US EditionAnatomy of a 'zombie' volcano: Investigating the cause of unrest inside Uturuncu
- Researchers from Oxford, Cornell, and the University of Science and Technology of China studied volcanic unrest at Uturuncu in Bolivia, publishing findings in April 2025.
- The investigation responded to decades of ground deformation and seismic activity without prior explanation, combining signals from over 1,700 earthquakes to image the volcano’s interior.
- Using seismic tomography and rock analysis, the team linked the central uplift and surrounding sinking—known as the 'sombrero' pattern—to movement of fluids and gases beneath the crater.
- Professor Mike Kendall highlighted that combining geophysical and geological techniques enhances our understanding of volcanoes, with uplift rates observed to reach as much as 0.4 inches annually.
- The researchers concluded Uturuncu is unlikely to erupt soon, but their methods could assess hazards for more than 1,400 active and dozens of dormant 'zombie' volcanoes worldwide.
22 Articles
22 Articles
'Zombie' Volcano in Bolivia Appears to Be Stirring Deep Underground
A volcano that has been dormant for more than 250,000 years might not be as dead and gone as it looks.Beneath the tall peaks of Uturuncu in the Sur Lípez Province of Bolivia, scientists have figured out what is happening in the magma chambers deep underground, as materials slowly make their way up towards the surface. "When people look at volcanoes, they're like, 'Oh, if it's not going to erupt, we're not interested in it.' But actually volc…
Oxford Mail
thisisoxfordshire.co.ukResearchers quell fears of imminent eruption from Bolivia's 'zombie' volcano
Fears of an imminent volcanic eruption in Bolivia have been alleviated by researchers from Oxford University.
A 'zombie' volcano in Bolivia has been acting up, and scientists finally know why
Uturuncu, a dormant volcano in Bolivia, appeared to be getting ready to erupt following earthquakes and "sombrero" shaped deformation — scientists have now worked out what's going on beneath the surface.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
