Dr. Adam Soule
Chief Scientist for Deep Submergence
Geology & Geophysics
Contact Information:
Work: 508-289-3213
ssoule@whoi.edu
Building: Clark South 272-E
Mailing Address:
266 Woods Hole Road, MS #24
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Woods Hole, MA 02543
Research Interests
My research focuses on the physical processes of magmatism and volcanism with an emphasis on the dynamics of magma transport and eruption and volcanic deposition in submarine volcanic systems. I use a variety of research methods to investigate submarine volcanic processes including: geospatial analysis of field and remote sensing observations from deep-submergence vehicles, geophysical measurements, micro-scale textural analysis of rocks, and geochemistry. Data derived from those sources are analyzed quantitatively and used to constrain numerical models of volcanic and magmatic processes across a range of temporal and spatial scales. My submarine research is built upon a foundation of observational, experimental, and geochemical studies in terrestrial volcanic systems. In subaerial volcanology, I use field studies including near-field remote sensing (ground-based and airborne lidar) to evaluate the dynamics of eruptions and to improve predictive models of lava flow emplacement, which pose significant hazards to humans and infrastructure.
Selected Media
Students Advised:
Bridgit Boulahanis, Guest Student
Laura Stevens, Summer Student
Samantha Nakata, Summer Student
Thibaut Barreyre, Guest Student
Postdoctoral researchers advised:
Claire Pontbriand (Ph.D., 2012)
Chris Waters, (Ph.D., 2009)
Susan Schnur, (Ph.D., 2017)
Alison Fundis, (Ph.D., xxxx)
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Education
Ph.D.: Dept. of Geological Sciences, Volcanology. 2003. University of Oregon, Eugene, OR.
B.A.: Geology Department, Honors in Geology. 1997. Carleton College, Northfield, MN.
Biography
My research focuses on the physical processes of magma generation, storage, eruption, and deposition. I work on both subaerial and submarine volcanic systems to understand how eruptions occur and what controls their dynamics. On land, my research is motivated by the hazards posed by volcanic eruptions to human life and infrastructure. In the oceans, my research is motivated by understanding mass and heat transfer from the mantle to the crust and hydrosphere, the generation of oceanic crust, and the links between magmatism, tectonism, and hydrothermal circulation.
I received my PhD from the University of Oregon in 2003 and came to WHOI as a Postdoctoral Scholar the same year. I joined the scientific staff at WHOI in 2005 and am currently a Chief Scientist for Deep Submergence.