Natural Hazards

We study the mechanisms and processes that underpin natural and environmental hazards, including monitoring and forecasting of hazardous events, and strategies to reduce their impacts on society.

Natural and environmental hazards affect one in thirty people across the world each year, and all nations are at risk. As a result, the field is one of the fastest growing areas of research in the Earth and Climate Sciences. Work in our department covers multiple scientific disciplines, from geology, geochemistry and geophysics to hydrology and meteorology. While our work focusses on a wide range of hazards throughout the world, we have specific expertise on the origins and effects of earthquakes, volcanism, landslides, tropical cyclones, sand-dune motions, groundwater pollution, and risk management of resource extraction.

Research Staff:

Dr Matthew Fox, Dr Liz Gaunt, Prof Christopher Kilburn, Dr Alexander Steele, Prof John McArthur, Dr Katie McFall , Dr Brian Thomas, Prof Pieter Vermeesch, Dr Byron Adams, Dr Stephen Hicks & Dr David Wilson

We use a variety of scientific techniques including fieldwork, laboratory experiments and computer modelling to better understand the mechanisms that underpin and drive natural and environmental hazards, and explore approaches to improve community preparedness via effective early warning, risk communication, and improved hazard and risk perception. Through our work, we engage and collaborate with diverse groups, such as policymakers and non-governmental organisations, through to hazard monitoring institutions and the insurance industry.

Laboratories and Research Groups:

Associated research groups:
UCL Hazard Centre
The London Geochemistry & Isotope Centre
London Geochronology Centre

The Earth Sciences department:
All Facilities
Research Groups
PhD Opportunities