Shaul Hurwitz
My research objectives are to characterize and quantify spatial and temporal patterns of temperature, pressure, chemistry, and phase (e.g. liquid or gas) in volcano-hydrothermal systems and relate them to magmatic and/or volcanic activity.
Quantitative understanding of groundwater and gas-rich fluid dynamics in volcanic areas is important for several reasons: 1) pressure, temperature and chemical changes in the hydrothermal system might signal one of the earliest warnings of volcanic unrest, 2) Many of the geochemical, geodetic, and seismic signals measured at the volcano’s surface have hydrothermal origins or magmatic origins modulated by the intervening hydrothermal system, 3) as a major source of hazard such as propellant in steam-driven explosions, lubricant in mudflows, and transport agent for toxic constituents such as arsenic and mercury, 4) guiding exploration and mining of geothermal energy and mineral deposits. To better understand these complex systems I integrate and synthesize hydrologic, geochemical, geologic, and geophysical methods. My research is intended to support the USGS Volcano Hazards Program’s broad goal of lessening the harmful impacts of volcanic activity and the Geothermal Project's goals of exploring reservoirs of hot fluids in the Earth’s crust.
Research topics:
- Water-gas-rock interaction in volcano-hydrothermal systems using field observations, chemical and isotopic data, controlled laboratory experiments and thermodynamic models
- Numerical simulations of volcano-hydrothermal systems
- Modulation of volcanic and geyser activity by cyclic hydrological and climatic forcers and by large earthquakes
- The effects of deglaciation on Yellowstone's hydrothermal system
- Heat transport in volcanic systems
- Dynamics and chemistry of volcanic lakes
- Geyser dynamics - motivation for studying geysers
- The impact of geothermal energy production on groundwater quality
- Development of a field-portable helium isotope analyzer
Education and Certifications
PhD (1999), The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Science and Products
Hot water in the Long Valley Caldera—The benefits and hazards of this large natural resource
Combining multiphase groundwater flow and slope stability models to assess stratovolcano flank collapse in the Cascade Range
Probing magma reservoirs to improve volcano forecasts
The fascinating and complex dynamics of geyser eruptions
The chemistry and isotopic composition of waters in the low-enthalpy geothermal system of Cimino-Vico Volcanic District, Italy
Multireaction equilibrium geothermometry: A sensitivity analysis using data from the Lower Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, USA
An experimental study of the role of subsurface plumbing on geothermal discharge
Dissolved gases in hydrothermal (phreatic) and geyser eruptions at Yellowstone National Park, USA
Radiocarbon dating of silica sinter deposits in shallow drill cores from the Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park
Tracing chlorine sources of thermal and mineral springs along and across the Cascade Range using halogen and chlorine isotope compositions
Dynamics within geyser conduits, and sensitivity to environmental perturbations: insights from a periodic geyser in the El Tatio Geyser Field, Atacama Desert, Chile
Eruptions at Lone Star geyser, Yellowstone National Park, USA: 2. Constraints on subsurface dynamics
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Hot water in the Long Valley Caldera—The benefits and hazards of this large natural resource
The volcanic processes that have shaped the Long Valley Caldera in eastern California have also created an abundant supply of natural hot water. This natural resource provides benefits to many users, including power generation at the Casa Diablo Geothermal Plant, warm water for a state fish hatchery, and beautiful scenic areas such as Hot Creek gorge for visitors. However, some features can be danAuthorsWilliam C. Evans, Shaul Hurwitz, Deborah Bergfeld, James F. HowleCombining multiphase groundwater flow and slope stability models to assess stratovolcano flank collapse in the Cascade Range
Hydrothermal alteration can create low‐permeability zones, potentially resulting in elevated pore‐fluid pressures, within a volcanic edifice. Strength reduction by rock alteration and high pore‐fluid pressures have been suggested as a mechanism for edifice flank instability. Here we combine numerical models of multiphase heat transport and groundwater flow with a slope‐stability code that incorporAuthorsJessica L. Ball, Joshua M. Taron, Mark E. Reid, Shaul Hurwitz, Carol A. Finn, Paul A. BedrosianProbing magma reservoirs to improve volcano forecasts
When it comes to forecasting eruptions, volcano observatories rely mostly on real-time signals from earthquakes, ground deformation, and gas discharge, combined with probabilistic assessments based on past behavior [Sparks and Cashman, 2017]. There is comparatively less reliance on geophysical and petrological understanding of subsurface magma reservoirs.AuthorsJacob B. Lowenstern, Thomas W. Sisson, Shaul HurwitzThe fascinating and complex dynamics of geyser eruptions
