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Large-scale inflation of Tungurahua volcano (Ecuador) revealed by Persistent Scatterers SAR interferometry

Abstract:

The Tungurahua volcano, in Ecuador, has been experiencing a substantial activity period since 1999, with several eruptions, including those of 2006 and 2008. We use a persistent scatterers approach to analyze a time series of Envisat synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data over the period 2003-2009, to investigate surface deformation in the region of the volcano. We measure a continuous large-scale uplift with a maximum line of sight displacement rate of about 8 mm/yr, which is the first evidence of a sustained inflation in the Andes for an active volcano encompassing several eruptions. We model this signal as magma emplacement in a permanent storage zone at 11.5 km below sea level, with a net inflow rate of 7 million m3/yr. The paroxysmal eruptions in 2006 and 2008 did not seem to disrupt this long-term signal. However, we observe significant deformation during the 2006 eruption consistent with an additional intrusion of 4.5 million m3 of magma.