PD Dr. Jackie E. Kendrick

Research

I am an experimentalist and field geologist, working primarily in volcanology and geothermal research. I use novel experimentation, microstructural work and analytical approaches to understand crustal systems in various states of stress.
My research addresses fundamental questions regarding dynamic processes in the Earth’s crust, from explosive-effusive transitions of volcanic eruptions, to the optimisation of geothermal energy extraction, I use novel experimental apparatus to establish geomaterial response to extreme conditions of temperature and deformation.

Vergrößern

Volcano stability

Volcanoes are among the most dynamic and active settings on Earth, constructed over relatively short geological timescales via progressive accrual of material which renders them inherently unstable. Edifice instability commonly results from the compaction of volcaniclastic material and/ or slip along weak planes within layered strata. Lava domes, viscous mounds of extrusive lavas which often clog volcanic vents, also present common collapse-hazards at volcanoes both during growth and following emplacement. Fieldwork at volcanoes which have suffered historical collapse events can reveal the cause of instabilities, and the dynamics of the ensuring collapse. We can use laboratory experiments on intact rocks and volcaniclastics to explore the petrophysical and mechanical properties of the materials involved, to understand their behaviour under various states of stress, and to help identify precursory signals that can provide key information on the timing and potential scale of volcano instabilities.

Running projects

• Long-term cooling-induced volcano instability (DFG, 2025-2028)

Hughes, A., Kendrick, J.E., Salas, G., Wallace, P.A., Legros, F., Di Toro, G. and Lavallée, Y., 2020, Shear localisation, strain partitioning and frictional melting in a debris avalanche generated by volcanic flank-collapse, Journal of Structural Geology. vol 140, 104132, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2020.104132

Kendrick, J.E., Schaefer, L.N., Schauroth, J., Bell, A., Lamb., O., Lamur, A., Miwa, T., Coats, R., Lavallée, Y. and Kennedy, B., 2021, Physical and mechanical rock properties of a heterogeneous volcano; the case of Mount Unzen, Japan, Solid Earth, Vol. 12., issue 3, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-633-2021

Zorn, E.U., Kendrick, J.E., Lamur, A., Birnbaum, J., Kueppers, U., Muniz da Silva, M., and Lavallée, Y., 2024, Experimental investigation of volcaniclastic compaction during burial, Volcanica, https://doi.org/10.30909/vol.07.02.765783

Vergrößern

Geomechanical properties of geothermal reservoirs

Beneath our feet sit vast reservoirs of untapped energy. Geothermal resources can be utilised for direct use (heating) and indirect use (electricity generation), but geothermal sources currently only supply a fraction of the energy generated Worldwide. Tapped resources span a huge array of characteristics, in depth, rock types, stress fields, permeability, mineralogical alteration, degree of saturation, etc., primarily dictated by tectonic setting. To ensure the efficient and sustainable utilisation of geothermal resources, accurate characterisation of the properties of tapped geothermal systems is required. My interst in particular is in the superhot geothermal systems in active volcanic regions, where the relative lack of practical experience with superhot reservoirs makes predictions on the resource productivity and sustainability particularly challenging. But laboratory experiments have proven invaluable in the constraint of reservoir characteristics and the development of novel stimulation practices, ensuring a promising future for increased productivity of superhot wells.

Running projects

• Harnessing Energy by Active Thermo-mechanical Engineering of Reservoir Rock [HEATER2], Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) grant, ICDP priority programme (2025-2028)

Lavallée, Y., Kendrick, J.E., Eichelberger, J.C., Papale, P., Sigmundsson, F., and Dingwell, D.B., 2025, Accessing Magma: A Necessary Revolution in Earth Sciences and Renewable Energy. European Review. 1-23. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1062798724000292

Kendrick, J.E., Lamur, A, Mouli-Castilo, J., Lightbody, A., Fraser-Harris, A., Edlmann, K., McDermott, C.I. and Shipton, Z.K., 2024, Validating the application of cyclic hydraulic pressure pulses to reduce breakdown pressure in granite, iScience, vol. 27, 10110881, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2024.110881

