Crustal Sources of Geothermal and Magmatic Activity in the Area of Mutnovsky-Gorely Volcanic Complex (Kamchatka) Inferred From Ambient Noise Tomography
Serial edition: Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth
Volume: 131
, Уear of publication: 2026
Abstract
The Mutnovsky and Gorely volcanoes in Kamchatka, located 7080 km southwest of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, pose significant hazard due to their potential for explosive eruptions. Mutnovsky also hosts the Mutnovsky Geothermal Power Plant (MGPP). This study presents the first crustal-scale three-dimensional seismic velocity model derived from ambient noise tomography, utilizing data from a temporary 20232024 seismic network of 65 mixed broadband and short-period stations, in addition to four permanent stations. The model reveals multiple low-velocity zones: a low-velocity anomaly at 25 km depth below sea level is interpreted as a Mutnovsky magma chamber, while the other one at 2.55 km depth beneath the MGPP likely reflects an active magmatic intrusion sustaining the geothermal system. A shallow anomaly at 0.51 km depth beneath the MGPP is attributed to production intervals associated with geothermal boreholes. Furthermore, the model indicates hydrothermal connectivity between the Mutnovsky field and the Zhirovskoy Valley, with no apparent connection to the Vilyuchinsky Valley springs. Beneath the Gorely caldera, a wide low-velocity zone suggests the presence of unconsolidated sediments and an underlying magmatic intrusion at 24 km depth.