The large-scale surface uplift in the Altiplano-Puna region of Bolivia: A parametric study of source characteristics and crustal rheology using finite element analysis

PublishedThis is the final version of the article. Available from the publisher via the DOI in this record.This paper focuses on the driving mechanism behind a 70 km wide region of ground uplift centered on Uturuncu volcano, in the Altiplano-Puna region of southern Bolivia. We present a series of forward models using finite element analysis to simultaneously test for first-order parameters that help constrain a viable model for the observed maximum line of sight uplift rate of 1–2 cm/yr between 1992 and 2006. Stresses from pressure sources with finite geometries are solved numerically, accounting for both homogeneous and heterogeneous mechanical rock properties in elastic and viscoelastic rheologies. Crustal heterogeneity is constrained by seismic velocity data that indicate the presence of a large low-velocity zone, the AltiplanoPuna magma body, at depths of ~17 km below the surface. A viscoelastic rheology is employed to account for time-dependent deformation and an inelastic crust. Comparing homogeneous and heterogeneous models demonstrates the significant impact of a mechanically weak, source-depth layer, which alters surface displacement patterns by buffering subsurface deformation. Elastic model results guide the source parameters tested in the viscoelastic models and demonstrate a range of possible causative source geometries. Our preferred model suggests that pressurization of a magma source extending upward from the Altiplano-Puna magma body is causing the observed surface uplift and alludes to a continued increase in this pressure to explain both the spatial and temporal patterns. We also demonstrate how a pressure-time function plays a first-order role in explaining the observed temporal deformation patternThis work was supported by the Natural Environmental Research Council (grant NE/G01843X/1), the European Union Framework Program 7 (grant 282759, “VUELCO”) and the Royal Society (University Research Fellowship). We thank Matthew Pritchard, Ciro Del Negro and editor James Tyburczy for their constructive review

The ups and downs of volcanic unrest: Insights from integrated geodesy and numerical modelling

Part of the Advances in Volcanology book seriesThis is the final version of the chapter. Available from the publisher via the DOI in this record.Volcanic eruptions are often preceded by small changes in the shape of the volcano. Such volcanic deformation may be measured using precise surveying techniques and analysed to better understand volcanic processes. Complicating the matter is the fact that deformation events (e.g., inflation or deflation) may result from magmatic, non-magmatic or mixed/hybrid sources. Using spatial and temporal patterns in volcanic deformation data and mathematical models it is possible to infer the location and strength of the subsurface driving mechanism. This can provide essential information to inform hazard assessment, risk mitigation and eruption forecasting. However, most generic models over-simplify their representation of the crustal conditions in which the deformation source resides. We present work from a selection of studies that employ advanced numerical models to interpret deformation and gravity data. These incorporate crustal heterogeneity, topography, viscoelastic rheology and the influence of temperature, to constrain unrest source parameters at Uturuncu (Bolivia), Cotopaxi (Ecuador), Soufrière Hills (Montserrat), and Teide (Tenerife) volcanoes. Such model complexities are justified by geophysical, geological, and petrological constraints. Results highlight how more realistic crustal mechanical conditions alter the way stress and strain are partitioned in the subsurface. This impacts inferred source locations and magmatic pressures, and demonstrates how generic models may produce misleading interpretations due to their simplified assumptions. Further model results are used to infer quantitative and qualitative estimates of magma supply rate and mechanism, respectively. The simultaneous inclusion of gravity data alongside deformation measurements may additionally allow the magmatic or non-magmatic nature of the source to be characterised. Together, these results highlight how models with more realistic, and geophysically consistent, components can improve our understanding of the mechanical processes affecting volcanic unrest and geodetic eruption precursors, to aid eruption forecasting, hazard assessment and risk mitigation.s Work presented herein has received funding by the European Commission (FP7; Theme: ENV.2011.1.3.3-1; Grant 282759: VUELCO)

Synthesis:PLUTONS: Investigating the relationship between pluton growth and volcanism in the Central Andes

The Central Andes is a key global location to study the enigmatic relation between volcanism and plutonism because it has been the site of large ignimbrite-forming eruptions during the past several million years and currently hosts the world’s largest zone of silicic partial melt in the form of the Altiplano-Puna Magma (or Mush) Body (APMB) and the Southern Puna Magma Body (SPMB). In this themed issue, results from the recently completed PLUTONS project are synthesized. This project focused an interdisciplinary study on two regions of large-scale surface uplift that have been found to represent ongoing movement of magmatic fluids in the middle to upper crust. The locations are Uturuncu in Bolivia near the center of the APMB and Lazufre on the Chile-Argentina border, on the edge of the SPMB. These studies use a suite of geological, geochemical, geophysical (seismology, gravity, surface deformation, and electromagnetic methods), petrological, and geomorphological techniques with numerical modeling to infer the subsurface distribution, quantity, and movements of magmatic fluids, as well as the past history of eruptions. Both Uturuncu and Lazufre show separate geophysical anomalies in the upper, middle, and lower crust (e.g., low seismic velocity, low resistivity, etc.) indicating multiple distinct reservoirs of magma and/or hydrothermal fluids with different physical properties. The characteristics of the geophysical anomalies differ somewhat depending on the technique used—reflecting the different sensitivity of each method to subsurface melt (or fluid) of different compositions, connectivity, and volatile content and highlight the need for integrated, multidisciplinary studies. While the PLUTONS project has led to significant progress, many unresolved issues remain and new questions have been raised

