Descripción del proyecto
Una visión sin precedentes de la dinámica no lineal a nanoescala del magma
La dinámica del magma, incluida su «desgasificación», desempeña un papel fundamental en el transporte del magma. La desgasificación, es decir, la formación de burbujas de gas ricas en agua a partir del magma, es una de las fuerzas motrices de las erupciones volcánicas explosivas. Los cristales del magma, aunque sea un volumen muy pequeño de nanocristales denominados «nanolitos», alteran la dinámica del magma. Este fenómeno poco conocido podría ser un factor modulador primario de las erupciones explosivas. El equipo del proyecto NANOVOLC, financiado por el Consejo Europeo de Investigación, será el primero en realizar observaciones «in situ» de la formación de nanolitos, que se producen en cuestión de segundos, con el objetivo de determinar su papel en las explosiones volcánicas. Los estudios de observación estarán acompañados por el desarrollo de un dispositivo experimental sin precedentes y un modelo numérico basado en inteligencia artificial de los procesos volcánicos dinámicos no lineales.
Objetivo
Volcanism is virtually ubiquitous in space and time across the universe. Its explosive expression impacts planetary evolution, life and history on Earth. The brittle – molecular – failure of magma is central to trigger explosive eruptions and yet, its occurrence is elusive to us.
The mechanistic understanding of magma dynamics, combined with monitoring activities, form the basis for forecasting eruptions. This is central for modelling the impact on volcanic eruptions and determining the risk scenario in populated areas and along flight routes. A lack of understanding of magma failure thus hampers our ability to study the local and global impact of volcanism. It is only in the last years that nanosized crystals (nanolites) have been exponentially identified in products of explosive eruptions. Pioneering experiments and in situ observations of magmas dynamics, I showed that nanolite formation can occur within seconds and has the potential to set the conditions for brittle magma fragmentation. It is time to observe in situ, under volcanic conditions the formation of nanolites and unravel their role in triggering explosive eruptions. This cutting-edge approach requires interdisciplinary research combined with technological advances. Through NANOVOLC, I will integrate earth sciences with materials science and artificial intelligence to lift the veil on the process of nanolite formation and its role in magma failure. I will deliver a numerical model of magma ascent and eruption to forecast and quantify the impacts of explosive eruptions. To this end, I will i) perform in situ observations of nanolite formation in magmas, ii) build a unique magma fragmentation apparatus that will push the experimental boundaries explored so far, and iii) use artificial intelligence to support numerical model of non-linear volcanic processes. Beyond volcanology, NANOVOLC will provide fundamental understanding of nanocrystal formation in technical glasses, relevant to glass-ceramic industry.
Ámbito científico
Programa(s)
- HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme
Régimen de financiación
ERC - Support for frontier research (ERC)Institución de acogida
00185 Roma
Italia