Dr Katie Preece

Senior Lecturer

Geography

k.j.preece@swansea.ac.uk

Kitchen - 248A
Second Floor
Wallace Building
Singleton Campus

Available For Postgraduate Supervision

Research Links

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1478-4291

ResearcherID

About

Dr Katie Preece is a volcanologist and geologist. Her research is broadly focused on volcanology, volcanic petrology, and geochronology.

Katie completed a 4-year Undergraduate Masters (MGeosci.) degree in Geology with Biology at Keele University and a Masters in Volcanology at the Laboratoire Magmas et Volcans, Université Blaise Pascal, Clemont-Ferrend (France). She undertook her PhD at the University of East Anglia (UEA), which used detailed field studies and petrological data to reveal the driving forces behind transitions in recent eruptive style at Merapi volcano, Indonesia. She then stayed at UEA for a postdoctoral position, reconstructing the eruptive history of Ascension Island using a combination of physical volcanology and Ar/Ar geochronology. She then held a postdoctoral position at the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre (University of Glasgow), where she combined Ar/Ar geochronology, geochemistry, and field studies to build a geochronological framework of volcanic eruptions in Armenia in order to inform archaeological investigations into hominin migration and evolution. Katie joined Swansea University in January 2019.

Areas Of Expertise

Magmatic and volcanic processes
Volcanic hazards
Geochronology
Geochemistry

Career Highlights

Teaching Interests

Katie teaches a variety of geoscience and physical geography modules, including volcanology, natural hazards, introductory geology, field skills for earth scientists, and sedimentology. In addition, she enjoys supervising undergraduate and master's dissertations.

Katie holds a Postgraduate Certificate of Teaching in Higher Education (PGCert tHE) and an Advance HE Fellowship.

Research

Publications

Research Highlights

Gertisser, R., Marmol, M., Newhall, C., Preece, K., Charbonnier, S., Andreastuti, S., Handley, H., & Keller, J. (2023). Geological History, Chronology and Magmatic Evolution of Merapi. Merapi Volcano (pp. 137-193). Springer International Publishing
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15040-1_6, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa62692
Preece, K., Zwan, F., Hammer, J., & Gertisser, R. (2023). A Textural Perspective on the Magmatic System and Eruptive Behaviour of Merapi Volcano. In Ralf Gertisser, Valentin R. Troll, Thomas R. Walter, I Gusti Made Agung Nandaka, Antonius Ratdomopurbo (Ed.), Merapi Volcano (pp. 265-289). Springer International Publishing
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15040-1_9, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa62693
Subandriyo, ., Gertisser, R., Aisyah, N., Humaida, H., Preece, K., Charbonnier, S., Budi-Santoso, A., Handley, H., Sumarti, S., Sayudi, D., Nandaka, I., & Wibowo, H. (2023). An Overview of the Large-Magnitude (VEI 4) Eruption of Merapi in 2010. In Ralf Gertisser, Valentin R. Troll, Thomas R. Walter, I Gusti Made Agung Nandaka, Antonius Ratdomopurbo (Ed.), Merapi Volcano (pp. 353-407). Springer International Publishing
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15040-1_12, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa62729
Sherriff, J., Wilkinson, K., Harding, P., Hawkins, H., Timms, R., Adler, D., Beverly, E., Blockley, S., Gasparyan, B., Manning, C., Mark, D., Nahapetyan, S., & Preece, K. (2021). Middle Pleistocene environments, landscapes and tephrostratigraphy of the Armenian Highlands: evidence from Bird Farm 1, Hrazdan Valley. Journal of Quaternary Science, 37(1), 1-22.
https://doi.org/10.1002/jqs.3370, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa57964
Preece, K., Barclay, J., Brown, R., Chamberlain, K., & Mark, D. (2021). Explosive felsic eruptions on ocean islands: A case study from Ascension Island (South Atlantic). Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 416, 107284
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2021.107284, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa56902
Chamberlain, K., Barclay, J., Preece, K., Brown, R., McIntosh, I., & EIMF, . (2020). Deep and disturbed: conditions for formation and eruption of a mingled rhyolite at Ascension Island, south Atlantic. Volcanica, 3(1), 139-153.
https://doi.org/10.30909/vol.03.01.139153, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54284
Whitley, S., Halama, R., Gertisser, R., Preece, K., Deegan, F., & Troll, V. (2020). Magmatic and metasomatic effects of magma-carbonate interaction recorded in calc-silicate xenoliths from Merapi volcano (Indonesia). Journal of Petrology
https://doi.org/10.1093/petrology/egaa048, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54017
Whitley, S., Gertisser, R., Halama, R., Preece, K., Troll, V., & Deegan, F. (2019). Crustal CO2 contribution to subduction zone degassing recorded through calc-silicate xenoliths in arc lavas. Scientific Reports, 9(1)
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-44929-2, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa50638
Sherriff, J., Wilkinson, K., Adler, D., Arakelyan, D., Beverly, E., Blockley, S., Gasparyan, B., Mark, D., Meliksetyan, K., Nahapetyan, S., Preece, K., & Timms, R. (2019). Pleistocene volcanism and the geomorphological record of the Hrazdan valley, central Armenia linking landscape dynamics and the Palaeolithic record. Quaternary Science Reviews, 226, 105994
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quascirev.2019.105994, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa52660
Preece, K., Mark, D., Barclay, J., Cohen, B., Chamberlain, K., Jowitt, C., Vye-Brown, C., Brown, R., & Hamilton, S. (2018). Bridging the gap: 40Ar/39Ar dating of volcanic eruptions from the ‘Age of Discovery’. Geology, 46(12), 1035-1038.
https://doi.org/10.1130/g45415.1, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa48585

