Gilberto Saccorotti

Source mechanisms of explosions at Stromboli Volcano, Italy, determined from moment‐tensor inversions of very‐long‐period data

[1] Seismic data recorded in the 2–30 s band at Stromboli Volcano, Italy, are analyzed to quantify the source mechanisms of Strombolian explosions during September 1997. To determine the source-centroid location and source mechanism, we minimize the residual error between data and synthetics calculated by the finite difference method for a point source embedded in a homogeneous elastic medium that takes topography into account. Two source centroids are identified, each representative of the distinct event types associated with explosive eruptions from two different vents. The observed waveforms are well reproduced by our inversion, and the two source centroids that best fit the data are offset 220 and 260 m beneath and � 160 m northwest of the active vents. The source mechanisms include both moment-tensor and single-force components. The principal axes of the moment tensor have amplitude ratios 1:1:2, which can be interpreted as representative of a crack, if one assumes the rock matrix at the source to have a Poisson ratio n = 1/3, a value appropriate for hot rock. Both imaged cracks dip � 60� to the northwest and strike northeast–southwest along a direction parallel to the elongation of the volcanic edifice and a prominent zone of structural weakness, as expressed by lineaments, dikes, and brittle structures. For our data set, the volume changes estimated from the moments are � 200 m 3 for the largest explosion from each vent. Together with the volumetric source is a dominantly vertical force with a magnitude of 10 8 N, consistent with the inferred movement of the magma column perched above the source centroid in response to the piston-like rise of a slug of gas in the conduit. INDEX TERMS: 7215 Seismology: Earthquake parameters; 7280 Seismology: Volcano seismology (8419); 8414 Volcanology: Eruption mechanisms; KEYWORDS: very-long-period seismicity, moment tensor inversions, eruption mehanics

Source and path effects in the wave fields of tremor and explosions at Stromboli volcano, Italy

The wave fields generated by Strombolian activity are investigated using data from small-aperture seismic arrays deployed on the north flank of Stromboli and data from seismic and pressure transducers set up near the summit crater. Measurements of slowness and azimuth as a function of time clearly indicate that the sources of tremor and explosions are located beneath the summit crater at depths shallower than 200 m with occasional bursts of energy originating from sources extending to a depth of 3 km. Slowness, azimuth, and particle motion measurements reveal a complex composition of body and surface waves associated with topography, structure, and source properties. Body waves originating at depths shallower than 200 m dominate the wave field at frequencies of 0.5–2.5 Hz, and surface waves generated by the surficial part of the source and by scattering sources distributed around the island dominate at frequencies above 2.5 Hz. The records of tremor and explosions are both dominated by SH motion. Far-field records from explosions start with radial motion, and near-field records from those events show dominantly horizontal motion and often start with a low-frequency (1–2 Hz) precursor characterized by elliptical particle motion, followed within a few seconds by a high-frequency radial phase (1–10 Hz) accompanying the eruption of pyroclastics. The dominant component of the near- and far-field particle motions from explosions, and the timing of air and body wave phases observed in the near field, are consistent with a gas-piston mechanism operating on a shallow (<200 m deep), vertical crack-like conduit. Models of a degassing fluid column suggest that noise emissions originating in the collective oscillations of bubbles ascending in the magma conduit may provide an adequate self-excitation mechanism for sustained tremor generation at Stromboli.

Image processing of explosive activity at Stromboli

Abstract A new way to study the dynamics of explosive behaviour at different vents of Stromboli volcano is proposed. The method is based on computer processing of images taken by an infrared film camera, at a rate of 4 pictures per second. Each picture has been digitized by use of an image scanner with a 75 d.p.i. (dots per inch) resolution and 256 levels of gray, then processed and the total mass of the ejected material has been calculated for each photograph. With this procedure the flux of ejected matter throughout every single explosive event has been reconstructed. The analysis of trajectories made on adequate samples of ejecta has allowed us to evaluate the ejection velocity. The mode of the mass flux distribution and the mean value of the velocities calculated for individual particles quantify the kinetic energy of an explosion. Vents nos. 1 and 3, which remained active after the last effusive eruption of 1985–1986, show several explosive patterns, the energy of which is measured. The observed flux distributions have been checked both numerically and experimentally by modelling impulsive events. The computer simulations of the mass distributions have allowed us to speculate on the possible explosive dynamisms. Two different models have been used: a single impulse model confirms the behaviour actually shown by one of the two vents, while the behaviour of the other is better depicted by a cumulative trend of successive impulses in rhythmic sequence. Moreover, through the experimental approach we have had the opportunity to test the overall resolution of the method. The observed matter flux distribution has then been associated to the seismic signals in order to correlate the dynamics involved in the explosions with the seismic source mechanisms.

