Increased activity on Ebeko Volcano, Paramushir I., North Kurils in 2005–2006

In recent years the gas hydrothermal activity of Ebeko Volcano has been characterized by a constant heat flow and a constant chemical composition of water and fumarole gases. The volcano’s activity suddenly increased on January 27, 2005. Two high-output steam-gas jets 5 m across formed in the Active Funnel of the North Crater. A new high-output, high-temperature, fumarole field originated in the funnel in July 2005. Changes have been recorded in the chemical composition of fumarole gases. Ratios between individual components of the gas were calculated, with the ratios being geochemical precursors of eruptions for the volcano under study. Based on these results and on the very fact of increased fumarole activity on Ebeko, an intermediate-term forecast of explosive eruptions has been developed. Atmospheric contamination by a toxic gas (hydrogen sulfide) is described. It was previously thought that toxic gases pose a short-lived threat only to the population of the town of Severo-Kuril’sk because of frequent strong winds prevailing there. It is shown that the presence of a snow cover during increased activity on Ebeko sharply enhances the hazard of contamination by toxic gases, the hazard being constant both on the volcano itself and in the Severo-Kuril’sk area.     

ACTIVE system for monitoring volcanic activity: A case study of the Izu-Oshima Volcano,Central Japan

A system is proposed for the monitoring of changes in the underground structure of an active volcano over time by applying a transient electromagnetic method. The monitoring system is named ACTIVE, which stands for Array of Controlled Transient-electromagnetics for Imaging Volcano Edifice. The system consists of a transmitter dipole used to generate a controlled transient electromagnetic (EM) field and an array of receivers used to measure the vertical component of the transient magnetic field at various distances, with automatic operation of both units. In order to verify the performance of the proposed system, numerical and field experiments were carried out by application of the system to the Izu-Oshima volcano, where a remarkable change in the apparent DC resistivity over time had been detected in association with the eruption in 1986.     

Volcanic structure of the southern sector of Mt. Etna after the 2001 and 2002 eruptions defined by magnetotelluric measurements

Two magnetotelluric (MT) surveys were carried out on the Mt. Etna volcano after two of the most intense eruptions of the last 30 years which took place in summer 2001 and winter 2002–2003. Surveying was pursued for two main reasons. First, we sought to contribute to the definition of the first-order structure and physico-chemical state (temperature, fluids, melts) of a volcano that has been extensively explored and monitored by means of various geophysical methods, but where only few electrical and electromagnetic surveys have been performed. Secondly, we acquired MT data in the same sites in the two different surveys with the aim of monitoring the possible changes of the first-order structure, since conditions are expected to vary on an active volcano such as Etna, and are supposed to be linked to the eruptive events. Soundings have been acquired in an E-W 10 km-long profile across the southern flank of Mt. Etna, at a distance of almost 6 km south from the Central Crater. The first survey was carried out three months after the 2001 eruption. Inverse models define a pronounced (4 km thickness) low resistivity section at a depth of about 1 km b.s.l. to the west. To the east, a low resistivity section is still present, but appears deeper, thinner and more resistive, and a shallow low resistivity anomaly also exists. The shallow anomaly to the east is tentatively correlated with altered and clayey volcanic units and/or temporary groundwater storage. The deep anomalies are interpreted as being due to melt storage at shallow depths which was not exhausted during the eruption. This would be confirmed by the abundance of lava erupted within one year from the end of the survey. The few good sites retrieved in the second survey, carried out a few weeks after the eruption of 2002–2003, confirm the picture defined in the first survey, and provide a better definition of the bottom of the deep anomaly located in the sedimentary basement.     

