On the Monitoring of the Electromagnetic Fields Accompanying the Seismic and Volcanic Activity of the Chiles Volcano: Preliminary Results

Abstract

We implemented two prototype monitoring stations that would allow to measure electromagnetic field changes in a volcano due to eruptive processes, intending to improve the early warning system of Instituto Geofisico EPN in case of volcanic eruptions. The new stations are made of electromagnetic field sensors and innovative wireless technology with low power consumption. As a proof of concept, we monitored the magnetic field and seismic signals in the moderately active Chiles-Cerro Negro volcanic complex in Ecuador during a first survey in October 2020. Distinct anomalies in the magnetic field were observed in the geothermal areas in Chiles volcano when the seismic activity was high. Magnetic field variations and seismic activity were observed simultaneously and associated with each other, however further research is still needed in order to determine whether magnetic field variations can be associated to seismic signals and quantify this impact.