Very Long Period Source Research Articles

High-rate very-long-period seismicity at Yasur volcano, Vanuatu: source mechanism and decoupling from surficial explosions and infrasound

SUMMARYYasur volcano, Vanuatu is a continuously active open-vent basaltic-andesite stratocone with persistent and long-lived eruptive activity. We present results from a seismo-acoustic field experiment at Yasur, providing locally dense broad-band seismic and infrasonic network coverage from 2016 July 27 to August 3. We corroborate our seismo-acoustic observations with coincident video data from cameras deployed at the crater and on an unoccupied aircraft system (UAS). The waveforms contain a profusion of signals reflecting Yasur’s rapidly occurring and persistent explosive activity. The typical infrasonic signature of Yasur explosions is a classic short-duration and often asymmetric explosion waveform characterized by a sharp compressive onset and wideband frequency content. The dominant seismic signals are numerous repetitive very-long-period (VLP) signals with periods of ∼2–10 s. The VLP seismic events are ‘high-rate’, reoccurring near-continuously throughout the data set with short interevent times (∼20–60 s). We observe variability in the synchronization of seismic VLP and acoustic sources. Explosion events clearly delineated by infrasonic waveforms are underlain by seismic VLPs. However, strong seismic VLPs also occur with only a weak infrasonic expression. Multiplet analysis of the seismic VLPs reveals a systematic progression in the seismo-acoustic source decoupling. The same dominant seismic VLP multiplet occurs with and without surficial explosions and infrasound, and these transitions occur over a timescale of a few days during our field campaign. We subsequently employ template matching, stacking, and full-waveform inversion to image the source mechanism of the dominant VLP multiplet. Inversion of the dominant VLP multiplet stack points to a composite source consisting of either a dual-crack (plus forces) or pipe-crack (plus forces) mechanism. The derived mechanisms correspond to a point-source directly beneath the summit vents with centroid depths in the range ∼900–1000 m below topography. All mechanisms suggest a northeast trending crack dipping relatively shallowly to the northwest and indicate a VLP source centroid and mechanism controlled by a stable structural geologic feature beneath Yasur. We interpret the results in the framework of gas slug ascent through the conduit responsible for Yasur explosions. The VLP mechanism and timing with infrasound (when present) are explained by a shallow-buffered top-down model in which slug ascent is relatively aseismic until reaching the base of a shallow section. Slug disruption in this shallow zone triggers a pressure disturbance that propagates downward and couples at the conduit base (VLP centroid). If the shallow section is open, an explosion propagates to the surface, producing infrasound. In the case of (the same multiplet) VLPs occurring without surficial explosions and weak or no infrasound, the decoupling of the dominant VLPs at ∼900–1000 m depth from surficial explosions and infrasound strongly indicates buffering of the terminal slug ascent. This buffering could be achieved by a variety of conditions at or directly beneath the vents, such as a high-viscosity layer of crystal-rich magma, a debris cap from backfill, a foam layer, or a combination of these. The dominant VLP at Yasur captured by our experiment has a source depth and mechanism separated from surface processes and is stable over time.

Magma pressure discharge induces very long period seismicity

Volcano seismicity is one of the key parameters to understand magma dynamics of erupting volcanoes. However, the physical process at the origin of the resulting complex and broadband seismic signals remains unclear. Syn-eruptive very long period (VLP) seismic signals have been explained in terms of the sudden expansion of gas pockets rising in the liquid melt. Their origin is linked to a magma dynamics which triggers the explosive process occurring before the explosive onset. We provide evidence based on acoustic, thermal, and ground deformation data to demonstrate that VLP signals at Stromboli are generated at the top of the magma column mainly after the explosion onset. We show that VLP amplitude and duration scale with the eruptive flux which induces a decompression of 103–104 Pa involving the uppermost ~ 250 m of the feeding conduit. The seismic VLP source represents the final stage of a ~ 200 s long charge and discharge mechanism the magma column has to release excess gas accumulated at the base of a denser and degassed magma mush. The position of the VLP seismic source coincides with the centroid of the shallow mush plug and tracks elevation changes of the magma free surface.

