Volcanic hazards from edX

This is course 2 of 2 for the Field Volcanology and Hazards Certificate.

In this course, we will be taking you outside of the classroom on virtual field trips. These field experiences are where volcanologists get their hands dirty and really learn the tools of the trade. We will take you on an interactive tour around Icelandic volcanoes where we will be talking to experts on location, digging holes to discover past eruptions, and hearing amazing stories of survival. We will discuss how to better manage volcanic hazards, using examples in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will also get to explore rocks and landscapes while navigating around 360° videos and 3D landscapes and rock samples. You will gauge your learning all along the way, building knowledge and skills, and thinking about why volcanoes matter to you.

What you'll learn

Describe why volcanoes erupt in Iceland and New Zealand.
Use the field skills of a volcanologist to explain and describe volcanic rocks and landscapes.
Explain why different volcano types have different eruption hazards.
Appreciate the value of cross-cultural perspectives from Māori narratives and values to stories of Icelandic trolls.
Apply field data and historic eruption stories to discuss volcanic hazard implications in different locations in Iceland and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Discuss the plan to drill into a magma chamber, weigh up the societal benefits such as renewable geothermal energy and better eruption prediction with risks and costs.
Use appropriate cultural consideration and apply communication skills to describe volcanic processes to diverse audiences.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Describe why volcanoes erupt in iceland and new zealand.
Use the field skills of a volcanologist to explain and describe volcanic rocks and landscapes.
Explain why different volcano types have different eruption hazards.
Appreciate the value of cross-cultural perspectives from māori narratives and values to stories of icelandic trolls.

Apply field data and historic eruption stories to discuss volcanic hazard implications in different locations in iceland and aotearoa new zealand.
Discuss the plan to drill into a magma chamber, weigh up the societal benefits such as renewable geothermal energy and better eruption prediction with risks and costs.
Use appropriate cultural consideration and apply communication skills to describe volcanic processes to diverse audiences.

Describe why volcanoes erupt in iceland and new zealand.
Use the field skills of a volcanologist to explain and describe volcanic rocks and landscapes.
Explain why different volcano types have different eruption hazards.
Appreciate the value of cross-cultural perspectives from māori narratives and values to stories of icelandic trolls.
Apply field data and historic eruption stories to discuss volcanic hazard implications in different locations in iceland and aotearoa new zealand.
Discuss the plan to drill into a magma chamber, weigh up the societal benefits such as renewable geothermal energy and better eruption prediction with risks and costs.
Use appropriate cultural consideration and apply communication skills to describe volcanic processes to diverse audiences.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores volcanoes and their impact on society, which is valuable knowledge for understanding natural disasters and their mitigation

Taught by experts in volcanology, Ben Kennedy and Jonathan Davidson, who are recognized for their work in the field

Provides an in-depth understanding of volcanic hazards, which is crucial for communities living near or affected by volcanoes

Utilizes interactive materials and engaging virtual field experiences to enhance learning

Focuses on practical applications of volcanology, making the knowledge gained directly applicable to real-world situations

Emphasizes cross-cultural perspectives on volcanoes, fostering cultural awareness and understanding of different narratives

Career center

Learners who complete Volcanic hazards will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Volcanologist

As a Volcanologist, you will be tasked with understanding why, how and where volcanoes erupt, what happens when they erupt, how to predict eruptions, and how to minimize the effects of an eruption. This course will help prepare you for a career in this field by teaching you field skills and techniques used by volcanologists to gain knowledge about volcanoes. It will teach you how to use those skills to describe and explain volcanic rocks and landscapes. Additionally, you will learn how to apply data collected in the field to better understand volcanic hazard implications.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and how human activities affect it. They also develop solutions to environmental problems. This course can help you prepare for a career in this field by teaching you about volcanic hazards and how to manage them. You will learn about different types of volcanoes, how they erupt, and the risks and costs associated with different mitigation strategies.

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Hazard Mitigation Specialist

Hazard Mitigation Specialists develop and implement plans to reduce the risk of disasters. This course can help you prepare for a career in this field by teaching you about volcanic hazards. You will learn about different types of volcanoes and how they erupt. You will also learn how to identify and assess volcanic hazards and develop plans to mitigate their effects.

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Geologist

Geologists study the Earth's physical features and the processes that shape them. This course can help you prepare for a career in this field by teaching you about volcanic hazards. You will learn about different types of volcanoes and why and how they erupt. You will also learn how to identify and assess volcanic hazards.

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Geophysicist

Geophysicists study the Earth's physical properties and processes using geophysical methods. This course can help you prepare for a career in this field by teaching you about volcanic hazards. You will learn about different types of volcanoes and how they erupt. You will also learn how to use geophysical methods to monitor and assess volcanic activity.

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Science Writer

Science Writers write about scientific topics for the public. This course can help you prepare for a career in this field by teaching you about volcanic hazards. You will learn about different types of volcanoes and how they erupt. You will also learn how to communicate scientific information about volcanic hazards to the public.

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Science Policy Advisor

Science Policy Advisors advise policymakers on scientific issues. This course can help you prepare for a career in this field by teaching you about volcanic hazards. You will learn about different types of volcanoes and how they erupt. You will also learn how to communicate scientific information about volcanic hazards to policymakers.

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Science Communicator

Science Communicators translate complex scientific information into accessible language for the public. This course can help you prepare for a career in this field by teaching you about volcanic hazards. You will learn about different types of volcanoes and how they erupt. You will also learn how to communicate scientific information about volcanic hazards to the public.

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Disaster Relief Specialist

Disaster Relief Specialists provide aid to victims of disasters. This course can help you prepare for a career in this field by teaching you about volcanic hazards. You will learn about different types of volcanoes and how they erupt. You will also learn how to identify and assess volcanic hazards and develop plans to mitigate their effects.

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Science Educator

Science Educators teach science to students of all ages. This course can help you prepare for a career in this field by teaching you about volcanic hazards. You will learn about different types of volcanoes and how they erupt. You will also learn how to communicate scientific information about volcanic hazards to students.

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Risk Assessor

Risk Assessors identify and assess risks. This course may be useful for preparing for a career in this field by teaching you about volcanic hazards. You will learn about different types of volcanoes and how they erupt. You will also learn how to identify and assess volcanic hazards and develop plans to mitigate their effects.

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Environmental Planner

Environmental Planners develop plans to protect the environment. This course may be useful for preparing for a career in this field by teaching you about volcanic hazards. You will learn about different types of volcanoes and how they erupt. You will also learn how to identify and assess volcanic hazards and develop plans to mitigate their effects.

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Natural Resources Manager

Natural Resources Managers oversee the management of natural resources. This course may be useful for preparing for a career in this field by teaching you about volcanic hazards. You will learn about different types of volcanoes and how they erupt. You will also learn how to identify and assess volcanic hazards and develop plans to mitigate their effects.

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Emergency Manager

Emergency Managers plan for and respond to emergencies. This course may be useful for preparing for a career in this field by teaching you about volcanic hazards. You will learn about different types of volcanoes and how they erupt. You will also learn how to identify and assess volcanic hazards and develop plans to mitigate their effects.

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Insurance Underwriter

Insurance Underwriters assess and price insurance risks. This course may be useful for preparing for a career in this field by teaching you about volcanic hazards. You will learn about different types of volcanoes and how they erupt. You will also learn how to identify and assess volcanic hazards and develop plans to mitigate their effects.

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