All Research

Journal Articles

Sherriff, J., Wilkinson, K., Harding, P., Hawkins, H., Timms, R., Adler, D., Beverly, E., Blockley, S., Gasparyan, B., Manning, C., Mark, D., Nahapetyan, S., & Preece, K. (2021). Middle Pleistocene environments, landscapes and tephrostratigraphy of the Armenian Highlands: evidence from Bird Farm 1, Hrazdan Valley. Journal of Quaternary Science, 37(1), 1-22.
https://doi.org/10.1002/jqs.3370, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa57964
Preece, K., Barclay, J., Brown, R., Chamberlain, K., & Mark, D. (2021). Explosive felsic eruptions on ocean islands: A case study from Ascension Island (South Atlantic). Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 416, 107284
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2021.107284, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa56902
Chamberlain, K., Barclay, J., Preece, K., Brown, R., McIntosh, I., & EIMF, . (2020). Deep and disturbed: conditions for formation and eruption of a mingled rhyolite at Ascension Island, south Atlantic. Volcanica, 3(1), 139-153.
https://doi.org/10.30909/vol.03.01.139153, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54284
Whitley, S., Halama, R., Gertisser, R., Preece, K., Deegan, F., & Troll, V. (2020). Magmatic and metasomatic effects of magma-carbonate interaction recorded in calc-silicate xenoliths from Merapi volcano (Indonesia). Journal of Petrology
https://doi.org/10.1093/petrology/egaa048, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54017
Sherriff, J., Wilkinson, K., Adler, D., Arakelyan, D., Beverly, E., Blockley, S., Gasparyan, B., Mark, D., Meliksetyan, K., Nahapetyan, S., Preece, K., & Timms, R. (2019). Pleistocene volcanism and the geomorphological record of the Hrazdan valley, central Armenia linking landscape dynamics and the Palaeolithic record. Quaternary Science Reviews, 226, 105994
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quascirev.2019.105994, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa52660
Whitley, S., Gertisser, R., Halama, R., Preece, K., Troll, V., & Deegan, F. (2019). Crustal CO2 contribution to subduction zone degassing recorded through calc-silicate xenoliths in arc lavas. Scientific Reports, 9(1)
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-44929-2, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa50638
Chamberlain, K., Barclay, J., Preece, K., Brown, R., & Davidson, J. (2019). Lower Crustal Heterogeneity and Fractional Crystallisation Control Evolution of Small Volume Magma Batches at Ocean Island Volcanoes (Ascension Island, South Atlantic). Journal of Petrology
https://doi.org/10.1093/petrology/egz037, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa51466
Gertisser, R., Deegan, F., Troll, V., & Preece, K. (2018). When the gods are angry: volcanic crisis and eruption at Bali's great volcano. Geology Today, 34(2), 62-65.
https://doi.org/10.1111/gto.12224, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa48586
Preece, K., Mark, D., Barclay, J., Cohen, B., Chamberlain, K., Jowitt, C., Vye-Brown, C., Brown, R., & Hamilton, S. (2018). Bridging the gap: 40Ar/39Ar dating of volcanic eruptions from the ‘Age of Discovery’. Geology, 46(12), 1035-1038.
https://doi.org/10.1130/g45415.1, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa48585
Handley, H., Reagan, M., Gertisser, R., Preece, K., Berlo, K., McGee, L., Barclay, J., & Herd, R. (2018). Timescales of magma ascent and degassing and the role of crustal assimilation at Merapi volcano (2006–2010), Indonesia: Constraints from uranium-series and radiogenic isotopic compositions. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 222, 34-52.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2017.10.015, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa48587
http://eprints.gla.ac.uk/150854/7/150854.pdf
Chamberlain, K., Barclay, J., Preece, K., Brown, R., & Davidson, J. (2016). Origin and evolution of silicic magmas at ocean islands: Perspectives from a zoned fall deposit on Ascension Island, South Atlantic. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 327, 349-360.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2016.08.014, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa48588
