College of Sciences staff by location (campus)
Contact details +6469519208
Dr Stuart Mead
Senior Lecturer
Doctoral Supervisor School of Agriculture and EnvironmentProfessional
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy - Macquarie University (2017)
Certifications and Registrations
- Licence, Supervisor, Massey University
Research Expertise
Research Interests
- Numerical simulation of environmental flows
- Computational techniques for hazard assessment
- Volcanic hazard and risk
Area of Expertise
Field of research codes
Earth Sciences (040000):
Geology (040300):
Mathematical Sciences (010000):
Numerical Analysis (010301):
Numerical and Computational Mathematics (010300):
Volcanology (040314)
Research Projects
Summary of Research Projects
| Position | Current | Completed |
|---|---|---|
| Project Leader | 2 | 4 |
| Team Member | 3 | 1 |
Current Projects
Project Title: Robust volcanic eruption forecasts: leveraging magmatic speedometry into geophysical monitoring
The key question asked of a volcano monitoring agency is “When will the volcano erupt?” While it is possible to determine whether a volcano is in a state of unrest, it is very difficult to forecast an imminent eruption based on geophysical monitoring signals alone.
We will use petrography and geochemistry to decipher magmatic processes that are preserved within erupted material, as crystals and volcanic glass or groundmass reflect a history of growth within a variable (pressure, temperature, chemical, etc.) magmatic environment. We have recently demonstrated that these magma-speedometric methods allow the quantification of rates and timing of events leading to former explosive eruptions, as well as informing the geometry of the respective plumbing systems. In this project we will extend these insights to effusive eruptions, providing geophysical monitoring experts with knowledge about how the entire subvolcanic plumbing system operates.
We will combine this field-leading knowledge with seismic and ground deformation observations that signal magma movement at depth. Building models will enhance scientific understanding of how seismicity and deformation are modulated by variations in volume, depth, and conduit geometry during magma ascent, and how these signals change over time as magma ascends from great depth to the surface. High-resolution geochemical information gained from deposits of previous eruptions will provide the boundary conditions for these models. Combining the models with future real-life geophysical observations during periods of volcanic unrest will allow rapid interpretation to identify timing, size, and style of potential eruptions. This method will be directly applied to monitoring of New Zealand’s volcanoes and incorporated into the GeoNet project.
The outcomes of this work will protect the lives of people and the long-term livelihoods of stakeholders in volcanically active areas.
Read Project Description
Hide Project Description
Date Range: 2022 - 2026
Funding Body: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
Project Team:
- Prof Georg Zellmer FHEA - Project Leader
- Dr Stuart Mead - Team Member
Project Title: Beneath the Waves: Preparedness and resilience to New Zealand’s nearshore volcano hazards
Date Range: 2021 - 2026
Funding Body: Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences Ltd
Project Team:
- Prof Gert Lube - Project Leader
- Dr Stuart Mead - Team Member
- A/Pro Gabor Kereszturi - Team Member
Completed Projects
Project Title: He Tatai Whenua: A Te Ao Maori landscape classification
Our research will synthesize a Te Ao Maori landscape classification that can be directly integrated with existing geographical information systems (GIS).
We will produce the first indigenous peoples, or Maori metric based Landscape Classification for New Zealand. Despite Maori expert elicitation, or interpretation, of landscape features being well recognised, coherent representation and display of this knowledge is significantly underdeveloped. Data of this kind is still treated as anecdotal or qualitative and, as a result, lacks impact in environmental management and decision-making. In stark contrast, the underlying descriptors and datasets used to classify NZ's environment for decision-making are all displayed in advanced GIS systems utilising cutting edge technology (e.g. geology (Qmap), soils (SMap), bio-diversity (Landcover Database/LENZ), and land use/capability (NZ Land Resource Inventory)). Many of the fundamental methods used to create these datasets are based on frameworks and criteria created through quasi-quantitative methods with no inclusion or recognition of matauranga Maori.
This will be achieved through three components:
1. Development of Maori landscape classification criteria based on matauranga Maori, tikanga, kaitiakitanga and tohu taiao from leading Maori academics and Iwi partners
2. Generation of the first Maori Landscape Classification GIS (MLC-GIS) and database using new IT, GIS, remote sensing techniques and mathematical methods to visualise landscapes based on the developed criteria
3. Application of the MLC-GIS alongside existing environmental databases in new catchment management strategies
Our research will use the Manawatu catchment to develop the protocols required to extend the proposed Maori Landscape Classification GIS to the whole of NZ. Globally this will be the first time such a dataset will be created. Additionally, new geospatial visualisation methods will be developed that will have significant impact.
Read Project Description
Hide Project Description
Date Range: 2017 - 2022
Funding Body: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
Project Team:
- Prof Jonathan Procter - Project Leader
- A/Pro Margaret Forster - Team Member
- A/Pro Hone Morris - Team Member
- Prof Ngataiharuru Taepa - Team Member
- Dr Peter Meihana - Team Member
- A/Pro Kristin Stock - Team Member
- A/Pro Gabor Kereszturi - Team Member
- Prof Hans Guesgen - Team Member
- Dr Simon Hills - Team Member
- Dr Stuart Mead - Team Member
Research Outputs
Journal
Weir, AM., Wilson, TM., Bebbington, MS., Beaven, S., Gordon, T., Campbell-Smart, C., . . . Fairclough, R. (2024). Approaching the challenge of multi-phase, multi-hazard volcanic impact assessment through the lens of systemic risk: application to Taranaki Mounga. Natural Hazards.
[Journal article]Authored by: Bebbington, M., Mead, S.
[Journal article]Authored by: Bebbington, M., Mead, S.
