Thermal remote sensing reveals communication between volcanoes of the Klyuchevskoy Volcanic Group

Abstract

Volcanoes are traditionally considered isolated with an activity that is mostly independent of the surrounding, with few eruptions only (< 2%) associated with a tectonic earthquake trigger. Evidence is now increasing that volcanoes forming clusters of eruptive centers may simultaneously erupt, show unrest, or even shut-down activity. Using infrared satellite data, we detail 20 years of eruptive activity (2000–2020) at Klyuchevskoy, Bezymianny, and Tolbachik, the three active volcanoes of the Klyuchevskoy Volcanic Group (KVG), Kamchatka. We show that the neighboring volcanoes exhibit multiple and reciprocal interactions on different timescales that unravel the magmatic system’s complexity below the KVG. Klyuchevskoy and Bezymianny volcanoes show correlated activity with time-predictable and quasiperiodic behaviors, respectively. This is consistent with magma accumulation and discharge dynamics at both volcanoes, typical of steady-state volcanism. However, Tolbachik volcano can interrupt this steady-state regime and modify the magma output rate of its neighbors for several years. We suggest that below the KVG the transfer of magma at crustal level is modulated by the presence of three distinct but hydraulically connected plumbing systems. Similar complex interactions may occur at other volcanic groups and must be considered to evaluate the hazard of grouped volcanoes.

Combining thermal, tri-stereo optical and bi-static InSAR satellite imagery for lava volume estimates: the 2021 Cumbre Vieja eruption, La Palma

“…Seismicity changes observed during the Tajogaite eruption on La Palma mainly occur at depths of 10–12 km or at 34 km, and are reflecting pressure changes at depth, which eventually may be responsible for the observed changes in eruption dynamics, eruption location and the propagation at the summit craters 31 . Similar relationships between eruption changes and crustal seismicity were proposed for Kīlauea 53 , for the 2014 Bárðarbunga eruption 54 , and for volcanoes in Kamchatka 51 , 52 . Possibly a pressure surge causes the communication between the deep and shallow processes, which during the Tajogaite eruption guided the differentiation of phases of activity 31 , where profound changes in activity occur during (i) multiple collapse of a crater wall and venting activity, and (ii) during development of new and clustered craters.…”

“…Comparison with seismic observations. Comparison of surface observations with seismic data have helped to better understand activity changes and interactions of adjacent systems 51,52 . Seismicity changes observed during the Tajogaite eruption on La Palma mainly occur at depths of 10-12 km or at 34 km, and are reflecting pressure changes at depth, which eventually may be responsible for the observed changes in eruption dynamics, eruption location and the propagation at the summit craters 31 .…”

Seismic tremor reveals active trans-crustal magmatic system beneath Kamchatka volcanoes

“…This secondary conduit may play an important role during the large eruptions of Tolbachik (the last one in 2012–2013) when its average permeability rises allowing a discharge of a substantial part of fluid pressure from the main KVG channel. This large-scale pressure migration may explain the perturbation of “regular” cycles of activity of Klyuchevskoy and Bezymianny volcanoes revealed on the basis of analysis of seismological and satellite data ( 54 ).…”

“…Our findings show that analysis of tremors based on seismic networks with appropriate coverage and density can be used to delineate the active parts of volcano-plumbing systems including those in the midlower crust and to follow their hydrodynamic evolution in time. Results of this approach with the KISS data reveal a large trans-crustal plumbing system beneath the KVG that connects the main active volcanoes of this group whose interactions ( 54 ) can, therefore, be explained by pressure transients at different time scales. Similar approach could be applied to other large volcanic complexes [or to different types of hydraulically controlled natural systems ( 56 )], either to those with very sustained seismic activity or when long time series of seismic network data are available.…”

The Transition from MODIS to VIIRS for Global Volcano Thermal Monitoring

“…The usefulness of VRP has emerged especially during recent effusive crises [7] since this parameter allows the calculation of the lava effusion rates, one of the parameters that most controls the length and evolution of the lava flows [34]. Also, the short-to mid-term analysis of VRP trends has proved to be effective in tracking the sudden changes in volcanic activity [35][36][37], in recognizing the end of eruptions [38,39], or in revealing communications between volcanoes [40]. Indeed, the decade-long analysis of VRP time series at persistently active volcanoes (e.g., open vent, lava lakes, lava domes) constitutes a solid basis for identifying background, threshold, and anomaly values that may help to recognize variations in the long-term volcanic output [12] and detect unrest evidence [7].…”