Scientists have made groundbreaking discoveries about Bolivia’s Uturuncu volcano, a “zombie” volcano that has not erupted in nearly 250,000 years. Using a novel technique that combines seismology, rock physics, and petrological analyses, researchers have created high-resolution images of the volcano’s structure and found that fluids and gases are accumulating in shallow magma reservoirs, explaining its unrest. The team’s methods could be applied to over 1,400 other potentially active volcanoes worldwide.
Forecast for 6 months: In the next 6 months, we can expect increased seismic activity around Uturuncu volcano as the accumulated fluids and gases continue to move towards the surface. This may lead to more frequent gas emissions and earthquakes in the region.
Forecast for 1 year: Within the next year, the Uturuncu volcano’s unrest is likely to continue, with possible small-scale eruptions or increased gas emissions. However, the probability of a large-scale eruption remains low.
Forecast for 5 years: Over the next 5 years, the Uturuncu volcano’s behavior is expected to remain semi-alive, with ongoing seismic activity and gas emissions. As the accumulated fluids and gases continue to move towards the surface, the volcano may experience more frequent and intense unrest.
Forecast for 10 years: In the next decade, the Uturuncu volcano’s behavior is likely to stabilize, with a decrease in seismic activity and gas emissions. However, the volcano’s “zombie” status may persist, with ongoing unrest and the potential for small-scale eruptions or increased gas emissions.
