UofM Research Center Launches Collaboration with El Salvador
CERI expands earthquake research and preparedness work to volcanos in Central America
The earthquake physics group at the Center for Earthquake Information and Research, University of Memphis launched a new project focusing on volcano seismic activity in El Salvador. The project is co-led by Prof. Henriquez from the University of El Salvador (UES) and Prof. Goebel from the University of Memphis (UofM). Henriquez has been analyzing volcanic activity across the Santa Ana complex in El Salvador for many years, however high-resolution seismic monitoring was previously not feasible. The team from the UofM and UES spent the fall of 2023 installing seismometers across the volcanic complex which hosts several active volcanoes, including Izalco and Santa Ana with large, phreatomagmatic eruptions in 2005 and 2007.
The researchers decided to deploy low-cost seismometers in schools, hotels and universities to maximize community engagement and educational benefits in a first of kind efforts in El Salvador. Network maintenance and operations heavily rely on the work of many students who were fully involved in developing the science and outreach plans. The new network already proved invaluable during the early detection of a recent uptick in earthquakes below the volcanic complex. The earthquake activity started in late 2023 and culminated in a pair of magnitude 4 events on January 29th, 2024. Further activity will be closely monitored since pronounced changes in seismicity rates can be the first sign of magma ascent and subsequent volcanic eruptions. The collected data will be essential to unravel the hidden connections between deep magma chambers and volcanic edifices across the entire Santa Ana volcanic complex.
The work around Santa Ana complex received strong support from the Ministry of the Environment (MARN) and Ministry of Education of El Salvador which will be key partners during further project expansions. The work may pioneer citizen-science in El Salvador and Central America and will continue to focus on student and community engagement.
For more information on this project, contact Goebel at thgoebel@memphis.edu.
Santa Ana crater lake. October 2023. Photo: Navin Thapa
Scientists and researchers from the University of Memphis and University of El Salvador at the summit of Santa Ana volcano. October 2023. Photo: Navin Thapa
Seismic activity within 15 km of Santa Ana volcano exhibits a notable increase between late December 2023 and January 2024. The new network is able to detect even small changes in earthquake rates, magnitudes, and depth.
Science and tech team from the UofM and UES together with the school principal of the “Complejo Educativo Canton San Isidro”. Teachers and students will receive continues training in hazard preparedness and volcano seismology.