Aseismic Area Research Articles

Interpretasi Mekanisme Erupsi Gunung Api Lokon berdasarkan Aktivitas Kegempaan Pra-Erupsi 4 – 12 September 2014

Prior to the eruption of Lokon Volcano on September 13 2014 at 03.09 WITA, there were 62 volcanic earthquake events recorded by seismometers since September 4 2014. This research aims to interpret the eruption mechanism of Lokon Volcano based on seismic activity in the pre-eruption period. 04 - 12 September 2014. The distribution of source points for volcanic earthquakes, both hypocenters, can be visualized using the seismic method, namely by processing digital seimogram data using Swarm 3.1.0 software, GAD (Geiger's method with Adaptive Damping) and Origin 8. Data used, sourced from three stations, namely, Empung (EMP), Wailan (WLN), Kinilow (KIN). Lokon volcano. The hypocenter distribution of volcanic earthquakes is concentrated at a depth of 0 - 1,500 m above sea level and it was found that the aseismic area which is assumed to be a shallow magma pocket area from the Lokon volcano is at a depth of 1,500 - 3,000 m above sea level. The interpretation results show that the eruption mechanism of Lokon Volcano originates from disturbances in the volcanic system which are thought to be the result of tectonic earthquakes in the subduction zone. This causes the magma to rise upwards to supply shallow magma pockets until it reaches maximum pressure and an eruption occurs.

Magmatic Activity and Dynamics of Melt Supply of Volcanic Centers of Ultraslow Spreading Ridges: Hints From Local Earthquake Tomography at the Knipovich Ridge

AbstractAlong ultraslow spreading ridges melt is distributed unequally, but melt focusing guides melt away from amagmatic segments toward volcanic centers. An interplay of tectonism and magmatism is thought to control melt ascent, but the detailed process of melt extraction is not yet understood. We present a detailed image of the seismic velocity structure of the Logachev volcanic center and adjacent region along the Knipovich Ridge. With travel times of P‐ and S‐waves of 3,959 earthquakes we performed a local earthquake tomography. We simultaneously inverted for source locations, velocity structure and the Vp/Vs‐ratio. An extensive low velocity anomaly coincident with high Vp/Vs‐ratios >1.9 lies underneath the volcanic center at depths of 10 km below sea level in an aseismic area. More shallow, tightly clustered earthquake swarms connect the anomaly to a shallow anomaly with high Vp/Vs‐ratio beneath the basaltic seafloor. We consider the deep low‐velocity anomaly to represent an area of partial melt from which melts ascent vertically to the surface and northwards into the adjacent segment. By comparing tomographic studies of the Logachev and Southwest Indian Ridge Segment‐8 volcano we conclude that volcanic centers of ultraslow spreading ridges host spatially confined, circular partial melt areas below 10 km depth, in contrast to the shallow extended melt lenses along fast spreading ridges. Lateral feeding over distances of 35 km is possible at orthogonal spreading segments, but limited at the obliquely spreading Knipovich Ridge.

THE SEPTEMBER 2, 2015, КR=14.0, Mw=5.1, I0=7–8 TALLAY EARTHQUAKE at the NORTH-EASTERN FLANK of the BAIKAL RIFT

We consider September 2, 2015, Mw=5.1 Tallay earthquake occurred in the previously aseismic area of the North-Muya Ridge adjoining to the Muya-Kuanda basin from the north. Instrumental and macroseismic data on this seismic event are presented. Its seismic moment tensor is calculated from surface wave amplitude spectra. New data on strong ground motions are obtained within the north-eastern flank of the Baikal rift. The Tallay earthquake is found to be connected with seismogenic renewal of the second-order multidirectional faults activated in the rift stress field.