Very-Long-Period (VLP) Seismic Artifacts during the 2018 Caldera Collapse at Kīlauea, Hawai‘i

AbstractThroughout the 2018 eruption of Kīlauea volcano (Hawai‘i), episodic collapses of a portion of the volcano’s summit caldera produced repeated Mw 4.9–5.3 earthquakes. Each of these 62 events was characterized by a very-long-period (VLP) seismic signal (>40 s). Although collapses in the later stage of the eruption produced earthquakes with significant amplitude clipping on near-summit broadband seismometers, the first 12 were accurately recorded. For these initial collapse events, we compare average VLP seismograms at six near-summit locations to synthetic seismograms derived from displacements at collocated Global Positioning System stations. We show that the VLP seismic signal was generated by a radially outward and upward ramp function in displacement. We propose that at local distances the period of the VLP seismic signal is solely dependent on the duration of this ramp function and the instrument transfer function, that is, the seismic VLP is an artifact of the bandlimited instrument response and not representative of real ground motion. The displacement ramp function imposes a sinc-function velocity amplitude spectrum that cannot be fully recovered through standard seismic instrument deconvolution. Any near-summit VLP signals in instrument-response-corrected velocity or displacement seismograms from these collapse events are subject to severe band limitation. Similarly, the seismic amplitude response is not flat through the low-frequency corner, for example, instrument-response-uncorrected seismograms scaled by instrument sensitivity are equally prone to band limitation. This observation is crucial when attempting to clarify the different contributions to the VLP source signature. Not accounting for this effect could lead to misunderstanding of the magmatic processes involved.

Comparison of high- and low-frequency signal sources for very-long-period seismic events at Asama volcano, Japan

Very-long-period (VLP) seismic events at Asama volcano in central Japan are characterized by a transient signal of 10–20 s duration. Associated with the transient motion, a high-frequency (HF) oscillation within the 5–10 Hz band is observed. We investigated the location and size of the oscillation source in the HF band (HF source) using an amplitude source location method and compared our results with those for the VLP band (VLP source) deduced in our previous waveform inversion study. We analysed 1437 VLP events recorded during an intense observation campaign during 2008–2009, and additional 571 events surrounding an eruptive activity in 2015 (including a VLP event that immediately preceded an eruption). The HF source locations of most events were deeper than the VLP source locations by ∼150 m, although there was almost no time lag between the signals. This suggests a strong connection between the two sources, with one source immediately responding to the other. The eruptive VLP event had an HF source location close to normal VLP events but had a greater event size. We surmise that the HF signal is caused by an inflow of volcanic gas from depth into a semi-vertical crack-like cavity (as imaged in our previous waveform inversion study), and the VLP signal is caused by resultant inflation of the same cavity. The centroid of inflation (VLP source) is near the roof of the cavity, where gas accumulates, whereas the HF oscillation is emitted more intensely from lower and narrower portions of the cavity. This results in source depth differences between the two signal bands. In this model, the inflation rate of the cavity is controlled by the volume flux of the gas inflow, producing similar temporal variations between the VLP and HF signals. According to this model, the eruptive VLP is associated with a greater amount of gas inflow and accumulation, which likely played a key role in the eruption.

Multiyear Shallow Conduit Changes Observed With Lava Lake Eruption Seismograms at Erebus Volcano, Antarctica

AbstractWe analyze near‐repeating broadband seismograms from nearly 3,000 eruptions (2003–2011) from the Erebus volcano lava lake to investigate temporal changes in the shallow eruptive dynamics of an open conduit volcano. Cross‐correlation analysis reveals progressive variable time lags between correlation‐aligned short period (SP) and very long period (VLP) seismogram components ranging over approximately ±1 s and evolving over weeks to months. Lava lake eruptions both excite an SP explosion seismic signal and gravitationally unload the conduit. After a delay of several seconds, this unloading excites a posteruptive, minute‐long VLP seismic signal that persist for several minutes until the lava lake is refilled. VLP‐SP lag variations are consistent across multiple seismic stations and are independent of eruption size, spectral characteristics, eruption frequency, and lava lake morphology changes. Lag changes are interpreted in terms of variable communication time between eruptions and the subsequent elastic and gravitational response of a tomographically imaged near‐summit magma storage and VLP source region several hundred meters below the lava lake. Tomographic and VLP moment tensor studies, combined with modeling, suggest that the elastodynamic communication time between the distinct SP and VLP source regions is mediated by conduit‐guided Stoneley waves within the uppermost magma‐filled conduit system that are sensitive to small shallow conduit geometry changes. Conduit geometry changes may be driven by internal or external processes, including conduit wall melting and refreezing, repeated eruptive slug erosion, and deformation from inner crater inflation or collapse.

