Abstract

MAKARIO LONDONO, John. Spatial and temporal variation of b-value at Cerro Machín volcano, Colombia. Bol. geol. [online]. 2022, vol.44, n.3, pp.143-158.  Epub Nov 21, 2022. ISSN 0120-0283.  https://doi.org/10.18273/revbol.v44n3-2022006.

A study of the spatiotemporal variation of b-value for earthquakes that occurred at Cerro Machin Volcano (CMV), Colombia was carried out for the period 2007-2020. b-value showed spatial variations, with high values (1.1-1.3) at the shallow portion of the volcano, beneath the main dome up to 1 km depth from the top of the volcano. Normal to low b-values (0.8-0.6) were observed between 1 and 6 km depth all around the volcano, while high b-values (1.1-1.3) were observed beneath the Tapias dome between 8 and 13 km depth. These b-values could indicate circulation of hydrothermal fluids at shallow depths, and a possible magma reservoir at deeper portions beneath the CMV. In addition, temporal variations of the b-value were observed during the study period. Three remarkable episodes of increase in b-value were detected related to changes in CMV activity. The first, which occurred in November 2008, related to a strong earthquake swarm (3-5 km depth) located to the NE and E of the main dome. The second, occurred between August and December 2010 related to deep seismicity (12-18 km depth), 8 km southeast of the main dome. The third occurred in February 2018 related to a strong earthquake swarm (3-5 km depth) located to the SW of the main dome. These three episodes are interpreted as pulses of magma at the volcanic system of CMV, associated with a dike or sill intrusion (<4 km depth) and input of magma to a deeper reservoir of CMV (>15 km depth). Some of these changes in the b-value were correlated to changes in geochemistry and ground deformation. The results of the study confirm the idea of the routine task of b-value calculation as a volcano monitoring tool for CMV activity.

Keywords : Dike; Sill; Geochemical changes; Seismicity; Magma intrusion; Ground deformation.

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