Dr Stephen Lane

Senior Lecturer

Research Overview

Steve is deeply interested in the physics of volcanoes, the eruptions of which can be spectacular but also present risk to contempory economic activity.

He has spent the last 20 years working on developing understanding of unobservable volcanic processes through field measurement and the use of analogue laboratory experiments and computer simulation.

The most important journals in volcanology

Putting science into the assessment of research

Published research

His published work includes over 40 refereed journal papers focused in three main areas:

  • identifying the fluid dynamic sources of seismic and acoustic signals at volcanoes that result from flow processes, with the motivation here being to improve forecasting of volcanic events by establishing a link between flow within volcanic conduits and the ground displacements generated by those flows;
  • understanding the transport of fine volcanic ash in Earth's atmosphere influenced by the aggregation of ash particles into larger clusters, a process that significantly changes aerodynamic behaviour and is key to predicting the atmospheric transport of volcanic ash and, therefore, managing the impacts of ash on air transport and ground deposition; and
  • investigating the processes resulting from magmatic intrusion into the Martian crust where identifying the dominant processes will give insight into the nature of the Martian cryosphere and aquifer, as well as provide analogous insight into the consequences of magma intrusion into Earth's crust.

Current research

Steve’s current research projects include NEMOH, an Initial Training Network under the European Community FP7. The training objective of NEMOH is that of forming the next generation of European volcanologists, capable of extending further the knowledge and understanding of volcano dynamics and the methods and paradigms for volcanic hazard evaluation. Training is conceived to develop in the context of internationally coordinated research structured in closely interconnected research activities.

Teaching and administration

Steve's teaching includes:

Steve is Programme Director for LEC's Environmental and Earth Science BSc and MSci degrees.

Ice-melt rates in liquid-filled cavities during explosive subglacial eruptions
Woodcock, D., Lane, S., Gilbert, J. 03/2014 In: Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth. 119, 3, p. 1803-1817. 15 p.
Journal article

Lab-scale ash production by abrasion and collision experiments of porous volcanic samples
Mueller, S., Lane, S., Kueppers, U. 03/2014
Abstract

Rheology contrast in the shallow conduit and eruption dynamics at Stromboli: insights from analogue experiments
Capponi, A., Lane, S., James, M. 03/2014
Abstract

Magma-cryosphere interactions on Mars: an experimental investigation of physical processes
Tyson, S., Lane, S., Wilson, L., Gilbert, J. 2014 In: 45th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, held 17-21 March, 2014 at The Woodlands, Texas. Houston TX : Lunar and Planetary Institute p. 1124-1125. 2 p.
Paper

Volcano infrasonic signals and magma degassing: first-order experimental insights and application to Stromboli
Lane, S.J., James, M., Corder, S.B. 09/2013 In: Earth and Planetary Science Letters. 377-378, p. 169-179. 11 p.
Journal article

Cyclicity in slug-driven basaltic eruptions: insights from large-scale analogue experiments
Llewellin, E., Del Bello, E., Lane, S., Capponi, A., Mathias, S., Taddeucci, J. 2013
Abstract

Cyclicity in slug-driven basaltic eruptions: insights from large-scale analogue experiments
Llewellin, E., Del Bello, E., Capponi, A., Lane, S., Mathias, S., Taddeucci, J., James, M. 2013
Abstract

“Unsteady” explosive eruptions : Strombolian activity.
James, M.R., Lane, S.J., Houghton, B.A. 2013 In: Modeling volcanic processes. Cambridge : Cambridge University Press ISBN: 9780521895439.
Chapter

Particle-water heat transfer during explosive volcanic eruptions
Woodcock, D.C., Gilbert, J., Lane, S.J. 11/10/2012 In: Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth. 117, B10, 15 p.
Journal article

The thickness of the falling film of liquid around a Taylor bubble
Llewellin, E.W., Del Bello, E., Taddeucci, J., Scarlato, P., Lane, S. 8/04/2012 In: Proceedings of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences. 468, 2140, p. 1041-1064. 24 p.
Journal article

An analytical model for gas overpressure in slug-driven explosions: insights into Strombolian volcanic eruptions
Del Bello, E., Llewellin, E.W., Taddeucci, J., Scarlato, P., Lane, S. 10/02/2012 In: Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth. 117, B2, 18 p.
Journal article

Magma-cryosphere interactions on Mars: VMSG 2012, Durham UK
Airey, M., Tyson, S., Lane, S., Gilbert, J., Wilson, L. 01/2012
Poster

Particle-water heat transfer during subglacial explosive eruptions: VMSG 2012, Durham UK
Woodcock, D., Lane, S., Gilbert, J. 01/2012
Poster

Cyclic activity and flow instability in Volcanoes: A review of experimental approaches. AGU Fall Meeting 2011 (Invited) V51G-04
Lane, S., James, M. 12/2011
Abstract

The role of cold volcanic debris in glacier ablation. AGU Fall Meeting EP51B-0846.
Hobbs, L., Gilbert, J., Lane, S. 12/2011
Abstract

The role of electrostatics in ash transport and deposition: AGU Fall Meeting 2011 V53H-05
Lane, S., Gilbert, J., James, M. 12/2011
Abstract

A physical model for gas burst overpressure in strombolian eruptions: the role of magma drainage around rising slugs.: IUGG 2011 V14-1671
Del Bello, E., Llewellin, E., Taddeucci, J., Scarlato, P., Lane, S. 07/2011
Abstract

Fluid-dynamic source mechanisms for acoustic and seismic signals generated during strombolian eruptions: IUGG 2011 JV12/JS08-2441
James, M., Lane, S., Corder, S. 07/2011
Abstract

Electrostatic phenomena in volcanic eruptions: IoP 13th International Conference on Electrostatics
Lane, S., James, M., Gilbert, J. 04/2011
Conference paper

Magma drainage around rising gas slugs and burst overpressure in Strombolian eruptions: Geophysical Research Abstracts Vol. 13, EGU2011-5904, 2011 EGU General Assembly 2011
Del Bello, E., Llewellin, E., Taddeucci, J., Scarlato, P., Lane, S. 04/2011
Abstract

The surface expression of the Arsia-Mangala Dike, Mars, is controlled by the "Sawtooth" profile of surface topography.: 42nd Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (2011)
Neather, A., Lane, S., Wilson, L. 03/2011
Conference paper

Comment on “It takes three to tango: 2. Bubble dynamics in basaltic volcanoes and ramifications for modeling normal Strombolian activity” by J. Suckale, B. H. Hager, L. T. Elkins-Tanton and J.-C. Nave
James, M.R., Llewellin, E., Lane, S. 2011 In: Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth. 116
Comment/debate

Mechanisms of Particle Aggregation In Volcanic Plumes and Resultant Morphologies of Aggregates.: (Invited) IUGG 2011 V09-2952
Gilbert, J., Lane, S., James, M., Stevenson, J., Hoskuldsson, Á., Thordarson, T., Loughlin, S., Milodowski, A. 2011
Abstract

The significance of volcanic ash fall for Earth’s glaciers
Hobbs, L., Gilbert, J., Lane, S. 2011 In: Volcanic and Magmatic Studies Group conference.
Conference contribution

Source mechanism regimes for the acoustic signals generated during the expansion of rising and bursting gas slugs in low-viscosity magmas.
Lane, S., Corder, S., James, M. 12/2010
Poster

The initial responses of hot liquid water released under low atmospheric pressures: experimental insights
Bargery, A.S., Lane, S.J., Barrett, A., Wilson, L., Gilbert, J.S. 11/2010 In: Icarus. 210, 1, p. 488-506. 19 p.
Journal article

Seismic source mechanism of degassing bursts at Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii: results from waveform inversion in the 10–50 s band
Chouet, B.A., Dawson, P.B., James, M.R., Lane, S.J. 09/2010 In: Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth. 115, 9, 24 p.
Journal article

Gas slug rise in open versus plugged basaltic conduits: the transition from Strombolian to sustained volcanic eruptions: EGU General Assembly 2010
Llewellin, E., Mathias, S., Del Bello, E., Lane, S., Taddeucci, J. 2010
Abstract

Degassing at low magma-viscosity volcanoes : quantifying the transition between passive bubble-burst and Strombolian eruption.
James, M.R., Lane, S.J., Wilson, L., Corder, S.B. 10/03/2009 In: Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research. 180, 2-4, p. 81-88. 8 p.
Journal article

A new mechanism for caldera formation resulting from interactions between magmatic heat and cryospheric ice.
Tyson, S., Wilson, L., Gilbert, J., Lane, S. 2009
Conference paper

Hecates Tholus: defrosting a volcano: 40th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference
Tyson, S., Wilson, L., Lane, S., Gilbert, J. 2009
Conference paper

Muddy CO2-driven brine fountains at Mangala Valles, Mars
Neather, A., Wilson, L., Lane, S. 2009
Conference paper

Volcanic eruptions, explosive : experimental insights.
Lane, S.J., James, M.R. 2009 In: Encyclopedia of Complexity and Systems Science. New York : Springer p. 2538-2555. 18 p. ISBN: 978-0-387-75888-6.
Chapter

Dome-building eruptions : insights from analogue experiments.
Lane, S.J., Phillips, J.C., Ryan, G.A. 7/11/2008 In: Geological Society Special Publications. 307, 1, p. 207-237. 31 p.
Journal article

Fluid Motions in Volcanic Conduits : A Source of Seismic and Acoustic Signals.
Lane, S.J., Gilbert, J.S. 7/11/2008 London : Geological Society of London. 252 p. ISBN: 978-1-86239-262-5.
Book

Modelling the rapid near-surface expansion of gas slugs in low-viscosity magmas.
James, M.R., Lane, S.J., Corder, S.B. 7/11/2008 In: Geological Society Special Publications. 307, 1, p. 147-167. 21 p.
Journal article

The consequences of fluid motion in volcanic conduits.
Gilbert, J.S., Lane, S. 15/10/2008 In: Fluid Motions in Volcanic Conduits: A Source of Seismic and Acoustic Signals.. London : Geological Society p. 1-10. 10 p.
Chapter (peer-reviewed)

Electrical charging of volcanic plumes
James, M.R., Wilson, L., Lane, S., Gilbert, J.S., Mather, T.A., Harrison, R.G., Martin, R.S. 06/2008 In: Space Science Reviews. 137, 1-4, p. 399-418. 20 p.
Journal article

Laboratory simulation of the release of subsurface water and brine on to the surface of Mars and icy satellites.
Bargery, A., Lane, S., Wilson, L., Gilbert, J. 2008
Conference paper

The physics of fluid oscillations in volcanic systems
Lane, S., Gilbert, J.S. 2007 In: EOS, Transactions American Geophysical Union. 88, 3, p. 29-30. 2 p.
Journal article

Volcanoes in the laboratory.
Lane, S.J., Corder, S.B. 2007 In: OUGS Journal Symposium Edition. 28, 2, p. 24-29. 6 p.
Journal article

Gas slug ascent through changes in conduit diameter : Laboratory insights into a volcano-seismic source process in low-viscosity magmas.
James, M.R., Lane, S.J., Chouet, B.A. 2006 In: Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth. 111, B05201
Journal article

Pressure changes associated with the ascent and bursting of gas slugs in liquid-filled vertical and inclined conduits.
James, M.R., Lane, S., Chouet, B., Gilbert, J.S. 15/01/2004 In: Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research. 129, 1-3, p. 61-82. 22 p.
Journal article

The density, construction and drag coefficient of electrostatic volcanic ash aggregates.
James, M.R., Lane, S.J., Gilbert, J.S. 17/09/2003 In: Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth. 108, p. 2435.
Journal article

A model for large-scale volcanic plumes on Io: Implications for eruption rates and interactions between magmas and near-surface volatiles.
Cataldo, E., Wilson, L., Lane, S., Gilbert, J. 2002 In: Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets. 107, E11, p. 5109.
Journal article

Experimental investigation of volcanic particle aggregation in the absence of a liquid phase.
James, M.R., Gilbert, J.S., Lane, S.J. 2002 In: Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth. 107, B9, 13 p.
Journal article

Experimental observations of pressure oscillations and flow regimes in an analogue volcanic system.
Lane, S.J., Chouet, B.A., Phillips, J.C., Dawson, P., Ryan, G.A., Hurst, E. 10/04/2001 In: Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth. 106, B4, p. 6461-6476. 16 p.
Journal article

Radar imaging of the natural environment.
Lane, S.J., Mackin, R.O., Binley, A.M., Pinkerton, H., Peyton, A.J. 2001 In: Proceedings of the 2nd world congress on industrial process tomography. p. 224-227. 4 p.
Chapter

Volcanic plume electrification: experimental investigation of a fracture-charging mechanism.
James, M., Lane, S., Gilbert, J.S. 2000 In: Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth. 105, B7, p. 16641-16649. 9 p.
Journal article

Pressure oscillations in laboratory simulations of volcanic conduit flows.
Lane, S.J., Chouet, B.A., Phillips, J.C., Ryan, G.A. 1998 In: EOS, Transactions of the AGU 1998 Fall Meeting. 79, 45, p. F594.
Journal article

Volcanic plume monitoring using atmospheric electric potential gradients.
James, M.R., Lane, S., Gilbert, J. 1998 In: Journal of the Geological Society. 155, 4, p. 587-590. 4 p.
Journal article

The effect of pH changes on the giant magnetoresistance of electrodeposited superlattices.
Alper, M., Schwarzacher, W., Lane, S.J. 07/1997 In: Journal of The Electrochemical Society. 144, 7, p. 2346-2352. 7 p.
Journal article

Non-explosive, constructional evolution of the ice-filled caldera at Volcan Sollipulli, Chile.
Gilbert, J.S., Stasiuk, M.V., Lane, S., Adam, C.R., Murphy, M.D., Sparks, R.S.J., Naranjo, J.A. 09/1996 In: Bulletin of Volcanology. 58, 1, p. 67-83. 17 p.
Journal article

