Volcanic flank collapses are often linked to hydrothermal alteration, which weakens rock mechanical properties. We developed a 2D numerical model of a magmatically driven hydrothermal system using the finite element method within the MOOSE framework, coupling fluid flow, heat transfer, mechanical behavior, and chemical indicators. The model highlights how permeability, faults, and fluid circulation control thermal dynamics, stress distribution, and mineral transport, especially near critical slope toes. These processes can induce faulting, magma ascent, and flank instabilities. Ongoing developments aim to include plasticity and fault nucleation for a more complete mechanical representation.
Niclaes et al. (Wed,) studied this question.