Unit name | Modelling Volcanic Activity |
---|---|
Unit code | EASCM0053 |
Credit points | 10 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1B (weeks 7 - 12) |
Unit director | Professor. Phillips |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
Undergraduates: Successful completion of years 1, 2 and 3 of the Environmental Geoscience, Geology or Geophysics degree programme curriculum MSc Volcanology students: none |
Co-requisites |
n/a |
School/department | School of Earth Sciences |
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
The focus of this unit is the prediction of volcanic activity, using approaches based on the physics of volcanic processes. The overall aim is to develop an understanding of the application of the fundamental physical principles of conservation of mass momentum and energy as the basis of quantitative predictions of the dynamics of effusive and explosive volcanic activity.
The unit teaching will develop the application of conservation principles to the motion (steady and unsteady) of volcanic fluids, including explosive conduit flow, lava dome growth and degassing, and to the hazardous flows that result, including volcanic plumes and ash clouds, pyroclastic flows, lahars and lava flows. The physical basis of volcano monitoring measurements (volcano seismology, gas emissions, thermal monitoring and volcano acoustics) and the physical impacts of volcanic activity (on infrastructure, aviation and agriculture) will be studied.
The practical work will focus on using state-of-the-art prediction tools to apply the principles and interpret predictions relevant to volcanic impacts.
Students should be able to:
Lectures and practicals
2 hour written examination (70%)
Coursework based on practicals (30%)
Recommended
Further Reading
Relevant journal articles will also be included on Blackboard.