Diapiric ascent of silicic magma beneath the Bolivian Altiplano

The vertical transport of large volumes of silicic magma, which drives volcanic eruptions and the long-term compositional evolution of the continental crust, is a highly debated problem. In recent years, dyking has been favored as the main ascent mechanism, but the structural connection between a distributed configuration of melt-filled pores in the source region and shallow magma reservoirs remains unsolved. In the Central Andes, inversion of a new high-resolution Bouguer anomaly data over the Altiplano-Puna Magma Body (APMB) reveals ∼15 km wide, vertically elongated, low-density, 3D structures rooted at the top of the APMB at 20 km depth. We integrate our gravity inversion with the available geophysical, geological, and petrological observations, and in agreement with petrological/mechanical considerations propose that, in this region of the Andes, partially molten granitic bodies ascend diapirically through the hot ductile mid-upper crust. © 2013 American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.Peer Reviewe

Combined GPS, EDM and triangulation surveys of the rapid downslope motion of the western flank of Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

Here we present initial conclusions of a one year-long combined geodesy campaign on Arenal Volcano, in Costa Rica (2008-2009). Our data shows evidence for an active local tectonic surrounding, and a 7cm/yr displacement field of the western flank of the volcano edifice that is in general agreement with recent INSAR studies. The study shows that a rigorous combination of simultaneous GPS, EDM (Electronic Distance Measurements) and triangulation measurements provide a time-cost effective approach to volcanic monitoring.University of BristolObservatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Costa Rica (OVSICORI), Universidad Nacional

Geophysical, geochemical and geodetical signals of reawakening at Turrialba volcano (Costa Rica) after almost 150 years of quiescence

Turrialba is a basaltic–andesitic stratovolcano (3340 masl), in the Cordillera Volcánica Central in Costa Rica. After the last eruption (1864–1866), volcanic manifestations were limited to weak fumarolic discharge (continuous since 1980) from the summit. From 1996 onward, the degassing activity has progressively been increasing, reaching its climax after 2005. New fumaroles have appeared in the Central and West summit craters, the latter now being the most active, and in the fracture system in between, showing sulphur deposits and progressively increasing degassing rate. In 2004, fumaroles and new fissures have appeared on the SW outer and SSW distal flanks, the latter being located along a major NE-oriented tectonic lineament. Fumarolic temperatures at the bottom of the West crater have increased from 88 to 282 °C in early 2008. Changes in chemical and isotopic compositions of discharged fluids have shown a progressive enhancing of the magmatic signature since 2001. Since late 2007, SO2 flux, measured with mini-DOAS, has increased two orders of magnitude (1 t/day in 2002 to 740 t/day in January 2008). The enhanced gas discharge at Turrialba volcano has caused significant interference on tropospheric O3 measurements at 2–3 km altitude ~50 kmWfrom the volcano. Seismic swarms followed an increasing trend consistent with that of the fumaroles. The maximum seismic activity to date, up to thousands of events/day, was recorded in mid 2007. An inflationary trend was observed in the crater area. In this paper we present for the first time all the available data on the activity of Turrialba volcano. New geophysical, geodetical and geochemical data and published geophysical and geochemical data are presented and discussed as a whole. The multidisciplinary approach indicated that from 1996 to 2009 three stages, deriving by the delicate equilibrium between the hydrothermal and the magmatic reservoirs, were recognized. The magmatic-dominated phase is still prevailing as evidenced by the fact that, while completing the present paper, on the 4th of January 2010 at 16.57 (GMT) a loud explosion occurred at the West crater and was followed by three others spaced out every 10 min. These events were interpreted as associated with phreatic eruptions.Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Researc

Analytical Solution to Assess the Induced Seismicity Potential of Faults in Pressurized and Depleted Reservoirs

International audienceDisplaced faults crossing the reservoir could significantly increase the induced earthquake frequency in geo‐energy projects. Understanding and predicting the stress variation in such cases is essential to minimize the risk of induced seismicity. Here, we adopt the inclusion theory to develop an analytical solution for the stress response to pore pressure variations within the reservoir for both permeable and impermeable faults with offset ranging from zero to the reservoir thickness. By analyzing fault stability changes due to reservoir pressurization/depletion under different scenarios, we find that (1) the induced seismicity potential of impermeable faults is always larger than that of permeable faults under any initial and injection conditions—the maximum size of the fault undergoing failure is 3–5 times larger for impermeable than for permeable faults; (2) stress concentration at the corners results in the occurrence of reversed slip in normal faults with a normal faulting stress regime; (3) while fault offset has no impact on the slip potential for impermeable faults, the slip potential increases with the offset for permeable faults, which indicates that non‐displaced permeable faults constitute a safer choice for site selection; (4) an impermeable fault would rupture at a lower deviatoric stress, and at a smaller pressure buildup than a permeable one; and (5) the induced seismicity potential is overestimated and the injectivity underestimated if the stress arching (i.e., the poromechanical coupling) is neglected. This analytical solution is a useful tool for site selection and for supporting decision making during the lifetime of geo‐energy projects