Title slide for a presentation on volcanoes. On the left, a photograph shows an active volcanic eruption with bright orange lava and ash shooting into the air against a dark, cloudy sky. On the right, on a teal-blue background, a white owl logo appears above the text “NIGHT SCHOOL” in large capital letters. The slide uses a split layout with the image on the left and branding on the right.

An Introduction to Volcanoes

07 December 2026 17:30 - 19:30 Virtual, via Zoom

07 December 2026 | 17:30 - 19:30 | Virtual, via Zoom

What are volcanoes? Where does all the magma come from? Why do they erupt so differently? 

In this introduction to volcanoes short course, participants will learn the basics of what controls the distribution and type of volcanic activity on Earth. We'll learn how the different types of volcanic eruptions leads to a wide range of volcanic hazards which impacts communities around the world.

The Geological Society Night School offers an engaging way to explore geoscience through live, expert-led online sessions designed for curious and enquiring minds. The courses provide an opportunity to discover a wide range of topics within geoscience, in a format that is welcoming, flexible, and accessible. Whether your interest lies in dinosaurs, volcanoes, space, or the history of geology, each session is designed to spark curiosity and build understanding in an enjoyable and approachable way.

These evening sessions introduce geoscience topics in a clear and informal style, making it easy for anyone to take part and engage. You do not need any previous knowledge to join. Whether you are discovering geoscience for the first time or returning to a long-held interest, Night School offers a welcoming space to learn, ask questions, and explore new ideas.

For more information on Night School, including other courses that are taking place, click here.

This session will take place on Monday 07 December, at 17:30 via Zoom. The module will approximately finish at 19:30. Joining details will be sent out a few days before the session begins.

Please note this is a live session and therefore a recording will not be made available.

Head-and-shoulders portrait of a person with shoulder-length brown hair, facing the camera against a plain light grey background. The person is wearing a dark patterned shirt with colorful details and is shown in soft, even lighting.

Professor Rebecca Williams

Loughborough University

Rebecca Williams is a Professor of Volcanology at Loughborough University. Rebecca is a volcanologist who takes an interdisciplinary approach to volcano research. Their research focusses on volcano-stratigraphy and hazardous volcanic flows, such as pyroclastic density currents and lahars. Rebecca also has a research interest in social-historical volcanology and volcano-science communication. All this drives towards understanding how communities may be affected by volcanic eruptions past, present and future.

Standard £25

Concession* £15

*The concession rate is available students, teachers, or retired individuals. Proof of concessionary status should be provided upon request.