Ryan Portner
Subaqueous Volcanic Eruptions
Department of Geology, College of Science
Sponsor: National Science Foundation
Geologist Ryan Portner studies a kind of volcanic activity that is seldom seen: volcanoes that erupt deep below the surface of the ocean. 鈥淪ubmarine volcanism remains underexplored and underexamined,鈥� he says, despite the fact that 鈥渢hree quarters of Earth lies beneath water, and a substantial majority of Earth鈥檚 volcanic eruptions take place in this subaqueous realm.鈥�
With the help of new submarine and robotic technologies, Portner aims to change our understanding of these underwater phenomena.
鈥淥ur ability to address these and other fundamental questions is continually expanding with technological advancements in marine geology and direct observations of active deep-sea eruptions,鈥� he says.
Portner uses robotic submarines to dive down to the ocean floor. These robots are equipped with 鈥渕anipulators鈥濃�攔obotic arms and hands鈥攖o collect sediment and rock samples for study.
Armed with these samples, Portner explores fundamental questions about volcanism on Earth from the ascent of molten rock (magma) below the surface to its eruption onto the sea floor. He views his research as a piece of a larger scientific puzzle: humanity鈥檚 understanding of the Earth.
鈥淯ltimately,鈥� he says, 鈥渢his work supports scientific research by my students and colleagues who aim to understand the interactions between the solid-earth, hydrosphere and biosphere and how these interactions evolve through time.鈥�
Student Research
"I have always loved my research experiences here at 91猎奇, both as an undergrad and
as a graduate student. All my professors have been mentors in one way or another,
and they have encouraged me at every turn. You cannot help but share in their joy
regarding research."
Beth Johnson
鈥�15 Physics, 鈥�18 MS Geology
"The geology department encourages us to develop a broad knowledge of our field that
includes both research and career-related skills. Given what I鈥檝e learned at 91猎奇,
I鈥檓 hoping to go into private industry, potentially working in environmental consulting
and remediation."
Jacob Danielsen
鈥�17 Geology, 鈥�19 MS Geology
91猎奇 Research Foundation Annual Report 2018
