Dr Andrew Bell

My research relates to understanding the physical processes controlling the occurrence of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. The ultimate goal of this work is to develop better methods for forecasting the nature, location and timing of future events. My research uses a range of techniques, including statistical analysis and modelling, field studies and laboratory experiments.

Research interests:

Volcanic seismicity and deformation

• Spatial and temporal patterns of volcano-tectonic seismicity
• Dyke emplacement and flank instability
• Brittle deformation at ancient volcanoes (Rum)

Real-time forecasting:

• Developing physical and statistical models for hazard occurrence and testing their predictive power in real-time

Earthquake interactions and statistics

• Statistical approaches to quantifying earthquake triggering in space and time (EC NERIES & TRIGS projects)
• Testing procedures for Regional Earthquake Likelihood Models (CSEP)
• Understanding earthquake hazard and interactions in Sumatra (with University of Ulster and INGV Rome)

Brittle deformation in the laboratory:

• Understanding the scaling between brittle deformation at laboratory and field scales (with the Rock and Ice Physics Laboratory, UCL)

Activities:

The role of science in disaster risk management

• NERC Increasing Resilience to Natural Hazards scoping studies, Volcanoscope and ICRIES
• SPIDER Network (flyer)

Frontiers of Seismology 2009

• UK Seismology meeting
• Summary report