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This course aims to provide students with an understanding of the physical processes that influence volcanic deposits resulting from both effusive and explosive eruptions. Topics range from the magma reservoir and conduit to the final resting place of volcanic deposits and specifically include the physical properties of magmas, dynamics of lava flows and domes, structure and origin of calderas, explosive eruptions, pyroclastic flows and surges, debris avalanches, lahars, submarine volcanism and magmatic hydrothermal/geothermal systems. There is a compulsory field trip for this course run early in February.
The course begins with an 8-day field trip in early February on Ruapehu based where students will be introduced to field mapping in volcanic settings, making field observations and recording quantitative data, producing maps and cross-sections, and synthesising data into conceptual eruption models and volcano histories. Following the field trip, the course transitions into the first Term of Semester 1 with 6 weeks of seminars, which are run by the students, including setting research reading, posing questions and driving discussion, and giving feedback and reflecting on learning. This is to properly prepare students for Honours’ and Master’s theses.
Students successfully completing this course will:Improve systematic approach to observing geology in the field, and the difference between descriptions and interpretationsImprove your notetaking ability to record features and characteristics of volcanic flank eruptions and how they relate to potential hazardsUse your knowledge of the different types of volcanic activity, eruptions styles and scales (size) and how this relates to the field geology of volcanic edifices Learn to collect volcanological/petrological field data and relate that to magmatic and volcanic processes, and styles and scales of eruptionsExplore and summarise volcanologic literature and develop intrinsic motivation to learn. Become more confident with communication with peers, develop teamwork skills and explore bicultural competence
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Employable, innovative and enterprising
Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
Biculturally competent and confident
Students will be aware of and understand the nature of biculturalism in Aotearoa New Zealand, and its relevance to their area of study and/or their degree.
Globally aware
Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.
Subject to approval of the Head of Department.
Students must attend one activity from each section.
8-Day field course FebSeminar 2 hours per week for the first 6 weeksWeekly reading, discussion boards and feedback
Ben Kennedy
Darren Gravley
Sigurdsson, Haraldur; Encyclopedia of volcanoes ; Academic Press, 2000 (Available online through University of Canterbury library).
Course reading • Encyclopedia of volcanoes- on-line available through University of Canterbury library
Library portal
Prerequisites: GEOL336 or equivalent
Entry RestrictionsNote: entry into this course is by application only. Please see Ben Kennedy for application form.
Domestic fee $1,145.00
International Postgraduate fees
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see School of Earth and Environment .