Erupting with Knowledge

Staffordshire University's expertise in investigating natural hazards is well-documented. A specialist in geomorphological processes and an expert in ice/volcano interactions, Professor Fiona Tweed, will soon travel to Iceland to research aspects of the volcanic eruptions that have caused chaos for thousands of air travellers.

As Professor of Geography, Fiona has spent the last 15 years working in Iceland as part of UK and overseas research teams. Her main focus of study has been the flooding that results from eruptions under ice - the exact problem that has recently been affecting people living near the volcano Eyjafjallajökull. As part of a collaborative project with academics from Newcastle and Leeds Universities, she will attempt to gain a greater understanding of the impacts of the recent eruptions.

An international expert in her field, Fiona has been involved in a series of research projects investigating glacier outburst flooding in Iceland, notably the 'Icelandic Glaciers' research project funded by the Earthwatch Institute. Against the backdrop of global warming, this project identified the impacts of, glacier outburst flooding, controls on sediment production from the ice margin and the factors responsible for the formation of flood-related landforms. A longer term goal of the project examined landscape evolution in a highly dynamic glacial environment.

She comments: “This research has contributed to our knowledge of landscape development and is aiding our understanding of the evolution of Iceland's landscape and landscape development elsewhere. Findings from the research in which I am involved are also helping scientists understand the impacts of flooding from glaciers and are helping the Icelandic civil authorities plan for the future.”

In addition to the Icelandic Glaciers Project, Professor Tweed was also involved in ARMONIA – the Applied multi-Risk Mapping of Natural Hazards for Impact Assessment, a collaborative EC-funded research project which ran from October 2004 to March 2007 and was awarded a grant of over €1 million.

The threat of disaster from natural hazards is intensifying worldwide, with the increasing inhabitation of marginal land emphasising potential hazard impacts. The backdrop of climate change, global warming and the apparent escalation of flooding, storms and earthquakes across the globe has raised the profile of natural hazards research in the media. Many different hazard and risk assessment methodologies are used across Europe. Different terminology and risk mapping practices are applied between countries and between types of hazard and only marginal consideration is typically given to natural hazards and spatial planning. It is critically important to develop more effective methodologies and tools for incorporating natural disaster reduction into planning processes.

Research at Staffordshire University responded to this agenda through involvement in the ARMONIA project. ARMONIA examined different case studies and different experiences of current risk mapping in Europe, reviewing land-use planning and management in areas exposed to natural hazards. ARMONIA involved 12 European partners from seven countries, including Professor Fiona Tweed.

Around the globe and across the UK, Staffordshire University is making a real impact. From providing sustainable solutions to the problems faced by society, to transforming lives, tackling global issues and stimulating flexible new ways of teaching and learning, our academics - and graduates - are helping to make the world a much better place.