Does the Bolzano supervolcano help predict the eruptions of other volcanoes? – South Tyrol News

BOLZANO – 40 researchers from around the world recently gathered in Bolzano to uncover the secrets of the giant Bolzano volcano. The international workshop provided the opportunity to study the formation dynamics of present-day and fossil volcanic craters.

The Bolzano supervolcano formed more than 280 million years ago and has produced two of the most impressive mega-calderas in Earth’s history. Over the past two decades, experts in this field, especially southern geologist Corrado Morelli, have studied this impressive natural phenomenon in detail. In addition, the South Tyrol Nature Museum and the State Office for Geology and Materials Testing, led by paleontologist Eveline Kostacher, recently started a research project to examine sedimentary rocks among volcanic rocks and understand the process of subsequent recolonization by plants and animals. Every volcanic eruption.

Eighth edition of the “International Workshop on Caldera Collapse” in South Tyrol

The impressive size, extent and formation history of the supervolcano as well as the research activities of South Tyrol geologists prompted the International Association of Volcanology and Geochemistry to devote the eighth edition of the “International Workshop on Collapse Calderas” to this giant volcano. In three field study days, the 40 participating researchers from ten countries (including Japan, the USA, New Zealand, Chile and Norway) conducted field studies in different important sites such as Jargazon, Terlan, Brännzol, Tagussens, Untrain, Sigmundskron and Sankt. Oswald Walk; They are introduced to the geology of the supervolcano by experts such as Corrado Morelli (Bureau of Geology and Materials Testing), Guido Giordano (University of Roma Tre), Guilherme Gualda (Vanderbilt University, USA) and Darren Graveley (University of Canterbury, New Jersey). Zealand).Thus deepening your understanding of the formation of volcanic rocks.

Research into the Bolzano supervolcano of global importance

In the following days, experts at the Nature Museum discussed studies of the Bolzano supervolcano and other younger volcanic systems in South Tyrol. “Researching the Bolzano supervolcano provides me with a unique opportunity to study the behavior of magma bodies in the Earth’s interior,” explained Gina Chiaro, a doctoral student at Vanderbilt University (USA), who has already researched the rocks of the Aura Formation of the Bolzano supervolcano. The crust and the causes of its eruption.” Roberto Issia, a researcher at the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, added: “During this workshop we were able to see and touch volcanic rocks and structures that are not usually visible in younger calderas and can therefore only be hypothetical. Research on this supervolcano is therefore very important for understanding other volcanic calderas in the world and predicting potential volcanic eruptions, such as Campi Flegrei, where I work and which is currently very active again.

South Tyrol science is at a high level

“We are honored that these experts in volcanology, petrology and geophysics are showing interest in researching the Bolzano supervolcano, and this confirms the high level of scientific work carried out by our geologists from South Tyrol,” says David Gruber, Director of the Nature Museum. “And… what the paleontologists have achieved.” In recent decades and the importance of cooperation with the Office of Geology and Building Materials Science, its director, Volkmar Mayer, adds: “The workshop was a unique opportunity to deepen understanding of one of the most impressive supervolcanoes in the world and to strengthen international cooperation in volcano research.”

From: M.K