Geology for Global Development

Volcanoes

Images of Guatemala (2) – Pyroclastic Flow Deposits

Pyroclastic Flow Deposits close to Volcan de Fuego, Guatemala. The scale of these deposits, formed in 2012, can be seen against the scale of the person standing in the background [dark line, just above the red shrub]. Pyroclastic flows, alongside lahars, are two of the most significant and destructive volcanic hazards associated with Volcan de Fuego. You can read more about Fuego and its secondary ...[Read More]

Images of Guatemala (1) – Volcan de Fuego

Volcan de Fuego, Guatemala. Taken from the adjacent peak of Acatenango, this photograph captures ones of the many small eruptions of the volcano named Fuego (the Spanish word for fire!). Fuego, formed by the subduction of the Cocos plate beneath the Caribbean plate, is an active basaltic stratovolcano. You can read more about Fuego and its eruptive history online here. (Credit: Geology for Global ...[Read More]

Guest Blog: Volcanology in Vanuatu!

Ben Clarke and Eleri Simpson are about to start their 4th year at the University of Leicester. Having shown a strong interest in applying geoscience to development through the conversations we’ve had with them over the past two years – we were really pleased to hear they has successfully arranged some work experience in Vanuatu. We’re also delighted that Ben and Eleri agreed to w ...[Read More]

#EGU2014: Bright Sparks in Dirty Thunderclouds

Lightning bolts formed in dirty thunderclouds could help geologists to detect explosive volcanic eruptions. Volcanic lightning is very poorly understood, but Corrado Cimarelli, from the University of München, has been able to reproduce the phenomena in his laboratory. Volcanic lightning is broadly similar to lightning in thunderclouds, but the addition of ash makes the process more complex. Volcan ...[Read More]