Currently there are 12 active volcanoes in New Zealand two of which, White Island and Tongariro (Figure 1.), have erupted in the past six months. The work of the volcanology team at GNS Science is to monitor the volcanoes and communicate risk to the population by producing volcanic alert bulletins. In addition, volcanic activity is modeled to understand the dynamics of each volcano and investigate the risk to nearby society.

Many of New Zealand’s volcanoes are in highly populated areas or are busy tourist attractions, for example the Tongariro Crossing (Figure 2). The information visit allowed me to work with the scientists who have to make decisions regarding both immediate and long-term volcanic risk on a daily basis depending on the activity of the volcanoes.

To date my research has focused on modeling how ash from explosive eruptions is transported through the atmosphere with implications for hazard and risk assessment to nearby businesses, for example aviation, industry and population. However the risk component has very much been in a theoretical rather than applied sense. During my time at GNS Science I was able to discuss my research and learn more about how my methods and results can be applied to specific eruption scenarios. I was able to attend meetings where the current activity of the volcanoes was discussed and learn how volcanic alert levels were determined. I was also able to take part in a meeting where potential methods of studying the currently active volcanoes were discussed.

In addition to the visit to GNS Science, I also spent some time at the University of Auckland. Auckland is built on top of a volcanic field whose activity, until recently has been poorly understood. The DEVORA (DEtermining VOlcanic Risk in Auckland) research project was developed to understand the nature of volcanic activity in the Auckland area. This information is then used to inform a probabilistic volcanic hazard model with implications for risk to Auckland. While in Auckland I was able to meet with a number of researchers currently working on the DEVORA project and discuss the methods used to determine hazard and risk to Auckland.

In summary, the time I spent in New Zealand has helped me to understand the complexities of not only determining risk, using direct volcano observations and modeling, but also communicating this risk in a manner that is understandable and practical for society.

This award was made under the Volcano and Society small awards following the launch of Kathy Cashman's AXA funded Chair.