Penn State Researchers Discover Two Hidden Magma Sources Beneath Volcano

Uncovering Complex Magma Systems Beneath an Active Volcano

Scientists have uncovered evidence of a surprisingly complex underground structure beneath an active Central American volcano. Researchers at Penn State utilized six years of satellite observations to track subtle ground movements, revealing two previously unrecognized magma sources operating independently.

The active site features a prominent glowing lava lake and multiple overlapping calderas. Because approximately two million people reside within 13 miles of the structure near Nicaragua's capital, understanding these underground dynamics is considered vital for assessing potential volcanic hazards and protecting surrounding communities.

Satellite Monitoring Reveals Differing Ground Movements

To investigate subsurface developments without direct observation, researchers analyzed radar measurements collected by the Sentinel-1 satellite approximately once every 12 days. Using interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR), the team tracked minute changes in surface elevation despite heavy tropical cloud cover.

Between 2018 and 2024, the data showed contrasting behaviors across the region. Initially, the ground within the caldera subsided before shifting upward, a pattern that likely reflects fresh magma entering a deep reservoir and increasing internal pressure. Meanwhile, the terrain surrounding the active Santiago crater continued to sink continuously throughout the study period, demonstrating that a separate, shallower magma reservoir was behaving differently.

Ongoing Safety Concerns and Future Monitoring

Although the volcano last produced a major lava flow in 1772, it remains a popular tourist destination and a designated national park. Persistent degassing frequently produces dangerously high concentrations of sulfur dioxide gas near the surface, creating hazardous conditions for visitors.

Experts emphasize that maintaining continuous satellite surveillance is essential for establishing baseline behavior and identifying abnormal shifts that could signal heightened activity. These insights aim to improve eruption forecasting and ensure timely warnings can be issued to the public when necessary.

Sources: Science Daily, Volcano Discovery, SuaraGarut.ID.