Toward understanding the relation between volcanic eruptions, seismicity, and infrasound
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire and Lehigh University are focused on understanding the relation between volcanic eruptions and the energy which is radiated into both the seismic and acoustic wavefields. Through support from the National Science Foundation, they will be investigating the temporal relation between explosive degassing and the generation of elastic waves in order to gain greater insight into volcano conduit source processes prior to and during explosive fragmentation of magma. They will also be quantifying the elastic energy release and comparing it with observed eruption intensities (quantified through high-speed video), which will be used to develop empirical and theoretical models for energy transfer during eruptions. This topic has import implications for using elastic waves to remotely asess the intensity of eruptions especially during periods of inclement weather when visible or satellite observations are not possible. A better understanding of the mechanisms and trends of volcanic activity will ultimately increase our ability to predict the timing and nature of destructive events
To accomplish these goals, the grantees will analyze existing seismo-acoustic datasets from seven diverse erupting volcanoes, which exhibit intermittent and low-level explosive volcanic activity. Additionally, two volcanoes located in Guatemala (Fuego and Santiaguito) are to serve as field sites for an integrated seismo-acoustic-video experiment to be conducted in the winter of 2006. These two volcanoes have been selected because of the extraordinary visibility of their active vents afforded from vantage points atop nearby neighboring summits. High-speed, high-resolution, satellite-time synced video will be acquired in concert with seismic and acoustic monitoring. New video image processing techniques will be developed to analyze and quantify eruptive manifestations. The intellectual merit of this project includes improved understanding of the enigmatic seismicity that is radiated during volcanic eruptions. Other broader impacts include research opportunities for a graduate student at the University of New Hampshire and expanded collaboration and outreach with volcano observatories in other countries.
