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.
LEACHATES
observations
Phreatic eruptions
DEFORMATION
SEISMICITY
INFRASOUND
EARTHQUAKE
Persistently restless volcanoes
Eruption forecasting
GALERAS VOLCANO
CENTRAL-AMERICAN VOLCANOS
Multidisciplinary
ALASKA
POPOCATEPETL VOLCANO
SHISHALDIN-VOLCANO
Vulcanian explosions
Hydrothermal systems
Author
H. Geirsson
Pennsylvania State University
M. Rodgers
University of South Florida
P. LaFemina
Pennsylvania State University
M. Witter
Pennsylvania State University
D. Roman
Carnegie Institution of Washington
University of South Florida
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
Earth and Related Environmental Sciences
DOI
10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2013.11.009