Preliminary analysis of volcanoseismic signals recorded at the Tatun Volcano Group, northern Taiwan

The Tatun Volcano Group lies at the northern tip of Taiwan only 15 km north of the capital Taipei. A seismic array consisting of 5 stations equipped with both broadband and short-period sensors was installed in 2003 in order to monitor the seismic activity of the area. It recorded a variety of events including common volcano-tectonic earthquakes and volcanoseismic signals like tornillos, short duration monochromatic events (10-15 s) and long duration spasmodic bursts (~15 min). An analysis of the complex frequencies of the tornillo/monochromatic signals shows that Q-values are of the order of several hundreds. Based on the model of a fluid-filled crack, such Q-values can result from the oscillations of a crack containing a misty or dusty gas. These observations put into doubt the long-standing suggestion that the Tatun volcanoes are extinct and prompt for a thorough assessment of the volcanic hazard for this area.