GMPV – Geochemistry, Mineralogy, Petrology & Volcanology
Friday, 8 May
Volatiles and other incompatible elements play a fundamental role in Earth’s dynamic systems and significantly contribute to the well-being and sustainability of life, making our planet unique. Their influence on planetary-scale processes is profound, as their global cycles efficiently transfer elements from the surface to the deep interior through subduction zones.
Volatiles in melts and fluids hold the key to understanding Earth's inner workings. While major uncertainties remain, advances in multi-disciplinary approaches continue to reveal how these elements move through and shape our planet.
This session brings together scientists investigating the full spectrum of volatile and elemental cycles, with a focus on their principal carriers—melts and fluids. We welcome contributions from petrology, geochemistry, and related disciplines, drawing on natural samples, experiments, and modelling.
Topics of interest include:
i) deep volatile cycles of H₂O, CO₂, halogens and sulfur;
ii) volatile mobilization and transfer during subduction in COHNS fluids and silicate melts;
iii) roles of volatiles in metamorphic and metasomatic processes;
iv) physical and chemical properties of volatiles in melts and fluids;
v) volatile storage in the lithospheric mantle;
vi) emissions and reservoirs in volcanic systems.
Studying materials and processes under extreme pressure-temperature conditions is central to understanding the interiors and evolution of Earth and Earth-like planets. Deep inside our planet, diverse physical and chemical phenomena, such as core–mantle differentiation, mantle plume origins, and enigmatic low-velocity regions, govern planetary structure and long-term evolution. Yet our direct observations—seismological, heat flux, gravity, and geomagnetic fields—leave many aspects of the deep Earth open to interpretation. Insights into mineral physics properties—such as equations of state, elasticity, texture, transport properties, phase transitions, melting, and chemical reactivity—are critical to constrain models of planetary interiors. In parallel, geodynamical modeling allows us to test hypotheses about these processes by making quantitative predictions that can be compared with observations. The scope of such studies now extends beyond Earth. Since the commissioning of the James Webb Space Telescope in 2022, exoplanet characterization has accelerated, particularly for rocky, potentially habitable planets.
Recent advances in experimental and computational techniques now allow access to an unprecedented range of conditions relevant to planetary interiors. Static compression experiments with diamond anvil cells reach pressures in the megabar regime, while dynamic compression with free-electron lasers enables ultrafast measurements at extreme conditions relevant to large exoplanets—opening unique opportunities to capture transformations of matter linked to planetary evolution. Complementary computational methods, from ab initio simulations to large-scale geodynamical models, provide key insights to predict the properties of matter at depth and link them to observable planetary parameters such as seismic velocities, mass–radius relationships, or interior dynamics.
This session invites contributions from across planetary sciences that advance our understanding of materials and processes under extreme conditions. We particularly welcome studies addressing mineral physics properties, interior structure and dynamics, and the chemical and physical evolution of Earth and exoplanets. Abstracts highlighting novel experimental techniques, innovative synchrotron and FEL approaches, and cutting-edge modeling methods can all come together to reveal the complex interplay of chemistry, physics, and dynamics within Earth and planetary interiors.
The global transition towards sustainable energy and green technology is reliant on critical resources -- such as geothermal energy sources and mineral deposits. To maintain and accelerate progress, we require an improved understanding of: (i) how and where these resources arise; (ii) techniques to identify, characterise and constrain prospective locations; and (iii) strategies for effective, sustainable and low-impact resource development. Addressing any of these questions requires advances in our ability to simulate a wide range of geological processes, and in our capacity to generate actionable insights from these models in combination with complex, uncertain observational datasets.
This session focusses on the computational and methodological developments necessary for progress towards more sustainable energy. We welcome submissions that address a diverse range of topics -- including simulation e.g. of themo-chemical flow processes, subsurface imaging, data fusion and AI -- with their application to critical resources as a unifying theme.
