Volcanic Activity: Hazards and Environmental Change

Wedi cwblhau'r modiwl dylai'r myfyrwyr fedru:

1. Conduct independent research
2. Use and interpret numeric data sets
3. Use and interpret paleoenvironmental data sets
4. Place hypotheses of volcanically driven environmental change in a global context
5. Assess the impact of volcanic activity upon human cultural development
6. Describe the hazards associated with different forms of volcanic activity and illustrate their mitigation with appropriate case studies

This module places volcanic activity at the centre of much that has or will happen in the world, from the development of complex lifeforms and mass extinctions to revolution and the rise and fall of empires.

This module will investigate the interrelationship between volcanic activity and the planet's environment. We will explore this theme on several scales, from rare flood basalt eruptions associated with mass extinction events through massive explosive eruptions which have generated climate change to small scale events which erupt on a daily basis. Where appropriate we will draw on archaeological and historical data as well as satellite monitoring of volcanic processes. Students will be exposed to current research in all these areas. The hazards component will be explored by reviewing these and exploring appropriate case studies of disasters and successful mitigation.

*Volcanic activity and atmospheric evolution

*Flood basalt volcanism and global environmental stress - mass extinctions

*Super eruptions: glaciations, genetic bottlenecks, extinctions and extreme climate modification

*Fissure eruptions: climate change and atmospheric pollution

*Explosive eruptions of the Holocene: climate change and social response

*Health impacts of volcanic activity

*Volcanic gasesand atmospheric chemistry

*Volcanic activity and human cultural responses

*Cities at risk

*Hazard events - impacts and mitigation

Mae'r modiwl hwn yn cydymffurfio a FfCChC Lefel 6