Field Volcanology and Hazards

When people and volcanoes get too close, it is important to understand and manage their hazards. This program was created following the success of our first EdX volcano course that won the EdX prize for innovative teaching. This course has now been expanded into two courses, using feedback from participants to include new introductory material, animations, interactive graphs, 360 videos and interviews. Part 1 of the course is focussed on Aotearoa New Zealand. Part 2 of the course focusses on our virtual fieldtrip to Iceland.

In this program, you will learn the science of how volcanoes work and the skills of a field volcanologist to investigate and communicate volcanic hazards. We will use animations and experiments, and to enrich our learning and hone your communication skills, we’ll explore Mātauranga Māori perspectives on volcanoes and managing volcanic hazards.

We will be taking you outside of the classroom on virtual field trips to New Zealand and Iceland. These field experiences are where volcanologists get their hands dirty and really learn the tools of the trade. We will explore volcanoes by talking to experts on location, digging holes to discover past eruptions, and hearing amazing stories of survival. You will also get to explore 3D rock samples and landscapes and navigate around 360° videos. You will gauge your learning all along the way, building knowledge and skills, and reflecting about why volcanoes matter to you.

Courses under this program:
Course 1: Volcanology field science and society

In this introductory course, you will use interactive technologies to learn the science of how volcanoes work and the skills of a field volcanologist. You will explore the intersection of field volcanology and society, by looking into cultural perspectives of volcanoes, hazard mapping and communication using examples in Aotearoa New Zealand and drawing on Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge).

Course 2: Volcanic hazards

In this course, 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 of volcanoes in Iceland and Aotearoa New Zealand.