H.K. Handley PhD | People Pages: Find employees & contact details

Heather Handley is a volcanologist and has worked on some of the most active volcanoes on the planet. She is a passionate science communicator with extensive media experience and a champion for equity, diversity and inclusion.

Heather uses the chemistry of volcanic rocks and their minerals to better understand how volcanoes work and what triggers volcanic eruptions in order to reduce volcanic risk at local to global scales. In 2012 Heather was awarded a prestigious ARC Future Fellowship to advance our understanding of the timescales of Earth-system processes.

She is also interested in people’s perceptions of volcanic risk, and how we can advance our understanding of past volcanic impacts on humans and the environment by integrating volcanological and Indigenous knowledge with social sciences.

Heather is driven to communicate the critical role of geoscience in our sustainable future. She is Co-Founder and Director of the Earth Futures Festival an international film and video festival and co-author of the UNESCO-AGU book “Geoscience in Action: Advancing Sustainable Development”. Heather is a UNESCO Project Leader for IGCP 685 Geology for Sustainable Development.

Heather was a Science and Technology Australia 2021-2022 Superstar of STEM. She frequently writes for The Conversation and has given more than 100 television, radio and print interviews on volcanoes. Heather has featured in documentaries for National Geographic, Discovery Science, SBS Australia and RMC Découverte and is currently writing a popular science and history book on Australia’s Volcanoes for CSIRO Publishing.

Heather strongly advocates for Women in STEM, diversity and inclusion and is Co-Founder and Inaugural President of the Women in Earth and Environmental Science Australasia (WOMEESA) Network and Board Member of the Female faculty Network Twente.

Expertise

Earth and Planetary Sciences
- Volcano
- History
- Volcanic Eruption
- Volcanology
- Montserrat
- Investigation
- Magma
- Tuff

Organisations

Publications

Jump to: 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020

2023

Remnants of a Young Monogenetic Volcanic Field and the Fragile Balance of Anthropogenic Interaction (2023)Geoheritage, 15(131), 1-23. Article 131. Foote, A., Handley, H. K. & Németh, K.https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-023-00897-8The role of phreatomagmatism in the formation of complex monogenetic volcanic systems in a low-lying coastal plain (2023)Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 442. Article 107899. Foote, A., Handley, H. K., Németh, K., Didonna, R., McGee, L., Griffis, R. & Clerke, L.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2023.107899An overview of the large-magnitude (VEI 4) eruption of Merapi in 2010 (2023)In Merapi Volcano: Geology, Eruptive Activity, and Monitoring of a High-Risk Volcano (pp. 353-407) (Active Volcanoes of the World). Springer Nature. Subandriyo, Gertisser, R., Aisyah, N., Humaida, H., Preece, K., Charbonnier, S., Budi-Santoso, A., Handley, H., Sumarti, S., Sayudi, D. S., Nandaka, I. G. M. A. & Wibowo, H. E.https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15040-1_12Geological history, chronology and mMagmatic evolution of Merapi (2023)In Merapi Volcano : Geology, Eruptive Activity, and Monitoring of a High-Risk Volcano (pp. 137-193) (Active Volcanoes of the World). Springer Nature. Gertisser, R., del Marmol, M. A., Newhall, C., Preece, K., Charbonnier, S., Andreastuti, S., Handley, H. & Keller, J.https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15040-1_6Geoscience in action: advancing sustainable development (2023)[Book/Report › Book]. UNESCO. Capello, M., Caslin, E., Stewart, I., Cox, D., Shaughnessy, A., Atekwana, E., Handley, H. K., Bakamjian, T., Wouters, L., Winsten, M., Singh, V. & Mhopjeni, K.https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000384826

