Measuring and Modelling of Volcano Eruption Dynamics (MeMoVolc)

The dynamics of erupting volcanoes are highly complex, with nonlinear feedbacks and multiple eruptive states during single eruptions. Without better quantitative understanding of these processes, interpretations of geophysical and geochemical signals recorded at the surface will remain largely empirical. This programme will probe the dynamics of volcanic reservoirs, conduits and plumes, focusing on the processes that trigger changes from one eruptive state to another. It will tackle the problems synergistically at the intersections between traditional disciplines, and will involve 41 top-level scientists from 20 research institutes and volcano observatories in 9 countries. Measurements of quantitative eruption parameters will be made at several target volcanoes using multiple ground-based and satellite-based remote sensing techniques, the instrument arrays of the volcano observatories, and analysis of eruption products using techniques of textural and chemical microanalysis. Laboratory experiments using real and analogue materials will be used to explore magma properties and extract phenomenological laws governing eruption dynamics. Robust eruption models will be developed using (i) benchmark laboratory experiments to validate the component physics, and (ii) multi-parameter datasets to seek first-order consistency between models and measurements, thereby building confidence in our quantitative understanding of the natural system