Complex Series of Geologic Processes Generated Seizmic Humming

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a complex series of geological processes related to seismic humming detected off the coast of Africa, involving magma movement, volcanic activity, and subsequent geological changes. Participants explore the implications of these events, including the characteristics of the magma chamber and the effects on the surrounding land.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants summarize the geological events, noting that a magma pool drained and flowed up a dyke, leading to the formation of an underwater volcano.
  • It is proposed that the magma chamber could not support the overlying crust, resulting in a slow collapse of the magma roof and a series of earthquakes.
  • Participants mention the concept of "crunchy" overlying crust cracking to accommodate reduced support from the magma chamber.
  • There is a suggestion that the resonant frequencies of the seismic humming could provide insights into the size and shape of the magma chamber, although some express uncertainty about the number of unknown physical variables involved.
  • One participant recalls having recorded the seismic signal on their own system, albeit faintly, from a significant distance.
  • Discussions include calculations regarding the size and volume of the magma chamber and the expelled magma volume from the volcano.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the occurrence of the geological events and their implications, but there are varying levels of certainty regarding specific details, such as the resonant frequencies and the exact volumes involved. No consensus is reached on the implications of these variables.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the depth of the Moho and the implications of the magma chamber's volume changes. There are also unresolved questions regarding the physical variables that could affect the resonant frequencies of the seismic humming.

BillTre
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TL;DR
Off Africa, a magma pool drained, flowed up a dyke, when horizontally, and evetually up to make an underwater volcano. The source of the magma (magma chamber), then could not support the overlying crust. Then, a slow limited magma roof collapse, caused a series of earthquakes. Under-supported, overlying crust (crunchy) cracked, to accommodate its reduced support. Then the magma chamber roof slowly collapsed, causing unusual magma chamber resonances. Overlying land sank.
I find this interesting. A pretty detailed description, of a complex geological series of events, that can't be directly seen.

Here's my summary:
In 2018 an usual humming was picked up by seismic equipment an island off Africa, a magma pool drained, flowed up a dyke, when horizontal, and then up to make an underwater volcano. The source of the magma (magma chamber), then could not support the overlying crust. In a slow, limited magma roof collapse, caused a series earthquakes. Under-supported, overlying crust (crunchy) cracks, accommodating its reduced support. This leads to the magma chamber roof's slow collapse, causing unusual magma chamber resonances. Overlying land sank.

Here is an open access link to the paper:

Nature Geoscience | VOL 13 | January 2020 | 87–93 | www.nature.com/naturegeoscience 87

Abstract:
Screen Shot 2020-01-09 at 4.34.12 PM.png


Summary:
Screen Shot 2020-01-09 at 4.35.51 PM.png
 
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BillTre said:
Summary:: Off Africa, a magma pool drained, flowed up a dyke, when horizontally, and evetually up to make an underwater volcano. The source of the magma (magma chamber), then could not support the overlying crust. Then, a slow limited magma roof collapse, caused a series of earthquakes. Under-supported, overlying crust (crunchy) cracked, to accommodate its reduced support. Then the magma chamber roof slowly collapsed, causing unusual magma chamber resonances. Overlying land sank.

I find this interesting. A pretty detailed description, of a complex geological series of events, that can't be directly seen.

Interesting, I remember a thread on that way back then and vaguely remember recording that signal
on my own system, tho not very strongly from half a world away
Dave
 
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Yeah.
I remember something like that too, but could not find it in a quick search.
 
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davenn said:
Interesting, I remember a thread on that way back then and vaguely remember recording that signal
on my own system, tho not very strongly from half a world away

Found it!

I've been thinking about the volumes involved:
Magma Chamber Size: 10-15 km diameter, Area of (10-15 km circle: (78.5 to 188.5 km2)
Depth of Magma Chamber: 20-25 km deep
Moho (solid/plastic transition border?) depth: ?
Change in Magma Chamber Volume: 1.3 (or 1.7) km3 -->1.3 (or 1.7) km3 / Area)
Volume of Volcano (expelled magma volume): 1.3 km3
Sinking of Land, how much (18 cm (0.00018 km)), volume 1.7 km3 (from paper)

It occurs to me that the resonant frequency(s) of the humm sound could be informative of the size and shape of the magma chamber. There may be too many unknown physical variables though.
 
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