Solidification, Channel Formation and Thermal Erosion In Lava Flows

Lava flows cover much of the Earth, the Moon, Mars, Venus, and several satellites of the outer planets. Using a powerful combination of laboratory experiments, theoretical analysis and field observations, this project will investigate the complex dynamics of lava flows, including surface solidification, channel formation, basal melting and non-Newtonian rheologies. We aim to predict the widths, morphologies, cooling rates, advance rates and thermal erosion rates of lava flows, which will lead to improved volcanic hazard assessments, new interpretations of planetary surface morphologies, and explanations of the genesis of world-class magmatic ore deposits.