PhD Studentship - Exploring the Influence of Magma-mush Processes on Volcanic Unrest

Volcanic eruptions threaten 10% of the world’s population. To enable eruption forecasting, carry out hazard assessment, and mitigate risk, a thorough understanding of volcanic unrest is essential, but currently lacking. Surface deformation is one of the main indicators of volcanic unrest and has begun to be interpreted using models based on magma migrating and accumulating in a magma-mush reservoir, but they have limitations.

For example, how does heterogeneity in the system effect predictions? How important is the vertical connectivity of the system? How well do they relate to other indicators of unrest, such as seismicity and gravity? This PhD project will drive innovation in modelling magma-mush processes and the generated surface deformation and seismicity during volcanic unrest episodes. The student will incorporate the fast-evolving understanding of magma-mush systems into new numerical models (e.g., using the finite element method) simulating surface deformation from porous fluid (magma) flow, and test how predicted subsurface stress and strain may relate to patterns of volcanic earthquakes. Models will be applied to case-study volcanoes co-selected with the PhD student and collaborators at local volcano observatories.

Possible examples include volcanoes in Japan, the eastern Caribbean, Ecuador, and Costa Rica. The student will benefit from expert project co-supervisors from the University of Bristol and British Geological Survey, exploiting volcanology and geophysics research ties across the three institutions, and exposing the student to a greater variety of complementary research directions and applications. The student will also receive training in numerical modelling, data processing and analysis, and communication of science to diverse audiences, with options for overseas fieldwork for collaborative data retrieval. Project results will improve how surface deformation and seismicity are interpreted during volcanic unrest, with tangible impact for institutions dealing with volcanic crises.

Funding

For eligible students the studentship will cover home tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend.

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