Natural Catastrophes
Volcanic Eruption
Ice-sheet Melting
Greenhouse Gases Emissions
Post-Doctoral Fellowships
United Kingdom
Understanding Katla, Iceland’s notorious and restless volcano: Lessons from 1918
For these reasons, Dr. Jacqueline Owen is on the case, investigating the 1918 eruption in order to understand what makes Katla tick. What determines the dynamics of its eruptions? Why are they so explosive? Her clues lie in the ash. Grain size, geochemistry, gas content, bubble and crystal populations: By analyzing such physical and chemical characteristics of the ash, she is able to deduce a great deal about the conditions that formed it and, thus, what took place when the volcano last blew. By determining, for instance, how deep the magma was before it was erupted and how fast it reached the surface, scientists will be better able to interpret earthquake data and assess if an eruption is coming and when. Another key question is what was controlling the explosive nature of the eruption: was it the gas within the magma, or interaction with meltwater that was turned suddenly to steam? Answering this might help us predict when the most explosive phases of the eruption might be, and throw light on how Katla was able to melt so much ice so quickly and produce such a powerful flood. Additionally, knowing how much gas Katla released into the atmosphere last time will help predict the effects its emissions could have on today’s agriculture and climate. Forewarned is forearmed and Dr. Owen aims to be well equipped the next time the volcano wakes.
Forewarned is Forearmed: Investigating the 1918 Katla Eruption
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Jacqueline
OWEN
Institution
Lancaster University
Country
United Kingdom
Nationality
British
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