Scientists Detect Signs of Potential Activity at Nicaragua's 'Mouth of Hell' Volcano
Analysis of ground deformation suggests magma is accumulating in at least two chambers beneath the Masaya volcano, a site of geological complexity and proximity to a major population center.
Researchers have identified evidence indicating that magma may be accumulating beneath Nicaragua's Masaya volcano, a geological formation known as the 'Mouth of Hell.' The findings, published in Geophysical Research Letters, reveal the presence of two magma chambers filling with material, raising concerns due to the volcano's proximity to Managua, the capital city with a population of two million people.
The Masaya volcano is characterized by its nested craters and sinkholes, a result of past magma chamber collapses. This intricate structure contributes to a poorly understood network of subterranean tunnels and reservoirs, making it challenging to predict potential eruptions.
Lead author Lizzie Johnson of Penn State University emphasized the importance of thoroughly understanding Masaya's volcanic activity and associated hazards. While the recent study did not identify any immediate threats, it suggests a more complex subsurface plumbing system than previously understood.
'Having a thorough understanding of Masaya’s volcanic activity and its related hazards is critical,' Johnson stated.
Utilizing data from the Sentinel-1 satellite, which passes over the volcano every 12 days, researchers analyzed subtle ground movements indicative of magma shifts. Between 2018 and mid-2022, the area surrounding the Masaya Central Reservoir, located north of the prominent Santiago crater, subsided by approximately 1.2 inches (3 cm). This deflation is interpreted as magma draining from the reservoir.
However, from 2022 to 2024, the ground began to uplift, signaling a potential refilling of this reservoir. Concurrently, the ground directly around the Santiago crater and its lava lake showed deflation throughout the six-year observation period. The researchers propose this might indicate the presence of a second, shallower active magma chamber approximately 656 feet (200 meters) below the surface.
'This indicates that the plumbing system is more complex and could be due to decreasing magma in a second, shallower reservoir,' Johnson explained.
Despite a major lava flow in 1772, Masaya is known for its persistent degassing, which frequently releases high concentrations of sulfur dioxide. The volcano has also experienced several explosions in the past 50 years. Although none of these events have resulted in injuries, scientists are keen to monitor its activity.
Future research aims to gather more continuous measurements to build a more comprehensive understanding of the volcano's behavior and improve eruption forecasting. Co-author Young Cheol Kim of Penn State University noted the value of continuous monitoring in establishing baseline activity and detecting changes that could necessitate public warnings in a timely manner.