Institute of Geophysics and Tectonics (IGT) PhD Projects
On volcanic deformation, stress patterns and earthquakes
Supervisors: Dr Derek Keir, Dr Tim Wright & Prof Jurgen Neuberg
Tectonic earthquakes on a volcano are caused by the interaction of a regional stress field and the superimposed local stress components generated by pressurized or relaxed magma sources. The formation and migration of magma-filled dykes and the physical processes acting in the magma over time are controlled by this stress field, but also impact on it. This leads in general to both ground deformation and occurrence of earthquakes. Measuring the intensity of the deformation field and location, magnitude and radiation pattern of the seismic events can give valuable clues about the stress field within a volcanic environment and its changes with time. This project aims to shed some light on the interaction between stress, deformation and earthquakes in volcanic settings.
Stress patterns related to magma dyke inflation which could lead to volcano tectonic events. Analytical and numerical methods will be used to model magmatic intrusions and their impact on stress and deformation in a volcanic edifice. Particularly the stress changes on existing fault planes, which indicate the earthquake potential on this fault, will be determined and compared with earthquake locations. Finally, magmatic processes such as degassing and crystallisation will be incorporated in the modelling to account for their impact on stress field. We will use unique data sets from Afar, Ethiopia, and Montserrat, West Indies, to test how dyking influences stress fields, however, modelling results of a generic nature are anticipated.
The student will be provided with training in analytical and numerical modeling techniques, applied to
earthquake seismology, deformation as well as physical processes in magma-crystal-gas mixtures. Volcanic monitoring experience will be gained at the Volcano Observatory in Montserrat and/or during a
seismic deployment in the Afar region, Ethiopia. Due to the multi-national co-operation and research
contacts of the Volcano Seismology Group at Leeds, the student will be part of a colourful and multidisciplinary group of scientists in the UK and abroad.