Description du projet
Un aperçu sans précédent de la dynamique non linéaire du magma à l’échelle nanométrique
La dynamique du magma, y compris le dégazage, joue un rôle essentiel dans les éruptions. Le dégazage, c’est-à-dire la formation de bulles de gaz riches en eau à partir du magma, est l’un des moteurs des phénomènes volcaniques dits «explosifs». Les cristaux présents dans cette substance, même un très petit volume de cristaux de taille nanométrique appelés nanolithes, modifient sa dynamique. Ce mécanisme mal compris pourrait être un modulateur primaire des éruptions explosives. Le projet NANOVOLC, financé par le CER, sera le premier à observer in situ la formation de nanolithes, qui peut se produire en quelques secondes, afin de comprendre son rôle dans les explosions volcaniques. Les études d’observation seront accompagnées par le développement d’un appareil expérimental sans précédent et d’un modèle numérique soutenu par l’IA des processus volcaniques dynamiques non linéaires.
Objectif
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.
Champ scientifique
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme
Régime de financement
ERC - Support for frontier research (ERC)Institution d’accueil
00185 Roma
Italie