GeoHazards
The principal research focus at the GeoHazards center is to understand potentially dangerous physical processes related to several classes of natural phenomena, including:
Volcanic Eruptions
Geophysical Mass Flows (rock avalanches, landslides, and mudflows)
Wildfires
Hazards related to Changing Climate (floods, coastal erosion)
These natural systems generate complex phenomena that can be modeled, quantified, and visualized using high-level computation. The models are then used in consultation with social science members, in-country volcano experts and civil authorities to gain understanding of potential risk and to construct hazards maps and other tools useful for communication and decision making. The goal is to use methodologies developed in the social sciences to effectively communicate the results of these studies to end user groups that include civil protection agencies, government officials, first responders, and local citizens.