Fraser-Harris, A.P., McDermott, C.I., Couples, G. D., Edlmann, K.A., Lightbody, A. Cartwright-Taylor, A., Kendrick, J.E., Brondolo, F., Fazio, M. and Sauter, M., 2020, Experimental investigation of hydraulic fracturing and stress sensitivity of fracture permeability under changing polyaxial conditions, Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, vol. 125, issue 12. https://doi.org/10.1029/2020JB020044

Vergrößern

Eruptive transitions driven by magma properties

The exsolution of volatiles during magma ascent alters its rheology, buoyancy and propensity to flow, which dictates its eruptive fate. Ultimately the properties of magma (melt viscosity, crystallinity, vesicularity) control the style and extent of volcanic activity. My research in magma rheology has helped constrain the role of crystals and bubbles on magma dynamics in volcanic conduits as they flow or fragment explosively. My contributions have shown how strain partitions in the different components of multiphase suspensions, how bubble coalescence affects the development of permeable pathways, and how magmas accumulate damage as they approach the viscous-brittle transition. Constraining the state of magma in volcanic conduits is vital to understanding volcanic unrest, and the propensity of eruptions to rapidly shift from effusive to hazardous explosive behaviour.

Lavallée, Y. and Kendrick, J.E., Strain Localization in Magmas, 2022, Chapter 15 in Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry special volume on: “Geological melts”, Eds. Neuville, D.R. Henderson G.S. and Dingwell D.B. ISSN 1529-6466, Vol.87, https://doi.org/10.2138/rmg.2022.87.15 (Invited)

Kendrick, J.E., Lavallée, Y., Mariani, E., Dingwell, D.B., Wheeler, J. and Varley, N., 2017, Crystal plasticity as an indicator of the viscous-brittle transition in magmas, Nature Communications, vol. 8, article 1926. http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-017-01931-4

Coats, R., Kendrick, J.E., Wallace, P.A., Miwa, T., Hornby, A.J., Ashworth, J.D., Matsushima, T. and Lavallée, Y., 2018, Failure criteria for porous dome rocks and lavas: a study of Mt. Unzen, Japan, Solid Earth, vol. 9, 1299-1328, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-9-1299-2018

Vergrößern

Rock failure and faulting

Stress accumulation in rocks can ultimately lead to their rupture, failure and in some circumstances the generation of a fault plane. My research has explored the conditions leading to failure of volcanic rocks under a wide range of deformation regimes, in tension, compression, during pore overpressure and under various configurations of shear. Amongst other things these experiments elucidate the rupture and slip processes controlling faults that lead to earthquakes. A particular area of interest of mine is the development of frictional melting, where heat generated by slipping causes partial melting along fault surfaces. Upon melting, the properties of the frictional melt control the fault slip and the displacement during an earthquake. Understanding these processes helps improve earthquake models, predict fault behaviour, and assess seismic hazards. By linking laboratory findings to real-world seismic data, we aim to gain deeper insight into the physics of faults in a range of tectonic and volcanic environments.

Kendrick, J.E., and Lavallée, Y., Frictional melting in magma and lava, 2022, Chapter 20 in Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry special volume on: “Geological melts”, Eds. Neuville, D.R. Henderson G.S. and Dingwell D.B. ISSN 1529-6466, vol.87, https://doi.org/10.2138/rmg.2022.87.20 (Invited)

Lavallée, Y. and Kendrick, J.E., 2021, A review of the physical and mechanical properties of volcanic rocks and magmas in the brittle and ductile regimes, “Forecasting and planning for volcanic hazards, risks, and disasters”, 2nd Edition, Elsevier: Hazards and Disasters series, Vol. Ed. Papale, P., series Ed. Shroder, J.F., chapter 5: 86 pages; ISBN: 9780128180822 (Invited)

Schaefer, L.N., Kendrick, J.E., Lavallée, Y., Schauroth, J., Lamb, O.D., Lamur, A., Miwa, T., Kennedy, B.M., 2023, Laboratory simulation of earthquake-induced damage in lava dome rocks, Tektonika, vol. 1, issue 1, https://doi.org/10.55575/tektonika2023.1.1.10

Publikationsliste