open access

https://doi.org/10.14943/gbhu.73.269

https://hdl.handle.net/2115/44480

Heat accumulation beneath Tokachidake volcano as inferred from magnetic changes

日本語

2010-03-19

北海道大学大学院理学研究院自然史科学部門（地球物理学）

Geophysical bulletin of Hokkaido University

73

269-280

We report the recent results of geomagnetic repeat surveys aiming for the detection of subsurface thermal changes at Tokachidake volcano, central Hokkaido, northern Japan. We conducted the first survey in October, 2008. The same pegs and marks were reoccupied in July and September, 2009. During this period a clear dipolar pattern of magnetic changes was detected around the 62-II crater, the present main vent of Tokachidake. This change is quite consistent with the pattern due to a demagnetized sphere placed at a depth of 150 m（1,600 m a.s.l.）beneath the 62-II crater. The change of magnetic moment amounts to 1 - 2×106 Am2. The maximum magnetic change is about 35 nT, overwhelming the errors due to extra-terrestrial changes, secular changes, or seasonal variations. The most likely explanation of this demagnetization is the thermomagnetic effect due to heating beneath the crater. Considering the moderate fumarolic temperature in the 62-II crater, the thermal demagnetization is not caused directly by magma intrusion. We here propose a model that water vapor supplied from depths is releasing latent heat through condensation at the source depth. The heating rate corresponding to the observed magnetic changes is an order of 10 MW. A more speculative suggestion is that water vapor of 107～108 kg/yr is required to realize this heating rate. Considering the fact that fumarolic activity of 62-II crater has somewhat declined since 2006, the ongoing demagnetization may be attributed to the decrease of heat discharge rate from the crater. If this is the case, elevation of heat supply from depths is not necessarily required.

紀要論文

Version of Record

0439-3503

AN0008976X