CONTACT INFORMATION:
Nick Polllock
Ph.D. Student, Department of Geosciences, Advisor: Dr. Brittany Brand
E-mail: nickpollock@boisestate.edu
Office: Environmental Research Building
Courses taught: Boise State University – GEOS 100 – Fundamentals of Geology ; Previous courses include: Living With Volcanoes, Volcanology, Geoscience Communication, Geophysics, The Geology of America’s Parks, Techniques of Field Geology
Research Areas
- Physical Volcanology
- Volcanic Hazard Assessment
- Science outreach and communication
Research in Risk and Resilience
I study the deposits of volcanic eruptions to investigate the physical processes that occur during an eruption with the ultimate goal of understanding what controls volcanic hazards.
My research currently focuses on pyroclastic density currents, a type of volcanic avalanche often generated during explosive eruptions. I combine detailed field observations of the deposits left by pyroclastic density currents with laboratory experiments simulating these flows to investigate what controls their mobility and risk potential.
The goal of my research is to provide a more comprehensive understanding of pyroclastic density current behavior, which can then be used to test and improve existing numerical simulations. More accurate numerical simulations further our ability to accurately assess the risk associated with living in volcanically active regions.
Collaboration interests
I am interested in multi-disciplinary approaches to improving volcanic hazard and risk assessment. I would welcome collaborators interested in using field and experimental data to validate and improve numerical simulations of volcanic phenomena.
Additional interests include probabilistic volcanic risk assessment and eruption forecasting, improving community resilience in volcanically active regions, and community outreach aimed at improving scientific literacy and interest in the public.
Partners
- Laboratoire Magmas et Volcans – Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosi – San Luis Potosi, Mexico