2018/19 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
SOEE5630M Volcanic Processes
15 creditsClass Size: 50
Module manager: Prof Jurgen W Neuberg
Email: J.Neuberg@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2018/19
This module is mutually exclusive with
| SOEE3171 | Volcanic Processes |
This module is not approved as an Elective
Objectives
On completion of this module, students will:i) be familiar with the various types of volcanic eruptions and their products;
ii) understand the physical controls on eruptive processes and the transport and deposition of eruption products;
iii) be aware of volcano monitoring and hazard assessment techniques; and
iv) have an understanding of the impact of volcanic activity on climate.
In addition the student will have mastered the theory of volcanic processes and know the potential use and restrictions of volcanic monitoring.
Learning outcomes
Coursework will have a strong emphasis on problem solving, so the student will master specialist techniques for quantitatively analysing geophysical problems. Students will gain discipline specific skills involving the understanding of volcanic sources and modern data processing, and have practical experience in reading volcanic monitoring time series.
Syllabus
Introduction: distribution and tectonic settings of active volcanoes; volcanic products and landforms; eruption styles; perception of volcanoes as physical systems. Magma movement - dikes and diapirs; strain rates and rheology of magma and country rocks. Magma storage and initiation of eruptions. Near surface processes: magma ascent and gas exsolution. Links between magma rise speeds, rheology, gas content and eruption styles. Basaltic eruptions - types, associations with subsurface behaviour, repose times and eruption durations. Lava flow emplacement: influence of rheology, cooling and eruption rate. Plinian eruptions - airfall deposition, formation of pyroclastic flows and surges, associated hazards. Volcano monitoring and eruption prediction. Volcanoes and climate.
In addition 5 computer exercises to achieve expert knowledge in physical volcanology:
- Conduit flow, bubbles in magma, deformation, density, permeability and viscosity.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 16 | 1.00 | 16.00 |
| Practical | 10 | 2.00 | 20.00 |
| Private study hours | 114.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 36.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 | ||
Private study
Reading and exam preparation.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Via the VLE exercises and practical classes.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Practical | - | 20.00 |
| Computer Exercise | 5 exercises over 10 weeks | 30.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2 hr | 50.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 01/05/2018
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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