The origin and evolution of the continental lithosphere is closely linked to changes in mantle dynamics through time, from its formation through melt depletion to multistage reworking and reorganization related to interaction with melts formed both beneath and within it. Understanding this history is critical to constraining terrestrial dynamics, element cycles and metallogeny. We welcome contributions dealing with: (1) Reconstructions of the structure and composition of the lithospheric mantle, and the influence of plumes and subduction zones on root construction; (2) Interactions of plume- and subduction-derived melts and fluids with the continental lithosphere, and the nature and development of metasomatic agents; (3) Source rocks, formation conditions (P-T-fO2) and evolution of mantle melts originating below or in the mantle lithosphere; (4) Deep source regions, melting processes and phase transformation in mantle plumes and their fluids; (5) Modes of melt migration and ascent, as constrained from numerical modelling and microstructures of natural mantle samples; (6) Role of mantle melts and fluids in the generation of hybrid and acid magmas. These topics can be illuminated using the geochemistry and fabric of mantle xenoliths and orogenic peridotites, mantle-derived melts and experimental simulations.
Seismic attenuation, involving energy loss through scattering and intrinsic absorption, significantly affects seismic wave propagation. As a fundamental property, attenuation plays a central role in subsurface imaging, investigations of Earth’s deep interior, and seismic exploration of planetary bodies. Quantitative analysis of attenuation enables inference of key material properties, such as composition, fluids, or fractures. A comprehensive understanding of attenuation mechanisms also supports robust source characterization and accurate ground-motion modeling, with important implications for hazard assessment and mitigation. In recent decades, advances in theory, numerical modeling, and data analysis have substantially improved attenuation characterization. High-accuracy 3D simulations now allow realistic modeling of wave propagation through complex structures, while advanced inversion techniques better separate scattering from intrinsic absorption. On the observational side, dense seismic arrays and new sensing technologies provide major, yet still underexploited, opportunities to enhance resolution.
This session will bring together experts to present the latest innovations in seismic attenuation research. We welcome theoretical and applied contributions, from work deepening fundamental understanding to studies showcasing practical applications.
Topics of interest include:
• Theoretical advancements that improve understanding of attenuation processes, including scattering and intrinsic absorption.
• Resolve Earth’s internal structure through analysis of attenuation data.
• Numerical simulations of the relevant equations for seismic wave propagation in heterogeneous media and attenuation.
• Applications to the study and characterization of seismic sources.
• Attenuation studies in seismic hazard and damage assessment, including ground motion models and the effects of shaking on structures and infrastructure.
• Energy dispersion from geological heterogeneities, such as faults, fractures, and variations in rock properties.
• Attenuation as an indicator of energy conversion into heat, with applications to geothermal exploration and volcanic hazard assessment.
• Tomographic imaging that integrates attenuation, scattering, and absorption to investigate Earth’s structure from crust to core.
• Planetary science investigations that use seismic attenuation to probe the internal structure and dynamics of other planetary bodies.
In recent years, technologies based on Artificial Intelligence (AI), such as image processing, smart sensors, and intelligent inversion, have garnered significant attention from researchers in the geosciences community. These technologies offer the promise of transitioning geosciences from qualitative to quantitative analysis, unlocking new insights and capabilities previously thought unattainable.
One of the key reasons for the growing popularity of AI in geosciences is its unparalleled ability to efficiently analyze vast datasets within remarkably short timeframes. This capability empowers scientists and researchers to tackle some of the most intricate and challenging issues in fields like Geophysics, Seismology, Hydrology, Planetary Science, Remote Sensing, and Disaster Risk Reduction.
As we stand on the cusp of a new era in geosciences, the integration of artificial intelligence promises to deliver more accurate estimations, efficient predictions, and innovative solutions. By leveraging algorithms and machine learning, AI empowers geoscientists to uncover intricate patterns and relationships within complex data sources, ultimately advancing our understanding of the Earth's dynamic systems. In essence, artificial intelligence has become an indispensable tool in the pursuit of quantitative precision and deeper insights in the fascinating world of geosciences.
For this reason, aim of this session is to explore new advances and approaches of AI in Geosciences.
