Time-dependent gravimetric measurements can detect subsurface processes long before magma flow leads to earthquakes or other eruption precursors. The ability of gravity measurements to detect subsurface mass flow is greatly enhanced if gravity measurements are analyzed and modeled with ground-deformation data. Obtaining the maximum information from microgravity studies requires careful evaluation of the layout of network benchmarks, the gravity environmental signal, and the coupling between gravity changes and crustal deformation. Several analytical and numerical mathematical models can be used to fit gravity and deformation data. Analytical models offer a closed-form description of the volcanic source. In principle, this allows one to readily infer the relative importance of the source parameters. In active volcanic sites such as Long Valley caldera (California), Kilauea (Hawaii) and Campi Flegrei (Italy), careful use of analytical models and high-quality data sets has produced good results.

Biography of Dr. Maurizio Battaglia: http://seismo.berkeley.edu/~battag/#Tectonic_