Earthquake-volcano interactions
Background
Interactions between earthquakes and volcanoes refer to the complex ways in which earthquakes and volcanic activity influence each other. These interactions can arise through various geological and geophysical processes, often involving magma movement, changes in stress in the Earth's crust, and fluid migration. We study the statistics and physics of the interactions, based on global and local data.
Scientific key questions
1. How can earthquakes trigger volcanic activity?
- Stress changes: Large earthquakes can change the stress field around a volcano, potentially opening up new paths for magma to rise or destabilizing an already pressurized magma chamber.
- Seismic waves: the vibrations from distant or local earthquakes can disturb magma bodies and trigger eruptions if the system is already near a critical threshold.
- Disturbance of the hydrothermal system: earthquakes can fracture the rock and allow increased movement of hydrothermal fluids, leading to changes in geothermal activity and, in some cases, eruptions.
2. How does volcanic activity trigger earthquakes?
- Volcanic tremors and magma movements: As magma rises, it generates pressure and tension in the crust, leading to swarms of small earthquakes known as volcanic tremors.
- Collapse events and explosions: Large volcanic eruptions can lead to collapses or explosions that generate strong seismic signals.
- Intrusions and fault activation: The movement of magma underground can put pressure on existing faults and trigger tectonic earthquakes.
3. How do coupled systems and long-term interactions work?
- Regional tectonic influences on volcanism: Tectonic plate movements that cause earthquakes also control the location and activity of many volcanoes, especially in subduction zones.
- Postseismic effects: After large earthquakes, changes in pressure in the subsurface can affect magma chambers, sometimes causing delayed volcanic responses.
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