Applied Geophysics and Volcanology: Tools for Exploring the Dynamic Earth

Dear Colleagues,

Understanding the dynamics of the Earth requires a continuous dialog between theoretical models and applied geophysical techniques. While theoretical frameworks provide the conceptual foundations for interpreting natural processes, it is through the application of measurement techniques, monitoring systems, computational models, and laboratory experiments that we can truly explore, quantify, and predict the behavior of our planet. This Special Issue will bring together contributions spanning the full spectrum of the applied tools used to investigate volcanic systems, tectonic structures, deep Earth processes, and surface hazards.

Applied Volcanology: Investigating Magma Systems and Eruptive Processes: Volcanoes are inherently complex, multi-scale systems where deep magmatic processes govern surface manifestations. The deep magmatic system is monitored through a wide array of indirect applied methods, including geochemical analyses of gas emissions, seismic imaging, ground deformation techniques (GNSS, InSAR, tilt), thermal observations, gravity and magnetic surveys, and electromagnetic soundings. Through inversion, these datasets provide constrains on the state of magmatic reservoirs, pressure conditions, intrusion geometry, magma migration, fluid accumulation, and the likelihood of eruption.

During eruptive crises, applied tools are fundamental for real-time hazard assessment. Real-time monitoring incorporates seismicity, deformation changes, gas fluxes, thermal anomalies, visual and remote sensing observations, and acoustic or infrasound measurements. Automated multi-sensor surveillance systems integrate these data to identify anomalous behavior and issue timely alerts to civil protection authorities. Complementary monitoring, petrology, and geochemistry of erupted materials (crystals, glass, melt inclusions) reveals the magma’s ascent rate, storage conditions, and pre-eruptive processes.

Furthermore, laboratory and numerical simulations of magma–rock interactions, magma ascent, conduit dynamics, eruptive columns, plume dispersion, and pyroclastic flows provide a controlled environment to reproduce and interpret complex processes that cannot be directly observed. These computational frameworks help us bridge the gap between observations and theoretical predictions, improving our capacity to interpret geophysical signals and assess eruptive potential.

Broader Applied Geophysics: Crustal Structure, Tectonics, and Deep Earth Dynamics: Beyond volcanic systems, applied geophysics offers essential tools to probe the structure, evolution, and mechanics of the Earth’s lithosphere and mantle. Seismic reflection and refraction imaging reveal sedimentary architectures, fault geometries, rifting processes, and crust–mantle boundaries. Seismic tomography reconstructs three-dimensional variations in the Earth’s interior, offering insights into subducting slabs, mantle plumes, lower-crustal melt, and lithospheric thickness variations.

Gravity and magnetic surveys conducted on land, at sea, or from satellites provide constraints on density and magnetization contrasts, enabling reconstructions of crustal roots, basin geometries, intrusive bodies, and lithospheric flexure. Satellite gravity missions (GRACE, GOCE) extend this perspective to global mass redistribution, mantle flow signals, and post-seismic deformation.

Electromagnetic and magnetotelluric (MT) methods characterize the resistivity variations associated with fluids, melts, hydration, and temperature anomalies, reaching depths >300 km. These approaches image subduction zones, cratonic lithosphere, geothermal systems, and rift structures. Modern geodesy, through continuous GNSS networks and InSAR time series, tracks crustal deformation with millimetric precision, capturing interseismic strain accumulation, co- and postseismic deformation, fault creep, subsidence, and uplift signals.

Earthquake science integrates seismology, geodesy, MT imaging, and numerical modeling to investigate fault mechanics, rupture processes, and stress evolution. Applied geophysics also contributes to the study of mantle convection, lithosphere–asthenosphere interactions, and deep Earth heterogeneities by combining seismic, gravitational, and geodynamic inversions.

Applied Studies of Surface Hazards: Surface hazards such as tsunamis, landslides, and coastal or submarine instability are also investigated using applied methods. Marine geophysics—including ocean bottom seismometers, pressure gauges, bathymetry, and multibeam imaging—supports tsunami modeling and early warning systems. Remote sensing, geotechnical surveys, and numerical simulations are used to assess slope stability and landslide risk.

Theory and Application as Complementary Pillars: Across volcanology, tectonics, geodynamics, and surface processes, all applied studies are grounded in robust theoretical frameworks; however, it is the application of measurements, inversions, experiments, and numerical models that allows scientists to extract meaningful information from a complex, dynamic Earth. This Special Issue seeks contributions that demonstrate how the diverse array of applied geophysical and volcanological tools can deepen our understanding of the Earth’s processes and improve hazard forecasting.

Dr. Antonella Longo
Guest Editor

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• volcanic underground magmatic systems and eruptions
• crust and mantle structure and dynamics
• earthquakes
• surface phenomena: tsunami, landslide, costal and submarine instability
• volcanic and/or tectonic monitoring: gas emissions, geodesy, seismicity, and thermal, gravity, electromagnetic, magnetotelluric observations
• inversion procedures
• numerical and laboratory modeling
• integrated multi-sensor volcano surveillance
• early-warning systems