Aaron Röhler

The focus of my PhD project is on the study of fluid-rock reactions in active volcanoes. Hydrothermal activities inside active volcanoes can influence not only the stability of the volcanic edifice itself, but also the eruptive behavior of the volcano, and thus have a major impact on various causes of geohazards in volcanically active areas. To investigate the interplay between magmatic and hydrothermal processes, my study focuses on Telica, a persistently unstable stratovolcano in the Central American volcanic arc. Heat and gases generated by the rising magma interact with meteoric water to drive a long-lasting hydrothermal system that can destabilize the volcanic edifice and possibly even trigger eruptions.

In my dissertation, I will develop a structural and petrological model of the Telica magmatic and hydrothermal system. The main focus of my research will be to quantitatively investigate the element fluxes and fluid-rock reactions caused by the surface hydrothermal activity in the volcanic edifice, as well as their effects on the eruptive behavior of the volcano.