Time-dependent Seismic Footprint of Thermal Loading for Geothermal Activities in Fractured Carbonate Reservoirs

This paper describes and deploys a workflow to assess the evolution of seismicity associated to injection of cold fluids close to a fault. We employ a coupled numerical thermo-hydro-mechanical simulator to simulate the evolution of pressures, temperatures and stress on the fault. Adopting rate-and-state seismicity theory we assess induced seismicity rates from stressing rates at the fault. Seismicity rates are then used to derive the time-dependent frequency-magnitude distribution of seismic events. We model the seismic response of a fault in a highly fractured and a sparsely fractured carbonate reservoir. Injection of fluids into the reservoir causes cooling of the reservoir, thermal compaction and thermal stresses. The evolution of seismicity during injection is non-stationary: we observe an ongoing increase of the fault area that is critically stressed as the cooling front propagates from the injection well into the reservoir. During later stages, models show the development of an aseismic area surrounded by an expanding ring of high seismicity rates at the edge of the cooling zone. This ring can be related to the “passage” of the cooling front. We show the seismic response of the fault, in terms of the timing of elevated seismicity and seismic moment release, depends on the fracture density, as it affects the temperature decrease in the rock volume and thermo-elastic stress change on the fault. The dense fracture network results in a steeper thermal front which promotes stress arching, and leads to locally and temporarily high Coulomb stressing and seismicity rates. We derive frequency-magnitude distributions and seismic moment release for a low-stress subsurface and a tectonically active area with initially critically stressed faults. The evolution of seismicity in the low-stress environment depends on the dimensions of the fault area that is perturbed by the stress changes. The probability of larger earthquakes and the associated seismic risk are thus reduced in low-stress environments. For both stress environments, the total seismic moment release is largest for the densely spaced fracture network. Also, it occurs at an earlier stage of the injection period: the release is more gradually spread in time and space for the widely spaced fracture network.

Unusual Seismic Signals in the Sevier Desert, Utah Possibly Related to the Black Rock Volcanic Field

AbstractOn September 12, 2018 and April 14, 2019 shallow (<2.5 km from the surface, <1 km relative to sea level) earthquakes (Mw 4.0 and 4.1, respectively) struck a relatively aseismic area in south‐central Utah, within the Black Rock Desert volcanic field. Seismic waveforms are dominated by long‐period energy, no clear direct S‐wave arrivals, and signal durations of ∼100 s. Using co‐seismic interferograms, we detect clear and distinguishable surface deformation confirming the shallowness of the two mainshocks, while full moment tensor solutions rule out an isotropic source, such as an explosion or collapse. For the April 2019 sequence, we build an earthquake catalog using a dense temporary geophone array. The enhanced earthquake catalog shows a rapidly decaying aftershock sequence, with 85% of aftershocks occurring during the first three hours. Combining these observations, we argue that these earthquake sequences are related to the Black Rock Desert volcanic field.

High Rates of Inflation During a Noneruptive Episode of Seismic Unrest at Semisopochnoi Volcano, Alaska in 2014–2015

AbstractMagma intrusion rate is a key parameter in eruption triggering but is poorly quantified in existing geodetic studies. Here we examine two episodes of rapid inflation in this context. Two noneruptive microseismic swarms were recorded at Semisopochnoi Volcano, Alaska in 2014–2015. We use differential SAR techniques and TerraSAR‐X images to document surface deformation from 2011 to 2015, which comprises island‐wide radial inflation totaling ~25 cm (+/−1 cm) line of sight displacement in 2014–2015. Multiple source geometries are tested in an inversion of the deformation data, and InSAR data are best fit by a spheroid trending to the northeast and plunging to the southeast, with a major axis of ~4 km and minor axes of ~1 km, directly under the central caldera of Semisopochnoi. In 2014, a modeled influx of 0.043 km3 of magma caused line of sight displacement of ~17 cm. This magma was stored at a depth of ~8 km, until 2015 when 0.029 km3 was added. Along with the definition of inflation source parameters, the recorded seismic events are relocated using differential travel times. These relocated events outline a linear aseismic area within a larger zone of shallow (<10 km) seismicity. This aseismic region aligns with the centroid of the deformation model. Based on these geodetic and seismic models, the plumbing system at Semisopochnoi is interpreted as a spheroidal magma storage zone at a depth of ˜8 km below a linear feature of partial melt. The observed deformation and seismicity appear to result from rapid injection into this main storage region.

