Brief
Scientists detect two new magma chambers beneath Nicaragua’s Masaya volcano
Satellite monitoring shows ground uplift around Masaya’s central reservoir, indicating fresh magma influx.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Scientists say two previously unknown magma chambers are filling beneath the active Masaya volcano, known locally as the “Mouth of Hell,” raising concerns for the capital city of Managua, which lies about 20 km away.
What happened
Using Sentinel‑1 satellite imagery collected between 2018 and mid‑2022, researchers tracked ground deformation around Masaya’s central reservoir. The data show periods of subsidence followed by uplift, which the team interprets as magma draining and then new magma entering the system.
What the report adds
The study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, highlights the complexity of Masaya’s underground “plumbing,” noting that the volcano’s nested craters and sinkholes are formed by empty magma chambers that are poorly understood. While the volcano last produced a major lava flow in 1772, it continues to emit high levels of sulphur‑dioxide gas and has had several explosions over the past 50 years, none of which have caused injuries.
What was said
Lead author Lizzie Johnson of Penn State University told the Daily Mail, “Having a thorough understanding of Masaya’s volcanic activity and its related hazards is critical.” She added that when the ground starts uplifting again, it may indicate new magma moving in.
How it came about
The research builds on earlier monitoring of Masaya’s degassing and occasional explosive activity, underscoring the need for continuous satellite surveillance to detect subtle changes that could precede an eruption.
Key facts
- Two magma chambers are filling beneath Masaya volcano. (dailymail.co.uk)
- Ground uplift was observed between 2018 and mid‑2022 via Sentinel‑1. (dailymail.co.uk)
- Masaya lies about 20 km from Managua, home to two million people. (dailymail.co.uk)
- The volcano last produced a major lava flow in 1772. (dailymail.co.uk)
- High sulphur‑dioxide emissions are a persistent hazard. (dailymail.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] dailymail.co.uk — originally reported as “Scientists warn magma is building beneath 'Mouth of Hell' volcano”
