Gravity variation around Shinmoe-dake volcano from February 2011 through March 2012—Results of continuous absolute gravity observation and repeated hybrid gravity measurements

We report here on continuous absolute gravity measurements made between February 2011 and March 2012 and repeated relative gravity measurements in the vicinity of Shinmoe-dake volcano, which commenced erupting in late January 2011. We find that 20 of 24 eruptive events are associated with precursory short-term gravity decreases occurring over 5–6 hours followed by quick recoveries lasting 1–2 hours. Also evident are significant long-term gravity changes arising principally from hydrological processes around the volcano, where annual precipitation exceeds 5,000 mm. To isolate the gravity signal associated with volcanic processes, we compared gravity measurements made at 15 sites in March 2011 and again in March 2012. The gravity changes and crustal deformation observed during the one year period are well explained by 6×106 m3 inflation of a magma reservoir at a depth of 9 km and intrusion at shallower depths of a dike with dimensions of 10 km × 0.5 km × 0.5 m.