Unit information: Volcanic Hazards: Observation, Modelling and Geographical Information Systems in 2015/16

Unit name	Volcanic Hazards: Observation, Modelling and Geographical Information Systems
Unit code	EASCM0046
Credit points	10
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1B (weeks 7 - 12)
Unit director	Professor. Matthew Watson
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	Successful completion of years 1, 2 and 3 of either an Environmental Geoscience or a Geology MSci degree programme at Bristol, or equivalent from another University - MSc students should contact the unit director.
Co-requisites	n/a
School/department	School of Earth Sciences
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

This course is designed for those who have an interest in the observation, modelling and mapping of volcanic hazards. The course has five distinct parts:

(1) the underpinning principles of remote sensing, mapping and data handling

(2) GIS and its applications to understanding and communication hazard

(3) observing volcanic hazards

(4) modelling volcanic hazards

(5) risk, statistics and expert elicitation

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion you will be able to:

• understand the physical principles of remote sensing

• use remote sensing to observe volcanoes

• understand models of volcanic hazards

• use ARC-GIS to produce a hazard map

Teaching Information

Lectures and practicals

Assessment Information

This unit constitutes 10 credit points and 100 marks to the end-of year results. Assessment will be by independent coursework (50%) based on one submission of a hazard map and briefing document, and a 2 hour closed exam (50%).

Reading and References

• Physical Principles of Remote Sensing, W.G. Rees, CUP

• Remote Sensing of the Lower Atmosphere, G.L. Stephens, Oxford

• Clouds in a Glass of Beer, C Bohren, Wiley