Glasgow ExSoc Oldoinyo Lengai Expedition 2015 Proposal

1. Oldoinyo Lengai:
the complex interplay of volcanic and tectonic activity
© Frederick Belton

2. Background
• Earth’s only active carbonatite volcano
• Part of the East African Rift System
USGS

3. Background
• Stratovolcano
– First active in 1883; erupted ~10 times in 20th C.
– Lavas and pyroclastic rocks; sector collapse
Wiki

4. Background
• Previous Work
– Initial mapping by Barry Dawson (1960s)
– Re-survey by USGS (2010 onwards)
– Mineralogy and geochemistry
Barry Dawson

5. Why should we care?
• Unique setting
– Accessible volcano
growing in active rift zone
– Lake Natron Basin
– Active volcano-tectonic
faults
UNDERSTAND DEVELOPMENT
OF RIFT VOLCANOES
HAZARD MITIGATION
USGS

6. Why should we care?
• Unique opportunity
– Limited field studies
– Limited knowledge of
volcanology
– Out of date?
UNDERSTAND VOLCANOLOGY
OF CARBONATITE VOLCANOES
HAZARD MITIGATION
Dawson (1962) in USGS

7. Methods
• Volcanology
– Geological mapping,
detailed logging,
sampling
– Constructing isopach
and isopleth maps
– ERUPTION MODELS
– HAZARD MAPS
Barry Dawson

8. Methods
• Structural Geology
– Identify faults, measure
thickness of fault cores,
offsets, striations etc.
– Interaction of volcanic
rocks with faults
– FAULT KINEMATICS
– VOLCANO-TECTONIC
MODELS
USGS

9. Benefits
• Visit one of the world’s most iconic volcanoes
• Be involved in current, relevant research
• Work with local geologists and community
Tom Pfeiffer

10. Collaboration
• Expedition in partnership with Dodoma
University, Tanzania
• Glasgow University students will be matched
by students from Dodoma

11. What to expect…
• Camping (at campsite with full facilities)
• Campsite has restaurant. Full board (packed
lunches)
• Local drivers
• Physically demanding

12. Expedition Itinerary
Preliminary dates = 8th-28th June 2015
Day 1 – Travel to Dodoma
Day 2 – Team building day
Days 3 & 4 – Recce and climb to summit
Days 5 – 19 – Fieldwork
Day 20 – Return to Dodoma, farewell dinner
Day 21 – Travel back to UK

13. Costs
Preliminary budget = ~£1300 per person
Lots of bursaries and grants to apply to
Fundraising
Personal contribution ~£500 (hopefully less)

14. Preparation
• There will be opportunities to learn and
practice the required field skills.
• The work will be physically demanding so
participation on this trip requires good fitness
levels.

15. Independent Travel
Option to fly out earlier &/or return later to
allow for some independent travel within
Tanzania, and the rest of Africa

16. Next steps…
• Complete application form and return to
Gregory Building office by 10 am on Thurs 16th
October 2014
• Interviews week commencing 20th Oct
• Team confirmed by Friday 24th Oct
• Week commencing 27th Oct = first team
meeting – COMPULSORY