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Data Processing Methods for 3D Seismic Imaging of Subsurface Volcanoes: Applications to the Tarim Flood Basalt

Data Processing Methods for 3D Seismic Imaging of Subsurface Volcanoes: Applications to the Tarim Flood Basalt

Published on: August 7, 2017

Laboratory simulation of volcano seismicity.

Philip M Benson¹, Sergio Vinciguerra, Philip G Meredith

¹Rock and Ice Physics Laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK. p.benson@ucl.ac.uk

Science (New York, N.Y.)

|October 11, 2008

Summary

Laboratory experiments reveal that rapid decompression of water-filled pores in fractured basalt triggers low-frequency seismic events. These findings offer insights into volcanic long-period seismicity and fluid-driven events beneath active volcanoes.

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Area of Science:

Geophysics
Volcanology
Experimental Petrology

Background:

Seismicity within volcanic edifices is complex and not fully understood.
Volcanic eruptions are often preceded by seismic activity, including long-period (LP) events.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the physical processes generating seismicity in volcanic edifices.
To simulate and analyze volcanic seismic events in a laboratory setting.

Main Methods:

Deformation and fracturing of basalt from Mount Etna volcano in a laboratory setting.
Monitoring microseismic events using an array of transducers for full-waveform capture and analysis.
Locating microseismic events within the fractured sample.

Main Results:

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Rapid post-failure decompression of water-filled pore volumes triggered numerous low-frequency seismic events.
These low-frequency events were associated with pore fluid decompression and located within the damage zone of the fractured sample.
The events exhibited a weak shear (double-couple) slip component, consistent with fluid-driven mechanisms.

Conclusions:

Laboratory experiments can replicate key features of volcanic seismicity, such as long-period events.
Pore fluid decompression in fractured volcanic rock is a plausible mechanism for generating low-frequency seismic events observed in active volcanoes.
The findings support the interpretation of some volcanic seismicity as fluid-driven events.