Project Grant 2534356

The National Science Foundation Division of Earth Sciences awarded California Institute of Technology (Caltech) $300,000 on August 1, 2026, under the Geosciences program to characterize magmatic system dynamics and structure using fiber-optic sensing. The project runs through July 31, 2029, with place of performance in Pasadena, California.

The research develops real-time volcanic monitoring capability by repurposing existing telecommunication fiber-optic cables as dense networks of ground deformation sensors. Using low-frequency distributed acoustic sensing (LFDAS), the project will measure quasi-static deformation and ground motion with high spatial sampling and temporal resolution to track subsurface magma movements at minute timescales. The work focuses on the Sundhnúkur Crater Row in Iceland, combining LFDAS observations with conventional geodetic and seismic methods to determine why some dike intrusions reach the surface and erupt while others stall at depth. The research addresses a critical gap in eruption forecasting—conventional geodetic methods such as GNSS and InSAR lack the temporal resolution to resolve rapid dike intrusion evolution. Improved eruption forecasting and hazard response capability will inform volcano monitoring approaches applicable to active U.S. volcanoes, addressing significant public safety and infrastructure risks given that more than 800 million people live near active volcanoes and approximately 50 erupt annually.