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Details of Award

NERC Reference : NE/W007673/1

La Palma 2021: Petrological insights into magmatic evolution in an ongoing volcanic crisis

Grant Award

Principal Investigator:
Dr K J Chamberlain, University of Derby, College of Science & Engineering
Co-Investigator:
Dr DJ Morgan, University of Leeds, School of Earth and Environment
Co-Investigator:
Dr DA Neave, The University of Manchester, Earth Atmospheric and Env Sciences
Co-Investigator:
Dr J Hickey, University of Exeter, Earth and Environmental Science
Science Area:
Earth
Overall Classification:
Panel A
ENRIs:
Environmental Risks and Hazards
Science Topics:
Eruptive products
Magmatism
Volcanic eruptions
Geohazards
Eruptive processes
Lava flows
Magma chambers
Volcanic Processes
Abstract:
Volcanic eruptions are an ever-present threat to society with typically between five and forty volcanoes in active eruption around the world on any given day (Smithsonian Institution). Whilst volcanic eruptions are not rare phenomena, there are still limitations with respect to forecasting future eruptive activity and understanding how magma evolves both before, during and at the conclusion of eruptive episodes. Typically syn-eruptive processes are studied using geophysical observations of earthquakes and ground deformation, which only yields information on the shallower portions of the magmatic plumbing systems. Then, following eruption cessation, petrologists can study the erupted rocks and crystal cargo to understand the deeper processes that affected the initiation, longevity and conclusion of volcanic activity. However, the advances in rapid sample processing techniques and petrological data collection, coupled with the ongoing eruption of Cumbre Vieja on La Palma presents a time-sensitive opportunity to synthesise these classically syn-eruptive (observational) and post-eruptive (petrological) approaches. Thus we propose to combine rapid near-real-time petrological data on the magmatic plumbing system of La Palma with the monitoring work already being undertaken by INVOLCAN (the local volcano monitoring agency). In this project we will undertake systematic sampling of the eruptive materials from Cumbre Vieja, undertake rapid analysis of the bulk rock samples and crystal cargo, and interpret any changes in magma compositions and timescales. These data will be compared with real-time monitoring data collected by INVOLCAN, and help to forecast how the eruption may evolve over time. A key output of this (aside from the detailed knowledge of the Cumbre Vieja magmatic system) is the development and refinement of a series of protocols for rapid collection of petrological data, and integration with pre-existing monitoring data. This will allow effective integration of petrological data with classic monitoring techniques, to develop future eruption forecasting tools.
Period of Award:
6 Dec 2021 - 5 Jan 2022
Value:
£52,388
Authorised funds only
NERC Reference:
NE/W007673/1
Grant Stage:
Completed
Scheme:
Standard Grant FEC
Grant Status:
Closed
Programme:
Urgent Grant

This grant award has a total value of £52,388  

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FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)

DI - Other CostsIndirect - Indirect CostsDA - InvestigatorsDA - Estate CostsDI - T&SDA - Other Directly Allocated
£16,411£9,141£12,054£2,372£8,790£3,620

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