GeoHazards

The principal research focus at the GeoHazards center is to understand potentially dangerous physical processes related to three main classes of natural phenomena: volcanic eruptions, geophysical mass flows (rock avalanches, landslides, and mudflows), and wildfires. These phenomena generate complex natural systems 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 of the region surrounding a target volcano.  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. Much of our efforts to date have focused on volcanoes in Mexico and other parts of Latin America.