Constraints on the size, geometry and structural evolution of the storage locations in a volcanic plumbing system using diffusion-based physical modelling: a case study at Mt. Etna (Italy) and Laacher See (Germany) volcano

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Despite modern geophysical methods, the constraints on the size, geometry and structural evolution – three important aspects – of magma reservoirs remain poor. These constraints are essential to fully understand the extent and behavior of the eruption feeding systems beneath dangerous volcanoes. We will (a) develop a diffusion-based tool to constrain the physical extent and geometry of the individual magma storage locations that make up a volcanic plumbing system. This ‘physical modelling’ will involve, as prerequisites, (b) experimental investigation of the behavior of crystals in a magma mush, and (c) detailed characterization of the individual storage locations in terms of connectivity, physical conditions and storage times. Samples from two very distinct volcanoes - Mt. Etna (Italy) and Laacher See (Germany) – will be studied. At first, diffusion and thermal modelling will be combined with results from the experiments to catalogue different shapes and their sizes with corresponding temperature-time histories of magmatic systems. Different storage locations will be identified and characterized using modern methods of system analysis, and thermodynamic and kinetic modelling. Finally, the results from this characterization will be compared with the calibrated catalogues to find the best fitting size and shape for each of the storage locations in Laacher See and Mt. Etna. The project will be the first ever study to constrain the size and structure of the storage locations within any volcano - active or dormant. It would develop a new and original diffusion-based tool that can be applied to any other volcano. The applications of this tool will fill the data gaps existing in terms of structural changes in volcanic studies, and will assist in volcano monitoring. The project is also timely considering the damage potential of Mt. Etna and the recent reactivation signs of Laacher See, a pre-historic explosive volcano. The results on Etna will be communicated to the Etna observatory in Italy. The PI has already successfully tested a primary version of the model on a small section of Laacher See. These pilot results along with the PI’s experience in experiments and diffusion/numerical modelling ensure the success of this project. It will be conducted as the PI’s first postdoctoral project and fits well into one of DFG’s key objectives of ‘early career support’.