Connecting lava rheology and flow dynamics using novel field and modeling techniques

Lead PI: Einat Lev , Marc Spiegelman

Unit Affiliation: Seismology, Geology and Tectonophysics, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO)

January 2012 - December 2013
Inactive
Global
Project Type: Research

DESCRIPTION: The team designed flows under a variety of conditions to explore the lava's behavior using infrared and visual light cameras. These were compared to real flows. Computer models have been used to extract surface velocities and viscosity.

OUTCOMES: The computer model worked well for both velocity and viscosity. Finite-volume methods are best for small-scale flows with rapid deformation while finite-element methods are best for non-deforming flows. Channel shape must be considered when estimating viscosity or errors of 40% can occur. One Journal article published and two conference proceedings published.