Undergraduate Course: Volcanology (EASC10091)
Course Outline
| School | School of Geosciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 10 |
ECTS Credits | 5 |
| Summary | This course provides an introduction to Volcanology and the various different fields this encompasses. Volcanic eruptions are one of the principal forces that affect and modify the Earths surface. The resulting volatile emissions not only replenish and maintain our atmosphere, but are also known to have significant impact on atmospheric properties and its circulation. Volcanism has also played a critical role in forming a significant fraction of mineral resources currently exploited by man. As such, volcanic phenomena influence directly or indirectly many (if not all) sub-disciplines of Earth Sciences. Consequently, a basic understanding of how volcanoes work and how they contribute to the Earth systems cycles is a valuable knowledge to any student in geosciences. |
| Course description |
The primary purpose of the course is to introduce the students to the principles of volcanology by examination into the physics and chemistry of magmas, inspection of the forces / mechanisms that drive eruptions and determine their behaviour (style), assessment of dispersal and emplacement mechanisms of eruption products and evaluation of the environmental and atmospheric effects of volcanic events.
As this course is planned as an introduction to the field of volcanology any student that has successfully completed year 2 of the Earth Science program should be able to cope with the set course material and requirements. It will build on principles and methods introduced in year 1 and 2 courses such as Earth Dynamics, Earth Surface Systems and Earth Materials.
The only part of this course that may provide a challenge for disabled students is the planned ½ day field trip. Solution: In cases where field trip attendance is not possible, the student will be provided with an in-house practical designed to cover the essentials of the field trip through assigned exercises with maps and rock samples from the area in question.
Week 1
Global distribution of volcanic environments and their relation to Plate Tectonics;
Week 2
Sub-volcanic magma reservoirs: modern technqiues investigating magma genesis
Week 3
Timescales of magmatic processes
Week 4
Magma migration and eruption triggering
Week 5
Volatiles: Behaviour of volatiles within magmas and how they affect the eruption behaivour.
Week 6
Pyroclastic Density Currents:
Week 7
Lahars/Volcanic hazards
Week 8
Lava flows and domes
Week 9
Volcano Monitoring
Week 9/10
One day field excursion to the volcanic succession exposed along the shore at North Berwick to exercise logging of pyroclastic and lava flow sequences.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | Entry level knowledge in Geology, Chemistry and Physics. |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2015/16, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Semester 2 |
| Course Start Date |
11/01/2016 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
100
(
Lecture Hours 10,
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 20,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
68 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
70 %,
Coursework
30 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Written Exam: 70%, Course Work: 30 %, Practical Exam: 0%.
The course work consists of an independently researched and written literature review of some aspect of volcanology or specific volcano. Detailed guidelines are issued at the beginning of the course.
The written exam consists of a two-hour exam composed of short and long answer questions covering the theory covered in the whole course. A calculator is allowed in the exam as calculations may be required. |
| Feedback |
Not entered |
| Exam Information |
| Exam Diet |
Paper Name |
Hours & Minutes |
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| Main Exam Diet S2 (April/May) | Volcanology Main Diet | 2:00 | |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- By the end of this Course, students will have knowledge of the basic principles of volcanism and its integration with other disciplines of Earth Sciences.
- They will be able to explain the mechanism of various types of volcanic eruptions, interpret volcanic deposits and their stratigraphic successions.
- They will develop understanding of potential impacts of volcanic eruptions and their links to natural hazards and human activities.
- Enhance specialist knowledge and understanding, including a range of established techniques and research methodologies.
- Interpret, use and evaluate a wide range of specialist data.
6. To critical evaluate scienfitic literature and produce a review of the literature of a particular aspect of volcanology or volcano.
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Reading List
Volcanoes by Peter Francis and Clive Oppenheimer (2nd Edition)
Fundamentals of Physical Volcanology by Elisabeth A. Parfitt and Lionel Wilson.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Ability to manipulate and analyse data, synthesise a range of data including chemical and textural data relating to volcanic rocks |
| Additional Class Delivery Information |
Lectures on Mondays at 09:00-09:50, Weeks 1-11.
Workshops on Mondays at 09:00-12:00, Weeks 7-9.
Practicals on Mondays at 10:00-12:00, Weeks 1-11.
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| Keywords | Volcanology, eruptions, hazards, volcano monitoring, climate change |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Kate Saunders
Tel: (0131 6)50 2544
Email: |
Course secretary | Mr Ken O'Neill
Tel: (0131 6)50 8510
Email: |
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