Workshop on the Eyjafjallajökull eruptions of 2010 and implications for tephrochronology, volcanology, and Quaternary studies

Institute of Geography, School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, EH8 9XP

The first meeting of Tephra in Quaternary Science (TIQS), the new Quaternary Research Association (QRA) research group was held on 5-6th May 2011 at the School of GeoSciences, The University of Edinburgh, Scotland.

The TIQS 2011 Report and Community Statement is now available.

TIQS is a UK research group aiming to bring together individuals and groups with wide-ranging expertise in order to promote cross-group collaborations for optimising and advancing tephrochronology. The aims and objectives of TIQS are as follows:

  • Optimise the application of tephrochronology as a robust correlation tool for Quaternary science.
  • Advance the extraction, quantification and geochemical techniques used in tephra studies.
  • Pool developing knowledge and generate protocols for new characterisation techniques e.g. LA-ICP-MS and Ion probe techniques.
  • Establish protocols to ensure the robust correlation of tephra deposits.
  • Explore opportunities for the further development of regional databases e.g. TEPHRABASE, RESET/RHOXTOR.
  • Advance the use of age-modelling techniques such as Bayesian statistics in tephra studies.
  • Provide a forum for (i) discussion and exploration of new ideas, (ii) mentoring and training of postgraduate and early-career researchers; and (iii) to create a platform for establishing future research initiatives.
  • Build a national research group that contributes directly to the aims of the INQUA INTIMATE and International Focus Group on Tephrochronology (INTAV).

Future workshops will provide further dissemination and integration platforms for tephra researchers, particularly for those at the outset of their research career. Specific themes will include (i) analytical procedures for geochemical characterisation, (ii) statistical analysis of geochemical data and (iii) age modelling using tephra isochrons. Not only will these meetings provide an opportunity for general and break-out discussion of the key tephrochronological issues, but these occasions will also offer an occasion for hands-on training in specific techniques such as Bayesian age-modelling and statistical treatment of geochemical data.