Bubble & Volcano Lab

The Bubble Lab is an experimental laboratory to study (a) fluids in hydrothermal terrain, and (b) volcano-tectonic processes. We simulate fluids and solids in two separate but closely related laboratories. First, we have an experimental laboratory for studying gas bubbles in hydrothermal and volcanic systems and an earthquake simulator. Second, we study the deformation and fracturing of scaled analog volcanoes and their intrusions. The goal of the Bubble & Volcano Lab is to study the evolution and (in)stability of large volume reservoirs at crustal or mantle depths. By studying how fluid-rock systems behave and change in space and time, in combination with field observations and monitoring, we aim to better understand seismic hazards, hydrogeologic effects, and volcanic eruptions. The Bubble & Volcano Lab also aims to study deformation and faulting associated with magma chambers, intrusions, and flank instability. In particular, we study the complex interactions of these processes and apply high-resolution computer vision approaches for subpixel analysis.