Multidisciplinary observations of the 2011 explosive eruption of Telica volcano, Nicaragua: Implications for the dynamics of low-explosivity ash eruptions
Journal article, 2014
We present multidisciplinary observations of the March-June 2011 VEI 2 eruptive episode of the basalticandesite Telica volcano, Nicaragua, which allow for a comprehensive study of the eruption mechanics of low-explosivity eruptions at persistently active volcanoes. The observations are from a dense network of seismic and GPS instrumentation augmented by visual observations of the eruptive episode, geochemical and petrologic analysis of eruptive products, plume SO2 measurements, and temperature measurements of fumaroles inside and outside the active vent. The 2011 eruptive episode was Telica's most explosive since 1999 and consisted of numerous vulcanian explosions, with maximum column heights of 1.5-2 km above the crater rim, depositing a low volume of dominantly hydrothermally altered ash. Based on observed variations in seismicity, temperature, and SO2 flux, the lack of deformation of the edifice, the non-juvenile origin of and predominance of accretionary lapilli in the ash, we propose that temporary sealing of the hydrothermal system between similar to 0.5 and 2 km depth, allowed pressure to build up prior to vulcanian explosions, making this a phreatic eruptive episode.
SEISMICITY
LEACHATES
Multidisciplinary
Hydrothermal systems
Eruption forecasting
GALERAS VOLCANO
INFRASOUND
CENTRAL-AMERICAN VOLCANOS
SHISHALDIN-VOLCANO
DEFORMATION
Vulcanian explosions
Persistently restless volcanoes
observations
POPOCATEPETL VOLCANO
Phreatic eruptions
ALASKA
EARTHQUAKE
Author
H. Geirsson
Pennsylvania State University
M. Rodgers
University of South Florida Tampa
P. LaFemina
Pennsylvania State University
M. Witter
Pennsylvania State University
D. Roman
University of South Florida Tampa
Carnegie Institution of Washington
A. Munoz
Instituto Nicaragüense de Estudios Territoriales
V. Tenorio
Instituto Nicaragüense de Estudios Territoriales
J. Alvarez
Instituto Nicaragüense de Estudios Territoriales
Alexander Vladimir Conde Jacobo
Chalmers, Earth and Space Sciences, Optical Remote Sensing
Daniel Nilsson
Chalmers, Earth and Space Sciences, Optical Remote Sensing
Bo Galle
Chalmers, Earth and Space Sciences, Optical Remote Sensing
M. D. Feineman
Pennsylvania State University
T. Furman
Pennsylvania State University
A. Morales
Instituto Nicaragüense de Estudios Territoriales
Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research
0377-0273 (ISSN)
Vol. 271 55-69Subject Categories (SSIF 2011)
Earth and Related Environmental Sciences
DOI
10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2013.11.009