GEOS2114: Volcanoes, Resources and Sustainability

Through the millennia, volcanoes have provided key material for hominids extending from fertile soils and obsidian spear points, to copper for wind turbines. 

On occasion, their explosive behaviour has also ended civilisations. 

In this unit of study, you will develop an understanding of the formation and dynamics of volcanoes, their role as a carbon-source during their build-up, carbon-sink through their weathering and the production of fertile soils. 

You will explore how volcanoes sustain biodiversity hubs from the deep ocean-floor (black and white smokers) to the green slopes of volcanoes such as Kilimanjaro.

You will develop a deep understanding of key magmatic processes that underpin the formation of Earth resources critical for a transition to a clean economy and a sustainable future. 

You will observe, document and analyse magmatic rocks in the field (during a 2-day field trip to study an extinct volcano in New South Wales or an optional 10-day trip to New Zealand`s North Island).