Scientific response to the 2021–2022 seismic swarm in the Monts Dore volcanic province (France): dynamic insights from temporal surveys (2/2)

Abstract

During years 2021–2022, an unusual seismic swarm was recorded at crustal level beneath the Monts Dore volcanic province (France). Complementary field and remote measurements were performed. Together with the time series recorded on the seismological and GNSS national networks, these measurements were fundamental for monitoring the evolution of the seismic swarm and deciphering its origin. Although a potential vertical migration of the seismic events is suggested, the complementary measurements presumably discard the hypothesis of magma intrusion at shallow crustal level. The ascent of a CO2-rich fluid originating from the mantle might instead have reacted with the hydrothermal system beneath the Monts-Dore since at least the summer 2021 leading to the reactivation of pre-existing tectonic structures with known associated seismicity. Feedback on the management of the 2021–2022 seismic swarm prompts for several recommendations that should be considered in future to better face and address at the national level the issues raised at long-dormant volcanic provinces in mainland France.