Research
Melt migration
Melt (liquid rock) forms at depth, due to the partial fusion of rocks. In such regions, melt porous migration through the compacting residual rock can be modelled as a two-phase flow. However, in shallower, colder rocks, melt flows through dikes that propagate by fracturing the hosting solid rock.
The aim of this project is to better understand the transition between these two transport processes, as well as dike initiation, at the transition from partially molten to solid rocks. A special focus is made on the development of a thermal disequilibrium and associated effects of melt segregation and migration.
Magma flow and degassing at andesitic volcanoes
Andestic volcanoes, such as the Mount St Helens (U.S.), or the Merapi (Indonesia), have an eruptive style that alternates between quiescent (lava flows, dome formation), and much more explosive (e.g. Merapi 2010). Transitions between the two remain poorly understood, although we know that magma gas content plays a key role. The aim of this project was to better understand the evolution of magma gas content as well as of magma flow conditions during such transient regimes.
Permeability development in magmas
The ability of the magma to loose gas while ascending towards the surface is tightely linked with the volcanic eruptive style. This project aimed at better understanding how magma permeabilty develops and evolve in the volcanic conduit.