Cutting Edge Lectures in Science: The nature and origin of large explosive eruptions
The nature and origin of large explosive eruptions
By (Dept. Earth and Planetary Sciences, 黑料网爆吃瓜 University)
This lecture addresses the nature and causes of episodic eruptions which can cause local, regional, and global devastation. A key parameter is the presence of large volumes of magma, stored at 5-10 km depth in a crustal magma reservoir, which are capable of being erupted. If a reservoir is sufficiently drained of its magma during eruption, the roof of the reservoir will fail, creating a large depression on the surface called a caldera. Whether a caldera forms early or late during the course of an eruption will influence the style of the eruption. Another key parameter is the trigger which initiates the eruption. Potential trigger mechanisms include earthquakes and injections of magma from deeper levels in the crust or mantle. Understanding the types of precursory activity which lead to a large eruption is a current challenge in volcanology, as we have never experienced such an event in historic time. Nevertheless, we may draw on clues from smaller events to provide us with insight. The lectures will conclude with a discussion of the probable consequences of such eruptions upon our society. Read Dr. Stix Globe & Mail article about
IMAGE: The volcano in southern Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull glacier spewing ash and grit into the air, April 2010. From Wikimedia Commons.
By (Earth and Planetary Sciences, 黑料网爆吃瓜 University)
Initiated in 2003 with the express purpose of fostering communication between scientists in different disciplines as well as between scientists and the public, Cutting Edge Lectures in Science are made possible through the generous support of Faculty of Medical Sciences (Professor Marianna Newkirk, Associate Dean Research), Faculty of Arts (Professor Christopher Manfredi, Dean), Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (Professor Chandra Madramootoo, Dean), Faculty of Science (Professor Martin Grant, Dean) and the Centre for Applied Mathematics in Bioscience and Medicine (CAMBAM). For more information, please call 514-398-4094.