News Volcano Lecture “Explosive” 12.07.2026

Collyer’s A-level Geology students recently visited the Geology Department at the University of London, Royal Holloway. Invited by Dr Nic Scarselli, the group heard an introductory talk about Earth Science and Volcanoes by Dr Jonathan Paul.

Dr Ian Carr, Collyer’s Head of Geology and Assistant Director of the Science Faculty, said: “The students were then shown an explosive demonstration, conducted by Dr Paul and Dr Martin King using a barrel of water filled with ball pit balls, foam and four rubber ducks to model an explosive eruption when liquid nitrogen was added!

“The students placed pegs in the ground where they thought the ducks would land and Collyer’s student Hannah Murphy’s won the prize!”

Following that, the students visited the computer suite and used 3D seismic data to examine the carbon capture and storage facility of Sleipner in the North Sea. Dr Queenie Chan then gave an inspiring talk about meteorites, and the students were able to handle rare meteorite specimens.

The Geology department kindly provided pizza for lunch, and then gave a tour of the University, including the beautiful Founders Building, before visiting an exhibition on microplastic pollution created by Dr Nathalie Grassineau in the Library.

Dr Carr added: “Huge thanks to our wonderful hosts at the University of London, Royal Holloway. The Geology department certainly put on an explosive day for our students!”