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

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Volcanic hazards with these activities:

Review basic terms in volcanology

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Volcanology is the study of volcanoes. Volcanoes are mountains that form when magma, or hot, molten rock, rises from deep in the Earth's crust.

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Read a brief overview of volcanology
Define key terms such as 'magma', 'lava', 'eruption', and 'volcanic ash'
Identify different types of volcanoes

Practice map reading and interpretation

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Map reading and interpretation skills are essential for volcanologists. Sharpening these skills will enhance your learning in this course.

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Obtain maps of different regions
Identify and interpret different map symbols
Practice determining distances and directions on maps
Analyze topographic maps to understand terrain
Use online mapping tools to explore real-world locations

Refresh background in earth sciences

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Refreshing background knowledge in earth sciences will prepare you for this course on field volcanology and hazards.

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Review notes from previous earth sciences courses
Read introductory articles or watch videos on earth sciences
Take practice quizzes or solve problems related to earth sciences
Discuss earth science concepts with a friend or tutor
Attend a workshop or seminar on earth sciences

Ten other activities

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Organize course materials

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This organization will lay the groundwork for enhanced content retention and retrieval.

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Create folders in your file system
Organize digital files
Print and organize physical documents
Color code materials by topic
Use annotations and notes to highlight key concepts

Watch a documentary on volcanoes

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Watching a documentary will help you learn more about volcanoes and the different processes involved in their formation and eruption.

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Find a reputable documentary about volcanoes
Take notes while watching the documentary
Discuss what you learned with a friend or family member

Follow tutorials on volcanic processes

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This activity will provide you with a foundation in volcanic processes, enriching your understanding of the course content.

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Find reputable online tutorials on volcanic processes
Watch and follow the tutorials step-by-step
Take notes and summarize the key concepts covered
Apply what you learn to real-world examples or case studies
Discuss your understanding with others

Practice identifying different types of volcanoes

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Understanding the differences between volcano types will help you when learning about the types of hazards they pose.

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Use a field guide or online resources to identify different types of volcanoes
Take a quiz or test to assess your understanding

Join a study group with classmates

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Collaboration and discussion with peers can enhance your comprehension of course material and foster critical thinking.

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Find classmates who are interested in forming a study group
Set regular meeting times and locations
Develop a study plan that covers the course content
Take turns leading discussions and presenting material
Quiz each other and provide feedback

Create a poster or infographic about volcanoes

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Making a poster or infographic will help you to synthesize information from the course and improve your understanding.

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Choose a topic related to volcanoes
Research your topic and gather information
Create a poster or infographic that visually represents your findings

Volunteer at a local volcano observatory

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Hands-on experience at a volcano observatory will provide valuable insights into the work of volcanologists and reinforce your understanding of volcanic processes.

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Contact local volcano observatories to inquire about volunteer opportunities
Meet with the observatory staff to discuss your interests and qualifications
Complete any necessary training or safety protocols
Participate in field monitoring, data collection, or outreach activities
Network with professionals in the field of volcanology

Develop a volcanic hazard map

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Creating a volcanic hazard map will reinforce your understanding of volcanic hazards and their potential impacts.

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Gather data on volcanic activity, topography, and infrastructure
Analyze the data to identify potential hazard zones
Create a map that clearly communicates the hazard information
Validate the map with experts or through peer review
Present the map to relevant stakeholders

Volunteer at a local museum or science center

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Volunteering will allow you to apply your knowledge of volcanology and share it with others.

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Find a local museum or science center that has a geology or volcanology exhibit
Contact the museum or science center to inquire about volunteer opportunities
Attend a volunteer training session
Volunteer your time to help with educational programs or exhibits

Create a video presentation on volcanic eruptions

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Creating a video presentation will allow you to synthesize your understanding of volcanic eruptions and effectively communicate it to others.

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Research and gather information on different types of volcanic eruptions
Develop a storyboard or outline for your video
Create visuals, animations, or diagrams to illustrate your content
Record your narration and edit the video together
Share your video presentation with others and invite feedback

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Volcanologist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hazard Mitigation Specialist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geologist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geophysicist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Communicator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Disaster Relief Specialist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Assessor

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Emergency Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Insurance Underwriter