Can a volcano rise from the dead? Uturuncu, a lofty peak in the Central Andes mountain range, is what’s known as a “zombie volcano.” It hasn’t erupted for more than 250,000 years, but it nonetheless shows signs of activity similar to those seen in active volcanoes, such as gas plumes and earthquakes. Satellite radar imagery taken more than two decades ago of Uturuncu — the tallest mountain in southwestern Bolivia — showed that forces inside the volcano had lifted and then lowered a region near the summit measuring about 93 miles (150 kilometers) wide, creating a shape like a sombrero. Scientists recently took a closer look at Uturuncu, to see whether ongoing deformation and other activity were signs that the slumbering volcano might be waking up. By combining satellite data with analysis of seismic activity and computer models of how rocks respond to different pressures, researchers pieced together a clearer picture of Uturuncu’s inner “anatomy” and uncovered the cause of its unrest. They reported their findings April 28 in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Volcanic eruptions typically occur when magma below a volcano surges into subsurface pockets called magma chambers, then escapes to the surface through vents and fissures. Eruptions are more explosive when magma is thicker, trapping gases so that pressure builds up and then suddenly releases, forcefully expelling magma as lava. But that wasn’t the case under Uturuncu, according to the study. Rather, magma, gases and briny fluids were interacting in a hydrothermal network — a system with activities that were not fully understood — to produce the volcano’s zombie rumblings. ‘Letting off steam’ Beneath Uturuncu at a depth of about 6 to 12 miles (10 to 20 kilometers) lies a vast reservoir of magma called the Altiplano-Puna Magma Body. Spanning roughly 124 miles (200 kilometers), it is the biggest known active magma body in the planet’s crust. Prior studies hinted at an active hydrothermal system linking the magma reservoir and the mountain range above, but it was unknown how magma and fluids were interacting within this network. Using signals from more than 1,700 seismic events between 2009 and 2012, scientists produced high-resolution images of the shallow crust under Uturuncu. They also recorded electrical and gravitational shifts underground, and changes in rock chemistry, revealing never-before-seen details of the channel system beneath and within the volcano as it circulated geothermally heated fluid. The researchers found that as the magma body heated subterranean liquid and released gases, the gas and liquid migrated upward and collected in chambers below the volcanic crater. Their movement through Uturuncu triggered quakes, released steam and deformed the volcano’s rock, causing surface rise of about 0.4 inches (1 centimeter) per year. Uturuncu’s internal dynamics not only explain its activity but also suggest that this zombie won’t be reviving any time soon, said study coauthor Dr. Mike Kendall, a professor and head of the department of earth sciences at the University of Oxford. “We’re not seeing seismicity increasingly rising. A bad sign would be an increase in seismicity, and then seismicity that’s starting to migrate from great depth to much shallower depths — that’s usually an indication that magma is on the move,” Kendall told CNN. “We’re not seeing anything like that,” he said. “It looks like it’s just the volcano degassing, letting off steam and calming down, if anything.” Using multiple techniques was a key part of bringing Uturuncu’s subsurface structure into focus, according to geologist Dr. Benjamin Andrews, director of the Global Volcanism Program at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC. In isolation, the methods investigating seismic activity, rock chemistry and physics “would give interesting but somewhat ambiguous results,” said Andrews, who was not involved in the study. Together, these methods point to a hydrothermal system rather than surging magma as the cause of Uturuncu’s activity, and provide a snapshot of the interplay between magma, rock and fluid under volcanoes. “This (research) has importance for understanding volcanoes, granitic rocks, ore bodies, and the formation of (the) continental crust,” Andrews said in an email. It is also important to recognize that some volcanoes can be quite active “but not necessarily be primed for eruption.” Dozens of zombies Over decades, the Global Volcanism Program has recorded about 50 zombie volcanoes older than about 12,000 years but younger than 2.6 million years. Their signs of activity are “mostly geothermal features like hot springs and fumaroles (openings where hot gases escape),” said study coauthor Dr. Matthew Pritchard, a professor of geophysics at Cornell University in New York. As Uturuncu is one of many dozens of zombie volcanoes that scientists are tracking worldwide, the new findings could help identify which zombies are at risk of erupting. Some zombies show elevated surface temperatures and are already being explored as potential sources of geothermal energy, as well as for their mineral deposits, “but many are ripe for further investigations,” Pritchard told CNN in an email. “Some might be in a long, slow decline, just cooling off from previous hotter times. Others might eventually have some increase in activity,” he said. “But we don’t yet know how to tell them apart.” Peering at a volcano’s internal plumbing could reveal possible targets for harnessing geothermal energy and accessing metals that are essential for technologies, such as copper, nickel and platinum, Kendall added. And this combination of methods could be useful for analyzing any type of volcano — not just zombies. “It’s a really good way of better understanding the anatomy of a volcano, at what stage of development it is in,” he said. “That’s very important for risk and hazard assessment.” Mindy Weisberger is a science writer and media producer whose work has appeared in Live Science, Scientific American and How It Works magazine.
