Technical alert for Laguna del Maule volcanic complex raised to Yellow, Chile

laguna-del-maule-volcanic-complex-technical-alert-raised-to-yellow-chile

SERNAGEOMIN raised the technical alert for Laguna del Maule Volcanic Complex from Green to Yellow on February 22, 2021, after an increased number of earthquakes detected over the past two weeks.

The Southern Andes Volcanological Observatory (OVDAS) detected 533 volcano-tectonic (VT) earthquakes, commonly associated with a rock fracture within the volcanic system, and deformation rate of 2.3 cm (0.9 inches) over the past 30 days at the station closest to the center of deformation. This rate is higher than the average registered since 2012.

The highest horizontal displacement rate was estimated at 1.4 cm (0.5 inches) at the NIEB station, southwest of the maximum deformation.

Seismic events of the volcano-tectonic type have been observed to have been persistent in time and have increased in energy.

The seismicity continues to be located close to the area where CO2 anomalies have been detected over the past year.

A hazard zone with a radius of 2 km (1.2 miles) was reported around the site of the CO2 anomaly, and residents/tourists urged not to access it.

The alert level for the Laguna del Maule Volcanic Complex was raised to Yellow on June 18, 2020 and lowered back to Green on November 8.

Hazard zone Laguna del Maule Volcanic Complex, Chile – February 2021. Credit: SERNAGEOMIN

Geological summary

The 15 x 25 km (9 x 15 miles) wide Laguna del Maule caldera contains a cluster of small stratovolcanoes, lava domes, and pyroclastic cones of Pleistocene-to-Holocene age. The caldera lies mostly on the Chilean side of the border, but partially extends into Argentina.

Fourteen Pleistocene basaltic lava flows erupted down the upper part of the Maule river valley.

A cluster of Pleistocene cinder cones was constructed on the NW side of the Maule lake, which occupies part of the northern portion of the caldera. The latest activity produced an explosion crater on the E side of the lake and a series of Holocene rhyolitic lava domes and blocky lava flows that surround it. (GVP)

Featured image credit: SERNAGEOMIN

Share:

Commenting rules and guidelines

We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:

  • Treat others with kindness and respect.
  • Stay on topic and contribute to the conversation in a meaningful way.
  • Do not use abusive or hateful language.
  • Do not spam or promote unrelated products or services.
  • Do not post any personal information or content that is illegal, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate.

We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *