SCIENCE
Understanding Magma -
At the Source
KMT is building the world’s first magma observatory to transform how we study the Earth, monitor volcanoes,
and unlock new energy systems.
Understanding Magma -
WHY DRILL INTO MAGMA?
KMT is an extraordinary scientific endeavour to establish the world´s first magma centre – an international, open access research facility with in-situ access to a magma chamber for advanced understanding and experiments concerning magma dynamics, extreme geothermal energy, and volcanic risks.
By drilling into a known magma body approximately 2 km beneath the Krafla caldera, KMT enables direct observation of magma for the first time – transforming how we study Earth’s interior and volcanic systems.
Science Objectives
Guided by these overarching objectives, KMT has set forth a comprehensive roadmap to revolutionize our understanding of magma, geothermal energy, and volcanic systems. Our core goals encompass:
Fundamental Science
At the heart of KMT lies the study of magma, rocks, and hydrothermal systems. The Krafla caldera serves as a global testbed for investigating magma evolution, heat transfer, and subsurface dynamics.
Magma–Hydrothermal Systems
KMT enables direct study of how magma interacts with surrounding fluids and rocks - shaping geothermal systems and influencing volcanic behaviour.
Monitoring & Forecasting
Through direct observation and improved modelling, KMT enhances our ability to monitor volcanic systems and improve eruption forecasting and early warning capabilities.
Energy Applications
Exploration of superhot geothermal systems has the potential to significantly increase energy output, enabling more efficient and scalable clean energy solutions.
Materials & Technologies
KMT provides a platform to test materials, sensors, and technologies under extreme conditions — enabling innovation in drilling, monitoring, and subsurface engineering.
Subsurface Interface
Studying the transition between solid rock and molten magma provides new insights into physical processes that cannot be observed anywhere else.
Science Without Borders
Global Collaboration
KMT serves as a hub for collaborative research, bringing together more than 20 renowned research institutions, universities, and industry partners from around the world. Our shared goal is to generate knowledge that transcends borders and disciplines, contributing to the global scientific community’s understanding of Earth’s dynamic processes.
FORGING SCIENTIFIC PARTNERSHIPS
KMT finds its strength in collaboration and stands at the intersection of a network of geoscience projects. Our mission to understand magma dynamics and explore new frontiers of geothermal energy generation is deeply linked with ongoing geoscience initiatives worldwide.
From Iceland to the World
What is developed at KMT extends far beyond Iceland.
The insights gained from direct magma access will inform research and applications in volcanic regions worldwide.
As a global scientific platform, KMT connects disciplines, institutions, and countries to advance our understanding of Earth systems on a planetary scale.