Broadband measurements of the sources of explosions at Stromboli Volcano, Italy

During September–October 1997, 21 three-component broadband seismometers were deployed on Stromboli Volcano at radial distances of 0.3–2.2 km from the active crater to investigate the source mechanisms of Strombolian explosions. In the 2–50 s band, the very-long period (VLP) signals associated with explosions are consistent with two stationary sources repeatedly activated in time. VLP particle motions are essentially linear and analyses of semblance and particle motions are consistent with a source centroid offset 300 m beneath and 300 m northwest of the active vents. Similar VLP waveforms are observed at all 21 stations, indicating that the seismograms are source-dominated. The VLP ground displacement response to each explosion may be qualitatively interpreted as: (1) pressurization of the conduit associated with the ascent of a slug of gas; (2) depressurization of the conduit in response to mass withdrawal during the eruption; and (3) repressurization of the conduit associated with the replenishment of the source with fluid.

The role of hydrothermal fluids in triggering the July–August 2000 seismic swarm at Campi Flegrei, Italy: evidence from seismological and mesostructural data

Abstract This study presents a detailed analysis and interpretation of the seismicity that occurred on July 2–7 and August 22, 2000, during a ground uplift episode which started on March 2000 at Solfatara crater, Campi Flegrei. Earthquakes are located using a probabilistic grid-search procedure acting on a 3-D heterogeneous earth structure. The mainshock of the July swarm depicts a spectrum characterized by a few narrow peaks spanning the 1–5-Hz frequency band. For this event, we hypothesize a direct involvement of magmatic fluids in the source process. Conversely, the spectra of the August events are typical of shear failure. For these latter events, we evaluate the source properties from P- and S-wave displacement spectra. Results for the most energetic shocks (M d around 2) yield a source radius in the order of 100 m and stress drop around 10 bars, in agreement with most of the earthquakes that occurred during the 1982–1984 bradyseismic crises. For the August swarm we identify two clusters of similar earthquakes. Application of high-resolution relative location techniques to these events allows for the recognition of two parallel alignments trending NE–SW. The relationship among source dimension and relative location evidences overlapping of sources. This may be interpreted in terms of either a heterogeneous stress field or a lubrication process acting over the fault surface. For a selected subset of the August events, we also analyze the splitting of the shear waves: results are indicative of wave propagation through a densely fractured medium characterized by a distribution of cracks oriented NE–SW. The pattern of faulting suggested by relative locations and shear-wave splitting is not consistent with the surface trace of NW–SE striking faults. However, a detailed mesostructural analysis carried out over the Solfatara area indicated the occurrence of two main crack systems striking NW–SE and NE–SW. This latter system shows a strike consistent with that derived from seismic evidence. Results from a stress analysis of the crack systems indicate that a fluid overpressure within the NW–SE-striking faults is able to form NE–SW cracks. We found that the pressure of fluids P f required to activate the NW–SE faults is less than σ Hmin , while the P f value required to open the NE–SW cracks is higher than σ Hmax . Our main conclusions are: (a) the Solfatara area is affected by two orthogonal fracture systems, and the fluid pathway during the 2000 crisis mainly occurred along the NNE–SSW/NE–SW-striking crack system; (b) the July seismicity is associated to the upward migration of a pressure front triggered by an excess of fluid pressure from a small-size magmatic intrusion; conversely, the August events are associated to the brittle readjustment of the inflated system occurring along some lubricated structures.

Seismic Signals Associated with Landslides and with a Tsunami at Stromboli Volcano, Italy

In this article, we analyze the seismic signals produced by two landslides that occurred at the Stromboli volcano on 30 December 2002, recorded by both broadband and short-period seismic stations located in the 2.5-22-km distance range from the source. For both landslides, the characteristics of the low-frequency seismograms indicate a complex time history in the release of seismic energy. The first landslide occurred over the submerged part of the northwest sector of the volcano and had associated a large-amplitude, low-frequency pulse representative of the abrupt detachment of a large mass. Lower amplitude phases in the following 3 minutes possibly indicate minor detachment events. The highest amplitude, low-frequency signals are well described by a single-force source model. The second mass-failure episode is also characterized by a complex source and can be interpreted as a multiple event, with a less abrupt onset and at least four detachments occurring during 4-5 minutes and producing low-frequency signals. Synthetic seismograms generated by a shallow single force located in the submerged area of Sciara del Fuoco and directed upslope, fit well the first low-frequency seismic pulse recorded at Stromboli and Panarea by three-component stations. From this simulation, we estimated the force exerted by the first mass failure. The estimate of the volume through two different procedures, gives values in the range of 1.0-1.5 million m3 and about 14 million m3, respectively. The landslides, which involved both the submarine and the subaerial northwest flank of the volcano, produced a tsunami that struck the coast of Stromboli Island and in a few minutes reached the other islands of the Aeolian Archipelago. Three broadband seismic stations installed on land about 100 m from the coastline at Panarea Island, located 20 km southwest of Stromboli, recorded very long period seismic signals produced by the tsunami waves. Analysis of these signals gives invaluable information on the spectral content and propagation properties of tsunami waves and on their interaction with the ground at a short distance from the coast. Synthetic tsunami waves, obtained by a landslide source model and taking into account the bathymetry of the sea surrounding Stromboli and Panarea Islands, fit the observed phenomena and the experimental data very well. Manuscript received 19 November 2003.

