Modelling long period volcanic seismicity for eruption prediction.

Long-period seismicity often appears before a volcanic eruption. Since its occurrence does not always guarantee a volcanic response it is not yet a reliable forecasting tool. Understanding the origin of these signals will enable them to be used as a predictive tool. This project aims to make fundamental advances in understanding the generation of long-period seismicity and how it relates to magma flow dynamics. A model will be developed to directly couple the magma flow dynamics with the generation of seismic events. This will provide a powerful numerical tool with improved forecasting capabilities. This research is fundamental for appraising volcanic hazards and also has implications for modelling volcanic mineral deposits.

Ref:  Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors 163, 163 (2007); Alina Hale.

          Earth and Planetary Science Letters 263, 74 (2007); Alina Hale et al.

Advisors: Dr Louise Olsen-Kettle

                    Dr Alina Hale

Level of Project:  Honours/MSc/PhD