DAAD scholarship holder Catalina Balbis visits the analogue modelling lab

9. November 2017, von Tom Jaeppinen

Catalina Balbis, a Ph.D. student from Cordoba University, Argentina, visits the structural geology group until January 2018 to conduct analogue experiments in collaboration with Oliver Eisermann (photo).

Catalina investigates the eruptive history of Lanín volcano in the North Patagonian Andes. Along with the active Villarrica and Quetrupillán volcanos, the Lanín volcano sits on an ancient lineament that intersects the Liquiñe-Ofqui Fault Zone, one of the most prominent intra-arc shear zones on Earth. Using analogue experiments and particle imaging velocimetry, Catalina explores the range of deformation regimes under which inherited crustal discontinuities near active faults may be activated and, thus, potentially drive transport and eruption of magma. Catalina’s project is part of an ongoing collaboration of the structural research group and the Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Tierra (CICTERRA) in Cordoba, Argentina.