EAG sponsored student Kerys Meredew presents her Volcanological Research at IAVCEI2025
The Scientific Assembly of the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior (IAVCEI) was held in Geneva in July 2025 with the theme “The energies of magma: From volcanic eruptions and mineral resources to geothermal production and sustainability“. EAG sponsored student Kerys Meredew shares her experiences from the meeting.
As part of my attendance, I had the opportunity to present recent work from two separate research projects. The first was a talk focusing on my own PhD research, titled ‘Feedbacks between structural development, eruption style and output rates at Anak Krakatau, Indonesia’. Within this I discussed how I’ve reconstructed historical topography to calculate estimates of volcanic output and surface loading at Anak Krakatau, and combined this with ongoing geochemical analysis of key tephra samples. Together these create a comprehensive record of volcanic processes occurring both above and below the surface, enabling the exploration of their interconnected relationship. For me, the most valuable takeaways from this experience were the questions and feedback I received after my talk. They led to thought-provoking conversations on how I could tackle some areas of uncertainties, particularly the lower resolution submarine region of the edifice, and left me feeling motivated and excited to return to the final parts of my project.
Alongside my PhD research, I also presented a poster on the initial findings from a recent marine research expedition (FKt240902) offshore Chaitén volcano, southern Chile. This poster focused on the distribution and impacts of post-eruptive laharic processes entering the ocean following the explosive 2008 Chaitén eruption. Not only was this an excellent opportunity to share this new high-resolution dataset with the community, generating discussion on how others may approach our research questions, but also a valuable time to meet with members of the expedition’s science team to discuss the future direction of the project.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time exploring Geneva and attending IAVCEI, even despite the 40°C heatwave! And although the city may not be home to any active volcanoes, to commemorate the conference the Jet d’Eau was illuminated by ‘magma red’ lights, creating the illusion of lava fountaining from within Lake Geneva. I am incredibly grateful for the financial support from the EAG, attending IAVCEI would not have been possible without it – thank you!
About the Author
