A Zombie Volcano in Bolivia Shows Signs of Life Deep Underground
Uturuncu, a volcano in the Sur Lípez Province of Bolivia, has been dormant for over 250,000 years, but recent scientific findings suggest that it may not be as inactive as it appears on the surface.
Geophysicist Matthew Pritchard from Cornell University explains that while many people disregard dormant volcanoes, they are still active beneath the surface. Uturuncu, in particular, is intriguing due to the movement of materials in its magma chambers, hinting at potential mineral reservoirs that could have technological applications.
Despite its long dormancy period, Uturuncu has displayed seismic activity and gas emissions in recent decades, causing the surrounding landscape to deform in a unique manner resembling a sombrero.
An international team of scientists conducted a comprehensive investigation using various techniques to assess the volcano’s current state and potential risks. Fortunately, their findings suggest that there is no immediate threat of a volcanic eruption.
The researchers utilized seismic data to map the volcano’s subsurface plumbing system, revealing a shallow hydrothermal system with hot water moving towards the surface. Additionally, they identified a gas reservoir beneath the crater causing surface uplift at a gradual rate.
This ongoing geological activity provides insights into mineral deposits formation, particularly copper, highlighting the potential economic significance of such volcanic processes.
While there is no imminent threat of eruption, the study underscores the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in monitoring dormant volcanoes and assessing their long-term hazards. By integrating various datasets and techniques, scientists can unravel the hidden dynamics of seemingly inactive volcanic systems like Uturuncu.
The research findings have been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, contributing valuable insights into the geological processes of dormant volcanoes.
