'Can you stop a PDC?' Assessing the impact of natural and engineered barriers on deadly volcanic flows in the built environment.

Pyroclastic density currents (PDC) are dangerous volcanic flows with the potential to surmount topographic highs and pose a risk to nearby communities. Conversely, other PDCs have been observed as being deflected by much smaller topographic barriers. Millions of people live in areas at risk from PDCs, so it is essential to better understand these dangerous volcanic flows.

My central research question is what are the effects of topography on the flow characteristics of dense granular PDCs? In this context, topography can refer to natural topography or man-made structures such as buildings or engineered barriers.

Flume experiments will be used to simulate aerated and fluidised flows, analogous to natural PDCs, to quantify the effect of different topographies (e.g. barriers) on the flow characteristics (e.g. flow-front velocity, runout length) of dense granular PDCs. Different topographies will be set up on the bed of the flume over which the experimental currents will flow.

In this project I will be collaborating with my supervisors: Dr Rebecca Williams, Dr Natasha Dowey, Dr Pete Rowley, and Dr Rob Thomas. Envisaged outputs will include my thesis. Plus I aim to publish three papers (one each year) during the project.

There are few 'traditional ethical concerns' as I am not working with people or animals. However, there are still ethical concerns related to my project. My project directly carries on from preliminary work carried out by a former Masters student to test the experimental setup so I have ethical considerations regarding the use of his data. I have gained the necessary permissions from him and his supervisors.

There are ethical considerations more broadly in studying a volcanic hazard which has caused fatalities. I must be mindful of this fact and maintain a stoic and respectful attitude when conducting my research. There is an ongoing diversity crisis in earth sciences more generally, including within volcanology.

This includes the under-representation of women, ethnic minorities, and scientists/authors from countries in which the studied volcanoes are located. During my project I will be mindful of this and where possible and appropriate, include contributors from under-represented groups