2022

The interplay between environmental and magmatic conditions in eruption style transitions within a fissure-aligned monogenetic volcanic system of Auckland, New Zealand (2022)Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 431. Article 107652. Foote, A., Németh, K. & Handley, H.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2022.107652Dynamics and timescales of mafic–silicic magma interactions at Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat (2022)Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, 177(2). Article 28. Didonna, R., Costa, F., Handley, H., Turner, S. & Barclay, J.https://doi.org/10.1007/s00410-022-01891-zLithosphere–asthenosphere interactions beneath northeast China and the origin of its intraplate volcanism (2022)Geology, 50(2), 210-215. Zhang, A., Guo, Z., Afonso, J. C., Handley, H., Dai, H., Yang, Y. & Chen, Y. J.https://doi.org/10.1130/G49375.1

2021

Atmospheric sources of anthropogenic and geogenic trace metals in Australian lichen and fungi (2021)Anthropocene, 33. Article 100279. Wu, L., Isley, C., Handley, H. & Taylor, M. P.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ancene.2021.100279U-series histories of magmatic volatile phase and enclave development at Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat (2021)Chemical Geology, 559. McGee, L., Reagan, M., Turner, S., Sparks, R. S., Handley, H., Didonna, R., Berlo, K., Hansen, S. & Barclay, J.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2020.119957Rapid magmatic processes drive persistently active volcanism (2021)Lithos, 380-381. Article 105868. Firth, C. W., Turner, S., Handley, H., Turner, M. B., Cronin, S. J., Girard, G. & Smith, I. E. M.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2020.105868The age of dust—A new hydrological indicator in arid environments? (2021)Geology, 49(6), 728-732. Turner, S., Handley, H., Hesse, P., Schaefer, B. & Dosseto, A.https://doi.org/10.1130/G48592.1

2020

In Australasia, gender is still on the agenda in geosciences (2020)Advances in geosciences, 53, 205-226. Handley, H., Hillman, J., Finch, M., Ubide, T., Kachovich, S., McLaren, S., Petts, A., Purandare, J., Foote, A. & Tiddy, C.https://doi.org/10.5194/adgeo-53-205-2020

Research profiles

In the press

TV Documentary

2023: SBS: Great Australian Walks, Episode 4 Kiama Coastal Walk

2022: RMC Découverte: The most dangerous volcanoes in the world

2020: National Geographic: Nature's Fury: Episode 2 Shaky Island

2020: National Geographic: Nature's Fury: Episode 2 Ring of Fire

2012: Discovery Science Channel. ‘How the Earth Works’. Krakatau Volcano

Television and Video

2023: BBC News: Live interview on Icelandic volcanic activity (20 Dec)

2023: Sky News: Live interview on Icelandic volcanic activity (25 Nov)

2023: ‘The Project’ Network Ten: Newer Volcanics Province (filmed 6-8 Feb, aired 14 Feb) https://youtu.be/2TLBWGwM2Gg

2022: ABC News: Live interview on Semeru volcano (5 Dec)

2022: Al Jazeera The Stream Pre-recorded interview on the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’pai eruption (20 Jan) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2z8NLghUpg at ~17:35

2022: Al Jazeera International. Live interview on the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’pai eruption (18 Jan)

2021: BBC World Television Newsday: Live interview on volcanoes in Indonesia (14 Dec)

2021: Global News Toronto: Live interview on the Mt Semeru eruption (10 Dec)

2021: ABC News The World: Live interview on the Mt Semeru eruption (8 Dec)

2021: Superstars of STEM Impact Video: Pre-recorded interview

2021: Al Jazeera International. Live interview on the pumice washed ashore in Japan (30 Oct)

2021: ABC News. Live interview STEM workforce survey in Australia (11 Oct)

2021: Al Jazeera International. Live interview on the Cumbre Vieja eruption in La Palma eruption (4 Oct)

2021: SBS News. Interview on the eruption at La Soufriere, St. Vincent (12 April).

2020: Hosted and participated in filming for Channel 9’s ‘60 Mintues’ series ‘Under Investigation’ with Presenter Liz Hayes.