Is a Bolivian ‘zombie volcano’ about to awaken? Scientists explore why it’s showing signs of life
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Researchers Investigate Activity of Bolivia's Dormant 'Zombie Volcano' Uturuncu"
CNN
7.6
TruthLens AI Summary
Uturuncu, located in the Central Andes of Bolivia, is classified as a 'zombie volcano' due to its long dormancy of over 250,000 years. Despite this, scientists have observed signs of geological activity, including gas emissions and seismic tremors. Recent satellite imagery revealed significant deformation of an area near the volcano's summit, resembling a sombrero shape over a span of 93 miles (150 kilometers). A research team combined satellite data with seismic analysis and computer modeling to investigate the underlying causes of this unrest. Their findings, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, indicate that the volcanic activity is not due to the typical magma surges associated with explosive eruptions, but rather a complex interaction of magma, gases, and briny fluids within a hydrothermal system. This system is believed to be responsible for the volcano's ongoing rumblings and surface deformation, which has been measured at approximately 0.4 inches (1 centimeter) per year.
The study revealed that beneath Uturuncu lies the Altiplano-Puna Magma Body, the largest active magma body known, located at depths of 6 to 12 miles (10 to 20 kilometers). Researchers analyzed over 1,700 seismic events from 2009 to 2012, uncovering high-resolution images of the subterranean structures and detecting shifts in electrical and gravitational fields. The results suggest that the volcano is currently not in an imminent threat of eruption, as the seismic activity is stable rather than increasing. Dr. Mike Kendall, a co-author of the study, emphasized that the volcano appears to be 'letting off steam' rather than preparing for an explosive event. This research not only sheds light on Uturuncu's internal dynamics but also enhances the understanding of hydrothermal systems in volcanoes globally, which is critical for assessing volcanic risks and potential geothermal energy sources. As scientists continue to monitor Uturuncu and other zombie volcanoes worldwide, they hope to differentiate between those that are cooling down and those that may show increased activity in the future.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article explores the intriguing phenomenon of the "zombie volcano" Uturuncu in Bolivia, which has not erupted for over 250,000 years but is currently exhibiting signs of geological activity. This raises questions about the potential awakening of a dormant volcano and the implications for surrounding communities and environments.
Public Perception and Awareness
The coverage of Uturuncu aims to raise awareness about the volcano's activity and the scientific investigations surrounding it. By framing the volcano as a "zombie," the article captures the public's attention and creates an engaging narrative that may foster curiosity and concern about volcanic activity in general. This could also encourage interest in the field of volcanology and the importance of monitoring such geological features.
Possible Concealments
While the article primarily focuses on scientific findings and geological observations, it may inadvertently downplay the potential risks associated with volcanic eruptions. By presenting the information in a somewhat sensational manner, there could be a risk of instilling either undue fear or complacency among the public regarding the volcano's true status and the potential for future eruptions.
Manipulative Elements
The article's language and framing may have a manipulative quality, as it uses terms like "zombie volcano" to elicit a dramatic response. This choice of words can evoke a sense of urgency and intrigue, potentially leading readers to overlook the scientific nuances of volcanic activity. The emphasis on visual imagery, such as the volcano's sombrero-like shape, also serves to create a memorable image that may overshadow more critical discussions about risks and preparedness.
Scientific Validity
The article references recent scientific studies published in reputable journals, lending credibility to the claims about Uturuncu's activity. However, the interpretation of the data and the conclusions drawn about the volcano's future behavior remain complex and subject to ongoing research. Readers should approach the findings with a critical lens, recognizing that while the volcano shows signs of unrest, it may not necessarily indicate an imminent eruption.
Community and Economic Impact
The potential awakening of Uturuncu could have significant implications for local communities, especially in terms of disaster preparedness and response. Increased volcanic activity may necessitate monitoring and risk assessment, which could impact local economies reliant on tourism or agriculture. Additionally, public interest in the volcano may stimulate local scientific initiatives and educational programs.
Target Audience
This article seems to cater to a broad audience interested in science, geology, and natural phenomena. It may particularly resonate with communities living near volcanic regions, as well as environmental enthusiasts and researchers. The engaging narrative may also attract individuals who are generally intrigued by science and geology.
Global Market and Economic Implications
While the article may not directly influence stock markets, it could have implications for companies involved in geological monitoring, disaster preparedness, and tourism in the affected regions. Increased attention to volcanic activity might stimulate investment in geological research and monitoring technologies.
Geopolitical Context
The discussion around volcanic activity, particularly in a region like Bolivia, highlights the importance of geological stability in global contexts. While the article does not explicitly address geopolitical implications, the potential for natural disasters can affect regional stability and international relations, especially if preparedness measures are inadequate.
AI Influence in Article Creation
It is possible that AI tools were used in crafting this article, particularly in organizing data and presenting information clearly. AI models designed for natural language processing could have assisted in structuring the narrative and ensuring coherence. If AI were involved, it might have influenced the tone to be more engaging and accessible to a general audience.
The overall reliability of this article seems moderately high, given the reference to scientific studies and the authoritative source. However, the sensational framing and language choices warrant a cautious approach, encouraging readers to seek further information and context about volcanic activity and risks.