Hannah Shamloo awarded NSF grant to investigate eruption mechanisms at Koma Kulshan (Mt. Baker), Washington

Newest faculty member, Dr. Hannah Shamloo, has been awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation to address the processes and associated timescales that drive volcanic eruptions in our very own state of Washington, at Koma Kulshan (Mt. Baker).

This project will create a conceptual map of the pre-eruptive magma storage conditions beneath a very-high-threat Cascadia volcano. This will be done through a detailed study of different lavas erupted throughout Kulshan’s history, which contain multiple populations of crystal clots and co-crystallizing assemblages that represent distinct crystal mushes sampled during a single eruption. This study will combine mineral chemistry, thermobarometry, volatile chemistry, and diffusion chronometry to determine (1) magma storage and eruption initiation of each crystal clot and crystal assemblage, and (2) associated magma ascent times.

The proposed work will also provide place-based learning for students from marginalized groups in STEM through the Koma Kulshan Field Experience, a week-long summer field experience for pre-majors from Northwest Indian College, Whatcom Community College, and Yakima Valley College.

The project, in collaboration with scientists from Western Washington University will continue for 3 years and includes support for both MS and undergraduate student research projects. Interested students should contact Dr. Shamloo for more information (shamlooh@cwu.edu).