Electron microprobe analysis of Ca in olivine close to grain boundaries: The problem of secondary X-ray fluorescence.
Dalton, J.A., Lane, S.J. 1/02/1996 In: American Mineralogist. 81, 1-2, p. 194-201. 8 p.
Journal article

Lesions associated with mineral deposition in the lymph node and lung of the dog.
Day, M.J., Pearson, G.R., Lucke, V.M., Lane, S.J., Sparks, R.S.J. 01/1996 In: Veterinary Pathology. 33, 1, p. 29-42. 14 p.
Journal article

An experimental investigation into the inhibiting role of viscosity on bubble growth in rhyolitic eruptions.
Hilton, M., Carroll, M.R., Lane, S.J. 1996 In: EOS, Transactions of the AGU 1996 meeting. 77, p. W130.
Journal article

Magnetoresistance in electrodeposited Ni-Fe-Cu/Cu multilayers
ATTENBOROUGH, K., HART, R., Lane, S., ALPER, M., SCHWARZACHER, W. 07/1995 In: Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials. 148, 1-2, p. 335-336. 2 p.
Journal article

Electrical and chemical properties of eruption plumes at Sakurajima volcano, Japan
Lane, S., Gilbert, J., Kemp, A. 1995 In: 8th Report of Geophysical and Geochemical Observations at Sakurajima Volcano, Sakurajima Volcanological Observatory, Kyoto University. Kyoto p. 105-127. 23 p.
Chapter

Gum rosin–acetone system as an analogue to the degassing behaviour of hydrated magmas.
Phillips, J.C., Lane, S.J., Lejeune, A., Hilton, M. 1995 In: Bulletin of Volcanology. 57, 4, p. 263-268. 6 p.
Journal article

The origin of accretionary lapilli.
Gilbert, J.S., Lane, S. 11/1994 In: Bulletin of Volcanology. 56, 5, p. 398-411. 14 p.
Journal article

LOGIT - USER-FRIENDLY DATA LOGGING
Lane, S., Browning, P. 03/1994 In: Terra Nova. 6, 2, 5 p.
Editorial

Electrical phenomena in volcanic plumes. Proceedings of the first international symposium on volcanic ash and aviation safety.
Gilbert, J.S., Lane, S.J. 1994 In: US Geological Survey Bulletin. 2047, p. 31-38. 8 p.
Journal article

Electron-microprobe analysis of geological carbonates
Lane, S., DALTON, J.A. 1994 In: American Mineralogist. 79, 7-8, p. 745-749. 5 p.
Journal article

Giant magnetoresistance in electrodeposited superlattices
ALPER, M., ATTENBOROUGH, K., HART, R., Lane, S., LASHMORE, D., YOUNES, C., SCHWARZACHER, W. 11/10/1993 In: Applied Physics Letters. 63, 15, p. 2144-2146. 3 p.
Journal article

Growth and characterization of electrodeposited Cu/Cu-Ni-Co alloy superlattices
ALPER, M., APLIN, P., ATTENBOROUGH, K., DINGLEY, D., HART, R., Lane, S., LASHMORE, D., SCHWARZACHER, W. 1/09/1993 In: Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials. 126, 1-3, p. 8-11. 4 p.
Journal article

The aerodynamic behaviour of volcanic aggregates
Lane, S., Gilbert, J., HILTON, M. 1/09/1993 In: Bulletin of Volcanology. 55, 7, p. 481-488. 8 p.
Journal article

Deposition of mineral in animal-tissues
DAY, M.J., PEARSON, G.R., BUTTERWORTH, S.J., CASE, C.P., LANGKAMER, V.G., PALMER, M.R., KEMP, A.J., Lane, S., SPARKS, R.S.J. 20/03/1993 In: Veterinary Record. 132, 12, 1 p.
Letter

Electric potential gradient changes during explosive activity at Sakurajima volcano, Japan
Lane, S., Gilbert, J. 1/09/1992 In: Bulletin of Volcanology. 54, 7, p. 590-594. 5 p.
Journal article

Low-pressure photochemical vapour deposition of gallium metal from an iodide precursor
Lane, S., Green, M. 7/04/1991 In: Journal of the Chemical Society. Faraday Transactions Part 2. 87, 7, p. 995-1001. 7 p.
Journal article

Charge measurements on particle fallout from a volcanic plume
Gilbert, J., Lane, S., SPARKS, R., KOYAGUCHI, T. 14/02/1991 In: Nature. 349, 6310, p. 598-600. 3 p.
Journal article