The fragility of Volcán de Colima—A material constraint

Abstract

The accurate assessment of volcanic unrest relies on a precise and timely interpretation of the source mechanisms of the signals monitored. Such an interpretation is facilitated by a comprehensive description of the physico-chemical properties of the geomaterials involved. The current understanding of the properties of the volcanic materials forming Volcán de Colima include (1) the physical properties of the erupted products (e.g., porosity, elastic wave velocities, density, Young’s modulus, and permeability), (2) the mechanical properties and failure modes of the rocks forming the volcanic edifice (e.g., compressive and tensile strength, brittle-ductile transition) and, (3) the rheology of recently erupted magmas (e.g., viscosity, viscous-brittle transition). This attempt at a holistic physical description of the volcanic materials involved in eruptions at Volcán de Colima enables an appraisal of the deformation mechanisms and effective material strengths that regulate the volcano edifice stability and the scale of potential hazard scenarios.