Scientific Advisory Committee

The Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) is commissioned by the Overseas Territories and Polar Directorate (OTPD) of the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The SAC is responsible for assessing the scientific integrity of the work being carried out by the MVO. SAC members meet twice a year, once on Montserrat and once by teleconference.

SAC reports can be downloaded here.

Prof Eliza Calder

Chair

Dr Eliza Calder’s research is in the area of volcanology, especially the physical nature of volcanic processes. Her research encompasses the study of the driving forces and controlling parameters of volcanic eruptive activity from the subsurface to the external environment, the emplacement mechanisms of volcanic flows, and the analysis of volcanic hazards.

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    Prof Mike Burton

    Professor of Volcanology

    Professor Mike Burton studies volcanic processes using a combination of observations, experiments and modelling in order to improve our ability to understand and forecast eruptions and the impact of volcanic activity on volatile cycles and regional and global climate. A major element of this work is done collaboratively with volcano observatories.

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      Fidel Costa

      Fidel is an igneous petrologist and geochemist specialising in volcanic processes. He has been involved in developing new geochronological methods to determine the rates of volcanic and magmatic processes occurring on human time scales.

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        DR. GRAHAM RYAN

        Research Fellow - Volcanology / Director (Montserrat Volcano Observatory)

        Dr. Ryan, the first Montserrat national to head the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO), has been associated with MVO since interning there in 1996. With a PhD in Volcanology and a background in Physics, he has held various roles in volcano and geothermal physics globally. His recent work involved monitoring volcanic deformation across The Lesser Antilles and overseeing geothermal projects. Experienced in leading diverse teams in challenging environments, Dr. Ryan emphasizes practical research methods and brings extensive experience in disaster risk management to his role, positioning him well for guiding MVO’s future endeavors.

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          Prof. Dr. Eleonora Rivalta

          PI of the “Magma propagation” research group

          Research Interests:

          • Physics of volcanic systems and of the seismic source
          • Propagation and storage of magma and other fluids in the crust
          • Experimental volcanology
          • Crustal deformation

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