长白山天池火山减灾对策初探

国内外专家学者认为，长白山天池火山是一座具潜在灾害性喷发危险的活火山，因此制定火山减灾对策理应提到议事日程。针对天池火山研究现状和火山灾害特点，制定了火山活动各阶段的减灾对策。中长期阶段应加强火山监测与研究和火山知识宣传工作，采取必要的工程防护措施，重大工程进行火山安全性评价，制定火山喷发应急预案；短期阶段请求国际火山流动监测台网给予支援；临近喷发阶段重点是有组织的撤离；喷发及其后阶段应及时救灾抢险，对火山喷发趋势进行科学判定，合理地重建家园。     

Crustal deformation caused by the 1914 eruption of Sakurajima volcano, Japan and its secular changes

Analysis of ground-deformation data obtained at and around Sakurajima volcano during the 1914 eruption indicates that the deformation may be interpreted by assuming a model with two pressure sources, one shallow (about 2 km deep) and vertically directive and the other deep (about 8 km deep) and obliquely, directly beneath the volcano. This model is reasonable from the viewpoint of the volcanic processes.The local upheaval near the centers of eruption has scarcely recovered because it surpassed the elastic limit. The recovery of the regional depression after the eruption can be interpreted as pressure accumulation beneath the volcano. It may be concluded that the center of pressure would remain at the deeper source beneath the volcano, but that the pressure would change, resulting in surface deformation. The depression and its recovery suggest the presence of a pressure focus or a ‘magma reservoir’ beneath the volcano.     

The February–July 2007 eruption of the summit crater of Klyuchevskoi volcano, Kamchatka

Observations of the summit eruption of Klyuchevskoi volcano in the period from February 15, 2007 to July 9, 2007 are considered. This typical (for this volcano) summit eruption was explosive-effusive in character. The ejectamenta volume is estimated at 0.025 km³. Calculation of active phases of the volcano was carried out in accordance with V.A. Shirokov’s technique. The identified active phases agree well with the eruptive periods. The 2007 summit eruption corresponds to an active phase (May 2006 to May 2009) favorable for the volcano’s eruption. Geodetic observations carried out since 1979 along a radial profile have revealed uplifts and subsidences of the northeastern slope of the volcano. The maximum displacement of 23 cm was recorded in 2007 on the site closest to the volcano crater at a distance of 11 km from the summit crater center. In the course of two previous summit eruptions (2003–2004 and 2005) insignificant uplifts and subsidences of the slope were also noted, although the general ascent of the slope remained. This indicated possible repeated eruptions in the nearest future. Changes in the seismicity before, during and after the eruption are also discussed.     

Thermal precursors in satellite images of the 1999 eruption of Shishaldin Volcano

Shishaldin Volcano, Unimak Island Alaska, began showing signs of thermal unrest in satellite images on 9 February 1999. A thermal anomaly and small steam plume were detected at the summit of the volcano in short-wave thermal infrared AVHRR (advanced very high resolution radiometer) satellite data. This was followed by over 2 months of changes in the observed thermal character of the volcano. Initially, the thermal anomaly was only visible when the satellite passed nearly directly over the volcano, suggesting a hot source deep in the central crater obscured from more oblique satellite passes. The "zenith angle" needed to see the anomaly increased with time, presumably as the thermal source rose within the conduit. Based on this change, an ascent rate of ca. 14 m per day for the thermal source was estimated, until it reached the summit on around 21 March. It is thought that Strombolian activity began around this time. The precursory activity culminated in a sub-Plinian eruption on 19 April, ejecting ash to over 45,000 ft. (13,700 m). The thermal energy output through the precursory period was calculated based on geometric constraints unique to Shishaldin. These calculations show fluctuations that can be tied to changes in the eruptive character inferred from seismic records and later geologic studies. The remote location of this volcano made satellite images a necessary observation tool for this eruption. To date, this is the longest thermal precursory activity preceding a sub-Plinian eruption recorded by satellite images in the region. This type of thermal monitoring of remote volcanoes is central in the efforts of the Alaska Volcano Observatory to provide timely warnings of volcanic eruption, and mitigate their associated hazards to air-traffic and local residents.     

petrological and geochemical characteristics of quarternary volcanic rocks in haixing area,eastern north china

