Dr Peter Rowley
| Post Nominals | FGS, FHEA |
|---|---|
| Biography | Pete is a volcanologist who is interested in better understanding catastrophic surface processes such as the propagation of pyroclastic density currents, and how volcanoes undergo flank collapse. He uses a range of experimental, field and modelling techniques. After completing his PhD at Royal Holloway, University of London, in which he first observed shear-mixing in granular currents, Pete worked as postdoctoral researcher in association with Midland Valley Exploration LtD to look at turbidity current sedimentation, and the reconstruction of whole-basin sedimentary sequences. Following this Pete moved to the Laboratoire Magmas et Volcans to explore the role of gas fluidisation in pyroclastic density currents (PDCs). Following this Pete operated the Rock Mechanics Laboratory at the University of Portsmouth, with a particular focus in creating links with industry partners, and providing training in rock mecahnics and rock deformation. During this time he set up the Geohazards Laboratory at the University of Portsmouth, to continue the work on fluidised PDCs. After 2 years at the University of Hull, where Pete continued his work in PDCs as well as work on the 2018 failure of Anak Kratau, Pete took up the Senior Lectureship at UWE Bristol. |
| Research Interests | Pete uses a range of techniques to better understand volcanic systems - particularly at or near the surface. He has current projects exploring pyroclastic density current behaviour, the role of ground deformation in generating volcanoseismicity, and in understanding how internal architecture of volcanoes controls their stability and resilience to flank collapse. Much of Pete's work is based in experimental research, particularly using flume experiments to explore flow and sedimentation behaviours in granular currents. This is groundtruthed with extensive fieldwork, as well as numerical modelling. |
| Teaching and Learning | Module Leader for Igneous and metamorphic Petrology, Tectonic Processes and Landforms, and Earth Materials. |