Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Florida Division of Sponsored Research received a $344,724 Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Earth Sciences under the Geosciences program (CFDA 47.050), effective August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2029. This collaborative research initiative investigates sulfur behavior in the volcanic critical zone—the heterogeneous hydrothermal-volcanic environment between magma and the Earth's surface—to advance volcanic hazard assessment and eruption forecasting capabilities. The project delivers fundamental research examining how sulfur transitions from magmatic systems through multi-phase interactions to surface gas emissions at well-monitored, explosive-prone volcanoes, with particular emphasis on understanding sulfur's role as a precursor indicator for eruption prediction applicable to North American volcanic systems.

The research outcomes include scientific knowledge products advancing volcanology and magmatic processes, with secondary applications to ore deposit formation and economic mineral development. The award supports inter-institutional and inter-agency collaboration alongside graduate and undergraduate student education and training in geoscience research methodologies. By characterizing sulfur storage and cycling within volcanic systems globally, the project enhances the scientific foundation for volcano monitoring networks and contributes to geohazard mitigation strategies informed by gas emission composition analysis and subsurface chemical processes.