Browsing by Author "Mead S"

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    A modular framework for the development of multi-hazard, multi-phase volcanic eruption scenario suites
    (Elsevier BV, 2022-07) Weir AM; Mead S; Bebbington MS; Wilson TM; Beaven S; Gordon T; Campbell-Smart C
    Understanding future volcanic eruptions and their potential impact is a critical component of disaster risk reduction, and necessitates the production of salient, robust hazard information for decision-makers and end-users. Volcanic eruptions are inherently multi-phase, multi-hazard events, and the uncertainty and complexity surrounding potential future hazard behaviour is exceedingly hard to communicate to decision-makers. Volcanic eruption scenarios are recognised to be an effective knowledge-sharing mechanism between scientists and practitioners, and recent hybrid scenario suites partially address the limitations surrounding the traditional deterministic scenario approach. Despite advances in scenario suite development, there is still a gap in the international knowledge base concerning the synthesis of multi-phase, multi-hazard volcano science and end-user needs. In this study we present a new modular framework for the development of complex, long-duration, multi-phase, multi-hazard volcanic eruption scenario suites. The framework was developed in collaboration with volcanic risk management agencies and researchers in Aotearoa-New Zealand, and is applied to Taranaki Mounga volcano, an area of high volcanic risk. This collaborative process aimed to meet end-user requirements, as well as the need for scientific rigour. This new scenario framework development process could be applied at other volcanic settings to produce robust, credible and relevant scenario suites that are demonstrative of the complex, varying-duration and multi-hazard nature of volcanic eruptions. In addressing this gap, the value of volcanic scenario development is enhanced by advancing multi-hazard assessment capabilities and cross-sector collaboration between scientists and practitioners for disaster risk reduction planning.
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    Approaching the challenge of multi-phase, multi-hazard volcanic impact assessment through the lens of systemic risk: application to Taranaki Mounga
    (Springer Nature, 2024-08-01) Weir AM; Wilson TM; Bebbington MS; Beaven S; Gordon T; Campbell-Smart C; Mead S; Williams JH; Fairclough R
    Effective volcanic impact and risk assessment underpins effective volcanic disaster risk management. Yet contemporary volcanic risk assessments face a number of challenges, including delineating hazard and impact sequences, and identifying and quantifying systemic risks. A more holistic approach to impact assessment is required, which incorporates the complex, multi-hazard nature of volcanic eruptions and the dynamic nature of vulnerability before, during and after a volcanic event. Addressing this need requires a multidisciplinary, integrated approach, involving scientists and stakeholders to co-develop decision-support tools that are scientifically credible and operationally relevant to provide a foundation for robust, evidence-based risk reduction decisions. This study presents a dynamic, longitudinal impact assessment framework for multi-phase, multi-hazard volcanic events and applies the framework to interdependent critical infrastructure networks in the Taranaki region of Aotearoa New Zealand, where Taranaki Mounga volcano has a high likelihood of producing a multi-phase explosive eruption within the next 50 years. In the framework, multi-phase scenarios temporally alternate multi-hazard footprints with risk reduction opportunities. Thus, direct and cascading impacts and any risk management actions carry through to the next phase of activity. The framework forms a testbed for more targeted mitigation and response planning and allows the investigation of optimal intervention timing for mitigation strategies during an evolving eruption. Using ‘risk management’ scenarios, we find the timing of mitigation intervention to be crucial in reducing disaster losses associated with volcanic activity. This is particularly apparent in indirect, systemic losses that cascade from direct damage to infrastructure assets. This novel, dynamic impact assessment approach addresses the increasing end-user need for impact-based decision-support tools that inform robust response and resilience planning.
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    Probabilistic Volcanic Hazard Assessment for National Park Infrastructure Proximal to Taranaki Volcano (New Zealand)
    (Frontiers Media S.A., 2022-03-28) Mead S; Procter J; Bebbington M; Rodriguez-Gomez C; Fontijn K
    Hazard assessment for infrastructure proximal to a volcanic vent raises issues that are often not present, or not as severe in hazard assessments for more distal infrastructure. Proximal regions are subject to a greater number of hazardous phenomena, and variability in impact intensity increases with the hazard magnitude. To probabilistically quantify volcanic hazard to infrastructure, multiple volcanic hazards and their effects on exposed elements need to be considered. Compared to single-hazard assessments, multi-hazard assessments increase the size and complexity of determining hazard occurrence and magnitude, typically introducing additional uncertainties in the quantification of risk. A location-centred approach, focusing on key locations rather than key hazards, can simplify the problem to one requiring identification of hazards with the potential to affect the location, followed by assessment of the probability of these hazards and their triggering eruptions. The location-centred approach is more compatible to multi-source hazards and allows for different hazard estimation methodologies to be applied as appropriate for the infrastructure type. We present a probabilistic quantification of volcanic hazard using this location centred approach for infrastructure within Te Papakura o Taranaki National Park, New Zealand. The impact to proposed park infrastructure from volcanic activity (originating from Mt. Taranaki) is quantified using a probability chain to provide a structured approach to integrate differing hazard estimation methods with eruption probability estimates within asset lifetimes. This location-centered approach provides quantitative estimates for volcanic hazards that significantly improve volcanic hazard estimates for infrastructure proximal to the Taranaki summit vent. Volcanic mass flows, predominantly pyroclastic surges or block and ash flows, are most likely (probability >0.8) to affect walking tracks if an eruption occurs. The probability of one or more eruption(s) in the next 50 years is estimated at 0.35–0.38. This use of probability chains and a location centered assessment demonstrates a technique that can be applied to proximal hazard assessments globally.