BICHROMATIC EXCITATION OF LONG-PERIOD RAYLEIGH AND AIR WAVES BY THE MOUNT PINATUBO AND EL CHICHON VOLCANIC-ERUPTIONS

We have detected a new powerful source of low-frequency seismic energy which is associated with some violent volcanic eruptions. For the two eruptions for which we have identified this new source the spectrum is bichromatic, consisting of two narrow, phase coherent spectral lines. These bands were centered on 3.76 and 5.14 mHz for the April 4, 1982 El Chichon eruption, and on 3.68 and 4.44 mHz for the June 15, 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption. During the latter, 8 hour long eruption the resonance frequencies varied by less than 20-mu-Hz. The strength of the source is sufficient to excite globe circling surface waves. We conclude from these observations that volcanoes can excite "harmonic tremors" at much longer periods than previously observed. Our preferred source model involves feedback between local atmospheric oscillations and the eruption process. The physics responsible for this feedback remains subject to speculations.