3D electrical conductivity imaging of Halema‘uma‘u lava lake (Kīlauea volcano)
Before the 2018 collapse of the summit of Kīlauea volcano, a ca. 200 m in diameter lava lake inside of Halema‘uma‘u crater was embedded in a very active hydrothermal system. In 2015, we carried out an electrical conductivity survey and the data were inverted in 3D. The lack of conductivity contrast precludes distinguishing the lava column from the surrounding hydrothermal zones. Laboratory measurements on samples from the lava lake show that the conductivity of magma is significantly lower than that of hydrothermal zones but the high vesicularity of the upper part of the lava lake may decrease its macroscopic conductivity. Based on the 3D conductivity model, we distinguish at least two types of hydrothermal circulations: 1) one guided by the collapse faults of Halema‘uma‘u crater and by the magmatic column of the lava lake, and 2) another guided by previous caldera faults and fractures related to intrusions. We observe that the location of the faults formed during the 2018 collapse of the summit was greatly influenced by the hydrothermally altered zones.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2019 |
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Title | 3D electrical conductivity imaging of Halema‘uma‘u lava lake (Kīlauea volcano) |
DOI | 10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2019.06.001 |
Authors | Lydie Gailler, James P. Kauahikaua, Jean-François Lénat, André Revil, Marceau Gresse, Abdellahi Soueid Ahmed, Nicolas Cluzel, Geeth Manthilake, Lucia Gurioli, Tim B. Johnson, Anthony Finizola, Eric Delcher |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research |
Index ID | 70205002 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Volcano Science Center |