VolcanoTectonics


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Research

Volcano deformation

Ground displacements associated with space-based (InSAR) and ground truth (GPS) monitoring systems. A new ground based InSAR system is currently in the test phase. We develop new tools to obtain and analysis precise time-series, especially in order to improve data availability and volcano observation in tropical areas difficult to access.
Main regions of research: Ocean Island volcanoes (Hawaii, Galapagos), subduction related volcanoes (Chile, Bolivia, Argentina), and other major volcano systems especially including restless calderas (Campi Flegrei, Yellowstone)

Volcano deformation measured
in South America

Earthquake deformation

Geodetic measurements of earthquakes through space-based and ground truth systems may help to improve physical understanding of the processes leading to and associated with tectonic and volcanotectonic earthquakes.
Main regions of research include: South America (Chile), Indonesia, Turkey

Image of an earthquake from
Nov 2007 in Chile

Volcano and earthquake modelling

Most important. Through analytical and numerical models we investigate near-surface, endogeneous and deep seated processes occurring within volcanic and non-volcanic regions. Using inversion modelling of deformation data we obtain detailed information about the location and volume change of magmatic reservoirs and constrain the complex shape of dikes, sills and chambers. Using boundary element and finite element numerical modelling we investigate effects of material heterogeneities, non-linear rheologies and more complex geometries. Analog experiments help to see and understand processes, for instance at collapse calderas.
Main regions of research: all geodetic and geophysical data we get in our hands !

Model simulation of the
2001 eruption at Mount
Etna volcano

Reservoir geology

Reservoirs hosting water and oil behave (to some degree) mechanically and dynamically similar, which is the reason why we consider this research field in analogy to our other volcano related expertise. We concentrate this research on anthopogenic consequences such as water acquifer and oil field drainage in urbanized and land-used regions, utilizing remote sensing and deformation measurements such as InSAR and precise levelling.
Main regions of research include: Iran, Venezuela

Subsidence measurements
in acquifer systems of Iran

Volcano hazard and early warning

Our expertise is valuable for evaluation of volcano hazard related to deformation, intrusion and eruption, and early warning systems. We invest in deformation time series analysis from space and on the ground in order to detect changes significant for accurrate evaluation of activity changes. As an example we estimate the locations of future eruptions and the influence of volcano products on earthquake damage distributions.
Main regions of research: Azores, Mt. Merapi in Indonesia

Lahar sediments south of Merapi
volcano affect earthquake damage

last updated: 4.1.2008