Preece, K., Gertisser, R., Barclay, J., Charbonnier, S., Komorowski, J., & Herd, R. (2016). Transitions between explosive and effusive phases during the cataclysmic 2010 eruption of Merapi volcano, Java, Indonesia. Bulletin of Volcanology, 78(8)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00445-016-1046-z, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa48593
Preece, K., Gertisser, R., Barclay, J., Berlo, K., & Herd, R. (2014). Pre- and syn-eruptive degassing and crystallisation processes of the 2010 and 2006 eruptions of Merapi volcano, Indonesia. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, 168(4)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00410-014-1061-z, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa48594
Preece, K., Barclay, J., Gertisser, R., & Herd, R. (2013). Textural and micro-petrological variations in the eruptive products of the 2006 dome-forming eruption of Merapi volcano, Indonesia: Implications for sub-surface processes. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 261, 98-120.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2013.02.006, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa48595
Jeffery, A., Gertisser, R., Troll, V., Jolis, E., Dahren, B., Harris, C., Tindle, A., Preece, K., O’Driscoll, B., Humaida, H., & Chadwick, J. (2013). The pre-eruptive magma plumbing system of the 2007–2008 dome-forming eruption of Kelut volcano, East Java, Indonesia. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, 166(1), 275-308.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00410-013-0875-4, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa48598
Troll, V., Deegan, F., Jolis, E., Harris, C., Chadwick, J., Gertisser, R., Schwarzkopf, L., Borisova, A., Bindeman, I., Sumarti, S., & Preece, K. (2013). Magmatic differentiation processes at Merapi Volcano: inclusion petrology and oxygen isotopes. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 261, 38-49.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2012.11.001, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa48599
Charbonnier, S., Germa, A., Connor, C., Gertisser, R., Preece, K., Komorowski, J., Lavigne, F., Dixon, T., & Connor, L. (2013). Evaluation of the impact of the 2010 pyroclastic density currents at Merapi volcano from high-resolution satellite imagery, field investigations and numerical simulations. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 261, 295-315.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2012.12.021, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa48596
Komorowski, J., Jenkins, S., Baxter, P., Picquout, A., Lavigne, F., Charbonnier, S., Gertisser, R., Preece, K., Cholik, N., Budi-Santoso, A., & Surono, . (2013). Paroxysmal dome explosion during the Merapi 2010 eruption: Processes and facies relationships of associated high-energy pyroclastic density currents. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 261, 260-294.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2013.01.007, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa48597
Gertisser, R., Cassidy, N., Charbonnier, S., Nuzzo, L., & Preece, K. (2012). Overbank block-and-ash flow deposits and the impact of valley-derived, unconfined flows on populated areas at Merapi volcano, Java, Indonesia. Natural Hazards, 60(2), 623-648.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-011-0044-x, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa48600
Gertisser, R., Charbonnier, S., Troll, V., Keller, J., Preece, K., Chadwick, J., Barclay, J., & Herd, R. (2011). Merapi (Java, Indonesia): anatomy of a killer volcano. Geology Today, 27(2), 57-62.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2451.2011.00786.x, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa48601
Gertisser, R., Preece, K., & Keller, J. (2009). The Plinian Lower Pumice 2 eruption, Santorini, Greece: Magma evolution and volatile behaviour. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 186(3-4), 387-406.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2009.07.015, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa48602

