MUSE: Magmatic Underplating and Swarm Earthquakes

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Torsten Dahm; Dr. Matthias Ohrnberger
• Subject Area: Geophysics
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 511401266

The origin of geodynamic activity in the West Bohemia/Vogtland region is not fully understood yet. This involves the Quaternary volcanism, carbon dioxide degassing and seismic swarms. Deep magmatic processes are attributed to be the cause of CO2 emanations in the area, which could also result in earthquake swarms and stress concentrations released by large Quaternary earthquakes identified recently. To verify if the magmatic underplating could be responsible for the present geodynamic activity, we plan the following study: (i) identify the depth and shape of the brittle- ductile transition (ii) estimate the total CO2 flux in the area and monitor the time variations of CO2 discharge and its isotopic compositions and their relations to seismic activity; (iii) apply geothermal modelling constrained by the expected time of intrusion and the present magma degassing; and (iv) estimate the rates of magma production released during the Quaternary eruptions. This will allow for testing of the magma-origin hypothesis of the present geodynamic activity in the region.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Czech Republic
• Cooperation Partner: Professor Dr. Tomas Fischer