Very long-period signals associated with vulcanian explosions at Popocatepetl volcano, Mexico

Geophysical Research Letters
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

Very long period (VLP) seismic signals associated with large summit eruptions of Popocatepetl volcano in the last four years are investigated using data from a broadband seismometer (0.04-120 s) deployed on the north flank of the volcano at a radial distance of 5 km from the active crater. The VLP signals associated with individual eruptions share similar waveforms. Discrete VLP signals accompanying long-period (LP) events also share similar signatures and have dominant periods that are nearly identical to those observed in the VLP waveforms of explosions. The VLP particle motions for eruption onsets consistently point to a source located a few km beneath the crater. The VLP ground displacement response to each explosion is marked by a compression, followed by a dilatation and terminating with another compression, suggesting a sequence of pressurization-depressurization-repressurization of the conduit. The repetitive nature of the waveforms points to a non-destructive source process which has remained active in the magmatic system of Popocatepetl at least since April 1997.Very long period (VLP) seismic signals associated with large summit eruptions of Popocatepetl volcano in the last four years are investigated using data from a broadband seismometer (0.04-120 s) deployed on the north flank of the volcano at a radial distance of 5 km from the active crater. The VLP signals associated with individual eruptions share similar waveforms. Discrete VLP signals accompanying long-period (LP) events also share similar signatures and have dominant periods that are nearly identical to those observed in the VLP waveforms of explosions. The VLP particle motions for eruption onsets consistently point to a source located a few km beneath the crater. The VLP ground displacement response to each explosion is marked by a compression, followed by a dilatation and terminating with another compression, suggesting a sequence of pressurization-depressurization-repressurization of the conduit. The repetitive nature of the waveforms points to a non-destructive source process which has remained active in the magmatic system of Popocatepetl at least since April 1997.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Very long-period signals associated with vulcanian explosions at Popocatepetl volcano, Mexico
Series title Geophysical Research Letters
DOI 10.1029/1999GL005390
Volume 26
Issue 19
Year Published 1999
Language English
Publisher American Geophysical Union
Publisher location Washington, DC, United States
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Geophysical Research Letters
First page 3013
Last page 3016
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details