ISSN:
1432-0819
Keywords:
Key words Masaya
;
Santiago
;
Pit
;
Structure
;
Microgravity
;
Magma
;
Gas
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Geosciences
Notes:
Abstract Persistent activity at Masaya Volcano, Nicaragua, is characterised by cycles of intense degassing, lava lake development and pit crater formation. It provides a useful site to study the processes which govern such activity, because of its easy accessibility and relatively short cycles (years to decades). An understanding of the present activity is important because Masaya is visited by large numbers of tourists, is located close to major cities and has produced voluminous lavas, plinian eruptions and ignimbrites in the recent past. We provide structural and geophysical data that characterise the "normal" present state of activity. These indicate that the ongoing degassing phase (1993 to present) was not caused by fresh magma intrusion. It was associated with shallow density changes within the active Santiago pit crater. The activity appears to be associated predominantly with shallow changes in the pit crater structure. More hazardous activity will occur only if there are significant departures from the present gravity, deformation and seismic signatures.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s004450050196
Permalink