Insights into fluid transport mechanisms at White Island from analysis of coupled very long-period (VLP), long-period (LP) and high-frequency (HF) earthquakes

The August 2012 to October 2013 White Island unrest sequence included 5 explosive volcanic eruptions and emplacement of a small dome. These events were linked to an overall increase in SO2 and H2S gas flux and RSAM seismic tremor which began in late 2011. Prior to this unrest, a small swarm of 25 events was observed on 19–21 August 2011 and captured on a temporary seismic array including 14 broadband sensors. Each event comprised coupled pulses having distinct high frequency (HF=2–5Hz), long-period (LP=0.5–1.1Hz) and very long period (VLP=0.03–0.125Hz or 8–30s) earthquakes.For each coupled event, we compute the source locations, origin times and related uncertainties by application of standard arrival time locations for the HF earthquakes and waveform semblance for the LP and VLP earthquakes. Results suggest that the events are centred beneath the active vent at depths generally <1.5km. The HF and LP earthquakes have shallow depths (<1km), while VLP have slightly deeper source locations (0.8–1.5km). Emergent onsets for LP and VLP sources make an analysis of the absolute origin times problematic but waveform matching of VLP to LP and HF components suggests that the main VLP pulse precedes the HF and LP source processes.Waveform inversion for the VLP source is consistent with the rupture of a high angle East-West oriented crack opening either in a purely tensile or shear-tensile manner. The moment of the isotropic component is estimated at 1.2×1012Nm and the corresponding volumetric change is in the range 145–450m3.Results are interpreted as an upward migration of fluids which first excite the VLP from a high angle crack in the magma carapace followed by the excitation of LP and HF source processes in the overlying hydrothermal system.

Source mechanism of a VLP event immediately before the 2014 eruption of Mt. Ontake, Japan

The phreatic eruption of Mt. Ontake in 2014 was preceded for 25 s by a very long period (VLP) seismic event recorded at one broadband and three short-period seismic stations located within 5000 m of the summit. We performed waveform inversion of the event within a frequency band of 0.1–0.5 Hz that pointed to an ENE-WSW opening (NNW-SSE striking) subvertical tensile crack at a depth of 300–1000 m beneath the region of the eruptive vents. This crack orientation is consistent with alignments of volcano-tectonic (VT) earthquake hypocenters and eruptive vents as well as normal faulting (E-W tension) focal mechanisms of the VT earthquakes. We interpreted these results as follows: the VLP source crack was one of a group of preexisting faults that was opened immediately before the eruption because of the passage of ascending gas from depth to the surface.

The coupling between very long period seismic events, volcanic tremor, and degassing rates at Mount Etna volcano

AbstractFrom December 2005 to January 2006, an anomalous degassing episode was observed at Mount Etna, well‐correlated with an increase in volcanic tremor, and in the almost complete absence of eruptive activity. In the same period, more than 10,000 very long period (VLP) events were detected. Through moment tensor inversion analyses of the VLP pulses, we obtained quantitative estimates of the volumetric variations associated with these events. This allowed a quantitative investigation of the relationship between VLP seismic activity, volcanic tremor, and gas emission rate at Mount Etna. We found a statistically significant positive correlation between SO2 gas flux and volcanic tremor, suggesting that tremor amplitude can be used as a first‐order proxy for the background degassing activity of the volcano. VLP volumetric changes and SO2 gas flux are correlated only for the last part of our observations, following a slight change in the VLP source depth. We calculate that the gas associated with VLP signal genesis contributed less than 5% of the total gas emission. The existence of a linear correlation between VLP and degassing activities indicates a general relationship between these two processes. The effectiveness of such coupling appears to depend upon the particular location of the VLP source, suggesting that conduit geometry might play a significant role in the VLP‐generating process. These results are the first report on Mount Etna of a quantitative relationship between the amounts of gas emissions directly estimated through instrumental flux measurements and the quantities of gas mass inferred in the VLP source inversion.

Dynamics of explosive volcanism at Fuego volcano imaged with very long period seismicity

[1] The current activity at Fuego volcano, Guatemala, is characterized by frequent explosions, intermittent lava flows, and persistent degassing. Seismic and infrasound data of explosive activity recorded over 19 days in January 2009 on a temporary broadband network show that explosive intensity is highly variable. However, the seismic expression of the largest explosions includes similar very long period (VLP) earthquakes for each explosion. Waveform modeling in the 10–30 s band constrains the source centroid to a position 300 m below and 300 m west of the summit crater. The calculated moment tensor indicates a volumetric source, which is modeled as a near-vertical dike feeding a SW dipping (35°) sill. The sill is the dominant component, and its projection to the surface nearly intersects the summit crater. The deformation history of the sill is interpreted as (1) an initial inflation that is due to pressurization, followed by (2) a rapid deflation as overpressure is explosively released, and finally (3) a reinflation as fresh magma flows into the sill and degasses. This cycle is attributed to the development of a brittle plug at the top of the magma column and effective sealing of degassing pathways that is due to degassing crystallization as water exsolves and the magma is undercooled. Data from apparent tilt, SO2 concentrations, and infrasound records support this interpretation. The VLP source location suggests the magma pathway may be migrating westward, which has hazard implications for populations living on the flanks of Fuego.

