Deformation (volcanology)

In volcanology, deformation refers to the change in the shape of a volcano or the surrounding landscape due to the movement of magma. This can be in the form of inflation, which is a response to pressurization, or deflation, which is a response to depressurization. Inflation is represented by swelling of the ground surface, a volcanic edifice, or a subsurface magma body. It can be caused by magma accumulation, exsolution of volatiles, geothermal processes, heating, and tectonic compression. Deflation is represented by shrinking of the ground surface, a volcanic edifice, or a subsurface magma body. It can be caused by magma withdrawal (related to intrusion or eruption), volatile escape, thermal contraction, phase changes during crystallization, and tectonic extension. Deformation is a key indicator of pre-eruptive unrest at many active volcanoes, but deformation signals must be used in combination with other eruption indicators for forecasting reliability.

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