Probing the dynamics of hydrothermal systems at polar active volcanic calderas and their role in volcanic unrest (ref 4593)

Project Background

Volcanic eruptions pose a threat to ~10% of the world's population. To enable eruption forecasting, carry out hazard assessments, and mitigate risk, a thorough understanding of volcanic unrest is essential. Active volcanic areas, and calderas in particular, are commonly related to the presence of hydrothermal systems, which can drive volcanic unrest in combination with, or independent of, active magmatic intrusions or renewed magma supply, making the interpretation of observed unrest signals (e.g., deformation, seismicity, degassing) problematic.

Polar and sub-polar calderas (e.g., Krafla and Torfajökull, Iceland; Deception Island, Antarctica) have added complications arising from extreme climate conditions and the presence of ice/snow cover, which affect the water recharge of their hydrothermal systems, stress-strain distributions, and the products of their eruptions, amongst others. Compared to lower-latitude calderas, there is still much to understand about hydrothermal system dynamics at polar/sub-polar active calderas.

Project Aims and Methods

This project will interrogate the peculiarities of polar and sub-polar caldera hydrothermal systems to improve understanding of how their dynamics dictate or impact geophysical signs of volcanic unrest. Using numerical modelling of heat transfer, fluid flow and solid/rock mechanics, the student will assess the role of fractures, volcano-tectonics, glacial loading, and others on hydrothermal circulation and its surface and subsurface manifestations (e.g., volcano deformation, seismicity, and stress distributions).

Deception Island and Torfajökull volcano form the two main case studies; results will be used to help guide future assessments of volcanic unrest, including the type, amount and location of volcanic events. There is flexibility within the project to adapt project design according to individual student interests and expertise.