Tancítaro Volcano's Seismic Stirrings Demand Attention
Tancítaro, deemed dormant, unveils its seismic activity through extensive research by Román Álvarez Béjar and team. Seismic swarms and magmatic injections challenge perceptions, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring of all Mexican stratovolcanoes.
In the realm of Mexican volcanoes, Tancítaro in Michoacán may seem overshadowed by its more prominent counterparts like Colima, Popo, and La Malinche. Classified as a stratovolcano and often considered dormant, Tancítaro has long been underestimated. However, recent research by Román Álvarez Béjar, a researcher from the Institute for Research in Applied Mathematics and Systems (IIMAS), challenges this perception, revealing a history of considerable eruptions and seismic activity that demands our attention.
According to many, Tancítaro might be the forgotten one, overshadowed by the likes of Colima and Popo, whose eruptions capture headlines. Dr. Álvarez Béjar, associated with the Department of Mathematical Physics at IIMAS, sheds light on the volcano's hidden activity. Contrary to popular belief, Tancítaro has experienced significant eruptions, as evidenced by the seismic activity meticulously recorded over the last two decades.
A collaborative project led by Álvarez Béjar, with Miguel Camacho and Elizabeth Rivera-Calderón, aims to unravel the mysteries within Tancítaro and its neighbor, Paricutin. The researchers delve into the heart of these volcanoes, examining factors such as ash presence, seismicity, and other external phenomena to gain insight into their behavior.
An analysis of Tancítaro's seismic activity reveals distinct seismic swarms at various depths within its magmatic chamber. The team's work exposes the presence of these swarms, indicating the injection of magmatic material below the crust. The seismic activity ranges from depths of 1 to 15 km, demonstrating a complex interplay of geological forces beneath the surface.
Michoacán-Guanajuato Volcanic Field
Tancítaro is part of the expansive Michoacán-Guanajuato volcanic field, housing around 1,400 volcanic structures. The most recent additions to this geological family are Paricutin (1943) and Jorullo (1759). Remarkably, the birth of a new volcano is estimated to occur approximately every 600 years within this volcanic field.
Recent speculation about the potential birth of a new volcano near Paricutin has fueled the research initiative. Intense seismic activity in the area prompted a thorough analysis of seismic data spanning two decades (2003-2023), covering depths from 5 to 40 km. The results showcase seismic swarms and injections of material, underscoring the need for vigilant monitoring.
In light of these findings, Álvarez Béjar emphasizes the importance of monitoring all Mexican stratovolcanoes. Not only should attention be directed towards renowned ones like Iztaccíhuatl and Pico de Orizaba, but also to those with different manifestations, such as the Los Humeros caldera in Puebla. The collective understanding of Mexico's volcanic landscape must evolve to encompass the nuanced dynamics exhibited by each stratovolcano.
Tancítaro, once considered dormant, emerges from obscurity with a tale of seismic stirrings and magmatic activity. The research led by Álvarez Béjar and his team challenges preconceived notions and underscores the urgency of comprehensive monitoring across Mexico's volcanic landscape. In the intricate dance of geological forces, Tancítaro demands our attention as it reveals its vibrant, dynamic nature, reminding us that even the seemingly forgotten volcanoes have stories to tell.
