Hot to cold: the exceptional mobility and hazard of volcanic block and ash flows

Ten percent of the world's population (i.e. 100s of millions) live within 100 km of an active volcano. During all explosive volcanic eruptions pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) can form – high temperature mixtures of rock and gas that rapidly flow away from the volcanic vent. These phenomena are the most lethal of all volcanic hazards and are responsible for more than a third of volcanic related fatalities globally. The most common type of pyroclastic density current – block and ash flows (BAFs) occur when lava flows or domes collapse. These collapses and BAFs often occur repeatedly during times of volcanic unrest and are thus cause prolonged evacuation orders and community disruption.

We currently lack adequate knowledge of the underlying flow physics to accurately forecast these flows, thus any hazard maps and mitigation strategies currently produced are inherently limited. To improve our model forecasts, we need to understand the complex internal flow dynamics within these 'opaque' and hazardous flows. A key knowledge gap, specifically to be addressed by this project, is determining how ambient cold air is entrained into BAFs during their transport. This entrained air leads to enhanced flow mobility (increasing flow runout distances) and modifies their thermal structure (changing their impact).

Within this project you will (1) have the opportunity to conduct fieldwork on Mt Meager, Canada to unravel the range of particle properties transported within natural BAFs; (2) perform laboratory experiments to understand how, and the rates at which, ambient air is entrained; (3) calculate the thermal evolution of BAFs and resulting temperature profiles; (4) integrate this new quantitative flow knowledge into volcanic hazard maps in partnership with Natural Resources Canada. 

Additional Information

The project can be undertaken on either a full time or part time (minimum of 0.5FTE) basis.

A Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) can be applied for. This is support, to cover the study-related costs incurred due to a disability such as a mental health problem, long term illness or other disability. The type of support and amount provided, depends on individual needs, not household income.

Where applicable, funding to cover leave of absence due to ill health is available as is funding to cover maternity/paternity/caring leave.

Eligibility

Applicants are only permitted to apply for one Envision project.

Envision DTP complies with UKRI and NERC guidelines, however this studentship is only open to a home student. To be classed as a home student, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National (meeting residency requirements), or
• Have settled status, or
• Have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirement) or,
• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter

If you do not meet the above criteria, you will be classed as an international student. International students are not eligible to apply for this Envision funded studentship.

Entry requirements

Candidates shall be good honours graduates in appropriate subject areas, of a recognised University or comparable University, or persons holding equivalent qualifications who show evidence of exceptional ability, or who have demonstrated their ability in graduate studies.  

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Our graduates come from a diverse range of backgrounds and ethnicities and Envision strives to ensure that no applicant/student shall experience prejudice at admissions or during their studies, related to their sexuality, disability or any other protected characteristic.

Please note that any applicant who has previously completed an Envision Research Experience Placement (REP) will be guaranteed an interview for the Envision project that they apply to. 

How to apply

Further information about Envision can be found here and you can apply here.

This final Envision project will commence in October 2025. The deadline for applications is 17:00 on Wednesday 12th March 2025.