Project Overview
Magma Geochemistry and Explosive Volcanic Eruptions
Department(s)
Earth and Environmental Geosciences
Abstract
Augustine Volcano in Alaska is one of the most frequently active volcanoes in the US and is considered a very high threat by the U.S. Geological Survey. The hazards posed by a volcano depend on the size and style of an eruption, but what controls these eruption characteristics? This project will investigate the links between volcano explosivity and magma composition.
Recent eruptions at Augustine Volcano, like the one in 2006, have been relatively small, but Colgate students have found evidence of three much larger explosive eruptions in Augustine’s recent past. These highly explosive eruptions occurred 400-1100 years ago, and show that the volcano was undergoing a transition from older, larger eruptions to younger, smaller eruptions. Previous work by Colgate students shows that this transition seems to happen every 400-500 years. What causes this change in eruptive personality? What could drive a change back to larger, more violent eruptions? We weren't there to observe the eruptions 400-1100 years ago, but we can piece together what was happening in the lead-up to each eruption through the geochemistry of the pumice and crystals that were produced in each eruption.
This project will include a variety of types of lab work including geochemical lab work in a clean lab (dissolve rocks, then measuring pumice compositions using an ICP-MS instrument), imaging and geochemical analysis on Colgate's Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), digital image processing (Photoshop and ImageJ), and data analysis and interpretation (Excel and R). No prior experience is necessary.
We will have regular communication with scientists at Alaska Volcano Observatory who monitor volcanic hazards at Augustine Volcano and with collaborators from Western Washington University who are working on complementary aspects of this project. Results from this project will help us understand magma ascent and volcano explosivity, both of which have important implications for volcanic hazards at Augustine and at other volcanoes around the world.
Student Qualifications
Students are strongly encouraged to meet with potential faculty supervisors when applying for summer research. Students with an interest in this project are encouraged to apply even if they have not yet taken relevant coursework, but should be curious and enthusiastic to learn more about how the Earth works, and comfortable learning to use different lab techniques and computer software (training will be provided in all of these tasks).
Project Length
7-8 weeks
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