分类： science

The Piparo mud volcano in Trinidad continues demonstrating significant geological instability, with researchers from the University of the West Indies (UWI) documenting multiple new fractures emerging around the site in recent days. According to the team’s third official update issued on January 1st, sophisticated monitoring systems have captured the underground structure essentially ‘breathing’ through cycles of pressure accumulation and subsequent release via both existing and newly formed surface cracks.

At monitoring well #3, positioned adjacent to the primary vent, instrumentation recorded pressure fluctuations displaying a general downward trajectory. While this pattern indicates temporary pressure alleviation, the persistent variability confirms the system remains actively unstable rather than achieving equilibrium. Simultaneously, at northwest monitoring well #6, scientists observed another zone of oscillating pressure, where fractures developing between December 29th and 30th precipitated a sharp pressure decline from approximately 61 to 59 pounds per square inch (PSI). Following this abrupt release, pressures resumed their cyclical rise and fall, confirming the volcano’s ongoing activity.

The report emphasized that despite these temporary pressure releases through surface fractures, substantial risks persist for adjacent communities. Current advisories consequently maintain warnings for residents to remain vigilant, avoid the main crater and fractured zones, report emergent cracks or gas emissions, and adhere to guidance from emergency authorities.

This heightened activity follows a significant event on December 24th that induced substantial ground movement, partially destroying at least two residences, collapsing roadways—rendering one completely impassable—and disrupting utility services. UWI’s assessment suggests this activation potentially stemmed from tectonic compression or human-induced environmental alterations, notably absent typical triggers like seismic activity or prolonged rainfall.

Researchers also identified that mud and pressure flows are migrating northwestward away from the principal vent. In response to these developments, the UWI team has issued an urgent appeal for enhanced funding to bolster monitoring capabilities, improve eruption prediction models, and develop more effective risk mitigation strategies. This data would subsequently inform comprehensive risk assessments and detailed hazard zoning maps for vulnerable communities.

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management recently coordinated a meeting at the Piparo Community Center, convening first responders including the Fire Service, Police Service, Electricity Commission, and regional disaster management units. During this session, UWI researchers presented their scientific findings to inform and refine emergency response planning.

Despite surface-level calm returning to Piparo’s mud volcano, University of the West Indies (UWI) researchers maintain urgent warnings of escalating eruption risks as underground pressure continues mounting. The research team, led by Professor Oshaine Blake and PhD candidate Kerneese Ramjarrie, documented sustained pressure increases in their December 30 advisory following the volcano’s December 24 explosive activity.

Critical monitoring data reveals persistent pressure accumulation northwest of the main vent at Monitoring Well #6, where readings surged from 55 to 62.5 PSI during the eruption event and continue fluctuating around 60.5 PSI. Researchers attribute this dangerous pressure build-up to limited fracture networks in the area that prevent adequate pressure release.

Meanwhile, the main vent sensor (Monitoring Well #3) captured a characteristic ‘breathing’ pattern—pressure rising to 22 PSI before dropping to 19 PSI and oscillating within a 1 PSI range. This rhythmic pressure variation indicates an active volcanic system repeatedly building and releasing energy through subsurface fractures.

The December 24 eruption caused substantial community damage, ejecting gas and mud chunks that partially destroyed two homes, disrupted utilities, and triggered road collapses. Despite rehabilitation efforts by local authorities restoring electricity and water services, residents face ongoing displacement. Sixty-five-year-old Kim Seebaran abandoned her home of 32 years due to safety concerns, while Fedell Solomon relocated his three young daughters fearing sudden evacuations.

UWI scientists urgently recommend enhanced monitoring capabilities and immediate funding for predictive systems. Their findings will inform hazard zoning maps and emergency response planning, with stakeholders convening this week to reassess community safety protocols. Residents are advised to avoid fractured areas, report new gas emissions or ground movement, and heed all emergency directives.

A comprehensive assessment by the University of the West Indies (UWI) research team has revealed alarming activity levels at Trinidad’s Piparo Mud Volcano, prompting urgent calls for enhanced monitoring capabilities and immediate community alertness. The geological phenomenon, which began exhibiting significant activity on December 24, 2025, has demonstrated concerning subsurface pressure buildup that threatens widespread surface deformation beyond the immediate crater area.

Led by Professor of Geomechanics and Geophysics Oshaine Blake and PhD Geoscience candidate Kerneese Ramjarrie, the multidisciplinary team including Dr. Lorraine Sobers, Dr. Kailas Banerjee, Dr. Dexter Davis, and Dr. Ryan Ramsook conducted extensive field assessments following the initial eruption event. Their investigation determined that the Christmas Eve incident primarily resulted from subterranean gas release and pressure accumulation, potentially triggered by human-induced environmental changes or tectonic compression mechanisms.

The research findings indicate that Piparo ranks among the most active of Trinidad and Tobago’s 32 mud volcanoes, with historical precedent dating back to the destructive 1997 eruption that caused substantial property damage and resident displacement. Current data analysis reveals large pressurized systems of mud and gas are actively migrating northwestward from the main crater, generating ground displacement, structural fractures, and infrastructure damage across extended areas without visible surface vents.

Professor Blake’s team emphasized the particular danger presented by pressure accumulation in northwestern regions where absent ground movement prevents natural venting. This phenomenon explains why roads, residential structures, and utility networks experienced damage during the December event despite no visible eruption sources in affected zones.

The researchers have recommended expanding the monitored area to 400 acres to comprehensively map the pressurized system’s full extent. They urgently appealed for funding to establish advanced monitoring infrastructure that would enable predictive capabilities and eruption risk mitigation strategies. Such investment would facilitate developing a comprehensive early warning system and subsequent hazard zonation mapping for vulnerable communities.

Local authorities have been advised to maintain heightened alert levels and implement precautionary measures, including restricting access to the main crater and surrounding fractured areas. Residents are urged to report any emerging cracks, gas emissions, or ground movement observations to emergency services immediately.