Clive Oppenheimer

Research Area

I have two main research interests – first understanding volcanic processes, with links to volcano monitoring and hazard assessment. Here, the focus has been on magma degassing and eruptive style, with an emphasis on field measurements of erupting volcanoes and their gas emissions, often using novel remote sensing equipment. Field data have been integrated with experimental and geochemical studies of eruptive products as well as laboratory simulations. Much of the work has engaged with volcano observatories around the world, and I have also worked closely with colleagues in atmospheric science to understand the chemistry of volcanic plumes as they disperse in the atmosphere.

My other primary interest concerns understanding the nature and impacts of large eruptions of the past, and this involves great collaborations with dendrochronologists, glaciochemists, climate modellers and historians. I also have interests in geoarchaeology and prehistory, especially concerning obsidian provenancing.

Project Interests

I am open to ideas for innovative projects, especially where interdisciplinary in nature. An enduring interest is in cyclic volcanic phenomena, and I would be excited to support a project exploring lava lake / fountain behaviour with Andy Woods at the Institute for Energy and Environmental Flows.