Temporal change of the magma plumbing system at Galeras volcano, Colombia, revealed by repeated seismic tomography in 2009–2018

Abstract We performed repeated three-dimensional seismic tomography in 2009–2018 for the area influenced by the intersection of the Silvia–Pijao (Buesaco) and Cauca–Almaguer fault systems beneath Galeras volcano, Colombia. We analyzed two periods, 2009–2012 and 2013–2018, which were characterized by explosive eruptive activity and relative quiescence at Galeras, respectively. We used P- and S-wave arrival times of 2848 (2009–2012) and 2289 (2013–2018) earthquakes that occurred beneath the volcano. P- and S-wave velocity (Vp and Vs, respectively) anomalies and their changes between the two periods were interpreted to be associated with magma movement in the volcanic plumbing system, which was controlled by the intersection of the faults. Two possible pathways of magma ascent and accumulation were identified in the fault systems. One, located SW of the active crater, consisted of areas with high Vp/Vs values (>1.9) at depths of −2 to 4 km below sea level, and the other located NE of the active crater with high and low Vp/Vs values. The low-Vp/Vs (