals, Ash Reprints (of others) [Offprint from Science titled, "Composition of the Mount St. Helens Ashfall in the Moscow-Pullman Area on 18 May 1980" by P.R. Hooper et al. 5 Sept. 1980. Also copied article from Science, 20 Feb. 1981.]
	21	Ash-Minerals, Analytical Chemistry - October 1980 [Copy of article entitled "Scientists Still Split over Silica in Ash."]
	22	Ash-Minerals, Analytical Chemistry - Sept. 1980 [Copy of article entitled "Controversy Erupts over Mt. St. Helens Ash."]
	23	Ash-Minerals, Geballe & Other Letters, etc.
	24	Ash Minerals, Ash Clusters [B/W magnified photos]
	25	Ash Minerals, Benson, Williams (NAS) 1980 correspondence
	26	St. Helens Information for Taxpayers
	27	Ash Clusters, Daily News 1990 Mt. St. Helens Issue Contribution from RKS, May 14, 1990.
	28	Ash Clusters, Ash Samples to Others - 1990 [correspondence and notes]
	29	Ash Clusters, Ash Cluster Reprint sent on Request [Written requests]
	30	Ash Clusters, Journal of Volcanology Ash Manuscript, Correspondence and File Copy
	31	Ash Clusters, Ash Cluster Manuscript Reviews [Review by the editors of Science.]
	32	Ash Clusters, Copy of Corrections for "Volcanic Ash Clusters: Tephra Rafts and Scavengers"
	33	Ash Clusters, IGC-1980-RKS Abstract (Ash) [IGC, Paris abstract entitled "Distant Effects of Mount St. Helens Volcanic Ash]
	34	May 1990 Review of 1980 Ashfall in Pullman Area, General 1980 Eruption file, 1990 Section
	35	May 1990 Review of 1980 Ashfall in Pullman Area, Review Notes for Ash Letter to Daily News, May 1990 [summaries, etc.]
	36	May 1990 Review of 1980 Ashfall in Pullman Area, Ash in Pullman Photos
	37	May 1990 Review of 1980 Ashfall in Pullman Area, Ash in Pullman Xerox Photos and Tables, etc.
	38	WSU- 1986 Reaction to RKS on Dollberg et al. and Aftermath
	39	1986 AJPH Dollberg Publication and Aftermath, 1986 Dollberg Aftermath [correspondence, notes, articles]
	40	1986 AJPH Dollberg Publication and Aftermath, Dollberg et al., 1986 [Xerox copies]
	41	1986 AJPH Dollberg Publication and Aftermath, Stimson-WSU [Information and tips sent to Bill Stimson in March of 1986 from R. Sorem regarding a news story to be written about Mt.St.Helens Ash in Pullman]
	42	1986 AJPH Dollberg Publication and Aftermath, Yankauer, Merchant, Dollberg Correspondence 1986
	43	1986 AJPH Dollberg Publication, Notes on Dollberg et al. Leading to letters of March 31, 1986.
	44	1986 AJPH Dollberg Publication, Leo Bustad [correspondence and newspaper articles on Bustad]
	45	1986 AJPH Dollberg Publication, Review of Ash Controversy March 1986
	46	1986 AJPH Dollberg Publication, BEVA Monograph - AJPH Miscellaneous Information
	47	1986 AJPH Dollberg Publication, Miscellaneous NIOSH Letters and Replies
	48	1986 AJPH Dollberg Publication, NIOSH Round Robin Letters and Replies
	49	1986 AJPH Dollberg Publication, SiO2 Status Report - Aug. 27, 1980
	50	1986 AJPH Dollberg Publication, BASHCOM - Memo Copies, etc.
	51	1986 AJPH Dollberg Publication, C.J. Nyman - Volcanic Ash
	52	Material Sent to Daily News (5/30/90), Photos, Maps, etc.
	53	Ash Info., Ash Letters, Spokesman Review
	54	Ash Info., Ash Analysis - Minerological Problem
	55	Ash Info., Ash TV Program - May 23, 1980 [Memorandum and program tentative outline.]
	56	Ash Info., "Fallout" TV Program [Program tentative outline.]
	57	Ash Info., Chris Bogan
	58	Ash Info., Lemont Report - Dec. 1980
	59	Ash Info., Battelle News Items
	60	Ash Info., Battelle Manuscript, Aug. 1980 [Title: "Mount St. Helens Ash Characterization May 18, 1980, Eruption: Chemical, Physical, Mineralogical, and Biological Properties."]
	61	Ash Info., Ash Correspondence - Miscellaneous
	62	Ash Info., IGC Abstract - Ash Talk 1980
	63	Ash Info., ASPP Ash Symposium - Aug. 1980
	64	Ash Info., American Society of Plant Physiologists Meeting, Aug. 6, 1980
	65	Volcanic Ash Notes, Meetings, Telephone Calls, etc. [Small binder of Sorem's notes as well as phone and address lists of "ash contacts."]
	66	Evergreen Interviews - Sept. 8, 1980
	67	Ash Display Material 1981
	68	Ash TV Interview - May 7, 1981
	69	Ash Cluster, Manuscripts, Letters, etc.
	70	Early Notes on May 18, 1980 Ash Fall
	71	Pullman Ash Debate, X-ray and Sample Data
	72	Slides, X-Ray Films, Eruption Aftermath - May 18, 1980
	73	Chronical of Higher Education Ash Report - June 2, 1980
	74	Pullman Ash Data
	75	Wayne Moen, Olympia [Transcript of a telephone call made on May 28, 1980 regarding ash minerology.]
	76	Ash Minerology "White Paper" - June 16, 1980
	77	Quinn and Folsom - Ash Maps
	78	CASSIDY Aftermath Conference, Ash Aftermath Conference Proceedings, WSU, July 8-9, 1980
	79	CASSIDY Aftermath Conference, Final Report - Geological Discussion Group
	80	CASSIDY Aftermath Conference, Conference Folder Contents
	81	CASSIDY Aftermath Conference, RKS "Aftermath" Talk
	82	1982 Cluster Project with Sigurdson and Carey
2	1	Ash Effects, USGS Volcano Reports
	2	Ash Effects, Ray Wilcox Article [Title "Some Effects of Recent Volcanic Ash Falls With Especial Reference to Alaska."]
	3	Ash Effects, Lovelace - Eidson
	4	Ash Effects, Silica Minerals, Plagioclase, Ash Background Information
	5	Ash Effects, U.W. Airborne Studies - St. Helens [Title: A Preliminary Report of Airborne Studies by the University of Washington of the Effluents from the Mt. St. Helens Volcanic Eruptions," June 12, 1980.]
	6	Ash Effects, Fruchter et al. Report - 1980 [Title: Mount St. Helens Ash Characterization May 18, 1980 Eruption: Chemical, Physical, Mineralogical and Biological Properties."]
	7	Ash Effects, R. J. Cook et al. Manuscript [From Science, "Impact on Agriculture of the Mount St. Helens Eruption," Jan. 2, 1980.]
	8	Ash Effects, Silicates and Silica Separation - Size Separation by Settling
	9	Ash Effects, Silicon - Geochemistry, Health [Article written by Howard C. Hopps et al. entitled "Silicon" published in Vol. II of Geochemistry and the Environment.]
	10	Ash Effects, Facilities and Ash Problems
	11	Ash Effects, Steve Young - Astroturf and Ash
	12	Ash Effects, Ash and Agriculture, Aug. 1980