INCORPORATING SEISMIC OBSERVATIONS INTO 2D CONDUIT FLOW MODELING

Abstract

Conduit flow modeling aims to understand the conditions of magma at depth, and to provide insight into the physical processes that occur inside the volcano. Low-frequency events, characteristic to many volcanoes, are thought to contain information on the state of magma at depth. Therefore, by incorporating information from low-frequency seismic analysis into conduit flow modeling a greater understanding of magma ascent and its interdependence on magma conditions and physical processes is possible. The 2D conduit flow model developed in this study demonstrates the importance of lateral pressure and parameter variations on overall magma flow dynamics, and the substantial effect bubbles have on magma shear viscosity and on magma ascent. The 2D nature of the conduit flow model developed here allows in depth investigation into processes which occur at, or close to the wall, such as magma cooling and brittle failure of melt. These processes are shown to have a significant effect on magma properties and therefore, on flow dynamics. By incorporating low-frequency seismic information, an advanced conduit flow model is developed including the consequences of brittle failure of melt, namely friction-controlled slip and gas loss. This model focuses on the properties and behaviour of magma at depth within the volcano, and their interaction with the formation of seismic events by brittle failure of melt. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.