KAGOSHIMA, JAPAN – Although the eruption of Sakurajima on the mid-conference field trip was the ultimate highlight of the IAVCEI 2013 Scientific Assembly, let’s not forget that there were also four full days of excellent talks and posters on the cutting edge of research in volcanology.
Sakurajima at sunset, from Kagoshima.
There were far too many inspiring presentations to name them all, so here are just a few scientific highlights:
- A revolution in our understanding of how continental crust is made – In his keynote address, Yoshiyuki Tatsumi explained a new model for generation of intermediate continental crust in subduction zones. In the model, the subduction factory also generates a dense anti-continent that sinks to the base of the mantle and is recycled in hot-spot plumes.
- A novel way to visualize volcanic terrains – Tatsuro Chiba and his collaborators have developed a way to visualize volcanic features even when they are shrouded by dense forest. Their technique, which combines slope angle with topography openness from LiDAR data, is called the Red Relief Image Map (RRIM).
- An online resource for volcanology research, collaboration, and education – Vhub.org is a one-stop-shop for all things related to volcanology. Users can access software for simulating volcanic processes, educational materials, and a variety of data sets.
A RRIM of Sakurajima hangs in the Sakurajima Visitor Center.
Thanks to all ~1,100 international scientists for making my first IAVCEI conference a memorable experience! I look forward to seeing all of you again in 2017, when the next scientific assembly of IAVCEI will be held in Portland, Oregon.