Centre of Exchange and Research in Volcanology

Integration of geochemical and geophysical methods in volcanology

Gas and Self Potential measurements over active Fumarole field, Isla Socorro	This project received funding from CONACYT during the period April 2003 to March 2006 (Fondo de Ciencias Básicas CONACYT/SEP 41199). The project has been based at two volcanoes: Volcán de Colima and Isla Socorro. Many studies have been carried out at active volcanoes using the techniques of geophysics, whilst others utilize different tools of geochemistry to model the systems. There are not many studies that link the two fields together. This was the idea behind this project. Several geophysical techniques have been included in the studies: geomagnetics, self-potential, very low frequency method (VLF) and transient electromagnetic method (TEM). Comparisons are being made with the results of measurements of diffuse degassing, thermal emission and the characteristics of gases released from the systems.

The objectives included the following: Investigate the existence of a hydrothermal system at Volcán de Colima Study the extent of the hydrothermal system at Isla Socorro Integrate various geophysical techniques with the study of diffuse degassing Observe the variation in thermal emission of hydrothermal systems This project has included a collaboration with the University of South Florida, USA and the Open University, UK.
	TEM measurements on the flanks of Volcán de Colima

The magnetic field along two profiles is being investigated on the flanks of the volcano. This is a collaboration with Dr. Héctor López Loera, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Cientifica y Tecnología, San Luis Potosí.

Magnetic measurements