Volcano monitoring

I recently completed a month-long field expedition in June-July 2013 to study the recent increase in activity of Volcan de Colima, Mexico. I will be comparing multiple different datasets, including direct visual observations, SO2 gas emissions (with a UV camera and flyspec), seismic data, satellite imagery and subsequent analysis of the erupted tephra. We are hoping that this data set will provide information regarding the volcano’s current state, including the effusion rate, fragmentation mechanisms and eruptive processes, which may prove to be important for those living in close proximity to the volcano. 

I have also assisted with spring and lake sampling for geochemical analysis to monitor any signs of ascending magma at El Chichón volcano, the site of Mexico's largest historical eruption in 1982.

Publications:

• Cassidy, M., Cole, P.D., Hicks, K.E., Varley, N.R., Peters, N., Lerner, A. ‘Rapid and slow: Varying ascent rates as a mechanism for Vulcanian explosions’ Earth and Planetary Science Letters (accepted)

• Rouwet, D., S. Bellomo, L. Brusca, S. Inguaggiato, M. Jutzeler, R. Mora, A. Mazot, R. Bernard, M. Cassidy and Y. Taran (2009),  Major and trace element geochemistry of El Chichón volcano–hydrothermal system (Chiapas, México) in 2006–2007:implications for future geochemical monitoring Geofisica International.  48 (1), 55-72