Unit information: Volcanic Hazards in 2020/21

Unit name	Volcanic Hazards
Unit code	EASC30076
Credit points	10
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1B (weeks 7 - 12)
Unit director	Professor. Matthew Watson
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	N/A
Co-requisites	N/A
School/department	School of Earth Sciences
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

This course is designed for those who have an interest in the observation, modelling and mapping of volcanic hazards. The course has five distinct parts, focused on a small number of case studies:

(1) the underpinning principles of remote sensing, mapping and data handling

(2) Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and its applications to understanding and communication hazard

(3) observing volcanic hazards

(4) modelling volcanic hazards

(5) risk and statistics

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion you will be able to:

• understand the physical principles of remote sensing and GIS
• understand the relationship between risk and volcanic hazard
• understand models of volcanic hazards
• use ARC-GIS to produce a hazard map

Teaching Information

The unit will be taught through a combination of

• asynchronous online materials and, if subsequently possible, synchronous face-to-face lectures
• synchronous office hours
• asynchronous directed individual formative activities and exercises
• guided, structured reading
• practical work in the laboratory

Students who either begin or continue their studies in an online mode may be required to complete laboratory work, or alternative activities, in person, either during the academic year 2020/21 or subsequently, in order to meet the intended learning outcomes for the unit, prepare them for subsequent units or to satisfy accreditation requirements.

Assessment Information

Coursework 100% - coursework comprises a hazard briefing document (5 pages) including hazard map, policy briefing and methodology.

Reading and References

Essential:

• Physical Principles of Remote Sensing, W.G. Rees, CUP
• Global Volcanic Hazards and Risk, Loughlin, S et al., CUP

Recommended:

• Volcanic Hazards, Blong, R.J., AP

Further reading

• Academic reading list as described in lectures (2-3 papers per lecture)