2019: ‘The Living Room’ Network Ten (Pre-recorded TV interview, 16 October 2018; Aired 12 July 2019 https://10play.com.au/the-living-room/episodes/season-8/episode-16/tpv190711tzodk ~25 mins)

2018: Al Jazeera English Channel (Live TV interview, via Skype 27 December)

2018: Al Jazeera English Channel (Live TV interview, via Skype 23 December)

2018: ‘The Project’ Network Ten (Pre-recorded TV interview, 6 June) https://tenplay.com.au/channel-ten/the-project/2018/6/6 (at ~35 minutes)

2018: ABC News on Sinabung volcano, Sumatra (Live TV interview 18 February) https://twitter.com/abcnews/status/965798273553522688

2017: BBC World News on Agung volcano, Bali (Live TV interview, via Skype 27 November)

2017: ABC News 24 ‘The World’ on Agung volcano, Bali (Live TV interview): https://twitter.com/abcnews/status/935104362874945536

2017: Weekend Sunrise Channel 7 on Agung volcano, Bali (Live TV interview, 24 September): https://au.tv.yahoo.com/plus7/sunrise/-/watch/37203758/bali-volcano-warning/

2017: ABC News Breakfast on Agung volcano, Bali (Live TV interview, 26 September)

2017: Sky News on Agung volcano, Bali (Live TV interview, 26 September)

2017: Sky News on Agung volcano, Bali (Live TV interview, 29 September)

2017: Macquarie University video interview for general release on Agung volcano, Bali (3 October) https://www.facebook.com/macquarieuni/videos/10154800965751990/

2011: STEMNERD project with NSW high school students https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEoPMhf99hg

Blog Contributions

2018: WOMEESA at the Australian Geoscience Council Convention, 14-18th October 2018 https://www.womeesa.net/blogpage/2018/10/21/womeesa-at-the-australian-geoscience-council-convention-14-18th-october-2018

2018: Heather Handley: An academic mama https://www.capstoneediting.com.au/blog/heather-handley-an-academic-mama

Radio Interviews and Podcasts

2023: VolcaKnowledge podcast with Sam Mitchell https://www.volcaknowledge.com/home/episode/2c7bf498/s2-ep8-volcanoes-down-under-with-heather-handley

2023: ABC Radio, Overnights: Live interview on Campi Flegrei and other volcanoes (21 October) https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/overnights/overnights/102978166

2023: ABC Radio Weekends with Andrea Gibbs: Live radio interview on volcanology (16 September) https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/weekends/weekends/102836656 at 1 hr 23 sec

2023: ABC Illawarra: Pre-recorded interview on past volcanic activity in Kiama and Bombo (30 August) https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/illawarra-breakfast/illawarra-breakfast/102779482 at 1 hr 23 sec

2023: ABC Radio Sydney, Self-Improvement Wednesday. Live radio interview and podcast about the 1883 eruption of Krakatau (05 July) https://www.abc.net.au/sydney/programs/drive/siw-krakatoa/102566976

2023: ABC Radio, Overnights: Live interview https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/overnights/overnights/102519202 (29 June)

2023: ABC Radio, Nightlife: https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/nightlife/tongan-volcano-rewriting-our-scientific-understanding/101925012 (2 Feb)

2022: ABC Radio National: Pre-record interview on volcanoes (19 Dec)

2022: ABC Radio Sydney, Self-Improvement Wednesday. Radio interview and podcast ‘Could a volcano pop up in your own backyard’ (09 Nov) https://www.abc.net.au/sydney/programs/drive/siw-how-are-volcanoes-born/101635926

2022: Eastside Radio: Live interview on volcanoes (5 Sept)

2022: ABC Radio National Science Friction. Pre-recorded interview on volcanoes (29 August, aired 2 Sept) https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/sciencefriction/science-friction-fire-of-love-volcano-film-krafft/14035904

2022: Gneiss Chats: podcast on volcanoes (25 August) https://www.travelinggeologist.com/podcast/volcanoes

2022: 2SER. Pre-recorded interview on volcanoes and climate (23 August)

