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May 9, 2026Geochemistry Geophysics Geosystems0 citationsOpen Access

Hunga‐Tonga Volcano Plumbing System Inferred From Virtual Seismometer Approach

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TSTaghi ShirzadUniversidade de São PauloMBMarcelo De BianchiInstitute of AstronomyMKMohsen KazemniaCentral Institution for Meteorology and Geodynamics

Key Points

  • The aim is to analyze crustal structures beneath the Hunga Tonga region using advanced seismic methods.
  • Employed surface wave tomography based on event-pair interferometry.
  • Analyzed vertical-component IRIS data from over 180 earthquakes (M ≥ 4.5) between 2010–2022.
  • Performed tomographic inversion for isotropic and anisotropic group velocity models.
  • Identified low-velocity anomalies at shallow depths, indicating high porosity and low density.
  • Mapped high-velocity regions linked to the volcanic plumbing system beneath seamounts.
  • Observed anisotropy suggests deformation around Hunga Tonga associated with magmatic processes.

Abstract

Abstract We present a surface wave tomography application based on event‐pair interferometry to investigate local (∼100 km) mid‐ocean crustal structures, with a particular focus on imaging a potential crustal solidified intrusive complex in a region lacking seismic stations. We analyzed vertical‐component IRIS data (2010–2022) from over 180 M ≥ 4.5 earthquakes. Signal pre‐processing techniques, cross‐correlation, and then stacking, were employed to extract inter‐event empirical Green's functions (EGFs). Afterward, dispersion curves were manually derived for inter‐event distances exceeding three wavelengths, and tomographic inversion was performed to obtain isotropic and anisotropic group velocity models across periods of 1–12 s. Our results at shallow depths reveal well‐resolved low‐velocity anomalies, attributed to high porosity, low density, and the presence of unconsolidated to semi‐consolidated pelagic sedimentary deposits. In contrast, at greater depths, high‐velocity regions are interpreted as parts of the volcanic plumbing system inside the oceanic crust beneath seamount volcanoes in mid‐ocean settings, highlighting the effectiveness of the method despite the limitations imposed by widely spaced global physical stations. Additionally, observed anisotropy indicates deformation around Hunga Tonga‐Hunga Haʻapai (HTHH), with fast‐direction alignment reflecting magmatic intrusions and crustal fabric influences during crust formation. The V S models highlight structural variations and anisotropic features consistent with regional tectonics and magmatic processes.

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Cite This Study

Shirzad et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69fed021b9154b0b82877203https://doi.org/10.1029/2025gc012761
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