The structure of volcanoes and their plumbing systems remain mysterious at active volcanoes. A classic approach to imaging volcano structure is through geophysical imaging. Such methods, however, require costly instrument deployment, and advanced data analysis. In addition, the resolution of the final geophysical images is commonly very coarse and insufficient. Another approach to revealing the structure of volcanoes and their plumbing systems is to study eroded, extinct volcanoes.
The aim of this project is to constrain the structure of the Miocene Huantraico volcano, located in the Neuquén Basin, Argentina. The Neuquén Basin is a world-class sedimentary basin hosting massive volcanic activity of distinct ages and compositions. The desertic climatic conditions lead to outstanding outcrop conditions. Preliminary field expeditions have demonstrated that the erosion of this volcano has produced a 30-km long almost continuous cross-section of the volcano. Most of this section has been surveyed with a drone for photogrammetric calculations. Preliminary observations highlighted a complex volcano stratigraphy and important lateral variations of both the plumbing system and the volcanic deposits.
The aim of this MSc thesis is to perform a detailed mapping of the Huantraico volcano.
In particular, we aim to
- establish a multi-scale workflow to integrate large-scale drone data and field observations,
- constrain the volcano stratigraphy of the edifice,
- map the structure and lateral variability of the plumbing system, and:
- measure with great precision the age of the volcanic activity.
The project will integrate the following tasks:
- One-week field expedition in Argentina
- Photogrammetry for computing virtual outcrop models
- Interpretation of 3D virtual outcrop models using advanced 3D modelling software
- Igneous petrology and geochemistry
- High-precision U-Pb dating
The learning outcomes of the project are the following:
- Field mapping
- Volcano stratigraphy
- Photogrammetry and structure-from-Motion calculations
- Interpretation of 3D virtual models
- Petrology and geochemistry
- U-Pb dating
To implement this project, it is recommended to have:
- Knowledge of field geology
- Basic knowledge of virtual models
- The skills in stratigraphy, petrology and geochemistry, and 3D virtual models to be acquired during this MSc project are highly relevant both for careers in academia and industry.