Use of an advanced seismic imaging technique
The volcano’s unrest results in a distinctive “sombrero”-shaped ground deformation. The land above the volcanic system bulges upwards, while the areas around it sink.
Understanding the potential for a real eruption is paramount for the communities living nearby. The stakes are high, with the threat of widespread devastation and loss of life looming.
By meticulously analyzing signals from over 1,700 earthquake events, the team has created high-resolution images of the shallow crust beneath Uturuncu. This technique is known as seismic tomography.
Seismic waves travel at varying speeds through different materials, allowing scientists to map the underground landscape precisely.