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HIGH FLYERS THINK TANK

Extreme natural hazards
University of Melbourne, Tuesday 30 October 2007

Group B: Atmospheric and cosmic research on resources and infrastructure
Rapporteur: Dr Christina Magill

Christina Magill has a masters degree in geology and oceanography from Waikato University in New Zealand and a PhD from Macquarie University in Sydney. Christina has developed a model that numerically simulates volcanic ash fall hazard from all potentially active volcanoes within New Zealand and calculates the economic impact expected from these events. She recently commenced a Macquarie University Vice Chancellor’s Innovation Fellowship to develop a probabilistic volcanic hazard and risk calculation model for Tokyo in Japan.

Christina's main research interests are:

• numerical simulation of volcanic ash dispersal
• physical, economic and social impacts of volcanic eruptions
• methodologies for calculating natural hazard risk – in particular incorporating multiple hazards with widely varying magnitudes, return periods and consequences.

Numerical simulation of extreme natural hazards and analysis of the likely consequences help us in preparing for events that have not previously been experienced. We are easily able to test the benefits of various preventative measures and to calculate the personnel and equipment needed for successful response and recovery.