Lp-events at Katla volcano, Iceland, are glacial and not volcanic in origin

Repeating long-period (lp) earthquakes are commonly observed in volcanic regions worldwide. They are usually explained in terms of a volcanic source effect or anomalous propagation through the volcano. Recently, large lp-events have also been associated with the motion of massive ice streams. Our jo...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inGeophysical research letters
Main Authors Jonsdottir, Kristin, Roberts, Roland, Pohjola, Veijo, Lund, Björn, Shomali, Zaher Hossein, Tryggvason, Ari, Bödvarsson, Reynir
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published 2009
Subjects
Earth sciences
Geofysik med inriktning mot seismologi
Geophysics with specialization in Seismology
Geovetenskap
NATURAL SCIENCES
NATURVETENSKAP
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:Repeating long-period (lp) earthquakes are commonly observed in volcanic regions worldwide. They are usually explained in terms of a volcanic source effect or anomalous propagation through the volcano. Recently, large lp-events have also been associated with the motion of massive ice streams. Our joint analysis of climatic and new seismic data shows that small lp-events observed at Katla volcano, Iceland, are in fact related to ice movement in a steep outlet glacier and not, as previously thought, to volcanic intrusive activity. The over 13000 lp-events recorded since 2000 are consistent in character and magnitude with seasonal changes of the glacier. As the current global warming trend could cause similar earthquake sequences at other glacier covered volcanoes, identifying them as glacial rather than eruption precursors is vital.
ISSN:1944-8007
0094-8276