Synergistic study of deformation signals and volcano-tectonic earthquakes at Mauna Loa Volcano, HI

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $393,866 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Mauna Loa Volcano in Hawai’i is one of the largest active volcanoes on Earth. The volcano showed clear signs of unrest from 2014, leading up to its November 2022 eruption. The long duration of activity gives scientists a chance to study the causes of earthquakes and ground movement in a complex volcano that has multiple magma chambers and rift zones. Researchers will use satellite data (InSAR) to detect ground changes linked to volcanic unrest. This research will use studies of earthquake patterns and other seismic data to help scientists understand the causes of volcano deformation. In this work, scientists will learn about the warning signs before major eruptions on Mauna Loa’s flanks that can endanger many people. Researchers will also mentor young scientists and produce a course activity about volcano monitoring. Since 2014, Mauna Loa Volcano has been closely monitored using dense Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) geodetic and seismic datasets, leading up to its November 2022 eruption. Researchers will use this rich dataset to study ground deformation patterns and identify short-term deformation events. They will develop and apply an advanced deep learning method—based on a convolutional neural network. This approach will help separate real volcanic deformation signals from noise caused by the atmosphere in the InSAR data. The method will account for random and layered atmospheric effects and will be tested against GNSS ground-based data to ensure accur

Key facts

NSF award ID
2523375
Awardee
Pennsylvania State Univ University Park (PA)
SAM.gov UEI
NPM2J7MSCF61
PI
Christelle Wauthier
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
Estimated total
$393,866
Funds obligated
$393,866
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
08/15/2025 → 07/31/2027