Using numerical modeling to explore the origin of intrusion patterns on Fernandina volcano, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Numerical modeling reveals that the intrusion patterns observed on Fernandina volcano, Galápagos Islands, arise from minor variations in magma reservoir geometry. Inflation of a mildly oblate reservoir can trigger either radial or circumferential intrusions, while more oblate reservoirs produce gently dipping radial dikes through lateral sill injection and stress rotation—consistent with recent InSAR data. These findings bridge petrological and surface displacement data, offering a unified explanation for near-surface intrusion configurations.

Chestler, S. R., & Grosfils, E. B. (2013). Using numerical modeling to explore the origin of intrusion patterns on Fernandina volcano, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Geophysical Research Letters, 40(17), 4565–4569. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/grl.50833