Volcanoes as Tectonic Hazards

Volcanoes (GCSE)

In this course, Professor Matthew Watson (University of Bristol) introduces us to volcanoes. We begin by: (i) learning about how volcanoes arise from their tectonic setting; (ii) volcanic hazards; (iii) how scientists monitor and research volcanoes; (iv) how local communities live with volcanoes; and finally (v) a case study of the 2018 eruption of Volcán de Fuego in Guatemala, which tragically killed more than 100 people.

Volcanoes as Tectonic Hazards

In this lecture, the focus is on beginning to understand volcanoes in relation to their tectonic setting and how it influences their behaviour. To begin, we take a look at the Earth’s tectonic plates, with varying boundaries and how they play a crucial role in determining the nature of volcanoes found at those plate boundaries. We take a look at the structure of volcanism at subduction and divergent zones, and how their structure influences the characteristics of a volcano.