After a sleep of over 250,000 years, the Uturuncu volcano in Bolivia shows signs that they are waking up, and the specialists are worried, because seismic movements and gas emissions have been hardened.
After 250,000 years, the volcano wakes up to life. Photo: video capture
At over 6,000 meters altitude, in the heart of the Andes Mountains, a sleeping giant rises: the Uturuncu volcano, which for 250,000 years seemed harmless, forgotten by the world and apparently at a definitive rest. Recently, however, the specialists have begun to observe worrying signals: light seismic movements, gas emissions and a strange soil deformation in its central area, indicating that it is again active.
Thus, a mixed team of specialists from all over the world, who is trying to anticipate the volcano behavior with the help of advanced seismology and sophisticated modeling techniques, has been found. In this investigation, scientists have discovered important information about the underground structure of the volcano, which provided them with a new perspective, notes Jasondegan.
In order to better understand what is under Uturuncu, the team of researchers analyzed over 1,700 seismic events, using a technique known as seismic tomography, a method by which the variations of the seismic waves that go through different materials are mapped and that helps scientists to create high resolution images. In this way, they discovered an amazing formation, more precisely a “sombrero” deformation in the soil, ie the central area rises, while the outer edges sink slowly, which is very unusual and suggests a form of internal movement of fluid or gas.
Is it used about to erupt?
Experts say that the current cycle does not indicate an imminent eruption, but the causes of the land lift are worrying. They say that geothermal heated liquids and gases accumulate in superficial tanks under the crater, causing the soil to lift. However, the “zombie” behavior of the volcano, in which there are no large -scale magma movements, suggests that the situation is more complex.
Despite these insurances, experts remain cautious, because the world of “zombi” volcanoes, as they are called inactive for a long time, is unpredictable and even slow awakening can become rapidly violent and underline the importance of continuous monitoring, because even small changes can signal something more dangerous.
Monitoring inactive volcanoes
The Uturuncu case is not unique, but it is emblematic for what volcanologists are increasingly called “zombi volcanoes” – seemingly inactive formations, which continue to hide colossal forces under the surface. Despite the absence of magma on a large scale, the accumulation of gases and geothermal fluids indicates an active system in depth. The comparison with a zombies is not accidental: these volcanoes no longer show visible signs of life, but they can return suddenly, explosively, to the surface.
A mixed team of researchers monitors volcanic activity. Photo: video capture
The researchers have shown that a combination of geophysics, geology and advanced modeling can help them in monitoring some volcanoes that have been considered inactive for a long time. This approach is revolutionary and could help to follow many of the 1,400 potentially active volcanoes around the world that expresses “silent” behavior, as well as Uturuncu.
Also, this method could become a valuable tool for global volcano monitoring, offering early warning systems for areas that were considered at low risk. If successful, it could prevent disasters by identifying volcanoes that show subtle wake -up signs long before a rash.
A new chapter in understanding “zombi volcanoes”
The conclusions of the Uturuncu study, published in PNAS, open a new chapter in the study of the so-called “zombies”-massive inactive volcanoes that are never completely dead. They can be quiet for centuries, but their eruption potential never disappears completely.
The study provides valuable information about the behavior of volcanoes when they are not in active rash and the reasons they could suddenly return to life.
Although there is no rash in the near future for Uturuncu, the discoveries emphasize the importance of monitoring. Even a subtle change in behavior, such as the one observed in Uturuncu, can provide a valuable perspective for understanding more unpredictable volcanoes.
