Module Search

GEOL3457: Volcanic Hazards and Impacts

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type	Open
Level	3
Credits	10
Availability	Available in 2024/2025
Module Cap	Only 33 students in total may register to take GEOL3051, GEOL3457, GEOL4221 and GEOL4247
Location	Durham
Department	Earth Sciences

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Excluded Combinations of Modules

GEOL3051 Volcanology and Magmatism

Aims

To develop an understanding of volcanic hazard, risk and impact assessment and how these feed into eruption preparedness, warning and communication.
To learn about how past volcanic events can be deciphered through interpretation of field stratigraphy, with reference to Tenerife.
To develop the capacity to interrogate field data, and to integrate this with understanding gained through classroom learning and from the literature.

Content

Pyroclastic dispersal and deposits.
Structure of volcanoes and the construction of a volcanic edifice.
Volcanic hazards, risks,and their assessment.
Impacts of volcanic eruptions.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

Understand how eruptions construct volcanic edifices, and how volcanic hazards impact on human populations.

Subject-specific Skills:

Acquire and develop the intellectual and practical skills to observe, record accurately and account for volcanological features in the field.
Acquire and develop the intellectual and practical skills to synthesize information/data from a variety of sources.
Acquire the intellectual and practical skills to analyse, evaluate and interpret volcanological data.

Key Skills:

To understand and use formal scientific reasoning.
Synthesize and respond to a variety of information sources.
Develop skills necessary for self-managed learning (including independent working, time management).
Develop understanding through observation, analysis and interpretation in the field.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

Teaching is delivered via a mixture of lectures and extended guided practical classes, supported by handouts, directed reading, feedback and a one-week residential field trip.
The principles of the subject will be re-enforced with classroom and field exercises and academic literature.
Summative assessment is 100% continual and comprises assessed field work and report writing, through which students can demonstrate their problem solving skills, practical skills and theoretical comprehension.
Formative assessment is provided via feedback to practical assignments.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total	Monitored
Lectures	8	Weekly	1 hour	8	Yes
Practicals	5	Weekly	2 hours	10	Yes
Fieldwork	1			70	Yes
Preparation and Reading				12
Total				100

Summative Assessment

Component: Continuous Assessment		Component Weighting: 100%
Element	Length / Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Field notebook		20
Hazard report		80

Formative Assessment

Classroom-based practical exercises and reports.

More information

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our FAQ webpages, Help page or our glossary of terms. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the FAQ, or a query about the on-line Undergraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.