Dr Anthony Lamur PhD

Fractures in volcanic systems can open and seal shut either by mineral precipitation or weld back in magmatic liquids. This lab-based project focusses on understanding how fractures develop and grow, creating pathways for fluids to rapidly transfer through the system as well as how they can weld back in hot magmatic liquids. I aim to improve our understanding of fluid localisation that can cause pressure to build-up, shifting the systems stability as well as to advance our capabilities to harness these high-temperature fluids during geothermal exploitation.
Mechanical equipment that I am proficient with includes:
• High-temperature uniaxial presses for:
- Strength characterisation (Compression, true tension and indirect tensile Brazilian tests)
- Viscometry
- Elastic properties of rocks and magmas (Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio)
• Triaxial press
• Permeameters
• High-temperature furnaces for:
- Thermal stressing of volcanic material
- Sintering
- Foaming
• Pycnometer for porosity determination
I complement these experiments with a range of monitoring techniques that include:
• FLIR thermal cameras
• High-speed cameras
• Acoustic monitoring

I have been involved in the installation of various geophysical instruments around Guatemalan volcanoes Santiaguito and Fuego.

These included various field campaigns during which I installed:
• Thermal camera (FLIR)
• Seismo-acoustic stations, including a permanent, real-time station at Fuego volcano