Read Online: 
Read Abstract: 
Mead, SR., Procter, J., & Bebbington, M. (2023). Probabilistic volcanic mass flow hazard assessment using statistical surrogates of deterministic simulations. Computers and Geosciences. 178
[Journal article]Authored by: Bebbington, M., Mead, S., Procter, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Bebbington, M., Mead, S., Procter, J.
Read Online:
Read Abstract:
Kereszturi, G., Heap, M., Schaefer, LN., Darmawan, H., Deegan, FM., Kennedy, B., . . . Walter, TR. (2023). Porosity, strength, and alteration – Towards a new volcano stability assessment tool using VNIR-SWIR reflectance spectroscopy. Earth and Planetary Science Letters. 602
[Journal article]Authored by: Kereszturi, G., Mead, S.
[Journal article]Authored by: Kereszturi, G., Mead, S.
Read Online:
Read Abstract:
1
Weir, AM., Mead, S., Bebbington, MS., Wilson, TM., Beaven, S., Gordon, T., . . . Campbell-Smart, C. (2022). A modular framework for the development of multi-hazard, multi-phase volcanic eruption scenario suites. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research. 427
[Journal article]Authored by: Bebbington, M., Mead, S.
[Journal article]Authored by: Bebbington, M., Mead, S.
Read article at Massey Research Online: 
Read Online:
Read Abstract:
3
Mead, S., Procter, J., Bebbington, M., & Rodriguez-Gomez, C. (2022). Probabilistic Volcanic Hazard Assessment for National Park Infrastructure Proximal to Taranaki Volcano (New Zealand). Frontiers in Earth Science. 10
[Journal article]Authored by: Bebbington, M., Mead, S., Procter, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Bebbington, M., Mead, S., Procter, J.
Read Online:
Read Abstract:
2
Conference
Mills, S., Procter, J., Zernack, A., Mead, S., Zellmer, G., Cronin, S., . . . Schipper, I. (2023). Changes in eruptive styles at a stratovolcano during a collapse cycle. Book of Abstracts, IAVCEI 2023 Scientific Assembly. (pp. 726 - 726). : IAVCEI Scientific Assembly 2023
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Mead, S., Procter, J., Zellmer, G., Zernack, A.
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Mead, S., Procter, J., Zellmer, G., Zernack, A.
Mills, S., Procter, J., Zernack, A., Mead, S., & Schipper, I. (2022). Textural characteristics of tephra formations as a proxy for understanding the impacts of a collapse cycle on the eruptive products at stratovolcanoes. In A. Zernack, & J. Palmer (Eds.) Geoscience Society of New Zealand Annual Conference 2022, Palmerston North: Programme & Abstracts Volume.. Vol. 161A (pp. 187 - 187). Wellington: Geoscience Society of New Zealand Annual Conference 2022
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Mead, S., Procter, J., Zernack, A.Edited by: Zernack, A.
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Mead, S., Procter, J., Zernack, A.Edited by: Zernack, A.
Mills, S., Procter, J., Zernack, A., Kereszturi, G., Mead, S., Zellmer, G., . . . Schipper, I. (2021). Using tephra records to understand stratovolcano response to edifice collapse. In A. Zernack, & J. Palmer (Eds.) Geoscience Society of New Zealand Annual Conference 2021: Programme & Abstracts Volume. Vol. 158 (pp. 183 - 183). Wellington: Geoscience Society of New Zealand Annual Conference 2021
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Kereszturi, G., Mead, S., Procter, J., Zellmer, G., Zernack, A.Edited by: Zernack, A.
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Kereszturi, G., Mead, S., Procter, J., Zellmer, G., Zernack, A.Edited by: Zernack, A.
Read Abstract:
Kereszturi, G., Scheafer, L., Miller, C., & Mead, S. (2020). Understanding composite volcano architecture through hydrothermal alteration mapping – A case study for Mt Ruapehu, New Zealand. , Geoscience Society of New Zealand Conference 2020
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Kereszturi, G., Mead, S.
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Kereszturi, G., Mead, S.
Brosch, E., Lube, G., Kilgour, G., Mead, S., Asher, C., Fullard, L., . . . Uhle, D. (2020). Reconstructing the dynamics of jets and pyroclastic currents of the 9 December 2019 Whakaari eruption. , Geoscience Society of New Zealand Annual Conference
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Brosch, E., Lube, G., Mead, S.
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Brosch, E., Lube, G., Mead, S.
Read Abstract:
Teaching and Supervision
Graduate Supervision Statement
We have PhD opportunities avaliable for motivated students with quantitative backgrounds in volcanology, earth and environmental sciences. Feel free to contact me for more information.
Dr Stuart Mead is available for Masters and Doctorial supervision.
Summary of Doctoral Supervision
| Position | Current | Completed |
|---|---|---|
| Main Supervisor | 1 | 0 |
| Co-supervisor | 10 | 0 |
Current Doctoral Supervision
Main Supervisor of:
-
Juliette Vicente
-
Doctor of Philosophy
Simulation of catastrophic debris avalanches from source to impact
Co-supervisor of:
-
Samuel McGowan
-
Doctor of Philosophy
Improving volcanic hazard assessments in New Zealand through applying remotely sensed data. -
Silvia Moreno Alfonso
-
Doctor of Philosophy
The Ruapehu magmatic system: insights from the petrology and geochemistry of lava flows. -
Dan Sturgess
-
Doctor of Philosophy
Detection and quantification of hydrothermal alteration and volcanic degassing using hyperspectral remote sensing -
Anna Perttu
-
Doctor of Philosophy
Seismo-acoustic characterisations of pyroclastic density currents -
Brian Perttu
-
Doctor of Philosophy
Multihazard volcanic analysis for Mt. Ruapehu, NZ. - view more...