Midway evaluation in Geophysics - Catherine Grace O'Hara

Title of thesis: Effects of Ice Unloading and Magmatic Conditions on Surface Deformation at Subglacial Volcanoes

Student: Catherine Grace O'Hara

Doctoral committee:
Dr. Freysteinn Sigmundsson, Research Professor, Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Iceland
Dr. Halldór Geirsson, Professor at the Faculty of Earth Sciences, University of Iceland
Dr. Michelle Parks, Specialist in volcano deformation and monitoring, Icelandic Meteorological Office
Dr. Elisa Trasatti, Senior Researcher, Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Rome, Italy
Dr. Fabien Albino, Researcher, ISTerre, Université Grenoble Alpes, France

Abstract

The aim of the Ph.D. research project to deepen the understanding of ground deformation at ice-covered volcanoes, considering both the effects of ice unloading and magma movements in the roots of volcanoes. In particular, it will evaluate the combined effects of ice unloading, glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) and magma movements on magma storage, reservoir failure, production, and transport conditions, and how this informs our understanding of the magma plumbing system of volcanoes. The focus of the lecture will be on the theoretical bases for the project, progress sofar, and plans for further work in the project.