I aim to systematically investigate the use of ML techniques for the solution of problems that are relevant to geological applications. This line of research has been sparked in 2014 thanks to the funding grants “Challenge: Coupling macHine leArning, Leading anaLytical mEthods aNd larGe gEochemical datasets in tephra studies” (PI: Maurizio Petrelli, 2015/2017), “ENGAGE: machinE learNinG Applications for Geological problEms” (PI: Maurizio Petrelli, 2019/2020), the Microsoft Machine Learning Award (PI: Maurizio Petrelli, 2015) provided by the University of Perugia and Microsoft Inc., respectively. From June 21 to July 5, 2023, I spent a fantastic time in Beijing and Hangzhou by visiting the China University of Geoscience and the Zhejiang University, respectively. There, I made seminars on the use of ML techniques in Earth Sciences and a plenary lecture titled "Machine Learning in Petrology and Volcanology."

Selected Publications:

1. Petrelli M., 2023. Machine Learning for Earth Sciences. Springer. ISBN:978-3-031-35113-6

2. Jorgenson C., Higgins O., Petrelli M., Bégué F., Caricchi L., 2022. A Machine Learning-Based Approach to Clinopyroxene Thermobarometry: Model Optimization and Distribution for Use in Earth Sciences. JGR: Solid Earth. doi:10.1029/2021JB022904

3. Petrelli M., Caricchi L., Perugini, D. (2020). Machine Learning Thermo‐Barometry: Application to Clinopyroxene‐Bearing Magmas. JGR: Solid Earth. DOI: 10.1029/2020JB020130

4. Caricchi L., Petrelli M., Bali E., Sheldrake T., Pioli L.,  Simpson G. (2020). A Data Driven Approach to Investigate the Chemical Variability of Clinopyroxenes From the 2014–2015 Holuhraun–Bárdarbunga Eruption (Iceland). Frontiers in Earth Science. DOI: 10.3389/feart.2020.00018

5. Petrelli M., Bizzarri R., Morgavi D., Baldanza A., Perugini, D. (2017). Combining machine learning techniques, microanalyses and large geochemical datasets for tephrochronological studies in complex volcanic areas: New age constraints for the Pleistocene magmatism of central Italy. Quaternary Geochronology. DOI: 10.1016/j.quageo.2016.12.003

6. Petrelli M., Perugini D. (2016). Solving petrological problems through machine learning: the study case of tectonic discrimination using geochemical and isotopic data. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology. DOI: 10.1007/s00410-016-1292-2 

This line of research focuses on the petrological, volcanological and geochemical characterization of magmatic systems with particular emphasis on time-scales estimates of magmatic processes. To do that, I combine the use of numerical simulations, experimental petrology, and the study of natural samples.  

Selected Publications:

1. Petrelli M., Ágreda López M., Pisello A., Perugini, D. (2023). Pre-eruptive dynamics at the Campi Flegrei Caldera: from evidence of magma mixing to timescales estimates. Earth, Planets and Space, doi: 10.1186/s40623-023-01765-z

2. Rooyakkers S.M., Stix J., Berlo K., Petrelli M., Sigmundsson F., 2021. Eruption risks from covert silicic magma bodies. Geology, doi:10.1130/G48697.1 

3. Petrelli M.,  Zellmer G.F., 2022. Rates and Timescales of Magma Transfer, Storage, Emplacement, and Eruption. In Dynamic Magma Evolution (Francesco Vetere Editor), Geophysical Monograph Series, 254, American Geophysical Union and Wiley.

4. Petrelli M.,  El Omari K.,  Spina L.,  Le Guer, Y.,  La Spina G.,  Perugini D., 2018. Timescales of water accumulation in magmas and implications for short warning times of explosive eruptions. Nature Communications, doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-02987-6

5. Petrelli M., El Omari K., Le Guer Y., Perugini D., 2016. Effects of chaotic advection on the timescales of cooling and crystallization of magma bodies at mid crustal levels. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, doi: 10.1002/2015GC006109 

6. Petrelli, M., Perugini, D., Poli, G., 2011. Transition to chaos and implications for time-scales of magma hybridization during mixing processes in magma chambers. Lithos 125, 211-22

In 2001, I started the development of the LA-ICP-MS laboratory at the Department of Geology, University of Perugia. Since 2002, I have successfully run the LA-ICP-MS with activities that include the maintenance of the instrumentations, the development of analytical protocols, the analysis of natural and experimental samples, and the support of external users. Currently, the LA-ICP-MS lab in Perugia hosts two LA-ICP-MS systems, and it is actively involved in many scientific projects.

Selected Publications:

1.  Petrelli M., Laeger K., Perugini D. (2016). High spatial resolution trace element determination of geological samples by laser ablation quadrupole plasma mass spectrometry: implications for glass analysis in volcanic products. Geosciences Journal. DOI: 10.1007/s12303-016-0007-z

2. Alagna K.E., Petrelli M., Perugini D., Poli G. (2008). Micro‐analytical zircon and monazite U‐Pb isotope dating by laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐quadrupole mass spectrometry. Geostandards and Geoanalytical research. DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-908X.2008.00866.x

3. Petrelli M., Caricchi L., Ulmer P. (2007). Application of high spatial resolution laser ablation ICP‐MS to crystal‐melt trace element partition coefficient determination. Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research. DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-908X.2007.00825.x