Recent advances in geochemical and petrological analysis, experimental studies, analogue and computational modelling, geophysics and remote sensing have significantly enhanced our ability to constrain the architecture of magmatic systems, assess timescales of magma evolution, quantify (isotope) fractionation processes, investigate critical transitions from dormancy to eruption, and elucidate how magma shapes the Earth’s crust. However, challenges remain, including estimating magma storage depths, understanding crystal-melt relationships, integrating temporal, thermal and rheological constraints to better link physical and geochemical models, and calibrating models with experimental and natural observations.
A thorough understanding of magmatic plumbing systems is crucial to advance our knowledge of volcanic hazards, crustal evolution, surface deformation related to magma emplacement, as well as ore mineralisation. This session aims to investigate the multitude of key processes operating in magmatic systems at all scales, from source to surface, such as: magma generation and transport, mixing, storage and the resulting associated deformation; mineral–melt–fluid reactions and fractionation; kinetic and equilibrium elemental and isotopic exchange. We invite contributions that rely on field observations, remote-sensing and geophysical techniques (e.g., InSAR, seismicity analysis and seismic imaging, gravity and electromagnetic studies), high-resolution geochemical data (major and trace elements as well as isotope ratios), thermodynamic, numerical and analogue modelling, geochronology and diffusion chronometry, machine learning, and experimental petrology to shed light on those processes and their timescales. Studies that combine various approaches (e.g. apply experimental or computational findings to case studies of natural systems) or develop new tools for understanding the complex evolution of magmatic systems are especially welcome.
Volcanic systems are dynamic entities, shaped by the interplay of magmatic, tectonic and geomorphological processes. This session will explore the mechanisms that drive their construction, deformation and evolution, from magma ascent and emplacement to the surface expression of volcanic landforms. Contributions examining the interaction between tectonic stress fields and volcanic activity in influencing edifice growth, deformation and the development of distinctive morphological features in various tectonic and climatic settings are particularly welcome. The geomorphological and sedimentary consequences of volcanism, such as the erosion, transport and redeposition of volcaniclastic materials, are also crucial as they reshape landscapes and affect terrestrial and submarine environments alike. We strongly encourage multidisciplinary approaches, including field studies, remote sensing, geophysical methods and laboratory analyses, to capture the complexities of volcanic systems throughout their lifecycle. Given the prevalence of coastal and submarine volcanic settings, investigations addressing submarine morphology and geophysical characteristics are of particular interest. Case studies from various tectonic environments, including arc, rift, hotspot and intraplate settings, will provide valuable comparative insights. By bringing together volcanology, structural geology, marine geology, geomorphology, and sedimentology, this session aims to promote discussion on how volcanotectonic processes influence volcanic landform evolution and its implications for hazard assessment and risk reduction.
In sedimentary volcanism, underground sediments, water and gases ascend to the surface, both inland and offshore, within a compressive tectonic regime. The ejected material builds up edifices resembling volcanoes, hence the term Mud Volcanoes (MVs). Some of these structures exhibit paroxysmal activity, characterized by violent gas blasts or sudden expulsions, releasing huge volumes of mud that represent a severe geohazard. In general, MVs emit significant CH4 and minor CO2 and light hydrocarbons amounts affecting the life cycles of animals and plants.
MVs constitute natural laboratories for investigating several poorly understood processes, such as geochemical and physical dynamics during ongoing eruptions, the interaction between faulting and fluid reservoirs, the hydrological cycle or periodic inflation-deflation cycles at the crustal scale (e.g., those driven by Earth tides), as well as their buried structure.
MVs are often hosted within Nature Reserves that provide a safe environment for monitoring activities, whose main goal is to intercept potential precursors of paroxysmal events. Moreover, since these Reserves are visited by many people every year, monitoring is crucial not only for scientific purposes but also for ensuring the safety of visitors and nearby populations.
