Dr. Karen Pascal

Volcanologist

CONTACT

Email:

pascalk@mvo.ms

Telephone:

1-664-491-5647

 

 

 

QUALIFICATIONS

PhD in Earth Sciences, 2013: ‘Interaction between deformation sources & implications for numerical modelling of magma storage’ – School of Earth & Environment, University of Leeds, UK

B.Sc. in Earth Sciences, Option Volcanology, 2007 – Laboratoire Magmas et Volcans, Universite Blaise Pascal, Clermont-Ferrand, France

B.A in French Literature, 2002 – Université Paul Valéry, Montpellier, France

B.A in Psychology, 1997 – Université Lyon II, Lyon, France

 

BIO

With a PhD in volcano-deformation modeling, Dr Karen Pascal joined the MVO in 2013 to lead the Soufrière Hills volcano-geodesy program.

Collaborating with the MVO team and international colleagues, her work includes enhancing deformation monitoring networks and conducting research, focusing on Soufrière Hills as well as other Caribbean volcanoes monitored by the Seismic Research Centre. Her work contributes to evaluating the hazards and risks associated to volcanic risk activity, informing the Montserrat and UK governments for volcanic risk management, as well as keeping the general public informed.

Dr. Pascal also explores alternative, interdisciplinary ways to mitigate volcanic risks, through collaborative projects integrating historical and cultural approaches, involving communities, risk management stakeholders, and an international audience.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Lead the volcano-geodesy program
  • Process and analyze ground deformation data (GPS, EDM, Strainmeters), in order to monitor the deformation of the Soufrière Hills Volcano
  • Maintain and develop the ground deformation monitoring network, in collaboration with the MVO technical staff
  • Undertake research projects related to the ground deformation observed at Soufrière Hills Volcano in particular, and in the region in general
  • Undertake duties as acting director of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, when necessary
  • Participate to research projects and activities related to volcanic hazards & risks education and outreach

RESEARCH INTERESTS 

  • Monitoring Soufriere Hills volcano activity using ground deformation data eg improving GPS data processing methods currently used at MVO, investigating potentials of EDM and GPS data integration to detect eruption precursors and refine magmatic system models
  • Relating surface deformation signals to processes within the magma reservoir eg investigation of the inflation signal observed since 2010 using Finite Element modelling
  • Promoting volcanic risks awareness by sharing knowledge of recent disasters with the community and local and international decision-makers, in particular using arts (www.mountainaglow.com; https://curatingcrises.omeka.net/)

PEER-REVIEWED PAPERS

Hickey J., Pascal K., Syers R., Alshembari R. (2024). Topographical effects on volcano deformation signal intensity: Implications for GPS network configuration. Geophysical Research Letters,51,12,e2024GL108812.

Alshembari R., Hickey J., Pascal K., Syers R (2024). Declining magma supply to a poroelastic magma mush explains long-term deformation at Soufrière Hills Volcano. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 631, 118624

Camejo-Harry M., Pascal K., Euillades P.; Grandin R., Hamling I., Euillades L., Contreras-Arratia R., Ryan G., Latchman J., Lynch L., Jo M. (2024). Monitoring volcano deformation at La Soufrière, St Vincent during the 2020–21 eruption with insights into its magma plumbing system architecture. The Geological Society of London, Special Publications, 539, 1, 41-62

Johnson A., Hickey J., Pascal K., Williamson B., Syers R. (2023). Distinguishing shallow from mid-crustal magmatic processes at Soufrière Hills Volcano using Finite Element Modelling and co-analysis of EDM and GPS data. Volcanica, 6, 2, 265-282

Hickey J., Pascal K., Head M., Gottsmann J., Fournier N., Hreinsdottir S., Syers R. (2022). Magma pressurization sustains ongoing eruptive episode at dome-building Soufrière Hills volcano, Montserrat, Geology, 50, 11, 1261-1265

Joseph E., Camejo-Harry M., Christopher T., Contreras-Arratia R., Edwards S., Graham R., Johnson M., Juman A., Latchman J., Lynch L., Miller V., Papadopoulos I., Pascal K., Robertson R., Ryan G., Stinton A., Grandin R., Hamling I., Jo M., Barclay J., Cole P.,  Davies B., Sparks R. (2022). Responding to eruptive transitions during the 2020–2021 eruption of La Soufrière volcano, St. Vincent. Nature Communications, 13, 1, 4129

Webb T., Wadge G.,Pascal, K. (2020). Mapping water vapour variability over a mountainoustropical island using InSAR and an atmospheric model for geodetic observations.Remote Sensing ofEnvironment, 237(111560), doi:10.1016/j.rse.2019.11156

Wadge G., Costa A., Pascal K., Werner C., Webb T. (2016). The variability of refractivity in the atmospheric boundary layer of a tropical island volcano measured by ground-based interferometric radar. Boundary-Layer Meteorology, 1-25

Pascal K., Neuberg J.W., Rivalta E. (2013) On precisely modelling surface deformation due to interacting magma chambers and dykes. Geophysical Journal International, 196, 253-278, doi: 10.1093/gji/ggt343.

Rivalta E., Pascal K., Phillips J., and Bonaccorso A.(2013). Explosive expansion of a slowly-decompressed magma analogue: evidence of delayed bubble nucleation. Geochem. Geophys. Geosyst., 14, 3067-3084, doi:10.1002/ ggge.20183.