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Dawn C.S. Ruth, PhD

I use geochemical and diffusion datasets to investigate mafic volcanism in subduction zones. I am interested in open vent processes, explosive mafic eruptions, plumbing system dynamics, and the interplay between tectonics and eruptive style.

My interests lie in discovering the driving forces of explosive basaltic volcanism often observed at volcanoes such as Llaima (Chile), Mayon (Philippines), and Stromboli (Italy) among others. This includes trying to determine what causes transitions from passive degassing to paroxysmal (large) explosions in basaltic centers. I am also interested in linking physical volcanology (including geophysical monitoring) and petrology/geochemistry to create a more detailed picture of the processes occurring in the volcanic conduit, which will hopefully lead to better process-based predictive models for hazard assessment.

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