Volcano seismicity and ground deformation unveil the gravity-driven magma discharge dynamics of a volcanic eruption

Year: 2015

Authors: Ripepe M., Delle Donne D., Genco R., Maggio G., Pistolesi M., Marchetti E., Lacanna G., Ulivieri G., Poggi P.

Autors Affiliation: Univ Florence, Dipartimento Sci Terra, I-50121 Florence, Italy; CNR, Ist Nazl Ott, I-50121 Florence, Italy.

Abstract: Effusive eruptions are explained as the mechanism by which volcanoes restore the equilibrium perturbed by magma rising in a chamber deep in the crust. Seismic, ground deformation and topographic measurements are compared with effusion rate during the 2007 Stromboli eruption, drawing an eruptive scenario that shifts our attention from the interior of the crust to the surface. The eruption is modelled as a gravity-driven drainage of magma stored in the volcanic edifice with a minor contribution of magma supplied at a steady rate from a deep reservoir. Here we show that the discharge rate can be predicted by the contraction of the volcano edifice and that the very-long-period seismicity migrates downwards, tracking the residual volume of magma in the shallow reservoir. Gravity-driven magma discharge dynamics explain the initially high discharge rates observed during eruptive crises and greatly influence our ability to predict the evolution of effusive eruptions.

Journal/Review: NATURE COMMUNICATIONS

Volume: 6      Pages from: 6998-1  to: 6998-6

More Information: This work was supported by the Italian Civil Protection in the framework of the DEVNET project.
KeyWords: Stromboli-volcano; Effusive Eruption; Aeolian Islands; Explosions; Plume; Period; Vent; Etna
DOI: 10.1038/ncomms7998

Citations: 50
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