Volcanology

In order to understand volcanoes, the course first explains the structures of the Earth and ocean that facilitate volcanic activity, the developmental process of Earth’s interior and exterior structures, and plate tectonics and seismology.

You’ll learn about the structural foundations of volcanoes, examine subsurface plumbing system mechanisms and explore various internal volcanic structures. The course also explains the types of volcanoes, eruptions, lava, and tephra produced from eruptions.

We’ll explore the methods used by volcanologists to quantify and model eruption size and intensity, and examine the various tools utilised at seismic stations to observe eruptions. You’ll become familiar with the phases volcanoes undergo before an eruption, and how scientists use key indicators to develop the best determination of a potential eruption.

We’ll explore the volcanic chemistry and biological domains of Earth’s volcanoes, including magmatic emissions, environmental effects, and lives of the various organisms that live in or around volcanoes. Hydrothermal vents and their effects on biodiversity throughout the oceans is also covered.

You’ll discover both local and global volcanic hazards, such as Snowball Earth, atmospheric modification, acid rain, lava dangers, resource pollution, and tsunamis.

The course concludes with examples of some of the largest volcanic eruptions in Earth’s history, the largest event to be recorded by humans, a look at the most notable eruption events in the last 10 years and a list of the most dangerous impending events in Earth’s future geological forecast.

By studying this course, you will:

• Understand the study of volcanoes
• Learn how volcanoes form, develop, and erupt
• Be familiar with the work of volcanologists
• Be aware of past and future volcanic events
• Understand the environmental and biological effects of volcanic eruptions

An introduction to the constantly evolving geographic field, volcanology, this course is suitable for those with a passion for Earth sciences and beginners with an interest in how these titans of the landscape form, develop, and erupt, and the work volcanologists do in monitoring active sites.