Modelling temporal evolution of volcano landscape through erosion (EVoLvE)

Volcanoes are highly dynamic geomorphological features which grow through eruption and erode rapidly. Although the fact that volcano landscapes change on short (1 – 10² yr) or long-term (10^5 - 10^6 yr) is evident, these processes and their controlling factors remains poorly constrained. This project aims to employ novel analogue and numerical models of landscape evolution with the fractal characterization of volcano shapes to develop a comprehensive model of long-term volcano morphology evolution. First the fractal dimension of composite volcanoes from selected arcs will be constrained and related to their estimated erosion rates. Second, analogue experiments of volcano erosion will be systematically analysed to constrain the control of volcano morphology, internal layering and tectonics on erosion rate and drainage pattern. Third, a state-of-the-art landscape erosion model will be adapted to
reproduce patterns and rates of volcano degradation. This will include the role of contrasted lithologies as well as lava flow emplacement and cone growth on morphological evolution. This project will lead to the integration of constructive and destructive processes into a single numerical model that will enable realistic simulation of long-term volcanic landscape evolution and a better interpretation of current volcano morphologies