Internal Structure and Hydrothermal Fluid Circulation of Parícutin Volcano, Mexico: Insights Gained From Near-Surface Geophysics

Abstract

Numerous investigations of Parícutin volcano have been made since its formation during 1943–1952, but none has utilized geophysical techniques until now. This report summarizes the results of near-surface geophysical surveys conducted during 2017–2019, involving self-potential, ground-temperature measurements, and a 3D resistivity model of the scoria cone. Interpretation of the integrated data enabled the definition of the geometry of the eruption's feeder dyke and a better understanding of the near-surface spatter facies. These geophysical data also better characterized the buried morphology of a horseshoe-shaped crater produced by a cone collapse early in the eruption, as well as the contact between lava flows and overlying pyroclastic fallout deposits. Moreover, the measured conductivities detected several meter-scale zones of convective hydrothermal fluid circulation within the cone. Collectively, the data of this study demonstrate a powerful approach to discern the relationship between the internal structure of a monogenetic cone and its associated hydrothermal system.