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How Steep Is My Seep? Seepage in Volcanic Lakes, Hints from Numerical Simulations
Author(s)
Language
English
Obiettivo Specifico
2V. Struttura e sistema di alimentazione dei vulcani
Status
Published
Pages Number
323-339
Refereed
Yes
Title of the book
Issued date
March 2015
ISBN
978-3-642-36833-2
Abstract
The existence and survival of volcanic lakes require the accomplishment
of a delicate balance between meteoric recharge, evaporation, and water
loss by infiltration within the volcanic edifice, commonly referred to as
seepage. A deep-seated, volcanic component may participate to a variable
extent to the lake’s evolution, depending on volcanic activity. In this
work, we apply a numerical model of hydrothermal fluid circulation to
study the interaction between the hot volcanic gases and the shallow lake
water. We focus on the conceptual model developed for Poás volcano
(Costa Rica), where a shallow magma intrusion drives the hydrothermal
activity underneath and around the crater lake. Numerical simulations are
carried out to assess the role of relevant system properties, including rock
permeability, reservoir conditions, lake geometry, and meteoric recharge.
Our results suggest that vertical seepage can be severely hindered by the
ascent of volcanic gases, whereas horizontal infiltration through the
vertical lake walls may ensure a long-term water loss. Our simulations
also show that the permeability distribution, especially around the lake,
determines the overall pattern of circulation affecting the development and
spatial distribution of hot springs and fumaroles, and ultimately controlling
the evolution of the lake.
of a delicate balance between meteoric recharge, evaporation, and water
loss by infiltration within the volcanic edifice, commonly referred to as
seepage. A deep-seated, volcanic component may participate to a variable
extent to the lake’s evolution, depending on volcanic activity. In this
work, we apply a numerical model of hydrothermal fluid circulation to
study the interaction between the hot volcanic gases and the shallow lake
water. We focus on the conceptual model developed for Poás volcano
(Costa Rica), where a shallow magma intrusion drives the hydrothermal
activity underneath and around the crater lake. Numerical simulations are
carried out to assess the role of relevant system properties, including rock
permeability, reservoir conditions, lake geometry, and meteoric recharge.
Our results suggest that vertical seepage can be severely hindered by the
ascent of volcanic gases, whereas horizontal infiltration through the
vertical lake walls may ensure a long-term water loss. Our simulations
also show that the permeability distribution, especially around the lake,
determines the overall pattern of circulation affecting the development and
spatial distribution of hot springs and fumaroles, and ultimately controlling
the evolution of the lake.
Type
book chapter
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Name
Todesco Seep VL 2015.pdf
Size
889.39 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
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