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Dissection of a composite volcanic earthquake at Santiaguito, Guatemala
Author(s) -
Johnson J. B.,
Sanderson R.,
Lyons J.,
EscobarWolf R.,
Waite G.,
Lees J. M.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2009gl039370
Subject(s) - geology , seismology , volcano , tiltmeter , explosive material , geodetic datum , impact crater , seismogram , explosive eruption , event (particle physics) , geodesy , magma , amplitude , chemistry , physics , organic chemistry , quantum mechanics , astronomy
Volcano earthquake sources associated with eruptions at Santiaguito volcano in Guatemala are complex. Rock fracture, fluid flow, and gas expansion occur at variable time scales and induce superposed ground motions, including both static and dynamic deformation, and atmospheric pressure disturbances. Dissection of this composite event is facilitated through extra‐seismic observations, such as infrasound, geodetic, and visual monitoring. Multi‐parametric investigation of an eruptive event on Jan. 4th 2009 reveals increased degassing, apparent as both geodetic tilt and harmonic seismo‐infrasonic tremor, preceding an explosive event. The explosive event itself entails surface dome uplift, multiple eruptive pulses, and subsequent re‐equilibration of the volcanic edifice manifested in derived tilt. We report here on an integrated approach to discerning the physical processes at the actively effusing and exploding Santiaguito volcano and describe the composite earthquake that occurs here.