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
Centre of Excellence in Environmental Data Science
- Centre of Excellence in Environmental Data Science
- DSI - Environment
- Earth Science
- Lancaster Intelligent, Robotic and Autonomous Systems Centre
- LIRA - Environmental Modelling
- Understanding a changing planet