2022: ABC Regional Drive South Australia and Broken Hill. Live interview. Myth-busting volcanoes (22 August)

2022: ABC Radio Victoria and Western Australia Evenings Show. Live interview on volcanoes (9 August)2022: 2 x podcast interviews in production (coming soon)

2022: 4BC Brisbane. Live interview (23 July)

2022: ABC Radio National Science Show Pre-recorded interview about geoscience and the Earth Futures Festival (21 May) https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/there%E2%80%99s-more-to-geoscience-than-mining/13891320

2022: ABC Radio Sydney, Self Improvement Wednesday. Radio interview and podcast on Australia’s volcanoes (23 Feb) https://www.abc.net.au/radio/sydney/programs/self-improvement-wednesday/siw-feb-23-volcanoes/13767704

2022: ABC Radio National Science Show Pre-recorded interview about geoscience in Australia and the Earth Futures Festival (22 Jan) https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/geology-departments-becoming-smaller-or-closing/13723602

2022: Morning Wave in Busan: Live interview on the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Hunga-Ha’apai eruption (19 Jan) http://www.befm.or.kr/program/template.php?midx=89&pg=morning&cn=morning_sp&mode=view&page=1&intnum=31331

2022: ABC News Radio Live interview on the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Hunga-Ha’apai eruption (18 Jan)

2022: ABC Radio AM Program Pre-recorded interview on the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Hunga-Ha’apai eruption (18 Jan)

2022: ABC Radio Sydney Live interview on the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Hunga-Ha’apai eruption (17 Jan) https://www.abc.net.au/radio/sydney/programs/drive/volcanologist_explains_tonga_volcano/13708372

2022: ABC Radio Regional Queensland: Live interview on the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Hunga-Ha’apai eruption (17 Jan)

2022: 2GB Pre-recorded interview on the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Hunga-Ha’apai eruption (16 Jan)2021: RRR Live interview on volcanoes and geoscience (17 Oct) https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/podcasts/einstein-a-go-go/episodes/5434-naming-insects-child-mental-health-after-lockdown-and-volcanoes

2021: ABC Radio National Live Interview on the eruption of Mt Semeru (6 Dec)
https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/dozens-injured-as-indonesias-mt-semeru-erupts/13663236

2021: RRR Live interview on volcanoes and geoscience (17 Oct) https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/podcasts/einstein-a-go-go/episodes/5434-naming-insects-child-mental-health-after-lockdown-and-volcanoes

2021: ABC Radio AM interview on the current challenges facing scientists in Australia (11 Oct)

2021: 2HD Live interview on the La Palma eruption (20 Sept) https://www.2hd.com.au/2021/09/20/volcano-scientist

2021: 2BS 95.1 FM Live interview on Australia’s volcanoes for National Science Week (18 Aug)

2021: ABC Radio North East Live interview on Tweed volcano in northern NSW (15 July)

2021: ABC Radio South East SA Pre-recorded interview on what volcanic minerals from Mt Gambier can tell us about how magma travels to the surface from deep below the surface (15 March)

2021: ABC Radio South East SA Pre-recorded interview on current research carried out to understand the Australian Public’s perceptions of volcanic hazards and risk (1 Feb)

2020: ABC Radio National Live interview on the latest eruptions at Ili Lewotolok and Semeru volcanoes in Indonesia (2 Dec) https://www.abc.net.au/radio/newsradio/thousands-evacuate-in-indonesia-over-volcano-fears/12941658

2020: ABC Radio Melbourne: 25 minute interview on Stromboli volcano with public phone in

2020: Mamamia That’s Incredible Podcast: ‘Science’ episode on volcanoes (at ~8 min) https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/thats-incredible/science/

2019: 2SER radio interview on can we really predict a volcanic eruption (21 Dec) https://2ser.com/can-we-really-predict-a-volcanic-eruption/

2019: The Wire: pre-recorded radio interview on White Island (12 Dec) http://thewire.org.au/story/the-science-behind-the-white-island-volcano-eruption-and-what-to-expect-next/

