Emma Passmore collecting basaltic lava at Kilaueau volcano in Hawaii
Sampling young lava at 2700m depth on the floor of the Pacific ocean. Alvin submerisble dive 3970 (Hickey/Perfit/Maclennan)
Then, we take a good look at what we've got.
Describing Alvin samples while afloat in the Equatorial Pacific on the Atlantis.
Examining drill core from IODP Expedition 312 with Dave Christie.
Next, the composition of the lava and the crystals that it contains are measured using a number of geochemical techniques, including ion microprobe, electron microprobe and X-ray fluorescence.
Map of the iron content of crystals (green-red) and volcanic glass (blue-purple) in a lava sample from Iceland.
Plot of geochemical observations from Iceland used to understand magma chamber processes.
These observations need to be compared with the predictions of physical models of the processes that operate inside the earth. In order to develop the models, a set of governing equations will be scribbled down (such as these). Usually we solve these equations by writing some computer code.
Finally, the findings of the study are written up into papers and presented to colleagues at international conferences. We then start to plan the next phase of sampling.
Collecting samples at Etna. Photo by Sarah Collins.
The Brandur tuff-cone in South-East Iceland