Frictional Stabilities on Induced Earthquake Fault Planes at Fox Creek, Alberta: A Pore Fluid Pressure Dilemma

AbstractEarthquakes induced during hydraulic fracturing operations have occurred in a number of locales. However, in situ studies aimed to discern the triggering mechanism remain exclusively statistical in their nature. Here we calculate the fault slip tendencies of 11 hydraulic fracturing induced earthquakes in a historically aseismic area using a recently constructed quantitative model for the in‐situ stresses. It is shown that the ambient pore pressures of the nearby Duvernay unconventional reservoirs can provide enough ΔPf triggering fault movement. The local fluid pressures acting on the fault could readily be increased above the critical value if hydraulic connection exists between the fault and a propagating hydraulic fracture. The critical pressures necessary to induce slip are estimated using a probabilistic model that incorporates uncertainties of stress and fault's mechanical properties. These critical pressures are greater than the expected hydrostatic pressure but less the pore pressures of nearby unconventional reservoirs.

Composite Megathrust Rupture From Deep Interplate to Trench of the 2016 Solomon Islands Earthquake

AbstractThe deep plate boundary has usually been recognized as an aseismic area, with few large earthquakes occurring at the 60–100 km depth interface. In contrast, we use a finite‐fault rupture model to demonstrate that large slip in the 2016 M7.9 Solomon Islands earthquake may have originated from the deep subduction interface and propagated all the way up to the trench. The initial rupture occurred at a depth of about 100 km, forming a deep asperity and then propagating updip to the middle‐depth large coseismic slip area. Our proposed source model indicates that the depth‐varying rupture characteristics of this event could shift to deeper depths with respect to other subduction zones. This result also implied that the deep subducting plate boundary could also be seismogenic, which might trigger rupture at the typical middle‐depth stress‐locked zone and develop into rare composite megathrust events.

Rapid Response, Monitoring, and Mitigation of Induced Seismicity near Greeley, Colorado

On 1 June 2014 (03:35 UTC), an M w 3.2 earthquake occurred in Weld County, Colorado, a historically aseismic area of the Denver–Julesburg basin. Weld County is a prominent area of oil and gas development, including many high‐rate class II wastewater injection wells. In the days following the earthquake, the University of Colorado, with support from the U.S. Geological Survey and Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology–Portable Array Seismic Studies of the Continental Lithosphere, rapidly deployed six seismic stations to characterize the seismicity associated with the 1 June earthquake (the Greeley sequence) and to investigate its possible connection to wastewater disposal. The spatial and temporal proximity of earthquakes to a high‐rate wastewater disposal well strongly suggests these earthquakes were induced. Scientific communication between the university, state agencies, and the energy industry led to rapid mitigation strategies to reduce the occurrence of further earthquakes. Mitigation efforts included implementing a temporary moratorium on injection at the well, cementing the bottom portion of the disposal well to minimize hydrologic connectivity between the disposal formation and the underlying crystalline basement, and subsequently allowing injection to resume at lower rates. Following the resumption of wastewater disposal, microseismicity was closely monitored for both increases in earthquake rate and magnitude. Following mitigation efforts, between 13 August 2014 and 29 December 2015, no earthquakes larger than M 1.5 occurred near the Greeley sequence. This study demonstrates that a detailed and rapid characterization of a seismic sequence in space and time relative to disposal, combined with collaboration and communication between scientists, regulators, and industry, can lead to objective and actionable mitigation efforts that potentially reduced the rate of earthquakes and the possible generation of larger earthquakes.

The M w 4.3 January 17, 2014, earthquake: very rare seismic event on the Siberian platform

We described the 2014 January 17 earthquake (M w = 4.3) occurred on the Siberian platform in the area of sublongitudinal part of the Angara river in the zone of possible influence of two large reservoirs—Ust-Ilimsk and Boguchan. This is the first event of such magnitude recorded in this previously aseismic area during the whole period of instrumental observations. A seismic moment, a moment magnitude, a hypocentral depth, and a focal mechanism of the event were calculated on the basis of surface wave amplitude spectra. Analysis of the geological and geophysical data showed that the earthquake origin is connected with high-velocity gradient zone located at the border of the Late Proterozoic cover and the Precambrian basement of the Siberian platform. Some evidences for a natural character of the earthquake were considered.

