How do we measure the mass of magma moving inside a volcano before it reaches the surface? In this episode, geophysicist Dr. Antonina Calrano de Petra breaks down the research process behind monitoring Cerro Negro, Nicaragua. We explore the unique mechanics of trapdoor faulting, the challenges of joint modeling gravity and deformation, and how this data is used to mitigate geohazards.

Beyond the geophysics, we discuss career paths in STEM, specifically how a background in pure physics can lead to a career in volcanology. From the "baby" tantrums of a quartz gravimeter to the social impact of eruption forecasting, this episode is a deep dive into the igneous intellect required to study our planet’s most active systems.

Inside the Episode