Magma Surge Under São Jorge Island Stopped Short of Eruption
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A large body of magma surged upward from deep beneath São Jorge Island in Portugal's Azores in March 2022, triggering thousands of small earthquakes. The magma stopped 1.6 kilometers below the surface, preventing an eruption. An international team of scientists tracked the event using seismometers, satellites, and GPS, providing new insight into volcanic processes.
Facts First
- A magma surge from over 20 kilometers deep occurred under São Jorge Island in March 2022.
- The magma stopped 1.6 kilometers below the surface, averting a volcanic eruption.
- Thousands of small earthquakes were triggered as the magma moved through a major fault zone.
- Satellite data showed the ground rose by 6 centimeters above the intrusion.
- An international research team used land and seafloor seismometers, GPS, and satellites to track the event.
What Happened
In March 2022, thousands of earthquakes occurred on São Jorge Island in Portugal's Azores archipelago. A study led by researchers at University College London (UCL) found that a large body of magma surged upward from more than 20 kilometers beneath Earth's surface within a few days. The magma traveled through the Pico do Carvão Fault Zone, one of the island's major fault systems, triggering the earthquake swarm. The intrusion stopped 1.6 kilometers below the island, which prevented an eruption. Satellite data showed the ground above the volcano rose by approximately 6 centimeters.
Why this Matters to You
This event demonstrates how modern monitoring can track volcanic unrest in near real-time, which could provide crucial warning for communities living near active volcanoes. For residents of volcanic regions, improved understanding of magma movement may lead to more accurate hazard assessments and preparedness plans. The successful tracking of this non-eruptive event also shows that not all significant magma movements result in an eruption, which could help manage public concern during future seismic swarms.
What's Next
The research, published in Nature Communications, provides a detailed case study that scientists may use to refine models of volcanic unrest. The international team involved plans to continue monitoring the Azores and other volcanic regions. Further study of the Pico do Carvão Fault Zone and similar systems could improve predictions of whether future magma intrusions will lead to an eruption or stall.