Geysers episodically erupt liquid and vapor. Despite two centuries of scientific study, basic questions persist—why do geysers exist? What determines eruption intervals, durations, and heights? What initiates eruptions? Through monitoring eruption intervals, analyzing geophysical data, taking measurements within geyser conduits, performing numerical simulations, and constructing laboratory models,AuthorsShaul Hurwitz, Michael MangaThe chemistry and isotopic composition of waters in the low-enthalpy geothermal system of Cimino-Vico Volcanic District, Italy
Geothermal energy exploration is based in part on interpretation of the chemistry, temperature, and discharge rate of thermal springs. Here we present the major element chemistry and the δD, δ18O, 87Sr/86Sr and δ11B isotopic ratio of groundwater from the low-enthalpy geothermal system near the city of Viterbo in the Cimino-Vico volcanic district of west-Central Italy. The geothermal system hosts mAuthorsMaria Battistel, Shaul Hurwitz, William Evans, Maurizio BarbieriMultireaction equilibrium geothermometry: A sensitivity analysis using data from the Lower Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, USA
A multireaction chemical equilibria geothermometry (MEG) model applicable to high-temperature geothermal systems has been developed over the past three decades. Given sufficient data, this model provides more constraint on calculated reservoir temperatures than classical chemical geothermometers that are based on either the concentration of silica (SiO2), or the ratios of cation concentrations. AAuthorsJonathan M. King, Shaul Hurwitz, Jacob B. Lowenstern, D. Kirk Nordstrom, R. Blaine McCleskeyAn experimental study of the role of subsurface plumbing on geothermal discharge
In order to better understand the diverse discharge styles and eruption intervals observed at geothermal features, we performed three series of laboratory experiments with differing plumbing geometries. A single, straight conduit that connects a hot water bath (flask) to a vent (funnel) can originate geyser-like periodic eruptions, continuous discharge like a boiling spring, and fumarole-like steaAuthorsAtsuko Namiki, Yoshinori Ueno, Shaul Hurwitz, Michael Manga, Carolina Munoz-Saez, Fred MurphyDissolved gases in hydrothermal (phreatic) and geyser eruptions at Yellowstone National Park, USA
Multiphase and multicomponent fluid flow in the shallow continental crust plays a significant role in a variety of processes over a broad range of temperatures and pressures. The presence of dissolved gases in aqueous fluids reduces the liquid stability field toward lower temperatures and enhances the explosivity potential with respect to pure water. Therefore, in areas where magma is actively degAuthorsShaul Hurwitz, Laura Clor, R. Blaine McCleskey, D. Kirk Nordstrom, Andrew G. Hunt, William C. EvansRadiocarbon dating of silica sinter deposits in shallow drill cores from the Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park
To explore the timing of hydrothermal activity at the Upper Geyser Basin (UGB) in Yellowstone National Park, we obtained seven new accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon 14C ages of carbonaceous material trapped within siliceous sinter. Five samples came from depths of 15–152 cm within the Y-1 well, and two samples were from well Y-7 (depths of 24 cm and 122 cm). These two wells, at BlackAuthorsJacob B. Lowenstern, Shaul Hurwitz, John McGeehinTracing chlorine sources of thermal and mineral springs along and across the Cascade Range using halogen and chlorine isotope compositions
In order to provide constraints on the sources of chlorine in spring waters associated with arc volcanism, the major/minor element concentrations and stable isotope compositions of chlorine, oxygen, and hydrogen were measured in 28 thermal and mineral springs along the Cascade Range in northwestern USA. Chloride concentrations in the springs range from 64 to 19,000 mg/L and View the MathML sourceAuthorsJeffrey T. Cullen, Jaime D. Barnes, Shaul Hurwitz, William P. LeemanDynamics within geyser conduits, and sensitivity to environmental perturbations: insights from a periodic geyser in the El Tatio Geyser Field, Atacama Desert, Chile
Despite more than 200 years of scientific study, the internal dynamics of geyser systems remain poorly characterized. As a consequence, there remain fundamental questions about what processes initiate and terminate eruptions, and where eruptions begin. Over a one-week period in October 2012, we collected down-hole measurements of pressure and temperature in the conduit of an exceptionally regularAuthorsCarolina Munoz-Saez, Michael Manga, Shaul Hurwitz, Maxwell L. Rudolph, Atsuko Namiki, Chi-Yuen WangEruptions at Lone Star geyser, Yellowstone National Park, USA: 2. Constraints on subsurface dynamics
We use seismic, tilt, lidar, thermal, and gravity data from 32 consecutive eruption cycles of Lone Star geyser in Yellowstone National Park to identify key subsurface processes throughout the geyser's eruption cycle. Previously, we described measurements and analyses associated with the geyser's erupting jet dynamics. Here we show that seismicity is dominated by hydrothermal tremor (~5–40 Hz) attrAuthorsJean Vandemeulebrouck, Robert A. Sohn, Maxwell L. Rudolph, Shaul Hurwitz, Michael Manga, Malcolm J.S. Johnston, S. Adam Soule, Darcy McPhee, Jonathan M. G. Glen, Leif Karlstrom, Fred Murphy - News
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