2019: 2GB radio interview on the 2019 White Island eruption (10 Dec) https://www.2gb.com/no-way-to-escape-tourists-shouldnt-have-been-allowed-on-dangerous-white-island

2019: ABC Radio The World Today: interview on the 2019 White Island eruption (10 Dec) https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/worldtoday/nz-volcano:-should-tourists-have-been-warned-of-the-dangers/11783952

2019: 2SER interview on pacific ocean pumice raft (Live Interview 31st August) https://2ser.com/a-pumice-raft-is-floating-towards-the-great-barrier-reef/

2019: ABC Kids Listen podcast: Why do volcanoes erupt? https://www.abc.net.au/kidslisten/imagine-this/why-do-volcanoes-erupt/11038274

2018: ABC RN Breakfast on Krakatau volcano and the tsunami (Live interview, 27 December): https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/anak-krakatoa-continues-to-threaten/10669528

2018: ABC Radio Australia on the impacts of volcanic ash in Ambae, Vanuatu (Pre-recorded interview 6 August)

2018: ABC Radio ‘Overnights’ Program (Live 1 hour interview, 8 June): http://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/overnights/overnights/9826850

2018: ABC Radio RN Drive (Prerecorded interview, 4 June) http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/drive/volcano-erupts-in-guatemala/9833454

2018: ABC Radio ‘Nightlife’ (Live 1 hour interview, 22 February)

2017: ABC Radio Kimberley (Live interview, 27 November)

2017: ABC Far North Queensland (Live interview, 25 September)

2017: 6PR Perth (Live interview, 25 September) https://www.6pr.com.au/podcast/heather-handley-perth-live/

2017: 3AW Radio Melbourne (Live interview, 26 September)

2017: 2SER (Live interview, 26 September) http://2ser.com/bali-volcano-alert/

2017: ABC Perth (Prerecorded interview, 26 September)

2017: ABC Podcast for ‘Tell me Straight’ (26 September) http://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/tell-me-straight/how-do-volcanoes-work/8989002

2017: 3AW Drive (Live interview, 26 September)

2017: ABC Radio Melbourne (Live interview, 28 September)

2017: FIVEaa in Adelaide (Live interview, 29 September)

2017: ABC Adelaide (Live interview, 2 October)

2017: Lab Rats on 90.7FM (Prerecorded interview, 29 January)

Media releases

2021: Australia Post media release: https://newsroom.auspost.com.au/article/australia-s-volcanic-history-on-display-with-new-stamp-issue-from-australia-post (13 July)

2017: Contributed to ‘Expert Reaction’ media release. Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC SciMex, 27 Nov): https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/expert-reaction-mt-agung-continues-to-erupt

2017: Contributed to ‘Expert Reaction’ media release. Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC SciMex, 25 Sept): https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/expert-reaction-likely-eruption-of-balis-mount-agung

Written articles

Handley, H., Horner, J. (2023). ‘Like blood, then turned into darkness’: how medieval manuscripts link lunar eclipses, volcanoes and climate change. https://theconversation.com/like-blood-then-turned-into-darkness-how-medieval-manuscripts-link-lunar-eclipses-volcanoes-and-climate-change-203185

Handley, H. (2022). A volcano is erupting again in Iceland. Is climate change causing more eruptions?. https://theconversation.com/a-volcano-is-erupting-again-in-iceland-is-climate-change-causing-more-eruptions-187858

Handley, H. (2021). Photos from the field: the stunning crystals revealing deep secrets about Australian volcanoes. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/photos-from-the-field-the-stunning-crystals-revealing-deep-secrets-about-australian-volcanoes-161176

Handley, H. (2021). Australia’s volcanoes in the spotlight. Geological Society of Australia, The Australian Geologist (TAG) magazine, 200, September 2021 Edition.

