Professor Michael James
Professor in VolcanologyResearch Overview
My research involves understanding Earth surface change processes, with emphasis on volcanic flows such as lavas and domes. I use field measurements of active processes using laser scanning, close-range photogrammetry, mm-wave radar, infrared and remote time-lapse imaging, and UAVs and am currently exploring the use of structure-from-motion algorithms for facilitating 3D surface generation from photographs. Other areas of interest include volcanic fluid dynamics and plume processes.
See my home page for more information including:
Teaching and field courses including photographs from Sicily and Iceland
Software – including sfm georef and pointcatcher
Selected Publications
Straightforward reconstruction of 3d surfaces and topography with a camera: accuracy and geoscience application
James, M., Robson, S. 09/2012 In: Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface. 117, 3, 17 p.
Journal article
Identification of structural controls in an active lava dome with high resolution DEMs: Volcán de Colima, Mexico
James, M., Varley, N. 21/11/2012 In: Geophysical Research Letters. 39, 5 p.
Journal article
Image-based measurement of flux variation in distal regions of active lava flows.
James, M.R., Pinkerton, H., Robson, S. 13/03/2007 In: Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems. 8, 3, 16 p.
Journal article
Lava channel roofing, overflows, breaches and switching: insights from the 2008-9 eruption of Mt. Etna
James, M.R., Applegarth, L., Pinkerton, H. 01/2012 In: Bulletin of Volcanology. 74, 1, p. 107-117. 11 p.
Journal article
Gas slug ascent through changes in conduit diameter : Laboratory insights into a volcano-seismic source process in low-viscosity magmas.
James, M.R., Lane, S.J., Chouet, B.A. 2006 In: Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth. 111, B05201
Journal article
Modelling the rapid near-surface expansion of gas slugs in low-viscosity magmas.
James, M.R., Lane, S.J., Corder, S.B. 7/11/2008 In: Geological Society Special Publications. 307, 1, p. 147-167. 21 p.
Journal article
All Publications
Control and Navigation of Cooperative Unmanned Aerial Systems for Characterisation of Environmental Processes
01/02/2022 → 01/08/2025
Research
IMPROVE : Innovative Multi-disciPlinary European Research training netwOrk on VolcanoEs
01/09/2021 → 31/08/2025
Research
Detecting soil degradation and restoration through a novel coupled sensor and machine learning framework
31/01/2020 → 16/09/2024
Research
R4AsH : Radar-supported Next-Generation Forecasting of Volcanic Ash Hazard
01/04/2019 → 31/03/2024
Research
Piloting a Cost-Effective Framework for Monitoring Soil Erosion in England and Wales
01/06/2013 → 31/05/2016
Research
FP7: NEMOH: numerical, experimental & stochastic modelling of vOlcanic processes and hazards
01/01/2012 → 31/12/2015
Research
Quantifying degassing-driven crystal growth in basaltic lavas
29/08/2011 → 28/08/2012
Research
The effects of degassing and effusion rate fluctuations on the evolution of basaltic lava flow
01/01/2009 → 31/12/2012
Research
Bulletin of Volcanology (Journal)
Editorial activity
Progress in Physical Geography (Journal)
Editorial activity
NERC (External organisation)
Membership of committee
Gaetana Ganci
Hosting an academic visitor
- DSI - Environment
- Earth Science
- Lancaster Intelligent, Robotic and Autonomous Systems Centre
- LIRA - Environmental Modelling
- Understanding a changing planet