Uturuncu, a dormant volcano in Bolivia’s Central Andes, has been attracting quite a bit of interest these days because of its weird signals of unrest. Dubbed a “zombie” volcano, it has not erupted for approximately 250,000 years yet continues to exhibit seismic activity and gas emissions. This disturbing phenomenon poses grave dangers to the communities we live in. They know the terrible cost should Uturuncu wake from its centuries-long nap.
Chinese, British and American researchers have set out on a massive multi-disciplined effort to study this fascinating volcano. Specifically, their findings show that Uturuncu lies atop the world’s largest known magma body, which is part of the extensive and active Altiplano-Puna Volcanic Complex. This complex contains a young, active, hydrothermal system that extends to the surface of Uturuncu. It provides vital information about the volcano’s recent behavior.
Signs of Unrest
As of late, all signs are pointing to Uturuncu being a bit more active than one would assume based on its somnolent appearance. Earthquakes and sulfur dioxide gas plumes are the most obvious and visible indicators of his or her unrest. At the same time, researchers are intently examining what drives these unsafe activities. The research team used a combination of seismology, physics models, and rock composition to reveal the volcano’s mysteries.
This movement of liquid and gas under Uturuncu’s crater is the primary cause of its unrest. Our research aims to illuminate the unseen forces at play below the surface. These aspects would have a major impact on how this volcano may behave in the future.
“Understanding the anatomy of the Uturuncu volcanic system was only possible thanks to the expertise within the research team. This enabled us to combine various advanced geophysical imaging tools with modeling of the rock properties and their interactions with fluids.” – Professor Haijiang Zhang, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China.
By taking advantage of cutting-edge geophysical techniques, the scientists have been able to produce detailed three-dimensional images of Uturuncu’s inner workings. Seismic waves travel at different speeds depending on the materials they pass through. This new and exciting variation gives scientists a truer taste of what’s underneath our planet’s surface.
The Research Team’s Approach
The international collaboration brought together experts from multiple disciplines to collectively investigate Uturuncu’s unique geological features. The multidisciplinary team’s approach has been essential in managing the complexities involved with this one-of-a-kind volcano.
The techniques that we created in the course of this research have implications that are broader than Uturuncu, stretching far deeper. According to Professor Matthew Pritchard,
“The methods in this paper could be applied to the more than 1400 potentially active volcanoes and to the dozens of volcanoes like Uturuncu that aren’t considered active but that show signs of life—other potential zombie volcanoes.”
Their research demonstrates, for the first time, that these findings can—and do—apply to many other volcanic systems around the world. By getting to grips with these systems, we might be able to reduce the dangers posed by volcanic eruptions.
Implications for Local Communities
For neighboring communities, determining the risks of an eruption from Uturuncu isn’t just an academic exercise, it’s a question of public safety. The prospect of widespread and irreversible damage or loss of life demands sustained monitoring and research intervention. While these current findings indicate that an eruption in the near term is not likely, the need for vigilance remains.
Professor Mike Kendall expressed his satisfaction with the collaborative nature of this research:
“I am very pleased to be involved in this truly international collaboration. Our results show how linked geophysical and geological methods can be used to better understand volcanoes, and the hazards and potential resources they present.”
As scientists continue their work to better understand volcanic activity, these experts have hearts for service and education. Their work is instrumental in improving federal disaster preparedness efforts and initiatives.