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UCx: Exploring Volcanoes and Their Hazards: Iceland and New Zealand

Experience the science of volcanology whilst learning the skill set of a volcanologist on a virtual fieldtrip to volcanoes in Iceland and New Zealand.

7 weeks
3–5 hours per week
Self-paced
Progress at your own speed
This course is archived

About this course

Skip About this course

In this course, you will learn the scientific terminology and skills of a field volcanologist. Unlike most courses, we will be taking you outside of the classroom. 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 New Zealand drawing on Māori knowledge. 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.

Awards

edX Prize 2021 Winner

At a glance

  • Language: English
  • Video Transcript: English
  • Associated skills:Volcanology

What you'll learn

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  • Describe why volcanoes erupt in Iceland and New Zealand.
  • Use the field skills of a volcanologist to describe volcanic rocks and landscapes.
  • Explain why different volcano types have different eruption hazards.
  • Apply field data and historic eruption stories to discuss volcanic hazard implications in different locations in Iceland and New Zealand.
  • Evaluate a 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.

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