Table 1 Learning Goals of the Volcanic Hazards Simulation

1. Describe and explain the variety of volcanic hazards associated with different types of volcanism.

1. Observe volcanic monitoring data and social media in ‘real-time’, record observations and communicate these observations to a team (orally and in writing).

2. Read and interpret geological and topographical maps.

2. Collaborate within a team, by using multiple streams of data in ‘real-time’ to develop a working-model (inclusive of scientific and social-economic data) together in order to: a.) assess the current state of volcanic activity; b.) identify major changes in volcanic activity; c.) judge if changing conditions threaten the human population; d.) use a-c to assign appropriate GNS alert levels and e.) respond to community concerns.

3. List, describe and explain volcanic monitoring data types and interpretation of these data.

3. Estimate and illustrate the distribution of volcanic products (e.g., volcanic ash) based on the eruptive style (column height and explosivity) in order to create volcanic hazard maps using geological and socio-political map data (i.e., geology map, geological history and contoured topographic map).

4. Explain how different monitoring data go together to form a ‘working model’ of what’s happening in the volcano.

4. Estimate the impact to social and political sectors based on the distribution and style of volcanic activity, given the alert level of the volcano in question. Respond to crises (in a timely manner) in order to mitigate the impact before/during/and after a volcanic disaster.

5. Describe the New Zealand Volcanic Alert levels.

5. Communicate effectively (orally and written) within your team and to the other teams and to the public (newsfeed) in order to effectively handle any possible volcanic threat. These are assessed by: a.) press conferences (questions and responses); b.) effective group discussions; c.) media releases; d.) volcanic impact reports and e.) effective inter-agency (between GNS and Emergency Management) conversations and meetings.

6. Describe the basic duties of the GNS and Emergency Management teams during a crisis.

6. Explain the importance of a.) Scientists and Emergency Managers responsibilities, agendas and expertise; b.) Team structures, hierarchy and protocols; c.) External agencies that assist Emergency Managers; and d.) The public’s concerns during a simulated volcanic crisis.