New PhDONE – Congratulations Argelia

Last week, Argelia Silva Fragoso defended her PhD thesis evaluated as excellent cum laude by the commission composed by Dr. Lucia Capra (UNAM – Mexico) and Dr. Veronica Prush (New Mexico Tech – USA).

The Argelia’s thesis explores the dynamics of volcanic calderas, focusing on Ischia Island in Italy and the Los Potreros Caldera in Mexico. Calderas are large volcanic depressions formed after the emptying of a magma chamber after a volcanic eruptions, and understanding their behavior is crucial for assessing volcanic hazards. The study, under the supervision of prof. Alessandro Michetti and Dr. Gianluca Norini, uses innovative technology to offer new insights into how these calderas evolve.

One of the main techniques used in the research is drone-based LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), which helps create detailed, high-resolution maps of the land surface. This method allowed the researcher to overcome challenges like vegetation cover and modern development that often make it hard to study volcanic structures.

On Ischia Island, the research focused on faults, especially in areas affected by the destructive earthquakes of 2017 and 1883. By combining field data with computer simulations, the study found that the deformation along faults in the caldera is mostly caused by magma movement beneath the surface, rather than regional tectonic forces. This finding helps improve how we understand and predict volcanic activity in the region.

In the Los Potreros Caldera, part of the Los Humeros Volcanic Complex, the research identified different fault zones that show how the caldera has evolved over time. The study highlighted how volcanic activity and magma movement shape these faults and contribute to the overall structure of the caldera.

Congratulations Argelia, we wish you all the best!