A review of laboratory and numerical modelling in volcanology

Abstract

Abstract. Modelling has been used in the study of volcanic systems for more than 100 years, building upon the approach first applied by Sir James Hall in 1815. Informed by observations of volcanological phenomena in nature, including eyewitness accounts of eruptions, geophysical or geodetic monitoring of active volcanoes, and geological analysis of ancient deposits, laboratory and numerical models have been used to describe and quantify volcanic and magmatic processes that span orders of magnitudes of time and space. We review the use of laboratory and numerical modelling in volcanological research, focussing on sub-surface and eruptive processes including the accretion and evolution of magma chambers, the propagation of sheet intrusions, the development of volcanic flows (lava flows, pyroclastic density currents, and lahars), volcanic plume formation, and ash dispersal.When first introduced into volcanology, laboratory experiments and numerical simulations marked a transition in approach from broadly qualitative to increasingly quantitative research. These methods are now widely used in volcanology to describe the physical and chemical behaviours that govern volcanic and magmatic systems. Creating simplified models of highly dynamical systems enables volcanologists to simulate and potentially predict the nature and impact of future eruptions. These tools have provided significant insights into many aspects of the volcanic plumbing system and eruptive processes. The largest scientific advances in volcanology have come from a multidisciplinary approach, applying developments in diverse fields such as engineering and computer science to study magmatic and volcanic phenomena. A global effort in the integration of laboratory and numerical volcano modelling is now required to tackle key problems in volcanology and points towards the importance of benchmarking exercises and the need for protocols to be developed so that models are routinely tested against "real world" data.

Structural and Geochemical Interactions Between Magma and Sedimentary Host Rock: The Hovedøya Case, Oslo Rift, Norway

“…In "Mode-I" deformation, linear elastic fracturing mechanics (LEFM) postulates that magma propagates as sheet intrusions through opening-mode, hydraulic fractures and bends the host rock elastically (e.g., Dahm, 2000;Delaney & Pollard, 1981;Rivalta et al, 2015). LEFM is demonstrated in laboratory models and assumed in the most common numerical models that involve a linearly elastic medium to simulate the host rock (e.g., Kavanagh et al, 2018;Maccaferri et al, 2010). Features predicted by LEFM have been observed in the field (Figure 1a): narrow, tapering tips of sheet intrusions, bending of the host rock around intrusion fronts, and a parabola-shaped cross-sectional opening profile (e.g., Airoldi et al, 2012;Daniels et al, 2012;Gudmundsson, 2002;Mastin & Pollard, 1988).…”

The contribution of experimental volcanology to the study of the physics of eruptive processes, and related scaling issues: A review

“…Menand (2014, 2016) built on these findings to investigate to effect of solidification on sill propagation, using two layers of gelatin of different stiffness to promote sill formation. Chanceaux and Menand (2014) scaled their experiments according to the procedure of Kavanagh et al (2013) and injected the fluid vertically at the base of the lower, less stiff silicone layer. They found four distinct regimes depending on both  and  (Fig.…”

“…Air, gases Takada (1990), Muller et al (2001), Ito and Martel (2002), Rivalta et al (2005), Kervyn et al (2009), Menand et al (2010), Le Water, aqueous solutions (+ alcohol, glycerin) Takada (1990), McLeod and Tait (1999), Tait (2001, 2002), Kervyn et al (2009), Kavanagh et al (2006Kavanagh et al ( , 2013Kavanagh et al ( , 2015 Silicone oil Takada (1994), McLeod and Tait (1999), Watanabe et al (2002) Vegetable oil Takada (1990), Menand (2014, 2016), Daniels and Menand (2015) Sugar solution, Golden syrup Taisne and Tait (2009), Kervyn et al (2009) Parafin wax Taisne and Tait (2009)…”

VOLCANOES, an Excellent Indicator of Heat within the Earth

“…. (9) This formula calculates the probability that X equals a given value of k. λ is the mean of the distribution. If X represents the number of volcanic eruptions we have Pr(X ≥1) = 1 -Pr(x = 0).…”

“…1.2 Historical: Like Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Tides and Clouds, Volcanoes are theresults of a type of physical processes that take place inside the Earth. Janine L. Kavanagh, et.al [9], Lady Gryphon [11] and Paul W. Taylor [13] have given a good deal of information regarding the ancient belief and history of volcanoes. The Maoris used to worship Ruaumoko (Fig.1) the God of volcanoes and earthquakes in order to get themselves protected from the fury of earthquakes and volcanoes.…”