Title: From Magma to Energy: Integrative Studies of Volcanic Degassing and Geothermal Potential in Iceland

Abstract: The recent volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland likely signal the start of a prolonged period of episodic volcanism, potentially extending over decades to centuries. This seminar will explore recent findings from Open-path Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (OP-FTIR) analyses of volcanic gas emissions during the 2021-2024 eruptions. These observations reveal transient changes in gas composition, ranging from short-term variations linked to intermittent lava fountaining to longer-term changes related to the development of the deep magmatic plumbing system. As subsurface magma serves as heat sources for geothermal systems, geothermal exploration in the near-magma environment has been proposed as a pathway to increase geothermal power generation. The second part of this seminar describes numerical models of hydrothermal fluid flow near subsurface intrusions that quantify the power generation capabilities of these potential resources. This integrative approach to volcanic and geothermal research aims to advance the understanding of the interactions between the magmatic and hydrothermal systems.

Short-bio of Dr. Scott: Samuel Scott received his MSc from the University of Iceland in 2011 and his PhD from ETH Zurich in 2017. His research interests broadly span the nexus of geothermal systems, volcanology, and the energy transition. Currently, he lives in Reykjavik, Iceland, where he works as a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Iceland.