This Massive “Zombie” Volcano Might Still Be Active After All

Bolivian “zombie” volcanoes are displaying signs of activity; however, scientists assure that the risk of an eruption is minimal at this time.

The majestic summit of the Central Andes, Uturuncu, last erupted around 250,000 years ago.

For many years, researchers have noted unusual occurrences, including minor earthquakes and distinctive “sombrero” ground deformation patterns. The center of the volcano is gradually rising while the surrounding land sinks.

The cause of this phenomenon has yet to be determined.

A recent study published in the journal PNAS has identified pressure pockets, indicating that heated liquids and gases are still in motion beneath Uturuncu, causing surface deformations.

An international team of researchers from China, the UK, and the US has leveraged seismic data from over 1,700 earthquakes to create the most detailed three-dimensional representations of the volcano’s subsurface structure.

They discovered liquid rock rising from the Altiplano Puna Magma body, a large reservoir of partially melted rock located deep within the Andes.

As these liquids ascend through narrow vertical channels, they gather just below the summit of the volcano, creating a reservoir of gas and brine. Instead of new magma being injected, this fluid movement seems to sustain Uturuncu’s ongoing activity.

“Our findings illustrate how integrated geophysical and geological methods can enhance our understanding of volcanoes and the hazards and potential resources they entail,” stated Professor Mike Kendall from Oxford University, a co-author of the study.

Notably, the researchers found that gas accumulation underground is relatively low, indicating a reduced likelihood of a significant eruption at this time.

These findings are intended to reassure the local community while highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring. Uturuncu is among numerous “zombie” volcanoes globally; these are classified as dormant yet still exhibit internal movement.

“This methodology can be applied to over 1,400 potentially active volcanoes,” remarked co-author Professor Matthew Pritchard from Cornell University. “This approach may also be relevant to other dormant volcanoes like Uturuncu that demonstrate signs of life.”

Currently, Uturuncu remains restless beneath the surface but is not prepared to awaken just yet.

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