Moment tensors of microearthquakes from the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in South Iceland

Abstract

Analyses of relative P- and S-wave amplitudes of 15 selected earthquakes (ML <2.3) from a seismic swarm, which occurred in May and June 1994 at the Eyjafjallajoökull volcano in South Iceland, reveal similar radiation patterns, a thrust-type double-couple with an additional source component. All focal solutions have nearly vertical T-axes and horizontally oriented P-axes, with E-W-oriented nodal planes. The volume increase corresponding to an isotropic source component is estimated to be in the range of 24 m3. The temporal and spatial seismic pattern, small magnitude range, focal mechanisms and depth range of the Eyjafjallajökull earthquakes indicate vertical intrusion of magma into a confined region at the northern flank of the volcano.