Open AccessThree‐dimensional modeling of the 1983–1984 eruption at Piton de la Fournaise Volcano, Réunion Island
Author(s) -
Cayol Valérie,
Cornet François H.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: solid earth
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.67
H-Index - 298
eISSN - 2156-2202
pISSN - 0148-0227
DOI - 10.1029/98jb00201
Subject(s) - geology , dike , volcano , seismology , overburden , displacement (psychology) , landslide , isotropy , geomorphology , geodesy , geotechnical engineering , petrology , psychology , physics , quantum mechanics , psychotherapist
Displacement vectors on 125 points over a 6‐km 2 area were calculated [ Zlotnicki et al. , 1990] for Piton de la Fournaise volcano, Réunion Island, from photogrammetric surveys conducted in September 1981 and again in September 1984. An eruptive crisis with two episodes occurred during the 3 years between the surveys. We modeled the displacements from the photogrammetric surveys using a three‐dimensional mixed boundary element method. The model shows that both eruptive episodes were fed by a single dike oriented 165° from north. As the dike approached the ground surface, it divided into segments that rotated into an en echelon pattern. The model that best fits all observations suggests that the stress state within the volcano is quasi‐isotropic such that horizontal stresses equal the overburden. These high horizontal stresses are incompatible with an elastic edifice loaded merely by gravitational forces. However, they may be attributed to the cumulative effect of repeated dike intrusions.