Nyamuragira

Observations of Deformation

Volcano number:223020
Region:
Country:DR Congo
Geodetic measurements?Yes
Deformation observation?Yes
Measurement method(s):InSAR
Duration of observation:2002 - 2012
Inferred cause(s) of deformation:Magmatic, Surface deposits
Characteristics of deformation:

Nyamuragira is a broad, highly active, shield volcano, that has been the focus of some InSAR studies. A long list of eruption dates can be found on the Smithsonian GVP website, most of which are flank eruptions.
Samsonov and d’Oreye (2012) provide a description of deformation at Nyamuragira using InSAR from between 2002 – 2012 using a variety of sensors, and produce a time-series using their MSBAS method (described therein). They describe an area to the NNE where numerous lava flows have built up that has been steadily subsiding up to  4 cm/yr. Associated with the May 2004 eruption subsidence of 2–3 cm and horizontal eastward displacement of 5–6 cm are detected on the N-NW flank of the volcano.
During the November-December 2006 eruption, eastward displacements of 5–6 cm were observed on the eastern flank of the volcano. A co-eruptive uplift of about 1–2 cm is also detected, as well as a change in the long-term subsidence rate from less than 1 cm/yr to about 2 cm/yr. Both, subsidence and horizontal westward movements triggered by the eruption are ongoing.

During the January 2010 11 cm eastward co-eruptive displacement to the east of the volcano was observed.

Samsonov and d’Oreye (2012) describe deformation at several points around the volcano at several different times, and, if the reader is interested, they are directed there for more detail and clarification on locations.

 

Reference(s):Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program
http://www.volcano.si.edu/volcano.cfm?vn=211010
Samsonov, S., & d'Oreye, N. (2012). Multidimensional time-series analysis of ground deformation from multiple InSAR data sets applied to Virunga Volcanic Province. Geophysical Journal International, 191(3), 1095-1108.
Toombs, A., & Wadge, G. (2012). Co-eruptive and inter-eruptive surface deformation measured by satellite radar interferometry at Nyamuragira volcano, DR Congo, 1996 to 2010. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 245, 98-122.
Location:-1.408, 29.2
REST API endpoint (JSON):https://comet.nerc.ac.uk/wp-json/volcanodb/v1/volcano/5296

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