Would the Massif Central be a sleeping volcano that begins to stir under the duvet? This is what new results obtained by a team of French scientists suggest, who are interested in what is happening in depth under the region. Their study, published in Geophysical Research Lettershighlights an unusual phenomenon: the detection of “long period and deep” earthquakes, or DLP (“Deep Long Period”), under the Puys chain and the Maar du Pavin.
Earthquakes that say long
These earthquakes are quite special. Unlike classic earthquakes that break rocks, DLPs are linked to the circulation of Magma in depth. They are often observed under active volcanoes … or in standby. Their presence here therefore suggests that, despite the 6,700 years of flat calm since the last eruption, the magmatic system is not completely extinguished. The magma still seems there, lurking on the border between the earth’s crust and the coat, far from our feet.
To capture these very discreet signals, researchers from the Maciv project (funded by the National Research Agency) installed, between 2023 and 2024, a hundred temporary seismometers throughout the region. These sensors completed the permanent seismic surveillance network already in place (EPOS-France). Thanks to this large -scale operation, scientists were able to accurately map the activity in depth.
The situation of the Massif Central recalls another case in Europe: the Eifel volcanic massif, Germany. He too has been “asleep” for about 10,000 years, but he has signs of a possible underground awakening. In other words, a volcano may seem calm for millennia … while continuing to move at low noise.
Should we worry? Do not panic: it is not a question of announcing an imminent eruption. But these results recall that the basement of the Massif Central remains active, and that it deserves to be closely monitored. The data collected will also help to refine surveillance in this volcanic region that was believed to be quiet.
Under its peaceful air, the Massif Central may still hide some hot flashes. And it is better to detect them in time.
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