After the earthquake last month and the eruption of the Popocatepetl volcano in Mexico, many people wondered if there was a relationship between both phenomenaDuring that period, experts denied any connection. One of the main reasons for this claim was the considerable distance between the epicenter of the earthquake and the volcano itself, which was hundreds of kilometers. At first glance, this separation seemed to indicate no connection between them, so the possibility was dismissed. However, a new expert has raised the possibility that some connection may exist.
This expert is Carlos Demetrio Escobar, a Salvadoran volcanologist who refutes the initial hypothesis. According to his observations, the large amount of energy generated in an earthquake is evident. This intense seismic activity can cause an active volcano to gain more power. Escobar points out that an earthquake that occurs near a volcanic mountain range can be an indicator of activity on an active volcano, suggesting that there is a more complex relationship between earthquakes and volcanoes than initially thought. For a more detailed analysis of seismic phenomena, see the article on What is seismicity and its importance.
Volcanoes and earthquakes: their relationships
La volcano eruption It is largely a consequence of rising temperatures in the magma. This magma, found within the Earth's mantle, could be heated by the shock of an earthquake. Carlos Demetrio explains that this situation could be one of the causes that cause the eruption after the tremorsThe magma cavity, where molten rock from an active volcano accumulates, could gain more power due to seismic movements. This accumulation translates into greater pressure, which, in turn, increases the likelihood of an eruption. To better understand this relationship, we recommend reading about volcanism and its fundamental aspects.
An active volcano is one considered capable of erupting, or that has erupted within the last 500 years. This actually raises the number of "active volcanoes" in the world. Escobar also emphasizes that Not relating earthquakes and volcanoes is very hasty, especially considering that the "morphology" of both can be similar. One phenomenon can fuel or provoke the other, reinforcing the idea that the two are interconnected.
A recent study has identified up to 30 volcanoes that could have experienced potentially earthquake-triggered eruptions in the past. However, the research found no concrete evidence indicating a trigger that could not be explained by chance alone. This suggests that while correlations exist, they are not always causal. Volcanologists, for the most part, consider that Earthquakes are not direct triggers of eruptions, but they can influence already active volcanoes. This can be related to information about inactive volcanoes and their relevance.
Earthquakes and their influence on volcanoes
To better understand the interrelationship between earthquakes and volcanoes, it's important to consider how earthquakes can affect volcanic activity. According to volcanologist Gino González, an earthquake acts on a volcano in a similar way to shaking a bottle of mineral water. mechanical movement This can cause gas to build up on the surface of the bottle, increasing the pressure and causing the liquid to spurt out. Something similar can happen in a volcano, which has a high gas content.
Furthermore, studies indicate that only powerful earthquakes, those greater than a magnitude of 9, can have a significant impact on nearby volcanoes. These earthquakes can trigger the reactivation of volcanoes that have been dormant for centuries or even years. intensify activity of volcanoes that are already erupting. In some cases, earthquakes can even cause a volcano to abruptly decrease its activity, thus demonstrating the complexity of the volcanic system. For more information on a specific case, you can read about the volcano in Iceland and its imminent eruption.
Another study of the 2012 earthquakes in Central America found evidence that these seismic movements may have influenced the eruption and activation of several volcanoes in the region. After these earthquakes, volcanic activity increased for weeks and years, and volcanoes that had been dormant for decades or even centuries began to show activity.
Causes of volcanic activity after an earthquake
Researchers point out that not only the magnitude of the earthquake is important, but also factors such as the rupture time, the dominant frequency, and the energy it radiates. This implies that the relationship between earthquakes and volcanoes is not linear, and that each case must be evaluated individually. For more information on these internal processes, you can consult internal geological processes.
Volcanologist Joan Martí emphasizes that, although earthquakes can influence the activity of previously active volcanoes, they are not sufficient to awaken dormant volcanoes. Thus, seismic activity does not initiate eruptions, but it can help them occur in volcanoes that are already ready to erupt. In addition, it is essential to consider aspects such as the deformation of the Yellowstone supervolcano in this context.
To ensure effective monitoring, it is crucial to have advanced technologies that can measure and analyze seismic and volcanic activity in real time. This includes the use of sensors to detect changes in the temperature, pressure, and chemical composition of the volcano's gases, which can provide clues about its future activity.
The importance of research in this field lies in its potential to reduce the impact of natural disasters. By understanding the activity of certain volcanoes before a major earthquake, eruptions can be predicted in the medium term, which could save lives and reduce economic losses. A clear example of this is the monitoring of active volcanoes, which is related to the New creation of surveillance stations in Tenerife.
International collaboration between scientists from various disciplines is essential to advance our understanding of the relationship between earthquakes and volcanic eruptionsResearchers from Japan, Italy, Spain, Hungary, and Guatemala are working together to improve monitoring and analysis methods, which will allow for a faster and more effective response to potential disasters.
The future of research in this area is promising. According to experts, there is a possibility that through continued study and appropriate technology, new technologies can be developed. more advanced prediction systems that not only analyze the eruptive potential of a volcano, but also integrate seismic data from previous events.
