On deformation sources in volcanic areas: Modeling the Campi Flegrei (Italy) 1982–84 unrest

Deformation sources in volcanic areas are generally modeled in terms of pressurized tri-axial ellipsoids or pressurized cracks with simple geometrical shapes, embedded in a homogeneous half-space. However, the assumption of a particular source mechanism and the neglect of medium heterogeneities bias significantly the estimate of source parameters. A more general approach describes the deformation source in terms of a suitable moment tensor. Ratios between moment tensor eigenvalues are shown to provide a strong diagnostic tool for the physical interpretation of the deformation source and medium heterogeneities may be accounted for through 3D finite element computations. Leveling and EDM data, collected during the 1982–84 unrest episode at Campi Flegrei (Italy), are employed to retrieve the complete moment tensor according to a Bayesian inversion procedure, considering the heterogeneous elastic structure of the volcanic area. Best fitting moment tensors are found to be incompatible with any pressurized ellipsoid or crack. Taking into account the deflation of a deeper magma reservoir, which accompanies the inflation of a shallower source, data fit improves considerably but the retrieved moment tensor of the shallow source is found to be incompatible with pressurized ellipsoids, still. Looking for alternative physical models of the dislocation source, we find that the best fit moment tensor can be best interpreted in terms of a mixed mode (shear and tensile) dislocation at 5.5 km depth, striking EW and dipping by ~ 25°–30° to the North. Gravity changes are found to be compatible with the intrusion of ~ 60–70 · 106 m3 of volatile rich magma with density ~ 2400 kg/m3.

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► We model the 1982–84 uplift at Campi Flegrei by a general deformation source.
► The best model is a mixed mode crack at 5.5 km depth, striking EW, dipping 27°N.
► The numerical models include the elastic structure and a deflating sill at 7.5 km depth.
► The estimated intrusion density is ~ 2400 kg/m3 compatible with volatile rich magma.