Sub-surface structure of La Soufrière of Guadeloupe lava dome deduced from a ground-based magnetic survey

In this study, we present the analysis and interpretation of a new ground magnetic survey acquired at the Soufrière volcano on Guadeloupe Island. Observed short-wavelength magnetic anomalies are compared to those predicted assuming a constant magnetization within the sub-surface. The good correlation between modeled and observed data over the summit of the dome indicates that the shallow sub-surface displays relatively constant and high magnetization intensity. In contrast, the poor correlation at the base of the dome suggests that the underlying material is non- to weakly-magnetic, consistent with what is expected for a talus comprised of randomly oriented and highly altered and weathered boulders. The new survey also reveals a dipole anomaly that is not accounted for by a constant magnetization in the sub-surface and suggests the existence of material with decreased magnetization beneath the Soufrière lava dome. We construct simple models to constrain its dimensions and propose that this body corresponds to hydrothermally altered material within and below the dome. The very large inferred volume for such material may have implications on the stability of the dome. •We present a new ground-based magnetic survey over La Soufrière of Guadeloupe dome.•Topographic anomalies are used to estimate the shallow sub-surface magnetization.•A large volume of weakly magnetized material is inferred within and below the dome.•It is interpreted to be hydrothermally altered rock that may impact dome stability.