This session is addressed to investigations of:
- the reconstruction of the deep engine dynamics of MV activity and their stratigraphic structure;
- the processes that form mud volcanos and drive material migration to the surface;
- the hydrological regime and its influence on MV activity;
- outcomes from long-term monitoring and spot-survey;
- the interplay between the regional/local seismicity and MV activity, as manifestation of crustal dynamics;
- the remote sensing terrain and surface modeling, and geophysical imaging;
- the impact of MVs activity on ecosystems and climate.
Multidisciplinary approaches to the MVs study, aimed at identifying reliable indicators of their activity state, are welcome.
Seismic and infrasound observations are essential for monitoring and understanding volcanic systems, providing complementary constraints on subsurface dynamics, eruptive processes, and atmospheric interactions. However, the interpretation of these data is challenging: volcanic heterogeneity, steep topography, and atmospheric variability significantly distort both seismic and acoustic signals, while diverse source mechanisms—from magma migration to explosive eruptions—produce a wide range of waveforms that remain difficult to understand comprehensively. These complexities demand high-resolution imaging, advanced source inversion strategies, and integrated analyses that leverage both seismic and acoustic datasets.
This session invites contributions from researchers in volcano seismology, infrasound, and related fields, focusing on (i) seismicity and infrasound catalogues and their spatio-temporal evolution, (ii) wave propagation, scattering, and atmospheric effects, (iii) high-resolution imaging of volcanic structures, (iv) joint seismic–acoustic source inversions, and (v) time-lapse monitoring and forecasting. Studies on geothermal analogues, novel instrumentation, and emerging analysis methodologies (e.g., machine learning) are also welcome. By fostering cross-disciplinary dialogue between seismologists, acoustic specialists, and numerical modellers, this session aims to highlight recent advances and key challenges in characterizing volcanic processes and improving hazard assessment
Volcanic activity plays a key role in modulating atmospheric processes at both regional and global scales. Explosive eruptions, persistent degassing, and aerosol emissions can significantly influence climate dynamics, yet their interactions with the coupled atmosphere-ocean system remain only partially understood. This session focuses on forward-looking strategies that combine multi-source data, real-time monitoring, and advanced modeling—including hybrid and data-driven approaches—to enhance our ability to monitor, interpret, and anticipate the climate impacts of volcanic activity. We welcome contributions that merge satellite, in situ, and paleo records with physical models and computational techniques. Emphasis is placed on detecting anomalies, identifying patterns, and quantifying both short- and long-term effects. Case studies of recent or historical major eruptions and the use of innovative analytical or simulation methods are particularly encouraged. The session promotes interdisciplinary dialogue among volcanology, atmospheric sciences, and computational modeling to advance understanding of how volcanic processes influence the climate system.
Mineralogy is the cornerstone of many disciplines and is used to solve a wide range of questions in geoscience. This broad session offers the opportunity to explore the diversity of methods and approaches used to study minerals and their inclusions, and how minerals behave and evolve in their many contexts. Also, we will address issues that involve the use and development of spectroscopic techniques and the relevant ab initio simulations beyond current applications in metamorphic and magmatic petrology applied to the Earth and other planetary bodies.
We welcome contributions on all aspects of mineralogy, including environmental, soil science, metamorphic, plutonic, deep Earth, planetary, applied mineralogy, and so on. All approaches are welcome: analytical, experimental and theoretical.
Fluid-rock interactions of ultramafic rocks in the subsurface have a substantial potential for large-scale CO2 storage by long-term mineralization, are a source of natural H2 resources, and play an important role in the formation of various critical ore deposits (e.g. Ni, Co). Understanding the underlying processes is therefore highly relevant for climate crisis mitigation and the energy transition. The coupled chemical, hydrological and mechanical feedbacks and the interplay between dynamic changes in pH, redox conditions and critical metal mobility during these interactions are not yet fully understood. We cordially invite contributions that advance our understanding of the conditions, mechanisms and rates of CO2 mineralization, H2 generation and element mobility during fluid-rock interactions in peridotites and serpentinites from microscopic to industrial and tectonic scales, including studies of natural analogues, field surveys, pilot injection sites, laboratory experiments and theoretical simulations.
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