Seismic character and progression of explosive activity during the 2016-2017 eruption of Bogoslof volcano, Alaska
January 6, 2020
Bogoslof volcano, in the central Aleutian arc, experienced a major eruption between December 2016 and August 2017 that was characterized by explosive activity (VEI 2 to 3) and the extrusion of lava domes. The Alaska Volcano Observatory tracked the activity in real-time using seismicity observed on distant stations as well as infrasound, lightning, satellite data, and occasional visual observations. In this study we measure the duration of seismic signals associated with individual explosive events to track their progression during the two explosive phases of the eruption. Seismic recordings of Bogoslof explosions show complex waveforms that suggest both individual explosive events as well as sequences of several explosions separated by lower amplitude tremor. The lack of local seismic monitoring (stations at distances of 1 to 15 km distance) unfortunately limit our ability to closely observe seismicity and to interpret changing conditions at the vent such as position, presence of a lava dome or plug, and the role of seawater associated with the eruption. We use the rate of explosive activity, seismic waveform character, and repose time between explosions to infer the conditions within the conduit.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2020 |
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Title | Seismic character and progression of explosive activity during the 2016-2017 eruption of Bogoslof volcano, Alaska |
DOI | 10.1007/s00445-019-1343-4 |
Authors | Cheryl Searcy, John Power |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Bulletin of Volcanology |
Index ID | 70261995 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Volcano Science Center |