My Research
My PhD project focuses on volcano-tectonic processes, which represent the interaction between magma, tectonics, and faulting. I will investigate how pre-existing crustal structures influence magma propagation and interact with the regional stress field at divergent plate boundaries, exploring volcano-tectonic processes from the Earth鈥檚 surface down to crustal depths. Divergent plate boundaries are characterised by large magnitude volcanic eruptions and recurrent earthquakes. Therefore, the big picture in which my research is framed is the improvement of the spatial and temporal constraints of magma propagation and eruption.
The topic will be tackled with multiple methods: fieldwork to collect structural data (also by using a fixed-wing UAV), analogue experiments to study fluid migration in pre-faulted media under different boundary conditions. I will then complement and compare the latter results with numerical modelling. The study areas are active rift zones in Iceland, where present-day volcano-tectonic processes are observable, and the corresponding fossil system in Oman, where various levels of oceanic crust were exposed by erosion. This research is part of the TEMPO project 鈥淩evealing volcano-tectonic processes by integrating multi-temporal and spatial deformation analysis鈥�, funded by the SNF, led by Prof. Jo毛l Ruch.
Research Interests
- Volcano-tectonic processes at divergent plate boundaries
- Planetary geology
- Volcanism in the Solar System
- Terrestrial analogs
- Volcanic processes around Hellas basin, Mars
- Analogue experiments
Abstracts
Gregg, T.K.P., Panza, E., Buford, B. (2014). Can You Miss What You Don't See? Erosion Patterns of Lavas and Ignimbrites on Earth and Mars. In 45th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, 17-21 March, 2014, LPI Contribution No. 1777, p.2326