Field investigation and lab analysis on samples were carried out for Quaternary volcanoes, including Xiaoshan volcano, Dashan volcano and Bianzhuang hidden volcano, in Haixing area, east of North China. Results show that Xiaoshan volcano with the eruptive material of volcanic scoria, crystal fragments and volcanic ash is a maar volcano, the eruptive pattern is pheatomagmatic eruption, and the influence scope is near the crater. Dashan volcano exploded in the early stage, and then the magma intruded, forming the volcanic neck. The eruption strength and scale are limited, and the eruptive materials are scoria, volcanic agglomerate and dense lava neck. The volcanic rocks in Bianzhuang are porosity and dense volcanic rocks and volcanic breccia, reflecting the pattern of weak explosive eruption and lava flow, and the K-Ar age dating on volcanic rocks indicates that the eruption happened in early Pleistocene. Xiaoshan volcanic scoria and Bianzhuang hidden volcanic rocks are mainly basaltic, Dashan volcanic rocks with lower SiO₂ content are nephelinite in composition. Their oxide contents have no linear relationship, indicating that there is no magma evolution relationship between these magmas from the three places. Three volcanic rocks all have enrichment of light rare earth. The Bianzhuang volcanic rocks are rich in large ion lithophile elements, and have no high field strength elements Zr and Hf, Ti losses. The volcanic materials from Xiaoshan and Dashan are intensively rich in Th, U, Nb and Ta, and significantly poor in K and Ti. Although the magmas from these three places in Haixing area may all come from asthenosphere, the volcanic materials have different petrological and geochemical features, and relatively independent volcanic structures, therefore, they experienced different magma processes.     

长白山天池火山热(温)泉观测与研究

火山热 (温 )泉的观测与研究 ,对掌握休眠火山的活动状态、评估其潜在喷发危险性及火山喷发预测预报具有重要意义。延边朝鲜族自治州地震局于 1985年开始对长白山天池火山热 (温 )泉进行勘查、观测与分析研究。观测与研究结果表明长白山天池火山热 (温 )泉的温度和气体有较明显的变化 ,该区深部岩浆源目前可能处在不稳定时期 ;长白山火山热 (温 )泉水受较大断裂带的控制 ,与热 (温 )泉有关的断裂有EW向断裂带和近SN向断裂带     

Overview of deep structures under the Changbaishan volcanic area in Northeast China

The Changbaishan volcano is an active and considerably hazardous volcano located on the border of China and North Korea. This paper summarizes a series of geophysical surveys as well as seismological and volcano-observational networks around the Changbaishan volcanic area. We characterize deep structures related to the Changbaishan volcanic area. The prominent low-velocity anomalies and low-resistance bodies associated with the magma system under the Changbaishan volcano were detected in the crust and upper mantle, and high-velocity anomalies were imaged within the mantle transition zone,suggesting that the origin of the Changbaishan volcano is related to the subducted Pacific slab. However, there exist a few major obstacles for comprehensively elucidating the deep structure of the Changbaishan volcano as well as for the preparedness for and response toward future volcanic unrest and activity. It is essential to collect data from both China and Korean Peninsula to image the deep structure beneath the Changbaishan volcanic area. A multi-disciplinary approach comprising seismological investigations, deformation information from GNSS and InSar, and gravity and magnetotelluric surveying is a reliable manner for imaging high-resolution structures and fluid movement for the spatial distribution and variation of the volcanic magma chamber.An effective volcano-monitoring network system is considerably important to improve hazard assessments and characterize the potential future eruption of the Changbaishan volcano.     

Long-time variation of soil CO2 fluxes at the summit crater of Vulcano (Italy)

Here, we report the first continuous data of geochemical parameters acquired directly from the active summit crater of Vulcano. This approach provides a means to better investigate deep geochemical processes associated with the degassing system of Vulcano Island. In particular, we report on soil CO₂ fluxes from the upper part of Vulcano, a closed-conduit volcano, from September 2007 to October 2010. Large variations in the soil CO₂ and plume SO₂ fluxes (order of magnitude), coinciding with other discontinuous geochemical parameters (CO₂ concentrations in fumarole gas) and physical parameters (increase of shallow seismic activity and fumarole temperatures) have been recorded. The results from this work suggest new prospects for strengthening geochemical monitoring of volcanic activity and for improving the constraints in the construction of a “geochemical model”, this being a necessary condition to better understand the functioning of volcanic systems.     

长白山天池火山——一座具潜在喷发危险的近代火山

通过对长白山天池火山近代喷发历史、喷发规模、喷发物类型的调查和研究,提出该火山是一座具潜在喷发危险的大型近代活动火山.建议开展对该火山的动态监测和系统研究.     

