Dr Lorenzo Mantiloni

My current research focuses on developing Finite Element numerical models of poro-visco-elastic inclusions in visco-elastic media to investigate the stability of magma-mush reservoirs. More specifically, I study the effect of different assumptions on medium properties, reservoir geometry and magma supply rate on surface deformation and the stress field in the Earth's crust. My aim is to identify the conditions promoting failure within the magma-mush and nucleation of magmatic dykes.

My past research has been focused on numerical and analogue models of dyke propagation in linear-elastic media, with applications to statistical forecasts of the locations of future eruptive vents in regions of distributed volcanism, especially calderas. I also studied the displacement and stress fields induced by thermo-poro-elastic inclusions, which can be applied to hydrothermal reservoirs undergoing sudden fluid injection.

2011 - 2016: University of Pisa, Italy - B.Sc. Physics

2016 - 2019: University of Bologna, Italy - M.Sc. Geophysics (Hons)

My Master Thesis aimed to develop semi-analytical solutions for the displacement and stress fields induced by thermo-poro-elastic, disk-shaped inclusions subject to sudden changes in pore pressure and temperature. It was later applied to model ground deformation observed at Campi Flegrei caldera, Italy, during the 1982-84 unrest.

Supervisor: Prof. Dr. M. E. Belardinelli

2019 - 2023: Deutsches GeoForschunsZentrum GFZ / University of Potsdam, Germany - PhD

My PhD Thesis aimed to build a framework for constraining statistically the state of stress in calderas by means of physics-based models of dyke pathways in three dimensions; then, employ such information to produce probability maps of the opening of future eruptive vents across the studied regions. This work included the development of a simplified but computationally efficient model of dyke pathways, as well as an optimization technique for running large numbers of Boundary Element numerical models of the gravitational loading due to different topographic features.

Supervisor: Prof. Dr. E. Rivalta

Co-supervisor: Prof. Dr. T. Dahm