Relation between single very-long-period pulses and volcanic gas emissions at Mt. Asama, Japan

[1] Multiple volcanic observations conducted at Mt. Asama, Japan, provide evidence of a link between single very-long-period (VLP) seismic pulses and volcanic gas emissions. SO2 flux measurements were conducted on 2 June 2009, when Mt. Asama was producing ash-free eruptions with VLP pulses. Gas bursts from a vent at the crater bottom following the VLP pulses provided an excellent opportunity to examine the relation directly. The SO2 emission for each eruption was calculated by integrating high temporal SO2 flux data obtained by the SO2 imaging system and subtracting the contribution from quiescent degassing from fumaroles around the crater bottom. A seismic moment of VLP pulse was estimated by the waveform inversion. We observed seven eruptions and obtained the proportional relation between VLP pulse moment and SO2 emission. The relation determined is consistent with the VLP source model; these observational results are the first report of a quantitative comparison between single VLP pulse moment and volcanic gas emission.

Seismic source mechanism of degassing bursts at Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii: Results from waveform inversion in the 10–50 s band

The current (March 2008 to February 2009) summit eruptive activity at Kilauea Volcano is characterized by explosive degassing bursts accompanied by very long period (VLP) seismic signals. We model the source mechanisms of VLP signals in the 10–50 s band using data recorded for 15 bursts with a 10‐station broadband network deployed in the summit caldera. To determine the source centroid location and source mechanism, we minimize the residual error between data and synthetics calculated by the finite difference method for a point source embedded in a homogeneous medium that takes topography into account. The VLP signals associated with the bursts originate in a source region ∼1 km below the eastern perimeter of Halemaumau pit crater. The observed waveforms are well explained by the combination of a volumetric component and a vertical single force component. For the volumetric component, several source geometries are obtained which equally explain the observed waveforms. These geometries include (1) a pipe dipping 64° to the northeast; (2) two intersecting cracks including an east striking crack (dike) dipping 80° to the north, intersecting a north striking crack (another dike) dipping 65° to the east; (3) a pipe dipping 58° to the northeast, intersecting a crack dipping 48° to the west–southwest; and (4) a pipe dipping 57° to the northeast, intersecting a pipe dipping 58° to the west–southwest. Using the dual‐crack model as reference, the largest volume change obtained among the 15 bursts is ∼24,400 m3, and the maximum amplitude (peak to peak) of the force is ∼20 GN. Each burst is marked by a similar sequence of deflation and inflation, trailed by decaying oscillations of the volumetric source. The vertical force is initially upward, synchronous with source deflation, then downward, synchronous with source reinflation, followed by oscillations with polarity opposite to the volumetric oscillations. This combination of force and volume change is attributed to pressure and momentum changes induced during a fluid dynamic source mechanism involving the ascent, expansion, and burst of a large slug of gas within the upper ∼150 m of the magma conduit. As the slug expands upon approach to the surface and more liquid becomes wall supported by viscous shear forces, the pressure below the slug decreases, inducing conduit deflation and an upward force on the Earth. The final rapid slug expansion and burst stimulate VLP and LP oscillations of the conduit system, which slowly decay due to viscous dissipation and elastic radiation. Consideration of the fluid dynamic arguments leads us to prefer the dual‐crack VLP source model as it is the only candidate model capable of producing plausible values of length scales and pressure changes. The magnitudes of the vertical forces observed in the 15 bursts appear consistent with slug masses of 104 to 106 kg.

