New research erupts: UNM Professor presents instrument in tracking Iceland volcanoes
January 31, 2024 - Dani Rae Wascher
Tobias Fischer, a professor at The University of New Mexico's Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences, has been heavily involved in tracking Iceland’s volcanic activity. A noted volcanologist, Fischer traveled to Iceland in mid-November 2023 to deliver and install his Delta Ray Instrument to his colleagues at the University of Iceland. This instrument measures carbon isotopes that help inform scientists about the magma sources below the surface. The data from this instrument is critical when building time series data sets to evaluate the eruption.
“During an eruption such as the ones that have recently been occurring in Iceland, we have the opportunity to collect gas samples directly from magma as it reaches the surface. We use UAVs to capture these volcanic gasses and take the samples to the Lab at the University of Iceland, where we can analyze them rapidly using the Delta Ray. Having the instrument in the lab allows us to get a lot of data quickly that informs us on the magma dynamics and evolution of the ongoing eruption,” explained Fischer.
This instrument is critical in understanding the land that volcanoes inhibit. Samantha Wolf, Fischer's administrative assistant, explains more.
Read more in the UNM Newsroom
