Werner Wittmann
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Modelling of volcano deformation and heat-flow variations at volcanoes
Personal Project in NEMOH
The research project aims at analysing and developing models of surface deformation associated with magma movements and their connection with thermal signals. The project will:
i) Advance general understanding of deformation signals associated with temperature variations and the associated heat transfer in relation to movements and emplacement of magma.
ii) Set up modelling algorithms to reproduce deformation induced by volumetric flow of magma, considering cooling and solidification of magma, and transport of heat from magma bodies through host rock, groundwater and geothermal areas.
iii) Re-evaluate and model observed deformation in past years at Icelandic volcanoes with the aim to model the effects of temperature and heat variations.
iv) Expand time series of volcano deformation and interpret it with new algorithms, considering physics based volcano behaviour accounting for thermal evolution.
The project is to fill a gap in present analysis of crustal deformation data on the active volcanoes in Iceland, namely the lack of systematic modelling of deformation resulting from subsurface temperature variations and heat transfer. Models are often “kinematic”, searching for a geometry and volume of deformation sources that best can explain observed deformation – without considering details of the physics. Modification of deformation fields due to solidification of magma or heating of host rock have not been considered in thermal models applied to understand deformation. Available time series of observed crustal deformation on Icelandic volcanoes will be processed to further advance the understanding of volcano deformation.
Scientific Background
I studied physics at the Julius-Maximilians University of Würzburg and graduated in autumn 2012. The title of my diploma thesis is "Viscosity Measurements Of Magmatic Melts From Recent Eruptions Using An Improved And Semi-automated Setup". It deals with the rheological behaviour of magmatic melts. The main goal was to examine the viscosity behaviour of the latest Eyafjallajökull eruption in 2010, which I successfully did for several vital temperatures.
About me
I was born in July 1985 in Ingolstadt. Being interested in mathematics and natural sciences in general, I started studying physics at the University of Würzburg. During my studies I wondered how to combine this education with my strong interest in geophysics. Doing geophysics as a minor subject I got to know about the possibility to do my graduation in volcanology within a small workgroup. In the course of this work, my interest grew and I decided to stay in this research field. Other interests are languages and sports like running, climbing and mountain biking.
Contact
Werner Wittmann
University of Iceland
Institute of Earth Sciences
Sturlugata 7, Askja
101 Reykjavík
e-mail: wew1
hi.is