Could a Sumatra-like megathrust earthquake occur in the south Ryukyu subduction zone?

A comparison of the geological and geophysical environments between the Himalaya-Sumatra and Taiwan-Ryukyu collision-subduction systems revealed close tectonic similarities. Both regions are characterized by strongly oblique convergent processes and dominated by similar tectonic stress regimes. In the two areas, the intersections of the oceanic fracture zones with the subduction systems are characterized by trench-parallel high free-air gravity anomaly features in the fore-arcs and the epicenters of large earthquakes were located at the boundary between the positive and negative gravity anomalies. These event distributions and high-gravity anomalies indicate a strong coupling degree of the intersection area, which was probably induced by a strong resistance of the fracture features during the subduction. Moreover, the seismicity distribution in the Ryukyu area was very similar to the pre-seismic activity pattern of the 2004 Sumatra event. That is, thrust-type earthquakes with a trench-normal P-axis occurred frequently along the oceanward side of the mainshock, whereas only a few thrust earthquakes occurred along the continentward side. Therefore, the aseismic area located west of 128°E in the western Ryukyu subduction zone could have resulted from the strong plate locking effect beneath the high gravity anomaly zone. By analogy with the tectonic environment of the Sumatra subduction zone, the occurrence of a potential Sumatra-like earthquake in the south Ryukyu arc is highly likely and the rupture will mainly propagate continentward to fulfill the region of low seismicity (approximately 125° E to 129° E; 23° N to 26.5° N), which may generate a hazardous tsunami.

The January 6, 2006, Balei earthquake as a reflection of the present tectonic activity of the east Trans-Baikal Region

The results of detailed studies of the January 6, 2006, Balei earthquake (Kp = 13.1, Mb = 4.7 [7]), which occurred in an almost aseismic area of the east Trans-Baikal Region, are presented. The focal mechanism and dynamical characteristics of the focus are considered, and the structural-tectonic position of the focus is analyzed. It is supposed that the focus of this seismic event coincides with an activated segment of the northwest-striking Balei-Darasun fault. The maximal observed macroseismic intensity was 5–6 points by the MSK-64 scale (in the town of Baleis). The origination of foci for the earthquake with such intensity and magnitude takes place substantially owing to subhorizontal northeastern compression, the varied-rank block structure of the medium, and low rate values of tectonic motions; on aggregate, all these factors promote the accumulation of stresses in the Earth’s crust. The obtained data can be useful for the purpose of assessment in seismic danger of the region.

Relations of geodynamic processes, tectonic stresses and strong earthquakes on the Middle Kuril from 2006 through 2009 with eruption of the Sarychev Peak Volcano

It is suggested that the eruption of the Sarycheva Peak volcano on 11 June 2009 may have been related to strong earthquakes which occurred in the Middle Kuril Islands from 2006 through 2009 (Figure 1), geodynamic processes (such as tectonic activation, subduction, and friction of contacting blocks), tectonic stresses, melting of rocks, rising of the melting substance, gases and fluids. The publication discusses the earthquake hypocenters profile along the Kuril Islands (Figure 2), the seismogeological depth profile of volcanoes of the Kuril Islands that was published by T.K. Zlobin (Figure 3), and positions of the magmatic chamber and the seismogenic zone of the SenHelens volcano from the publication by S. Carey (Figure 4). The map of earthquake epicenters for the Middle Kuril Islands is constructed on the basis of the NEIC catalogue (Figure 5). A corresponding depth profile showing earthquake hypocenters is constructed (Figure 6). An aseismic area is detected underneath the Matua Island (Sarychev Peak volcano) ; it is almost 30 km wide and about 200 km thick. In the Middle Kuril Islands, magma lifting and eruption were facilitated by stretching of the lithosphere (Figure 7), occurrence and activation of breaks, fractures and faults due to earthquakes which occurred from 2006 though 2009, and lifting of gas and fluids (Figure 8). The eruption was possible by explosion upon instant injection of fluids into the porous space due to considerable shear stresses, which occurred after the earthquakes, and the reaction of dehydration. It can also result from supply of volcanic gases and fluids, according to the vacuumexplosion fluid dynamics model.