Handley, H. (2020). The Women in Earth and Environmental Sciences Australasia (WOMEESA) Network. Geological Society of Australia, The Australian Geologist (TAG) magazine, March 2020 Edition.

Handley, H., Magill, C. (2019). How Qantas and other airlines decide whether to fly near volcanoes. The Conversation. http://theconversation.com/how-qantas-and-other-airlines-decide-whether-to-fly-near-volcanoes-117899 (7,304 reads at 27/01/2020)

Handley, H.K., van Otterloo, J., Cas, R. (2018). Would an eruption in Melbourne really match Hawaii’s volcanoes: here’s the evidence. The Conversation https://theconversation.com/would-an-eruption-in-melbourne-really-match-hawaiis-volcanoes-heres-the-evidence-101675 (55,943 reads at 27/01/2020)

Handley, H.K. (2018). From Kilauea to Fuego: three things you should know about volcano risk. The Conversation http://theconversation.com/from-kilauea-to-fuego-three-things-you-should-know-about-volcano-risk-97775 (14,069 reads at 27/01/2020)

Handley, H.K. (2018). Five active volcanoes on my Asia Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’ watch-list right now. The Conversation https://theconversation.com/five-active-volcanoes-on-my-asia-pacific-ring-of-fire-watch-list-right-now-90618 (47,402 reads at 27/01/2020)

Handley, H.K. (2018). Curious Kids: Why do volcanoes erupt? The Conversation https://theconversation.com/curious-kids-why-do-volcanoes-erupt-98251 (36,840 reads at 27/01/2020)

Handley, H.K. (2017). Mount Agung continues to rumble with warnings the volcano could still erupt. The Conversation: http://theconversation.com/mount-agung-continues-to-rumble-with-warnings-the-volcano-could-still-erupt-85825 (28,792 reads at 27/01/2020)

Handley, H.K. (2017). Gunung Agung terus bergemuruh dan masih mungkin akan melatus The Conversation (Indonesian) http://theconversation.com/gunung-agung-terus-bergemuruh-dan-masih-mungkin-akan-meletus-85985 (750 reads at 27/01/2020)

Handley, H.K. (2016). Want to inspire kids to learn STEM? Get them to build a robot. The Conversation, https://theconversation.com/want-to-inspire-kids-to-learn-stem-get-them-to-build-a-robot-56418 (8,063 reads at 27/01/2020)

Handley, H.K. (2013). Ticking Bombs: The Triggering of Explosive Volcanic Eruptions. Journal of the Science Teachers’ Association of New South Wales, Science Education News 62, 242-247.

Interviews featured in written articles

2024: U-Today: https://www.utoday.nl/science/73755/volcanic-eruption-in-iceland-a-constant-worry

2023: ABC News: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-02-11/volcanoes-on-tablelands-2024: queensland-when-could-they-erupt/101952536

2022: Canberra Times: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7864152/iceland-volcanic-eruption-a-reminder-of-australias-explosive-past/

2022: ABC News: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-16/tonga-volcanic-eruption-largest-recorded/101069416

2022: Cosmos: https://cosmosmagazine.com/earth/earth-sciences/nbt-volcanic-eruption/

2022: IF Magazine: https://if.com.au/unesco-backed-film-festival-aims-to-make-geoscience-accessible/

2022: UK Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/science-and-disease/tonga-volcano-experts-warn-long-term-health-impacts/

2022: ABC Weather: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-01-21/how-has-the-tonga-volcano-affected-the-weather-/100532346

2022: SBS World News: https://www.sbs.com.au/news/what-caused-the-volcanic-blast-near-tonga-and-what-might-happen-next/f31aba46-31e8-4b44-9b95-472d703bd376

2022: ABC News: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-01-17/tonga-volcano-eruption-hunga-tonga-hunga-ha-apai-tsunami-/100761966

2022: Sydney Morning Herald: https://www.smh.com.au/world/oceania/tongan-blast-was-violent-and-vast-but-may-not-disrupt-global-warming-20220117-p59ox7.html