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Updated: Jul 24, 2025

Data Processing Methods for 3D Seismic Imaging of Subsurface Volcanoes: Applications to the Tarim Flood Basalt
Published on: August 7, 2017
Discrete magma injections drive the 2021 La Palma eruption
Teresa Ubide1, Álvaro Márquez2, Eumenio Ancochea2
1The University of Queensland, School of the Environment; Brisbane, Australia.
Abstract:
Understanding the drivers of the onset, evolution, and end of eruptions and their impact on eruption style is critical in eruption forecasting and emergency management. The composition of erupted liquids is a key piece of the volcano puzzle, but untangling subtle melt variations remains an analytical challenge. Here, we apply rapid, high-resolution matrix geochemical analysis on samples of known eruption date spanning the entire 2021 La Palma eruption. Sr isotope signatures reveal distinct pulses of basanite melt driving the onset, restart, and evolution of the eruption. Elemental variations in matrix and microcrysts track progressive invasion, and draining, of a subcrustal crystal mush. Associated variations in lava flow rate, vent development, seismicity, and SO2 emission demonstrate that volcanic matrix resolves eruption patterns that could be expected in future basaltic eruptions globally.
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