Source mechanism of a very-long-period event at Mt Ontake, central Japan: Response of a hydrothermal system to magma intrusion beneath the summit

A very-long-period (VLP) volcanic event, which occurred on 25 January 2007 beneath Mt Ontake, central Japan, was recorded by nearby broadband seismometers as well as the Japanese nationwide Hi-net and F-net seismic networks. The VLP waveforms show a pulse-like shape with a duration of approximately 1 min. The VLP event was accompanied by a burst sequence of long-period (LP) events. We carried out waveform inversion to determine the source mechanism and location of the VLP event. Our analysis indicates volumetric changes in an inclined crack (seismic moment of 10 14 Nm) at the VLP source, which is located at 0.6 km above sea level beneath the summit of Mt Ontake and above dikes determined from GPS data. The source-time functions of the VLP event showed a pulse-like triangular shape, indicating inflation followed by deflation of the crack at the source. We interpreted the result of the waveform inversion as follows. Gases released from the intruded magma heated an aquifer system beneath the summit of Mt Ontake. A break of unstable superheated water in a hydrothermal crack in the system caused vaporization of water and associated crack inflation, which was followed by discharge of steam from the crack resulting in its collapse. These processes caused the VLP event, which may have been a precursor of a small phreatic eruption that occurred in late March 2007.

Eruption dynamics at Mount St. Helens imaged from broadband seismic waveforms: Interaction of the shallow magmatic and hydrothermal systems

The current eruption at Mount St. Helens is characterized by dome building and shallow, repetitive, long‐period (LP) earthquakes. Waveform cross‐correlation reveals remarkable similarity for a majority of the earthquakes over periods of several weeks. Stacked spectra of these events display multiple peaks between 0.5 and 2 Hz that are common to most stations. Lower‐amplitude very‐long‐period (VLP) events commonly accompany the LP events. We model the source mechanisms of LP and VLP events in the 0.5–4 s and 8–40 s bands, respectively, using data recorded in July 2005 with a 19‐station temporary broadband network. The source mechanism of the LP events includes: 1) a volumetric component modeled as resonance of a gently NNW‐dipping, steam‐filled crack located directly beneath the actively extruding part of the new dome and within 100 m of the crater floor and 2) a vertical single force attributed to movement of the overlying dome. The VLP source, which also includes volumetric and single‐force components, is 250 m deeper and NNW of the LP source, at the SW edge of the 1980s lava dome. The volumetric component points to the compression and expansion of a shallow, magma‐filled sill, which is subparallel to the hydrothermal crack imaged at the LP source, coupled with a smaller component of expansion and compression of a dike. The single‐force components are due to mass advection in the magma conduit. The location, geometry and timing of the sources suggest the VLP and LP events are caused by perturbations of a common crack system.

Source process of very-long-period events accompanying long-period signals at Cotopaxi Volcano, Ecuador

Renewed seismic activity of Cotopaxi, Ecuador, began in January 2001 with the increased number of long-period (LP) events, followed by a swarm of volcano-tectonic (VT) earthquakes in November 2001. In late June 2002, the activity of very-long-period (VLP) (2 s) events accompanying LP (0.5–1 s) signals began beneath the volcano. The VLP waveform was characterized by an impulsive signature, which was accompanied by the LP signal showing non-harmonic oscillations. We observed temporal changes of both the VLP and LP signals from the beginning until September 2003: The VLP signal gradually disappeared and the LP signal characterized by decaying harmonic oscillations became dominant. Assuming possible source geometries, we applied a waveform inversion method to the observed waveforms of the largest VLP event. Our inversion and particle motion analyses point to volumetric changes of a sub-vertical crack as the VLP source, which is located at a depth of 2–3 km beneath the northeastern flank. The spectral analysis of the decaying harmonic oscillations of LP events shows frequencies between 2.0 and 3.5 Hz, with quality factors significantly above 100. The increased VT activity and deformation data suggest an intrusion of magma beneath the volcano. A release of gases with small magma particles may have repetitively occurred due to the pressurization, which was caused by sustained bubble growth at the magma ceiling. The released particle-laden gases opened a crack above the magma system and triggered the resonance of the crack. We interpret the VLP and LP events as the gas-release process and the resonance of the crack, respectively.

Stability of the seismic source during effusive and explosive activity at Stromboli Volcano

In December 2002 Stromboli Volcano erupted triggering a sector collapse and a tsunami. During the 7 month‐long effusive eruption, the typical persistent and moderate explosive activity of Stromboli ceased. However, very long period (VLP) seismic events, typically associated with the explosions at Stromboli, were recorded during the effusive eruption. These were clustered mainly in two groups with stable waveforms. This suggests that strombolian activity never ceased but was confined deep within the magma conduit. A location method, based on the seismic directivity recorded with an asynchronous seismic deployment, positioned the two clusters ∼60 m apart from each other at ∼510 m a.s.l. and ∼180 m NW from the summit craters. However, seismic polarization reveals a ∼50 m upward migration of the VLP source at the end of the eruption when volcanic activity moved from the effusive style to more typical strombolian activity.

