I am a volcanologist and hazard modeller based at University of Bristol. My early career focus was on fundamental fluid mechanics of environmental and volcanic processes, and this has evolved into broad interests across natural hazards and disaster risk reduction.
My first degree was in Chemical Engineering from University of Birmingham, from which I became interested in the fluid mechanics of environmental processes. My PhD research was into a very localised environmental pollution problem, off-target contamination from agricultural pesticide application. Working at University of Cambridge and Silsoe Research Institute, I developed new understanding of how droplets interact with plant canopies and turbulent eddies using wind tunnel experiments and mathematical models.
I moved into Volcanology at University of Bristol to apply my understanding of droplet dispersal to the transport of volcanic ash in the atmosphere, and from there to investigate the fluid mechanics of fundamental volcanic processes, using laboratory experiments and physics-based models. I have worked extensively on buoyancy driven volcanic flows (eruption plumes, ash clouds, magma mixing), magma fragmentation and the dynamics and style of explosive volcanic eruptions, mechanisms for volcanic degassing and eruption triggering, and quantifying the interplay between buoyancy and meteorology in volcanic ash dispersion and deposition, leading to improved aviation safety from volcanic ash hazard.
In this research, I collaborate with many universities worldwide and also non-academic partners including the UK and Icelandic Met Offices, the British Geological Survey, Rolls-Royce and EDF. Outside Volcanology, I have also studied the fluid dynamics of a diverse range of geological problems, including deep-ocean turbidity currents, kimberlite formation, foram settling, sponge and cinctan feeding mechanisms, columnar jointing, and dolomite formation.
Following from the fundamental science, I have become interested in predicting and mitigating hazards associated with volcanic and other natural processes. I have developed predictive mathematical models for volcanic eruption plumes and ash clouds, volcanic mudflows (lahars), debris flows and flash floods. Much of this work has been collaborative with applied mathematicians (see my projects), and together we have created freely-available modelling tools that are now widely used by hazard assessment agencies, risk managers and for academic research.
A current focus of my work is applying my knowledge of natural hazards within disaster risk reduction more broadly – working directly with affected communities and risk management agencies on preparedness planning and early warning systems for hazardous flows, and understanding long-term drivers of risk. I am interested in participatory methods that bring modelling and quantifying hazard into dialogue with those affected, and work with national risk management and scientific agencies to support risk-informed decision making and policy development. This work is fundamentally interdisciplinary (see my projects), involving a wide range of international collaborators, including the NGO Practical Action, Instituto Geofisico (Ecuador), and Servicio Nacional de Meteorología e Hidrología del Perú.
I enjoy stimulating collaborations with a wide range of research partners, currently including:
Operational Research and Risk Management:
Perú – Practical Action Latin America Office, Servicio Nacional de Meteorología e Hidrología del Perú, El Centro Nacional de Estimación, Prevención y Reducción del Riesgo de Desastres and Instituto Nacional de Defensa Civil
Philippines – Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology
Ecuador – Instituto Geofisico de la Escuela Politécnica Nacional, La Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales
Chile – Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería
Caribbean – Seismic Research Centre, University of the West Indies
British Geological Survey
Universities:
Universities of Edinburgh, East Anglia, Durham, Plymouth (UK), Université de Geneve, Arizona State University, Universidad Tecnologia del Perú, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Himalayan Universities Consortium
Art and Design:
Ros Lerner (Lucida Media, Perú), Liam O’Connor, Ella Brittan