Department of Earth Sciences

People > Staff > Prof Stephen Sparks, FRS

Position | Departmental responsibilities | Research Interests | Publications | Further information

Position

European Research Council Advanced Researcher
Director of the Bristol Environmental Risk Research Centre (BRISK)

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Departmental responsibilities

To carry out research and lead the research effort in volcanology, geological fluid mechanics and the assessment of environmental hazards and attendant risks

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Research Interests

My research concerns quantitative studies of geological processes using a combination of field studies, laboratory experiments, analytical studies and theoretical modelling. My main focus has been on volcanic and igneous processes. and I have also made contributions in fundamental fluid mechanics, sedimentology, and risk assessment methodologies for natural hazards.

Research in volcanology includes: mapping of volcanoes and young volcanic deposits; monitoring of eruptions; investigation of magmatic and volcanic flows through analogue experiments, numerical modelling and theory development; petrological studies of igneous rocks; and development of novel approaches to hazard and risk assessment. Applied research includes risk assessment methodologies for environmental and natural hazards, nuclear waste disposal and mining.

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Publications

Link to Prof Steve Sparks on the University's on-line database of research outputs (opens in a new window)

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Further information

Prof Stephen Sparks is a member of the Volcanology and Geological Fluid Dynamics Research Group at Bristol