Progress, Potential, and Possibilities Podcast / Show Dr. Graham Ryan - Director, Montserrat Volcano Observatory - Volcanology and Geothermal Energy
Dr. Graham Ryan, is the Director at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO), in Montserrat, WI. Dr. Ryan has 17 years’ experience in volcanology and geothermal geophysics, using his skills to better understand the nature and behavior of magmatic systems and fluid flow through geothermal systems. His current interests include ground deformation associated with the volcanic systems of the Eastern Caribbean and the use of joint interpretation and inversion to determine the architecture of geothermal and magmatic systems in the region. With a masters in Physics at The University of Manchester and a PhD in volcanology at Lancaster University (during which he performed controlled explosions in the laboratory to simulate repetitive volcanic explosions and magma flow in volcanic conduits), he has published over 20 articles and book chapters in peer-reviewed international publications. In addition to his work at Montserrat Volcano Observatory Dr. Ryan also spent six years at the University of Auckland in New Zealand studying fluid flow pathways in geothermal systems, particularly with an eye to targeting geothermal wells for energy production. Whilst based in New Zealand he worked on systems in several countries including Montserrat, New Zealand, Rwanda, Chile and the USA, developing novel methodologies for modelling subsurface geothermal systems using joint interpretation of data sets. Dr. Ryan also developed expertise in electromagnetic induction, particularly the magnetotelluric technique, a useful technique for imaging systems deep within the Earth’s crust. He also taught short courses in both general geothermal technology and magnetotellurics.