Integrating pseudo-3D ERT and DEM to map the near-surface structures and morphology of the Piparo mud volcano, Trinidad

Abstract

Mud volcanoes are often associated with violent eruptions which are hazardous and pose significant risks to lives and livelihoods. A pseudo-3D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) method that is integrated with digital elevation model (DEM) is used to map and monitor the near-surface structures and morphology of a mud volcano in Piparo, Trinidad. The mudflow within the vent is characterized by very low resistivity of less than 2.5 Ωm. Most of the mudflow within the near-surface is located north of the main crater. A magnitude 6.9 earthquake, located near the northern coast of Venezuela, caused the vent to enlarge, the mud volcano to be displaced towards the north, the crater region to sink by 0.2 m, and the flanks to rise by 0.7 m. This study demonstrates that the integrated pseudo-3D ERT and DEM provide means to monitor the dynamic geological interplay between the surface and subsurface geometry and structures.