Ecobreves – CHILE: Don't Rule Out Aysén Volcano

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SANTIAGO, Feb 10 2007 (IPS) - Tremors recorded since Jan. 22 in the southern Chilean city of Aysén are being caused by magma under the sea floor pressing for release, say experts, who are not ruling out the possibility of a volcanic eruption. “Because there is no evidence of the magma moving laterally or vertically, it is impossible to predict if it will reach equilibrium and begin to cool, or if it will open a passage to reach the surface,” Jorge Clavero, head of the applied geology department at the National Geology and Mining Service, told Tierramérica.

The epicenter of the tremors is 20 km northwest of Puerto Chacabuco, on the Aysén fjord, and 10 km deep. Meanwhile, the temblors continue.