FALL 2005:

GEOL 154: PHYSICAL VOLCANOLOGY

Prof. Jonathan Lees

Mon. & Wed. 4:00-5:15 PM

This course is aimed at upper level undergraduate to beginning graduate students in Geology and/or Physics. Upper level physics (mechanics), differential equations and linear algebra will be helpful. Course will cover the description of processes inherent in volcanic activity, from the formation of magma to violent eruption. Geophysical analysis will be stressed: analytic and numerical modeling by students will be encouraged.

Course consists of discussion/lecture sessions with assigned readings and occasional homework practice problems.

1 Midterm

1 Final

Student presentations

Course Outline:

1) INTRODUCTION

2) MATHEMATICAL BASIS: Vector Algebra and Calculus

3) PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF ROCKS, MINERALS AND MAGMAS

4) PHYSICS OF MAGMATIC INTRUSIONS

5) MAGMA RISE: VOLATILE EXSOLUTION, NUCLEATION, AND ASCENT

6) LAVA FLOWS

7) MAGMATIC FRAGMENTATION

8) HYDRO-VOLCANISM

9) DISPERSION OF VOLCANIC PRODUCTS

10) CURRENT DENSITY FLOWS AND LAHARS

11) NON FRACTURE SEISMIC AND ACOUSTIC SIGNALS