An Overview of Seismo-Acoustic and Eruptive Activity at Rincón de la Vieja Volcano

Rincón de la Vieja is a complex stratovolcano characterized by a persistently active magmatic-hydrothermal system that hosts a hyperacid crater lake with a long record of phreatic and phreatomagmatic activity. This study synthesizes volcanic behavior from 2014 to 2025 using continuous seismo-acoustic monitoring, supported by detailed eruption chronologies, analysis of discrete seismic signals (VTs, tornillos, LPs, banded tremor, and VLPs), and identification of pre-eruptive trends. By combining these observations with ground deformation and SO2 emission measurements, we characterize the evolution of the magmatic–hydrothermal systems . 

Results suggest a shift from a mineralogically sealed system to repeated episodes of conduit opening, culminating in the lowest crater-lake levels observed in the past 20 years in May 2024. We propose two dominant processes governing major eruptive episodes: 1) the buildup of magmatic gases beneath a shallow sealing zone and 2) variations in permeability within the magmatic-hydrothermal system. Both mechanisms regulate eruptive intensity and account for elevated gas output despite declining eruptive energy. The interaction of these processes also defines the primary volcanic hazards, particularly lahars and pyroclastic density currents. This integrative approach enhances our overall understanding of wet volcanic systems and offers a practical framework for improving monitoring strategies, eruption forecasting, and hazard mitigation at highly active volcanoes such as Rincón de la Vieja.