I work on improving our understanding of volcanic processes, both active and from past eruptions, using remote sensing methods on Earth and on other planetary bodies. At the centre of my research strategies, I view volcanic plumes as the link between eruption mechanisms and surface deposits. Understanding the dynamics of plume behaviour is crucial, whether you are trying to forecast the next dangerous eruption of a volcano on Earth, or you are trying to reconstruct the ancient history of planetary evolution on Mars. I use detailed spectral and spatial characterization of eruptive products (lava flows, ash deposits, gas and ash plumes, etc.) in laboratory and natural settings. Understanding the spectral properties of the various eruptive products at multiple wavelengths is crucial to the monitoring efforts here on Earth, and necessary for their successful identification on other planets.
My research interests are in the following areas:
- Volcanic emissions: Study of the composition, magnitude and transport of volcanic gases, ashes and aerosols, and the hazards they pose
- Volcanic monitoring: gas monitoring, thermal monitoring, photogrammetry
- Physical volcanology: Understanding conduit dynamics of persistent volcanic activity using monitoring methods and numerical modeling
- Plume dynamics: Understanding the transport of volcanic particles (gas or ash) and their interactions with the atmosphere
- Instrument development: Building better tools (spectrometers and imagers at various wavelengths) for the characterisation of natural surfaces and the observation of active geological processes, particularly volcanic products and phenomena
My most recent research topics include the study of small-scale volcanic plumes using ground-based infrared and ultraviolet imaging instruments, as well as laboratory studies of the spectral signatures of volcanic eruption products.