Volcanoes have been a constant feature on the surface of the earth for millions of years. They are a very visible reminder of the dynamic nature of our earth, provide us with thermal energy and fertile soils, and significantly contribute to our atmosphere which allows us to live on our planet. However they also have a darker side - with even the most modest of volcanoes erupting with a force several magnitudes larger than anything human beings are capable of creating, we have several historical examples of super volcanoes which have erupted with such force they have permanently changed the earth's climate, caused widespread extinctions of plants and animals, and even changed the spin and rotation of the planet! The best part is, these super volcanoes are not confined to the past - they still exist and are very much still active, ready to erupt literally at any moment! If you want to know more, this talk may well be for you...!
Course aim
An introduction to basic tectonic processes which form volcanoes, and a more detailed look at historical super volcanoes, their eruptions, and the destruction they will cause when they erupt again.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- You will need your own personal email address so that you’re able to login to the WEA’s digital learning platform: WEA Canvas. You will need to be able to understand how to follow URL links to pages on the internet. If you want to understand more about Canvas please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
- You will need to be able to follow links to join our WEA live video learning platform: WEA Zoom. If you’d like to understand more about our video learning platform, Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline and http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- This course is for a group of around 15 students studying in a live video-learning platform conference and an online digital learning environment platform from the comfort of your own home.
- This is a live lecture delivered by a subject specialist in an online webinar video learning platform. You will need to be able to access the internet on a device with speakers or earphones. There will be opportunities to take part in discussions and chats. If you’d like to know how to use Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- No skills or experience needed
- This course is for beginners
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Understand the basic structure of the planet and the formation of volcanoes
- Comprehend the impacts of some of the historical super volcanic eruptions that we know about.
- Hypothesise what might happen if a super volcano were to erupt now...
How will I be taught?
- The WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas will be used to provide resources or to support lessons, enable assessment, provide learner feedback and for other activities for individuals away from the course. If you want to understand more about our digital learning platform please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- You will have opportunities to discuss your progress with your tutor
What else do I need to know?
- What you need: You will need an internet connection, speakers, a microphone and a webcam so that you can use our video learning platform, Zoom. If you’d like to understand more Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- You will need a personal email address to join the WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas so that you can receive resources, record your progress and achievement and to work with others and share ideas. If you want to understand more about our digital learning platform please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- No pre reading or pre course work is required
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- Progress to a course with another provider
Download full course information sheet
Six Challenges to our Global Future; Supervolcanoes - historic super-eruptions
