Dean of Postgraduate Research
Vice-Chancellor’s Office
Extension: 7285
Email:
lucy.johnston@canterbury.ac.nz
Summer Research Scholarship Scheme
2014-2015
Project Application Form
Please complete and submit the application form as a WORD document and send to
summerscholarships@canterbury.ac.nz
The Project
Title of Project (max 30 words):
Volcanic impacts and risk database development support
Project Leader(s):
Thomas Wilson (UC); Graham Leonard (GNS Science)
Host Department/Organization:
Geological Sciences, UC
Other persons involved in this topic/activity:
(List other significant members involved along with their affiliation to the research project.)
Name
Affiliation to project
Kristi Wallace, USGS
Volcanic Impacts database co-host
Natalia Deligne, GNS Science
DEVORA and Riskscape volcanic risk devel.
Brief outline of project
Describe the proposed research project – maximum of 400 words (box will expand as you type).
Note that this information will be published on the web in order to attract student applicants and therefore be
mindful of any Intellectual Property issues
The Department of Geological Sciences has been collaborating with GNS Science and the US Geological
Survey over the last decade documenting and research volcanic impacts, quantification of volcanic risk, and
developing mitigation strategies
The successful candidate will work within the DoGS in collaboration with GNS Science and USGS via the
internet, to help achieve a range of goals, including:
- Updating and migration of content on the international volcanic impacts web resource
http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/ash into a new content management system
- Input and cleaning of asset data for Auckland City that is to be compared against volcanic hazard and
fragility (impact equations) within the Riskscape software programme http://riskscape.org.nz as part
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of the DEVORA programme http://devora.org.nz. This is a pilot project that will lead to ability to
calculate volcanic risk from New Zealand’s volcanoes nation-wide.
- Other aspects of volcanic impacts, hazard and data analysis as needed that contribute to the above
goals
If the project involves work away from the University campus (e.g., at fieldwork sites) please detail all locations.
It may involve a brief funded visit to Auckland and/or Wellington as project needs dictate.
If the student be required to work outside of normal university hours (8am-5pm) please provide details
This will not be a requirement.
Benefits student will gain from involvement in the project
Describe the research experience and skills that the student will acquire through involvement in this research project –
maximum of 100 words.
The student will be working with a world-leading team within the volcanic impacts and risk analysis
community, developing skills in:
- Volcanic eruption impacts and mitigation strategies
- Website content management
- GIS data handling
- Structured risk analysis, including understanding hazard, fragility and numeric calculation of risk
Specific student requirements
Please provide details of all requirements you have for the student to work on this project – for example, if specific
courses/experience are necessary.
The successful candidate will be a self-motivated hard working student who works well on assigned tasks, is
innovative and asks questions when further direction is needed. A proficiency or interest in data analysis,
computer based projects, and online collaboration tools such as skype and google drive/dropbox is
important.
Skills in the following areas will be developed, and prior experience is preferred:
- GIS through ArcGIS/ArcMap
- Spreadsheet manipulation
- Website content management
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