Insights into the plumbing system of Colima Volcanic Complex from geophysical evidence Article uri icon

abstract

  • The Colima Volcanic Complex (CVC) consists of three stratovolcanoes: El Cántaro, Nevado de Colima and Volcán de Colima, aligned from north to south, with the same chronological order. It has been assumed that the magmatic system also has migrated in the same direction, with the surface trend of the volcanic edifices following the same pattern at depth. However, 3D inversion of gravimetric and aeromagnetic data, combined with spectral analysis (Werner deconvolution) give a detailed analysis of the CVC magmatic system, resulting in a new model of its geometry and migration, which takes into account the rifting process of the Colima Graben, and the separation of the Jalisco and Michoacán Blocks. The resulting fractures favored the ascent of the magmas through the western Michoacán Block boundary, which follows a NE-SW direction and changes its angle along the boundary, becoming more vertical close to Volcán de Colima. This research shows that the CVC magmatic system is described as a Trans-crustal mush magmatic system, characterized by a by a zone of crystal rich magma storage located within the structural system. The direction of the magmatic migration at depth does not correspond to a vertical rising neither coincide with the volcanic edifices on the surface, a possible explanation could be because the exit points are located exactly in the section with NS structural trend of the CG, restricting that the volcano edifices follow this direction. Additionally, in the results is possible identify the separation between distinct phases of the magma, whereby the lower viscosity mobile phase is located in distinct zones within the upper crust, feeding the actual activity of Volcán de Colima. © 2022 Elsevier B.V.

publication date

  • 2023-01-01