Abstract
We analyzed more than 1700 earthquakes related to the 1982 eruption of El Chichon volcano in southern Mexico. The data were recorded at specific periods throughout the whole eruptive interval of March to April 1982, by three different networks. The seismic activity began several months before the first eruption on 28 March. During this period the seismicity consisted of hybrid and long-period shallow earthquakes most likely related to processes of faulting, fracturing, and fluid movement underneath the volcano. The foci of events occurring before the eruption circumscribe an aseismic zone from approximately 7 to 13 km below the volcano. After the eruption, the seismic activity consisted of tectonic-type earthquakes that peaked at 1200 events/h. This later activity occurred over a wide range of depths, mostly between 5 and 20 km, that includes the former aseismic zone and is roughly limited by the major tectonic faults in the area.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 19 May 1998 / Accepted: 13 June 1999
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Jiménez, Z., Espíndola, V. & Espíndola, J. Evolution of the seismic activity from the 1982 eruption of El Chichon Volcano, Chiapas, Mexico. Bull Volcanol 61, 411–422 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004450050282
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004450050282