Archaeovolcanology

Archaeovolcanology is the scientific study of volcanic events and occurrences which takes into account human agency and artifacts as well as traditionally recognized sources. Wendy L. Neill, a graduate student at Thomas Edison State College (2008) proposes that archaeovolcanology be developed into a new scientific discipline in a paper titled "An Argument for the Role of Archaeovolcanology, a Proposed New Field of Science,in Interdisciplinary Climate Studies". Archaeovolcanology would employ an interdisciplinary approach which combines geology, volcanology, climatology, archaeology, art history, anthropology, human ecology, as well other humanities and social sciences such as religion or philosophy.
Archaeovolcanology is not an entirely new discipline, nor is the need for a new approach a completely novel invention. There have been many geologists and volcanologists who have used sources such as myths, literature, ancient calendars, etc. to inform their research. Although a few have identified themselves as archaeovolcanologists, the vast majority have been struggling to bring in ideas from outside their discipline often to face criticism from colleagues. The scholars who (despite opposition in some cases) have formed the bedrock of this new science have laid the groundwork for future studies. Today interdisciplinary work is becoming more accepted. Many universities offer interdisciplinary Ph. D programs and documentary television programs often tackle a scientific or social problem from an interdisciplinary perspective. Despite these advances, there is still the frustrating problem of volcanic eruptions that surprise even the best scientists, a muddle of volcanic theories and looming climate changes which can involve increased volcanic hazards. This last issue demands that more attention and resources be directed towards understanding the role of volcanic activity in climate change. A field of archaeovolcanology could open up new sources to enhance knowledge of events in ancient times and even those in the modern era. Any discipline which is organized can better focus and direct energy towards problem solving through conferences, newsletters, scholarships, departments at universities, a body of literature to draw from, and fieldwork.
Archaevolcanologists:
There are a few groups or individuals currently operating under the term: archaeovolcanology.” David Keys book, Catastrophe: An Investigation into the Origins of the Modern World, also takes an archaeovolcanological perspective. One of the founders of archaeovolcanology, though he never used the term, Immanuel Velikovsky, wrote Earth in Upheaval(1955)and Worlds in Collision (1950). There have also been many Armenian geo-archaeologists who have used archaeovolcanological methods to better understand when and where volcanoes occurred in ancient times by examining references in church manuscripts and cuniform inscriptions.

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