A preliminary studyof the site-dependence of the multifractalfeatures of geoelectric measurements

Multifractal analysis was performed to characterize the fluctuations in dynamics of the hourly time variability of self-potential signals measured from January 2001 to September 2002 by three stations installed in the Basil- icata region (Southern Italy). Two stations (Giuliano and Tito) are located in a seismic area, and one (Laterza) in an aseismic area. Multifractal formalism leads to the identification of a set of parameters derived from the shape of the multifractal spectrum (the maximum α0, the asymmetry B and the width W ) and measuring the «complexity» of the signals. Furthermore, the multifractal parameters seem to discriminate self-potential signals measured in seismic areas from those recorded in aseismic areas.

Post-glacial persistence of turbiditic activity within the Rhône deep-sea turbidite system (Gulf of Lions, Western Mediterranean): Linking the outer shelf and the basin sedimentary records

Emplacement of post-glacial turbidites is commonly controlled by rapid changes in sea level or by seismicity. On the continental rise of the Gulf of Lions (Western Mediterranean), an aseismic area, we identified turbiditic beds deposited during the rising stage and highstand of sea level. Swath bathymetry, sediment cores, in situ Cone Penetrating Tests (CPTU), heavy mineral associations and radiocarbon dating determined the source, composition, distribution and age of the turbiditic beds. Turbidites are composed of homogeneous to positively graded silts to medium sand with quartz (up to 90%), shell debris and shelfal benthic faunas. Their distribution on the sea floor is very patchy and controlled by abundant inherited erosional bedforms. Their source is found in relict regressive sands at the outershelf. Their deposition occurred just after the onset of the post-glacial sea level rise and the concomitant sediment starvation of the Rhône deep sea turbiditic system until recently. Whilst canyons are fed with sand by strong seasonal hydro-sedimentary dynamics on the outershelf, the emplacement of post-glacial turbidites is not controlled by sea level changes but probably by the periodic flushing of the canyons. Our study revealed that this low energy aseismic margin undergoes significant transport of sand, down to the base of slope, during the sea-level rise and the Holocene highstand.

Investigating the multifractal properties of geoelectrical signals measured in southern Italy

Multifractal investigation of the time fluctuations in the hourly time variability of geoelectrical signals, measured from January 2001 to September 2002 by four stations installed in Basilicata region (southern Italy) has been performed. Three stations (Giuliano, Marsico and Tito) are located in a seismic area and one (Laterza) in an aseismic area. The set of the multifractal parameters reveals the larger “complexity” of data measured in seismic areas respect to those recorded in aseismic areas, suggesting their potential in discriminating the two types of signals.

Microearthquake seismicity in relation to double convergence around the Solomon Islands arc by ocean-bottom seismometer observation

SUMMARY The Solomon Islands arc area is a complex plate convergence zone. At the North Solomon Trench on the northern side of the arc, it is believed that the Pacific Plate was subducting before coming into collision with the Ontong Java Plateau, the world's largest oceanic plateau. After the collision about 5 Ma, northeastward subduction initiated along the southern side of the arc at the San Cristobal Trench, another trench on the south side. GPS observations and crustal seismic structure surveys confirm that convergence occurs at both trenches. Without detailed and accurate seismicity, it is difficult to characterize the plate subduction to reveal the tectonics of such a complex zone where a key mechanism of continental growth may also exist. In 1994, an ocean-bottom seismometer (OBS) experiment was carried out for the first time in the area around the Solomon Islands arc to locate microearthquakes. Observations started in late August and continued until early September. Five digital recording OBSs were deployed around the Russell Islands west of Guadalcanal Island. OBS spacing was about 20 km. All the OBSs were recovered and yielded data with a good signal-to-noise ratio. 40 earthquakes, with magnitudes in the range 1.5–4.4 were located over 8 days. The seismicity clearly images the two subducting plates. Though the seismicity beneath the arc side slope of the San Cristobal Trench is relatively high, we can see the seismicity which is related to the subducting Pacific Plate beneath Santa Isabel Island. In addition, earthquakes occur within the crust beneath the southern part of the New Georgia Basin and the Russell Islands. An aseismic area extending 40 km inward from the San Cristobal trench axis implies initial aseismic slip of the India–Australia Plate at a small dip angle.

