- The Magma-Volcano System.
Our research interests are best described by
Understanding the magma-volcano system
This basically means we am interested in developing models and carrying out measurements in the field to better constrain
the generation of magmatic melts,
their storage and rise,
flow processes in the conduit,
their eruption, and
the dispersal of volcanic ash and aerosols in the atmosphere.
This holistic, interdisciplinary approach basically requires quite diverse methods of research spanning from numerical modeling and lab experiments all the way to in situ measurements at volcanic systems. The main idea behind this rather broad approach to understand the Earth and its volcanic activity is that the eruptive style and composition of the melt are controlled by processes inside the volcano which itself is to some extend part of the broader convective system in the Earth.
Current projects target the generation of melts in the Earth mantle, the rise of so called gas slugs in the volcanic systems, the actual processes at the volcanic vent and the dispersal of ash and aerosols in the atmosphere.
Current projects include
- Generation of melts under mid ocean ridges
- Rise and explosion of gas slugs
- The first second of a strombolian eruption
- Explosions at highly viscopus magmatic systems
- Dynamics of vulcanian, subplinian and plinian eruptions
- Activity at Colombo seamount, Aegean Sea
- Development of volcano fast response system
- Silent degassing of volcanoes and the dispersal of volcanic aerosols in the atmosphere
Finished projects include
- Processes at dome building volcanoes
- Subduction zone processes
Technical Developments
- HOBIT: Hamburg Ocean Bottom Tiltmeter
- Volcano Doppler Radar