Sebastian Watt

Prof. Sebastian Watt is a volcanologist at the University of Birmingham's School of Earth and Environmental Sciences. His research spans physical volcanic processes, tephrochronology, and hazard assessment, with fieldwork conducted in Central Mexico, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and the Lesser Antilles.

• NERC Postdoctoral Fellow (Southampton, 2011)
• Active PI on projects including Ruang volcano tsunami hazards (2024-2025)

Research focuses on:

• Long-term volcanic eruption records
• Volcanic edifice collapse mechanics
• Subduction zone volcanism
• Volcano-climate feedbacks
• Statistical methods in geology

2024-2025 publications analyze arc volcanism in Mexico, gravitational instability at Anak Krakatau, and subsea cable hazards. Earlier work includes heat flow studies offshore Montserrat and Antrim lava stratigraphy. Awards include:

• EGU Arne Richter Award (2014)
• Geological Society Murchison Fund (2015)

Current projects address eruption-driven tsunami risks in Indonesia and lacustrine tephra records in Mexico. Collaborates with institutions in the UK, US, and partner countries. Supervises PhD students through field-based interdisciplinary research combining geochemistry, geophysics, and geochronology.