A new scenario for the last magmatic eruption of La Soufrière of Guadeloupe (Lesser Antilles) in 1530 A.D. Evidence from stratigraphy radiocarbon dating and magmatic evolution of erupted products

La Soufrière of Guadeloupe is a dangerous volcano characterized over the last decade by moderate seismic and fumarolic unrest. In the last 15,000 years it has experienced phreatic and magmatic eruptions and unusually numerous flank collapse events sometimes associated with a magmatic eruption. We propose a new age of 1530 A.D. and a new eruptive scenario for the last magmatic eruption on the basis of a novel statistical analysis of radiocarbon age dates, and new field and geochemical data. This eruption is the only magmatic eruption likely to have occurred in Guadeloupe during the last 1400 years. The eruption mainly involved an andesitic magma which, in the first phase of the eruption, partially mixed with a slightly more differentiated magma stored in a small and shallow magma chamber. Ascent of magma to the surface generated a partial collapse of the hydrothermally altered edifice that increased the magma discharge and led to a sub-plinian phase with scoria fallout and column-collapse pyroclastic flows followed by near-vent pyroclastic scoria fountains. The eruption ended with growth of a lava dome. Our revised interpretation of the last magmatic eruption of La Soufrière constitutes the most likely key to a future magmatic eruption scenario for this volcano which displays strong evidence of unrest since 1992.     

地球层析成像在减轻灾害中的作用

目的说明地球层析成像一词的含义和它所包括的分支有:地震层析,电阻率层析,大地电磁层析,磁共振成像, 地震破裂面照相以及探地雷达成像等.概括当前这几种手段的成就,所能达到的成像精密度, 用现代的计算方法、反演地下介质速度、衰减Q值、密度、孔隙度分布、介质破裂程度,可提高震源定位精度,再借鉴医学上检测癌细胞发生、发展过程的模式,建立相应的预测模式.判断未来破坏性地震的孕震结构,发展趋势,以及地下水与电阻率图像随季节变化的关系.初步阐明地球层析成像在减轻地震灾害、洪水灾害与火山喷发灾害中的作用.将地电阻率层析与磁共振测深成像相结合应用于探测地下水的一些基本分布特征,判定潜伏断层的特征,追踪电阻率异常区其附近的电性精细结构,分辨率可以达到1米左右.结合起来可探测地下裂隙分布,发现活断层,对高层建筑物(80米以上)和大型桥梁、水坝、堤防的安全性评价具有重要作用,以便及早加固,以减轻损失;结论利用上述地球层析成像的几种手段,可以探测地下活动断层、孕震结构和地下水与电阻率随季节的变动,为判定高楼和堤坝的安全性提供依据,在减轻灾害中发挥日益重要的作用.     

长白山天池火山地震类型及火山活动性的初步研究

2002年以来，长白山天池火山区出现了地震活动增强、地形变加剧和多种地球化学异常等现象，火山口附近发生的多次有感地震在社会上产生了较大影响。本文利用2002年以来的流动地震观测资料，采用频谱分析、时频分析和多台站资料对比的方法，对火山区地震事件的类型进行了分析；对火山活动的危险性进行了初步研究。结果表明，目前天池火山区出现的大量地震活动仍然属于火山构造地震，少量台站地震记录中表现出的低频特征主要是由于局部介质影响造成的，排除了长周期地震引起的可能。尽管长白山天池火山地震活动明最增强，震群活动较为频繁，但仍属于岩浆活动的早期阶段，短期内发生火山喷发的危险性较小。     

Combining relative and absolute gravity measurements to enhance volcano monitoring

