Deep Long-Period Earthquakes at Akutan Volcano From 2005 to 2017 Better Track Magma Influxes Compared to Volcano-Tectonic Earthquakes

Both volcano-tectonic (VTs) and deep long-period earthquakes (DLPs) have been documented at Akutan Volcano, Alaska and may reflect different active processes helpful for eruption forecasting. In this study, we perform high-resolution earthquake detection, classification, and relocation using seismic data from 2005 to 2017 to investigate their relationship with underlying magmatic processes. We find that the 2,787 VTs and 787 DLPs are concentrated above and below the inferred magma reservoir respectively. They both are clustered as swarms and occur preferentially during inflation episodes with no spatial migrations. However, moment release rates of DLP swarms show a stronger correlation with inflation and their low-frequency content is likely a source instead of a path effect. Therefore, we infer that DLPs are directly related to unsteady magma movement through a complex pathway. In comparison, repeating events are observed in VTs. Thus, we conclude that they represent fault rupture triggered by magma/fluid movement or larger earthquakes.

Automated summary

Volcano-tectonic earthquakes (VTs) and deep long-period earthquakes (DLPs) occur at Akutan Volcano in Alaska, and may provide insights into eruption forecasting. Through high-resolution earthquake detection and relocation analysis of seismic data from 2005 to 2017, it is found that VTs and DLPs are concentrated above and below the inferred magma reservoir, respectively. Both types of earthquakes occur in clusters during inflation episodes, but DLPs show a stronger correlation with inflation and their low-frequency content suggests a complex pathway directly related to magma movement. In contrast, repeating events are observed in VTs, indicating fault rupture triggered by magma/fluid movement or larger earthquakes.