Late Quaternary uplift of northeastern Sicily: relation with the active normal faulting deformation

The evaluation of the vertical displacement-rate of the Late Quaternary marine terraces along the Ionian coast of northeastern Sicily (southern Italy) has been adopted as a tool to reconstruct the Late Quaternary deformation affecting the aseismic area, intervening between the Calabrian arc and the eastern Sicily seismogenic regions. The methodology adopted, based on computer elaboration of the field data, provided the amount of the uplift recorded since 124 ka, partitioned in the time, with the resolution of the oxygen isotope timescale (OIT) stages. The main result of the analysis is the recognition of a recently deformed sector of the coast, corresponding to the area of underlap between the seismogenic faults of southern Calabria and eastern Sicily. The deformation path of the Late Quaternary shorelines is consistent with the occurrence of an active normal fault in the off-shore of the area. This tectonic feature, that crosses through a main crustal barrier, represents the link between the two sets of seismogenic faults that cut through the weakened sectors of the crust. The resulting picture clearly indicates the influence of crustal properties on the geometry of the active fault belt and on the distribution of the main seismic events along the active “Siculo-Calabrian Rift Zone”.

An image of a magma intrusion process inferred from precise hypocentral migrations of the earthquake swarm east of the Izu Peninsula

Earthquake swarms in the area east of the Izu Peninsula, Central Japan have been active and have been repeated intermittently since 1978 after 40 years of quiescence. The activities were always accompanied by crustal deformations, which were well modelled by dyke intrusions. To study the process of a dyke intrusion, precise hypocentres of the latest activity occurring in 1998 are obtained in this paper using waveform similarity, by which new images of volcanic processes have been successfully acquired at several volcanoes. The relocated hypocentres are mainly aligned on a thin vertical plane with a circular shape at a depth of 3–7 km, and there is an aseismic area at the centre. The normal direction to the plane coincides well with the direction of tectonic extensional stress around the hypocentral area and matches theoretical models well. At the beginning of the activity, a small fraction of the events occurred at greater depth, where hypocentres align on a vertical line and migrate upward at a rate of 1 km h−1. The migration rate in this stage agrees well with a theoretical model of buoyancy-driven dyke propagation. After 1 day from the beginning, earthquakes began to occur around the aseismic area, and hypocentres spread on the thin circular plane described above. During this activity, the hypocentres seemed to migrate downwards and upwards from the centre. The earthquakes are caused by shear fracture at the tip of the dyke and the migration of hypocentres reflects that the dyke expands downward and upward from the neutrally buoyant layer that is located at the centre of the swarm. In this paper, we also propose a process of magma intrusion based on the precise migration of hypocentres, and show that the 1998 activity is composed of a few simple volcanic processes: magma rising by buoyancy, it staying at a neutral buoyancy point and spreading outward from the neutral point with elastic fracture by an inside excess magma pressure.

Monofractal and multifractal characterization of geoelectrical signals measured in southern Italy

Fractal tools have been used to characterize the temporal fluctuations in the dynamics of hourly geoelectrical signals, measured from January 2001 to February 2002 by four stations installed in Basilicata region (southern Italy). Three stations (Giuliano, Marsico and Tito) are located in a seismic area, and one (Laterza) in an aseismic area. Monofractal approaches (Lomb Periodogram, Higuchi method and detrended fluctuation analysis) have been used to identify in a wide range of timescales scaling behaviour, that indicates the presence of correlated temporal fluctuations and long-range dependence. The multifractal formalism leads to the identification of a set of parameters, derived from the shape of the multifractal spectrum (the maximum α 0, the asymmetry B and the width W) and measuring the “complexity” of the signals. Furthermore, the multifractal parameters have revealed to well discriminate geoelectrical signals measured in seismic areas from those recorded in aseismic areas.