Volcanic plumbing systems evolve through the interaction of numerous processes governing the ascent, emplacement and eruption of magma. These highly-dynamic processes operate and interlink on scales of millimetres to kilometres, from the Mantle to the Earth’s surface, and involve complex physics at the interface between fluid and solid mechanics that are challenging to tackle. Understanding the physics of volcanic plumbing systems is nonetheless crucial for forecasting the location, style and violence of volcanic eruptions, and for providing accurate hazard and risk assessments.

This session aims to bring together those who address the physical and temporal development of volcanic plumbing systems by using field or geophysical observations, theoretical or analytical models, and experimental or numerical models. This session includes, but is not restricted to, the following topics:
- Physics of melt segregation in magmatic sources;
- Fluid mechanics of crystal-bearing melts;
- Fracture mechanics related to dyke, sill and cone sheet emplacement;
- Mechanics of magma and host rock deformation related to pluton and laccolith emplacement;
- Comparative dynamics of igneous and sedimentary intrusions;
- Magma-host rock dynamics during formation of volcanic vents, diatremes and pipes;
- Prediction of volcanic vent location and distribution.

This session is process-oriented, and it aims to trigger cross-disciplinary interactions. We therefore strongly encourage comparisons and validation of modelling results with field and/or geophysical observations, as this is a crucial step toward fully unravelling the complex processes beneath, within and upon volcanoes.