Book Chapters

Gertisser, R., Marmol, M., Newhall, C., Preece, K., Charbonnier, S., Andreastuti, S., Handley, H., & Keller, J. (2023). Geological History, Chronology and Magmatic Evolution of Merapi. Merapi Volcano (pp. 137-193). Springer International Publishing
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15040-1_6, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa62692
Preece, K., Zwan, F., Hammer, J., & Gertisser, R. (2023). A Textural Perspective on the Magmatic System and Eruptive Behaviour of Merapi Volcano. In Ralf Gertisser, Valentin R. Troll, Thomas R. Walter, I Gusti Made Agung Nandaka, Antonius Ratdomopurbo (Ed.), Merapi Volcano (pp. 265-289). Springer International Publishing
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15040-1_9, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa62693
Subandriyo, ., Gertisser, R., Aisyah, N., Humaida, H., Preece, K., Charbonnier, S., Budi-Santoso, A., Handley, H., Sumarti, S., Sayudi, D., Nandaka, I., & Wibowo, H. (2023). An Overview of the Large-Magnitude (VEI 4) Eruption of Merapi in 2010. In Ralf Gertisser, Valentin R. Troll, Thomas R. Walter, I Gusti Made Agung Nandaka, Antonius Ratdomopurbo (Ed.), Merapi Volcano (pp. 353-407). Springer International Publishing
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15040-1_12, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa62729

Supervision

Evolution, recurrence, and behaviour of monogenetic volcanism in Armenia (current)

PhD

Other supervisor: Prof Richard Johnston

Taught Modules

GEG133 Natural Hazards and Society

This module investigates hazardous aspects of Earth¿s natural environment and how society relates to them. Introductory principles include the definition of natural hazard, disaster, risk and loss, and approaches to reducing risk and managing disasters. Major types of natural hazard are studied in order to understand how they operate, where, and how frequently they are likely to occur. Hazardous consequences are explored, as well as how society can respond to hazardous events. Key aspects include discussion of primary and secondary hazards, prediction, forecasting and monitoring of hazards, and understanding how their harmful effects can be minimised. Natural hazards considered during this module include volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, wildfires, landslides, extreme weather events, flooding, avalanches and Mega Hazards. Lecture material considers general principles as well as case studies. The module is compulsory for students taking BSc Environmental Geoscience.
GEG278 Dissertation Preparation Skills

This module builds upon student knowledge of social research methods and environmental methods (delivered in GEG277) through to the formulation of a dissertation proposal. The module focuses on key dissertation planning and preparation skills.
GEG363 Volcanology

In this module, students will study magmatic and volcanic processes, from source to surface. We will follow the journey of magma, from its production inside the Earth, to eruption at the surface through volcanoes, and injection of volcanic ash and gases into the atmosphere. The module will cover magma generation, storage and evolution, ascent and eruption. Students will gain an understanding of processes underpinning eruptive styles and interpretation of these processes from the volcanic products. The module also explores how volcanism affects our planet¿s climate. Delivery of the module will include a combination of on-campus sessions and a field course to the Eifel Volcanic Field (Germany). The field course will enable in-situ study of diverse volcanic landforms and products, formed via a wide range of eruptive styles, including effusive and explosive eruptions. During the field course, students will study various aspects of volcanic geology, including learning how to observe, measure and interpret volcanic rocks and deposits. The module has a strong geological focus, and therefore a keen interest in geology and some previous knowledge of geology is highly recommended.
GEL204 Geological Record of Past Environments

The geological record gives a long-term perspective on environmental and climatic change, including changes that occurred over hundreds of thousands to millions of years. This record, derived from the interpretation of rocks, provides a long-term perspective on the magnitude and extent of environmental changes and their causes. This module focuses on the reconstruction of environmental parameters from the geological record. Principles and techniques for palaeoenvironmental reconstruction are outlined, with an emphasis on facies analysis and palaeoecology. Sedimentary structures are interpreted in terms of processes of sediment transport, deposition and disturbance. The facies characteristics of major depositional systems are outlined, including deserts, rivers, deltas, the deep sea and volcaniclastic environments. This module builds on aspects of geology introduced at Year One and provides a long-term perspective on environmental and climatic conditions that complements Earth history and physical geography modules. The module is compulsory for students taking BSc Environmental Geoscience. The module will include lectures and a weekend long field course component.

Career History

Senior Lecturer, Swansea University

2023 - Present
Lecturer, Swansea University

2019 - 2023
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre

2017 - 2019
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre

2016 - 2017
Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of East Anglia, School of Environmental Sciences

2014 - 2016

Dr Katie Preece

Email address

Twitter Account

Research Links

About

Areas Of Expertise

Career Highlights

Publications

Research Highlights

All Research

Journal Articles

Book Chapters

Supervision

Evolution, recurrence, and behaviour of monogenetic volcanism in Armenia (current)

Taught Modules

GEG133 Natural Hazards and Society

GEG278 Dissertation Preparation Skills

GEG363 Volcanology

GEL204 Geological Record of Past Environments

Career History

Senior Lecturer, Swansea University

Lecturer, Swansea University

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre

Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of East Anglia, School of Environmental Sciences