A significant seismic event has raised concerns at the Laguna del Maule volcanic field in central Chile, following 160 earthquakes recorded within a two-hour period earlier this week. This flurry of activity has placed local authorities on alert.
A vast and active volcanic region
Located near the Argentine border, roughly 300km south of Santiago, Laguna del Maule is a vast volcanic region, stretching across 500 square kilometres. The area is home to a range of volcanic features, including numerous domes, cones, lava flows, and an estimated 130 vents.
Despite the heightened seismic activity, Chile’s National Geology and Mining Service (Sernageomin) has maintained a green alert status, indicating that there is no immediate danger to the public. The tremors recorded were of low magnitude.
Ongoing monitoring and preparedness
The recent swarm of quakes serves as a reminder of the volcano’s ongoing activity. “These events indicate that the volcano is active, with magma beneath the surface moving. This could potentially lead to a moderate volcanic event in the future,” said Ayaz Alam, a geologist and professor at the University of Santiago.
However, Alam also cautioned that it is currently impossible to predict when such an eruption might occur.
The quakes observed during the swarm were of relatively low magnitude, differing from those typically associated with tectonic plate movement along fault lines. Instead, the activity is linked to the movement of magma beneath the volcanic field.
Chile’s national disaster agency, Senapred, has reassured the public that they are closely monitoring the situation in partnership with local authorities to ensure appropriate response measures are in place should the need arise.
A unique volcanic system
The largest tremor recorded during the event was a 2.1 magnitude quake, though the volcanic field has exhibited signs of activity in recent years.
Daniel Diaz, a geophysicist and volcanologist from the University of Chile, highlighted the uniqueness of the region, noting that it doesn’t consist of a single volcanic structure, but rather a series of volcanic features scattered around the Laguna. Some of these formations have emerged within the past 2,000 years.
“This volcanic system is relatively recent, which makes it more likely that we will continue to see activity,” said Diaz. “However, this activity isn’t confined to one single cone or structure, but is spread across the entire region around the Laguna del Maule.”
Experts consider Laguna del Maule to be one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the Southern Andes and the third most hazardous in Argentina.
