资源环境科技发展态势分析平台

We conduct finite element analysis to investigate the effect of sharp topography on surface ground deformation caused by pressure changes in a magma reservoir. Tilt data express the horizontal gradient of vertical displacement and therefore can emphasize small variations in deformation that go unnoticed using other methods. We find that the vertical displacement profile at a surface with a cliff can be thought of as the superposition of the deformation from shallow and deeper sources. This combination can create a small peak in vertical displacement that acts as a pseudo-source, creating a reversal of the deformation gradient and therefore anomalous tilt magnitude and a rotation of up to 180 degrees. We apply these models to Kilauea Caldera and find that surface geometry creates a tilt rotation of similar to 10 degrees, partially explaining anomalous tilt that has been observed. Our analysis highlights the importance of considering topography when assessing tilt measurements at active volcanoes.