The Volcanology Research Group at the University of Bristol aims to understand the physical processes underlying volcanic phenomena and develop methods of hazard assessment.
Previous efforts in rapid volcanic hazard mapping were focused in Latin America, especially the Chilean Andes and Costa Rica, but also New Zealand, the Canary Islands (Tenerife), Greece and Japan. The Soufriere Hills volcano on Montserrat has been of particular interest to the group.
Physical volcanological phenomena are investigated by developing analogue and numerical models. Although the group's range of interest covers all geophysical flows, current efforts are focused on controlling the dynamics of volcanic eruptions and the flow of fluids with either strongly temperature-dependent viscosity under cooling conditions or a wide range of particle content. We are fortunate to have access to the great range of facilities in the School of Earth Sciences at the University to aid in this research.
The Volcanology Research Group also has strong partnerships and links with other research groups which strengthen its research ability and access to resources. It is a member of Bristol's Centre for Environmental and Geophysical Flows and has strong links to the Cabot Institute, Bristol University's new interdisciplinary research institute focusing on uncertain environmental change.