Study information

Volcanology - 2023 entry

MODULE TITLEVolcanology CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODECSM3070 MODULE CONVENERDr James Hickey (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 0 11 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 15
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
Volcanoes are geological powerhouses and an important geohazard. By studying their geological products and physical behaviour, we can not only learn about the engine room of Earth's interior but also how to protect populations threatened by them. To learn how volcano research can be used in this way, this module will look at a variety of volcano-related subjects, ranging from volcano monitoring and volcanic risk reduction, through physical, social and geological volcanology, to how volcanology interacts with climatology, petrology and natural resources. You will participate in lectures, seminars, and practical sessions to teach you about the state-of-the-art theory of volcano science and their practical applications.
 
Pre-requisites for this module are CSM2190 Geophysics, PLUS CSM2312 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology OR CSM2051 Magmatic and Metamorphic Rocks AND CSM2910 Magmatism and Metamorphism. There are no co-requisites. This module may be suitable for non-specialist students or interdisciplinary pathways. 
 
AIMS - intentions of the module

This module aims to introduce and explore the processes that drive volcanic eruptions and their impacts on lives, livelihoods and the environment. You will investigate how volcanoes work, and develop an understanding of the physics of volcanic processes, starting from magma generation and the birth of a volcano, through magma ascent and eruption style, to volcanic hazards, impacts of eruptions and risk mitigation. Social and cultural concerns will also be considered as these drive volcanologists to protect communities at risk.

The module will develop research skills through discussions and debate of recent literature and outstanding challenges in volcanology. The transferable skills and content developed during this module will be applicable for a wide range of industry and academic career paths.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

1. Describe and debate fundamental principles in applied, physical, social and geophysical volcanology
2. Solve numerical problems related to volcanology
3. Compare and contrast different volcano monitoring methods and their impact on eruption forecasting and risk mitigation
4. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the principles that govern different styles of volcanic eruption, and their impacts on people and the environment

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

5. Understand how volcanology fits within the wider geodynamical Earth system
6. Recognize how volcanology links to other geosciences (e.g., climatology and natural resources)

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

7. Evaluate data and models using scientific programming whilst dealing with uncertainties
8. Demonstrate personal interpretive skills, along with self- and time-management skills
9. Critically analyse and summarise scientific literature to be presented orally and via formal or informal writing
10. Synthesise information and recognise its relevance while appreciating the difference between synthesised textbook summaries and the primary knowledge derived from research journals

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

Topics covered will typically include:

  • Effusive eruptions styles and mechanisms
  • Explosive eruption styles and mechanisms
  • Magma rheology and dynamics
  • Magma generation and transport
  • Eruption triggers and eruption case studies
  • Volcano monitoring and eruption precursors
  • Eruption forecasting and uncertainties
  • Hazard evaluation and risk mitigation
  • Applied and social volcanology
  • Volcanic eruption deposits

The module will be split into a series of lectures, seminars and practical sessions. Seminars will be student led and focus on topical issues in volcanology. Practical sessions will include hands-on, computational, and numerical activities.

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 40 Guided Independent Study 110 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities 14 Lectures
Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities 14 Practical sessions
Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities 4 Seminars
Guided independent study 118 Independent study guided by reading list

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Practical sessions 4 Practical Sessions (3 x 3-Hour; 1 x 5-Hour) 1 – 10 Verbal feedback during and after sessions
Seminars 2 x 2-Hour seminar 1 – 10 Verbal feedback during and after sessions
In-lecture quizzes Lecture dependent 1 – 10 Immediate quiz answers

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 100 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Written assignment 50 6 pages + references 1 – 10 Feedback method
Poster assignment 50 A1 poster 1 – 10 Individual feedback via attainment against proforma marking scheme

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Written assignment Written assignment (50%) 1 – 10 August ref/def period
Poster assignment Poster assignment (50%) 1 – 10 August ref/def period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES – Written assignment (50%), or poster assignment (50%).

 

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk

Web based and electronic resources: see ELE page

Other resources: background material from previous modules

 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Sigurdsson, Houghton, McNutt, Rymer & Stix Encyclopaedia of Volcanoes 2nd Elsevier
Set Parfitt & Wilson Fundamentals of Physical Volcanology Blackwell 2008 978-0632054435
Set Schmincke Volcanism Springer 2003 978-3642623769
Set Jerram & Dougal Introducing Volcanology: A Guide to Hot Rocks Dunedin Academic Press 2021 1780460902
Set Fagents, Gregg, & Lopes Modeling Volcanic Processes The Physics and Mathematics of Volcanism 2013 9781139021562
Set Gottsmann Volcanic Unrest: From Science to Society (Advances in Volcanology) 2019 978-3319584119
Set Fearnley Observing the Volcano World: Volcano Crisis Communication 2018 978-3319440958
Set Consensus Study Report Loughlin Volcanic Eruptions and Their Repose, Unrest, Precursors, and Timing 2015 National Academies Press 2015
Set Jerram, D. and Petford, N. The Field Description of Igneous Rocks Geological Society of London Handbook Series, Wiley-Blackwell 2011
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES CSM2312, CSM2190, CSM2051
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 6 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Friday 6th December 2019 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 2nd February 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH Volcanology, volcano, natural hazards, geohazards, risk reduction, hazard assessment, volcano monitoring, eruption forecasting

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.