Very long period oscillations of Mount Erebus Volcano

The exposed top of the conduit system at Mount Erebus Volcano, Ross Island, Antarctica, is a convecting lava (magma) lake hosting Strombolian eruptions caused by the explosive decompression of large (up to 5 m radius) gas slugs. Short‐period (SP; f ≥1 Hz) seismoacoustic eruption seismograms are accompanied by oscillatory very long period (VLP) signals observed in the near field by broadband seismometers 0.7 to 2.5 km from the lava lake. A variable VLP onset, preceding eruptions by several seconds, is followed by a repeatable VLP coda that persists for several minutes until the lava lake recovers to its preeruptive level. VLP signals are dominated by distinct decaying nonharmonic modes, the largest at periods of 20.7, 11.3, and 7.8 s, with respective source Q values of approximately 11, 18, and 4. Particle motions indicate a temporally evolving source producing increasingly vertical posteruptive displacements as the signal decays. VLP scalar moments, up to ∼5×1011 N m, exceed SP moments by an order of magnitude or more, suggesting distinct, though genetically related, SP and VLP source mechanisms. We conclude that VLP signals arise from excitation of a quasi‐linear resonator that is intimately associated with the conduit system and is excited by gravity and inertial forces associated with gas slug ascent, eruption, and magma recharge. VLP signal stability across hundreds of eruptions spanning 5 years, the persistence of the lava lake, and the rapid posteruptive lava lake recovery indicate a stable near‐summit magma reservoir and VLP source process.

Seismic and acoustic observations at Mount Erebus Volcano, Ross Island, Antarctica, 1994–1998

Volcanic activity at Mount Erebus is dominated by eruptive activity within a phonolitic summit lava lake. Common eruption styles range from passive degassing to Strombolian explosions, which typically occur several times daily, and occasionally in swarms of up to 900 per day. Shallow explosions, although generally the result of steady exsolution of volatiles from depth, can be triggered by surficial input of H2O through mass wasting of rock, snow and ice from the crater walls. Broadband observations of Strombolian explosions document very-long-period (VLP) signals with strong spectral peaks near 20, 12 and 7s, which are polarized in the vertical/radial plane. These signals precede lava lake surface explosions by ∼1.5s, are highly repeatable, and persist for up to 200s. First motions indicate a deflationary source, with any precursory inflation being below the ∼30s passband of our instruments. Particle motions suggest a VLP source residing up to 800m below the lava lake surface; however, this depth could be exaggerated by near-field radial tilt.Seismic and acoustic signals associated with lava lake explosions commonly show evidence for multiple bubble bursts in corresponding complexity features resulting from varying time delays and relative sizes of superimposed bursts. A systematic decrease in seismic/acoustic ratio for smaller surface explosions suggests that either the seismic energy from the smallest, shallowest bubble bursts experiences much greater seismic attenuation than energy arising from larger events which may involve a deeper, less attenuative portion of the magma column, and/or that the shallowest layer is seismically isolated from deeper parts of a stratified magma column, which are not excited by the smallest explosions due to sharp impedance contrasts across distinct layers.Tremor at Erebus is uncommon, with only a few isolated instances identified in five years of monitoring. Some tremor events are nearly monochromatic, and some exhibit numerous gliding harmonic spectral lines.

Broadband recording of Strombolian explosions and associated very‐long‐period seismic signals on Mount Erebus Volcano, Ross Island, Antarctica

In December 1996 and January 1997, broadband seismometers were deployed on the summit plateau of Mount Erebus at radial distances of 0.7, 1.4 and 1.9 km from the central crater and lava lake. Strombolian explosions at Erebus previously have been observed to produce seismic and acoustic energy between 1 and 6 Hz. New observations document significant energy with spectral peaks as grave as 20 s. Nearly identical very‐long‐period (VLP) signals begin ∼1.5 s prior to explosions, have dilatational onsets and persist for up to 150 s. Similar VLP waveforms were recorded at all three stations, indicating that the seismograms are essentially source‐dominated. Particle motions suggest an initial depth for the VLP source of up to several hundred meters, migrating deeper in the course of ∼15 s. Such explosion‐associated VLP signals may indicate a nondestructive lossy resonance or nonlinear fluid‐flow excitation within the shallow magmatic system.