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Modeling the Mechanics of Fluid Flow for Melting Ice and Molten Magma - Dr. Leif Karlstrom

September 8, 2025·40 min·3 clips

Leif reveals why publishing a scientific paper is like reaching the raisin at the end of a hot dog.

Dr. Leif Karlstrom is an assistant professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Oregon who applies fluid mechanics to study glaciers and volcanoes. Host Dr. Marie McNeely explores his dual career as a scientist and a professional musician. Karlstrom plays lead violin for the nationally touring bluegrass and folk group Front Country. His research involves creating theoretical models to understand how water moves through glaciers and how magma ascends through the Earth's crust. A specific project focuses on the Halema'uma'u lava lake at Kīlauea volcano in Hawaii, using seismic data from rockfalls to model the geometry and volatile content of the volcanic conduit. He draws an analogy between volcanic eruptions and shaking a soda bottle, where expanding bubbles of water and CO2 drive explosive activity. In graduate school, Karlstrom conducted analog experiments using corn syrup to simulate magma decompression in a vacuum chamber. He initially attempted to build an apparatus to study turbulent water flow melting ice, which flooded during its first demonstration. Karlstrom cites mathematician Bjorn Bernier's quote that publishing a scientific paper is "like reaching the raisin at the end of the hot dog," representing a sweet reward after arduous work. His scientific inspiration came from reading books by physicist Richard Feynman, who also had diverse interests like music. Karlstrom's parents significantly influenced his path; his father is a field geologist who first took him to the Grand Canyon at age eight, and his mother is a professional violinist and teacher. He secured his graduate research position by cold-emailing Dr. Michael Manga at UC Berkeley after a recommendation from a colleague of his father. He later funded a NASA proposal on supraglacial streams in Greenland, a topic his advisor initially considered interesting but not fundable, by writing the application while touring with his band. A memorable scientific travel experience was attending a volcanology conference in the Galapagos Islands, particularly exploring the unique volcanic landscape of Fernandina. The episode has a conversational and reflective tone, blending personal storytelling with explanations of complex earth science concepts. Listeners interested in interdisciplinary careers, the personal journeys of scientists, or fluid dynamics in nature would enjoy this episode. Those seeking a highly technical or debate-focused discussion on climate science or volcanology might find it less suited to their interests.

As heard by us

A clear, thoughtful conversation linking glacier flow, magma, and a scientist's path.

The conversation draws a clean line between fluid and solid mechanics, using water moving through glaciers and magma moving through Earths crust to show how the same kinds of models can travel across systems.

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Why you'd press play

You want glacier flow, magma, and a scientist whose music shapes his thinking.

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