Alastair is a physical volcanologist/geologist at the University of Edinburgh, UK. Currently a NERC Postdoctoral Research Assistant, his research uses both field and stratigraphic studies to reconstruct past volcanological events, investigate long-term eruptive histories and further understand volcanic processes in order to better mitigate volcanic hazards. He has conducted geological fieldwork in over 10 countries and territories, as well as having previously participated in a marine research expedition in the Mediterranean.
Many of Alastair’s past and current projects have been centred around geological mapping, stratigraphic logging, tephra isopach mapping and detailed sampling for subsequent laboratory analysis. Highlights include research into explosive mafic eruption processes at Mount St. Helens volcano, USA; discovering a new type of glaciovolcano in Iceland; and working on large-magnitude and hazardous Phreatoplinian eruptions from Taal volcano, Philippines. Furthermore, research into volcanic and igneous products have also provided insights into archaeological and palaeontological studies and even the formation of Earth’s first continents. Alastair has also conducted extensive research on volcanic products in sediment cores, logging over 1500 meters of core at millimetre-scale and obtaining substantial glass geochemical analyses and radiometric dates in order to significantly expand our longer-term eruptive history of the Mexico City region.
In addition to working in academic institutions, Alastair has worked on scientific projects while being based in government agencies such as the British Geological Survey and United States Geological Survey’s Cascades Volcano Observatory. Here, he has led and worked on various research, much of which is cross-agency and multidisciplinary. Alastair is currently co-chair of the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior (IAVCEI) Commission on Tephra Hazard Modelling and is a member of several professional bodies, including IAVCEI and International Association of Sedimentologists (IAS).
Alastair received a BSc (Hons) in Geology from the University of Leicester, UK; an MSc in Volcanology and Geological Hazards from Lancaster University, UK; and a PhD in Volcanology from the University of Birmingham, UK.
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