Frequency dependence of mud volcano response to earthquakes

Abstract

Distant earthquakes can trigger the eruption of mud volcanoes. We document the response of the Davis‐Schrimpf mud volcanoes, California, to two earthquakes and non‐response to four additional events. We show that the Davis‐Schrimpf mud volcanoes are more sensitive to long period seismic waves than to shorter period waves of the same amplitude. Our observations are consistent with models for dislodging bubbles and particles by time varying flows produced by seismic waves. Mobilizing trapped bubbles or particles increases permeability or fluid mobility, increasing discharge.