Evolution of basaltic magmatic systems: the centennial activity of Mt Etna volcano (Southern Italy).

Project overview

Understanding persistently active basaltic volcanoes requires quantification of the variations in the rates and locations of magma supply and the impact on the evolution in space and time of the magma plumbing system. The key mechanisms and conditions modulating magma-mush dynamics and the resulting eruptive behaviour are particularly poorly constrained.

Mt. Etna has an excellent record of over 8 centuries of volcanic activity. The precisely known eruptive chronology sharply contrasts with the poor understanding of the timescales over which the mushy magma plumbing system and associate feeder systems operate. This project will directly investigate the centennial evolution of eruptive activity at Mt. Etna to understand the temporal and compositional changes of the plumbing system and how it modulates eruptive activity. The research will aim to determine dynamic driving forces behind crystal mush location, evolution and disruption; all of which impact eruptive behaviour.

This research will involve the analysis natural samples at different scales using a range of techniques (SEM, EPMA, LA-ICP-MS, XRF) and will interpret this data with the aid of state-of-the-art and novel crystal-scale petrological and geochemical tools, elemental diffusion and thermodynamic modelling, and experimentally calibrated thermobarometers. Fieldwork is encouraged but not essential since the majority of samples are already available at INGV Etnean Observatory.

Project Specific Training

A comprehensive training programme will be provided, comprising specialist scientific training, and transferable professional skills. The student will learn volcanological field techniques during fieldwork (optional as samples are available).

The student will be trained in geological sample preparation techniques, optical and electron microscopy (NHM), whole-rock geochemical analysis including (NHM), chemical microanalysis using electron microprobe and LA-IPC-MS (NHM), thermodynamic modelling in THERMOCALC (Birkbeck), micro-isotope geochemistry (NERC-NEIF), and diffusion modelling using MATLAB (NHM). There is also the possibility to perform low pression diffusion experiments (Birkbeck). 

The student will undertake TREES- and NHM-based training in transferable research skills. They will present at national and international conferences, placing the student at the forefront of the discipline, leading to excellent future opportunities. The student will further benefit from outreach opportunities at the Natural History Museum and have opportunities to attend (inter)national meetings, workshops and conferences.