To achieve a balance between uncertainty and efficiency in gravity measurements, we have investigated the applicability of combined measurements of absolute and relative gravity as a hybrid method for volcano monitoring. Between 2007 and 2009, three hybrid gravity surveys were conducted at Mt Etna volcano, in June 2007, July 2008, and July 2009. Absolute gravity data were collected with two absolute gravimeters, which represent the state of the art in recent advances in ballistic gravimeter technology: (1) the commercial instrument FG5#238 and (2) the prototype instrument IMGC-02. We carried out several field surveys and confirmed that both the absolute gravimeters can still achieve a 10 μGal or better uncertainty even when they are operated in severe environmental conditions. The use of absolute gravimeters in a field survey of the summit area of Mt Etna is unprecedented. The annual changes of the gravity measured over 2007–2008 and 2008–2009 provide unequivocal evidence that during the 2007–2009 period, two main phenomena of subsurface mass redistribution occurred in distinct sectors of the volcano, accompanying different eruptive episodes. From 2007 to 2008, a gravity change of ?60?μGal was concentrated around the North-East Rift. This coincided with a zone affected by strong extensional tectonics, and hence might have been related to the opening of new voids. Between 2008 and 2009, a North-South elongate feature with a maximum gravity change of +80?μGal was identified in the summit craters area. This is interpreted to indicate recharge of a deep-intermediate magma storage zone, which could have occurred when the 2008–2009 eruption was still ongoing.     

长白山火山区地壳S波速度结构的背景噪声成像

利用探测深俯冲的中国东北地震台阵NECsaids的60个流动台与固定地震台2010年7月至2014年12月的垂向连续波形数据,采用地震背景噪声成像方法获得了研究区6~40 s周期的瑞雷波相速度分布,并通过相速度频散反演得到了研究区下方0~50 km的三维S波速度结构.结果表明:研究区下方地壳S波速度结构存在明显的横向和纵向不均匀性,浅部速度结构与浅表地质构造单元有较好的对应,深部速度结构较好地反映了区域火山活动及深部热物质作用的结构特征;在长白山火山下方9~30 km深度范围内存在明显低速区并有向下延伸的趋势,推测可能为长白山火山地壳岩浆囊;在龙岗火山下方12~30 km深度范围内发现较弱的低速区,可能代表火山喷发后的残留物,而在镜泊湖火山下方没有明显的低速异常,说明镜泊湖火山地壳内可能不存在部分熔融的岩浆物质.     

Science at the policy interface: volcano-monitoring technologies and volcanic hazard management

This paper discusses results from a survey of volcanologists carried out on the Volcano Listserv during late 2008 and early 2009. In particular, it examines the status of volcano monitoring technologies and their relative perceived value at persistently and potentially active volcanoes. It also examines the role of different types of knowledge in hazard assessment on active volcanoes, as reported by scientists engaged in this area, and interviewees with experience from the current eruption on Montserrat. Conclusions are drawn about the current state of monitoring and the likely future research directions, and also about the roles of expertise and experience in risk assessment on active volcanoes; while local knowledge is important, it must be balanced with fresh ideas and expertise in a combination of disciplines to produce an advisory context that is conducive to high-level scientific discussion.     

STUDY OF THE LAVA FLOW HAZARD ZONING BASED ON THE KINEMATIC THERMO-RHEOLOGICAL MODEL:EXAMPLE STUDY FOR THE ASHIKULE VOLCANO,XINJIANG

The lava flow hazard is an important and frequent disaster for residents in the volcanic area. In this paper, we focus on the lava flow inundation hazard zoning based on the example case of the Ashikule volcano in Xinjiang, China. Firstly, the parameters of magma such as density, viscosity and temperature are calculated by the empirical formula of magma utilizing results of previous field geological survey and petrology analysis. Then, using the kinematic thermo-rheological model, we simulated the inundation area of lava flow from Ashi volcano at the effusion rates of 200m³/s and 500m³/s. The simulation results of Ashi volcano well coincide to the geological map and verify that the method and parameters are valid. Then the applied simulations were carried out to calculate the lava flow inundation area in future eruption at Ashi, Wuluke and Daheishan crater with different effusion rates. At last, according to the analysis of the applied simulation results and drawing lessons from the foreign disaster zoning method, the four-level hazard zoning was built and set with different colors. The first level with red color is the extra-dangerous zone that is always inundated in any eruption but only distributes near the lava spillway of the crater. The second level with orange color is the dangerous zone that is inundated in the medium scale eruption. The third level with yellow color is the sub-dangerous zone that is corresponding to the large eruption. The fourth level with blue color is the potential dangerous zone that is only inundated in the extra-large eruption. In addition, we put forward the suggestion to respond to and avoid the disaster in future. Although China has not been affected by the lava flow for nearly three hundred years, the prospective study in this paper will lay the foundation for the study of related disasters, and provide the reference for the major construction projects in the volcanic area.