Sierra Negra volcano's internal dynamics through gravity and deformation with Dr Antonina Calahorrano-Di Patre

How do we measure the mass of magma moving inside a volcano before it reaches the surface? In this episode, geophysicist Dr. Antonina Calrano de Petra breaks down the research process behind monitoring Cerro Negro, Nicaragua. We explore the unique mechanics of trapdoor faulting, the challenges of joint modeling gravity and deformation, and how this data is used to mitigate geohazards.

Beyond the geophysics, we discuss career paths in STEM, specifically how a background in pure physics can lead to a career in volcanology. From the "baby" tantrums of a quartz gravimeter to the social impact of eruption forecasting, this episode is a deep dive into the igneous intellect required to study our planet’s most active systems.

Inside the Episode

• Career Paths in Geophysics: Transitioning from pure physics to a PhD in volcanology.
• The Trapdoor Paradox: Investigating the hinged "trapdoor" caldera floor of Cerro Negro.
• Probing the "Baby": How quartz spring gravimeters measure tiny fluctuations in Earth’s gravity.
• Research Process Challenges: Why 8 meters of sudden subsidence causes InSAR incoherence.
• Joint Modeling Breakthroughs: Using gravity and deformation data simultaneously to track mass flux.
• Social Impact of Science: The role of monitoring institutes in saving lives and forecasting.

Chapters

(00:00) Volcanic Plumbing and Magma Systems

(04:30) Career Paths: From Physics to Volcanoes

(07:50) How Quartz Gravity Meters Work

(12:30) The Scientific Publishing Process

(20:45) Cerro Negro: Shield Volcano Hotspots

(22:30) Trapdoor Faulting and Caldera Hinges

(26:30) Eruption Forecasting and Geohazards

(34:40) Correcting Gravity: Tides and Water

(43:30) Tele-seisms and Instrument Tantrums

(47:30) 8m Subsidence and InSAR Incoherence

(53:30) Joint Modeling of Mass and Volume

(60:15) Recharge Rates and Future Eruptions

(72:15) The Spherical Cow Science Joke

Links & Resources

• Support: Pateron
• Socials: Bluesky | Instagram | Facebook

Whimsical Wavelengths: Deep-dive conversations where a working scientist unpacks how we know what we know, one paper, one idea, or whimsical detour at a time. Hosted by Dr. Jeffrey Zurek (P.Geo).