LOS PROCESOS SÍSMICOS EN EL VOLCÁN IRAZÚ (COSTA RICA)

Abstract

Faulting of the Irazu Volcano Area is described and correlated with available information about seismicswarms that have ocurred there in the last 15 years, in order to know those faults that have been generating suchseismic activity. According to epicentral locations, the faults responsible of the known swarms are Elia, Ariete, Irazú,Nubes and Río Sucio. The Irazu ́s seismic swarms seem to ocurr in pairs which mean that during the whole period ofseismic activity there are two sub-periods of more intense seismicity. This tectonic activity might favor a volcaniceruption because it can open spaces for volcanic liquid and gases to leave.