Catastrophic Volcanic Collapse: Relation to Hydrothermal Processes

TLDR

Catastrophic volcanic collapse can occur without precursory magmatic activity, and evidence from Nevado del Ruiz indicates that interactions between hydrothermal fluids, rock dissolution, mineral alteration, and physical triggers such as earthquakes may drive such collapses. The study modeled collapse risk at Ruiz by analyzing hot spring water chemistry, residence times, and fault flow paths. Caldera size, deposits, and alteration mineral volumes at Ruiz match those seen at other volcanoes, supporting the hydrothermal collapse hypothesis.

Abstract

Catastrophic volcanic collapse, without precursory magmatic activity, is characteristic of many volcanic disasters. The extent and locations of hydrothermal discharges at Nevado del Ruiz volcano, Colombia, suggest that at many volcanoes collapse may result from the interactions between hydrothermal fluids and the volcanic edifice. Rock dissolution and hydrothermal mineral alteration, combined with physical triggers such as earth-quakes, can produce volcanic collapse. Hot spring water compositions, residence times, and flow paths through faults were used to model potential collapse at Ruiz. Caldera dimensions, deposits, and alteration mineral volumes are consistent with parameters observed at other volcanoes.