On the Connection between the 2008–2009 Activation of the Koryakskii Volcano and Deep Magmatic Processes

Abstract

Abstract—The last activation of the Koryakskii volcano in 2008–2009 was accompanied by intense fumarolic and seismic activity. Volcanic activity peaked in March–April 2009 when ash plume rose to a height of 5.5 km and extended laterally over more than 600 km. To understand the dynamics of the volcanic processes and to forecast the further course of the events, it is relevant to establish whether the eruption was associated with a rise of magma to beneath the volcanic edifice or caused by fracturing of the volcano’s basement and penetration of groundwater into a high temperature zone. Based on the analysis of the images from the Japanese satellite ALOS-1 using satellite radar interferometry methods, the slope displacements of the Koryakskii volcano during its last activation have been estimated for the first time. The displacements reach 25 cm and cannot be explained by the formation of a layer of volcanic ash deposits or by the slope processes. The most likely cause of the displacements should be recognized to be the intrusion of magmatic material into the volcano edifice with the formation of a fracture with its lower edge at a depth of 0.5 km above sea level, with a size of 1.0 and 2.4 km along the strike and dip, respectively, and with a dip angle from 45° to 60°. Therefore, the processes taking place beneath the volcano can be threatening to the nearby localities and infrastructure and require continuous monitoring.