Precision gravimetry with atomic sensors

Atom interferometers have been shown to be very stable and accurate sensors for acceleration and rotation. In this paper we review the applications of atom interferometry to gravity measurements, with a special emphasis on the potential impact of these techniques on applied science fields.

The 1998-1999 seismic series at Deception Island volcano, Antarctica

Abstract During the 1998–1999 Antarctic summer the pattern of seismic activity at Deception Island volcano changed significantly. The change was characterized by the occurrence of an intense swarm of volcano–tectonic (VT) earthquakes. More than 2000 VT earthquakes with S–P times smaller than 4 s were recorded in the period January–February 1999. Pure volcanic events were also detected; especially long-period (LP) events, volcanic tremor and some hybrid events. Seismic monitoring was performed using two short-period small-aperture arrays, among other instruments. Based on their signal-to-noise ratios we selected 863 VT earthquakes, 350 LP events and tremor episodes, and 9 hybrid events for analysis. We estimated apparent slowness and back-azimuth for all events using the Zero Lag Cross-Correlation array technique. Combining this information with S–P times and other indirect evidence, we identified two different source regions. LP seismicity is located less than 1–1.5 km southwest of the Fumarole array site. These events are likely to have a hydrothermal origin. VT earthquakes and hybrid events are located at depths of 0.3–10 km in an area under the bay of Deception Island. The area extends from the Fumarole array to the northeast with epicentral distances that range from 0.5 to 12 km. Most hypocenters are clustered in a small volume of around 8 km3. The sources of the LP seismicity and the VT earthquakes are spatially distinct, which indicates that they are not produced by the same mechanisms. Moment magnitude analyses of the VT earthquakes provide an average magnitude of 0.5 and very low average stress drop, around 1 bar. A study of first motion of the P-waves suggests that the events in this small source region should have a variety of source mechanisms. This is supported by the existence of families of events with the same waveforms. The occurrence of repeating fracture processes with low stress drop and small fault dimensions can be explained by the lubrication of pre-existing zones of weakness by pressurized fluids. The most probable hypothesis that explains the generation of this seismic series at Deception Island is: a seismic series caused by the stress generated by the uplift of the source area due to a magmatic injection in depth. We favor this hypothesis since it is compatible with the majority of the characteristics of the seismicity and explains the spatial and temporal behavior of the series.

The July-August 2000 seismic swarms at Campi Flegrei volcanic complex, Italy

Two swarms of microearthquakes (ML ≤ 2.2), occurred on July 2–7 and August 22, 2000 at Campi Flegrei, accompained by a ground uplift episode (4 cm) which interrupted on early March 2000 the descending trend started on 1985. Spectral analysis indicates a direct involvement of magmatic/hydrothermal fluids in the source process of the July swarm, while the August events are typical of shear failure, similar to most of the earthquakes that occurred during the last (1982–1984) bradyseismic crisis. Precise 3-D relative location applied to similar earthquakes allows for the recognition of two parallel alignments trending NE-SW at depths of 1.7 and 3.2 Km. This trend is consistent with the direction of the main focal plane obtained from fault plane solutions and evidences tensile failure in close proximity to the zone of maximum uplift as depicted by geodetic measurements. A fault weakening mechanism triggered by increasing pore pressure is invoked as the cause of these earthquakes.

Seismic source dynamics at Vesuvius volcano, Italy

Abstract On October 9, 1999 an earthquake of M L =3.6 occurred about 3 km beneath the central cone of Mt. Vesuvius, near Naples, Italy. The event had the highest magnitude recorded for at least 25 years, and possibly since the last eruption of this volcano (1944), and was not accompanied by other geophysical or geochemical changes. The present paper essentially deals with the seismological data collected at Mt. Vesuvius for 29 years before the October 9 earthquake till the end of 2001, and describes the time pattern distribution of seismic slip release and the b -parameter of the Gutenberg–Richter distribution. The self-similarity of the source process is investigated through the scaling law of the seismic spectrum. Results indicate a two-fold pattern of stress release, with high values (up to 100 bar) for earthquakes occurring close to the top of the carbonate basement that underlies the volcano at 2–3 km of depth, and low values (down to 0.1 bar) for the shallow events occurring within the volcanic edifice. The scaling law of the seismic spectrum is non-self-similar, indicating that the source dimensions do not scale with the seismic moment. For this reason the low-magnitude events substantially contribute to the overall cumulative seismic slip release. The b -parameter of the Gutenberg–Richter distribution shows a variation around 1980, and a substantial constancy in the other time periods. The presence of extended aquifers, with their tops at about 1 km beneath the crater, favors the hypothesis of the triggering of the shallowest events by water-level changes. This hypothesis is in agreement with the low values of the stress drop measured for the shallowest seismic events. The existence of a carbonate basement with its top at about 2.5 km beneath the crater and the higher stress drops for the deeper events make reasonable the hypothesis that the pre-fractured carbonate basement may be the site of tectonic stress release.