Earth and Environmental Sciences (SEES)

Volcanoes, Earthquakes and Tsunami - Dr Derek Rust, Dr Carmen Solana

Staff. Baily, Benson, Koor, Teeuw, Whitworth.

Mechanisms, Causes and Premonitory Signals of Volcano Failure

With the Italian National Institute for Geophysics and Volcanology we are investigating the mechanisms, tectonic and geotechnical controls on Mt Etna and other volcanoes. By investigating volcanoes from a microscopic to field scale we are improving our fundamental understanding of volcano behaviour. For instance, our contribution to the Lithosphere programme concentrated on the development of shear surfaces in thin clay layers on Mt Etna whilst our NERC funded research on El Hierro investigated the curious large-scale ground movement that accompanied the 2011/12 eruption. Our recent collaborators have been the University of Milan and Nigel Press Associates.

Volcanic Activity and Lava flows Modelling

Understanding effusive activity and lava movement is crucial to the effective management of hazards on many volcanoes. We use a range of analogue modelling, remote sensing and field investigation techniques to examine the origin, evolution and associated hazards at Mt Vesuvius, Mt Etna and Tenerife.

PhD Student Miss Sarah Brown
PhD Student Miss Marie Nolan

Identification of Tsunamigenic Slope Instability

Several slopes on the island of Dominica, Lesser Antilles and the Canaries show signs that, if they become move suddenly they could create tsunami waves. We are using remote sensing and high resolution geological modelling to identify possible zones of instability both on land and offshore. This ongoing programme of research provides an opportunity for postgraduate students to build their experience of practical research on an island setting.

Palaeoseismology and Neotectonics of Seismically Active Regions

Working with partners in three different regions, we are using remote sensing, geophysics and field investigation to identify indicators of ancient and modern earthquakes. We aim to better understand the history of seismic activity in these regions and predict potential impacts of earthquakes landslides, valley collapses and landslide dams.

• In the Izmit segment of the North Anatolian Fault, Turkey (with Kocaeli University, Turkey)
• In the outer forearc of the Hellenic subduction zone, western Crete, (with Technological Educational Institute of Crete)
• In the Talas - Fergana fault zone, Tien Shan mountains, Kyrgyzstan, (with Institute of Seismology, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan)