91412 - Volcanic Hazards and Environmental Impact

Learning outcomes

Volcanism is one of the most dramatic and rapid agent of geologic change. Even though less frequent and devastating than earthquakes, any kind of volcano can produce hazardous or deadly phenomena, whether during an eruption or in quiescence conditions, thus inducing risks for densely populated areas around the world. Some eruptions can have a meaningful global impact on Earth’s climate, either with cooling or warming effects, through the ejection of large amounts of ash particles and gases into the atmosphere. Understanding the eruptive behaviour of a volcano is the first step in mitigating volcanic hazards (and risk), eventually taking into consideration some elements of unpredictability inherent to these natural systems. At the end of the course, students will acquire knowledge on the main eruptive processes (lava flows, explosive eruptions, volcano-tectonic collapses, lahars) and their effects on persons, properties and resources and the environment, with a particular emphasis on the eruptive phenomena that can potentially affect (global) climate changes (ash dispersal, gas emission). A special focus will be given to volcanic risk in densely inhabited areas. Students will learn about the main parameters for the monitoring of volcanoes, i.e. deformation of the soil, seismicity, and fluid geochemistry, aimed at forecasting the eruptions and predicting their onset.

Course contents

The course is divided into several sections designed to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding volcanic activity, from its magmatic sources to the formation of volcanic edifices at the Earth’s surface. It also aims to define the main eruption styles and depositional mechanisms associated with different eruptive processes, with particular emphasis on the assessment of volcanic hazards and risks.

I – Physical Properties of Magmas

• Physical properties of magmas.
• Magma chambers, dykes, and volcanic conduits.

II – Explosive Volcanism

• Classification of volcanic activity and eruption styles.
• Magmatic fragmentation processes.
• Eruptive plumes and fallout deposits.
• Pyroclastic density currents and their deposits.

III – Effusive Volcanism

• Characteristics and flow dynamics of mafic lava flows (pāhoehoe and ʻāʻā).
• Characteristics and flow dynamics of silicic lavas: blocky lava flows, rhyolitic lava flows (coulees), and lava domes.

IV – Volcano-Tectonic Collapses and Gravity-Driven Processes

• Volcano-tectonic collapses (caldera formation and sector collapse).
• Post-eruptive gravity-driven mass flows, including debris avalanches and lahars.

V – Eruption Forecasting and Risk Mitigation

• Eruption forecasting techniques.
• Volcanic hazard mapping.
• Volcano monitoring.
• Risk mitigation strategies in volcanic areas.

Throughout the course, both historic eruptions that have shaped the development of volcanology and recent eruptive events will be examined as case studies for hazard assessment and risk mitigation.

A field excursion to active volcanic areas (e.g., Mount Etna, the Aeolian Islands, Campi Flegrei, or Tenerife) will complement the course. The excursion will provide an opportunity to consolidate theoretical concepts and discuss, in the field, the main approaches used to assess volcanic multi-hazards and mitigate volcanic risk. Visits to volcanic observatories and monitoring centres may also be included.

Course Coordinator: Prof. Federico Lucchi

The course consists of:

• 24 hours of lectures (3 CFU);
• 24 hours of field activities (2 CFU).

In addition, 1 CFU (8 hours) is dedicated to a flipped-learning activity, during which students, working in small groups, will analyse selected case studies proposed by the teacher. Students will identify key features, develop interpretations, and present their findings to the class. The activity will conclude with a guided discussion involving both students and teacher.

Readings/Bibliography

The course is primarily based on PowerPoint lecture notes provided by the teacher. The following books are recommended for further reading and for students wishing to deepen their understanding of specific topics covered in the course:

• Schminke, H.U., 2004. Volcanism. Springer-Verlag, Berlin Heidelberg.
• Sigurdsson, H. (Ed.), 2015. The Encyclopedia of Volcanoes (2nd ed.). Academic Press, San Diego, USA.
• Cas, R.A.F., Giordano, G., & Wright, J.V., 2024. Volcanology: Processes, Deposits, Geology and Resources. Springer, Cham, Switzerland.

Teaching methods

• PowerPoint presentations provided by the teacher.
• Student presentations followed by class discussions on topics covered in the course or on selected scientific papers of particular relevance. This activity is conducted according to the principles of innovative blended learning.
• A field excursion aimed at consolidating and verifying the understanding of the concepts introduced during classroom lectures.

Safety Requirements and Field Activities

Due to the nature of the teaching activities and methods adopted, all students are required to complete Modules 1, 2 and 3 of the University’s online health and safety training course (available at: https://www.unibo.it/en/services-and-opportunities/health-and-wellbeing/health-and-safety/safety-and-health-in-places-of-study-and-internship).

Participation in field excursions may require students to contribute, at least partially, to transportation and/or accommodation costs associated with multi-day fieldwork activities.

Assessment methods

The assessment is designed to evaluate the student’s knowledge of the main topics covered in the course, as well as their ability to integrate theoretical concepts with observations and data collected during the field excursion.

The examination may be conducted either in written or oral form, as agreed upon with the teacher.

Students with specific learning disabilities (SLD) and/or temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the relevant University support service as early as possible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) in order to discuss appropriate accommodations. Requests for accommodations must be submitted to the teacher at least 15 days before the examination date. The teacher will evaluate the suitability of the proposed accommodations in accordance with the learning objectives of the course.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used to support individual study activities, including in-depth learning, summarisation, and self-assessment. However, the use of AI tools during any form of assessment, whether written or oral, is strictly prohibited. Consequently, the use of smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, or any other electronic devices is not permitted during examinations. Such devices must be handed in or switched off and stored away for the entire duration of the assessment. Any unauthorized use of AI tools or electronic devices during an examination will be considered a violation of academic integrity and will be dealt with in accordance with University regulations.

Teaching tools

• Multimedia projector.
• Hand specimens of volcanic rocks and deposits.

Office hours

See the website of Federico Lucchi