Eruption and deposition of the Fisher Tuff (Alaska)--Evidence for the evolution of pyroclastic flows

USGS Publications Warehouse

Burgisser, Alain; Gardner, J.E.; Stelling, P.

2007-01-01

Recognition that the Fisher Tuff (Unimak Island, Alaska) was deposited on the leeside of an ∼500–700‐m‐high mountain range (Tugamak Range) more than 10 km away from its source played a major role in defining pyroclastic flows as momentum‐driven currents. We reexamined the Fisher Tuff to evaluate whether deposition from expanded turbulent clouds can better explain its depositional features. We studied the tuff at 89 sites and sieved bulk samples from 27 of those sites. We find that the tuff consists of a complex sequence of deposits that record the evolution of the eruption from a buoyant plume (22 km) that deposited ∼0.2 km3 of dacite magma as a pyroclastic fall layer to erupting ∼10–100 km3 of andesitic magma as Scoria‐rich pyroclastic falls and flows that were mainly deposited to the north and northwest of the caldera, including those in valleys within the Tugamak Range. The distribution of the flow deposits and their welding, internal stratification, and the occurrence of lithic breccia all suggest that the pyroclastic flows were fed from a fountaining column that vented from an inclined conduit, the first time such a conduit has been recognized during a large‐volume caldera eruption. Pyroclastic flow deposits before and after the mountain range and thin veneer deposits high in the range are best explained by a flow that was stratified into a dense undercurrent and an overriding dilute turbulent cloud, from which deposition before the range was mainly from the undercurrent. When the flow ran into the mountain range, however, the undercurrent was blocked, but the turbulent cloud continued on. As the flow continued north, it restratified, forming another undercurrent. The Fisher Tuff thus records the passing of a flow that was significantly higher (800–1100 m thick) than the mountain range and thus did not require excessive momentum.

Sedimentology and geomorphology of the deposits from the August 2006 pyroclastic density currents at Tungurahua volcano, Ecuador.

PubMed

Douillet, Guilhem Amin; Tsang-Hin-Sun, Ève; Kueppers, Ulrich; Letort, Jean; Pacheco, Daniel Alejandro; Goldstein, Fabian; Von Aulock, Felix; Lavallée, Yan; Hanson, Jonathan Bruce; Bustillos, Jorge; Robin, Claude; Ramón, Patricio; Hall, Minard; Dingwell, Donald B

The deposits of the pyroclastic density currents from the August 2006 eruption of Tungurahua show three facies associations depending on the topographic setting: the massive, proximal cross-stratified, and distal cross-stratified facies. (1) The massive facies is confined to valleys on the slopes of the volcano. It contains clasts of >1 m diameter to fine ash material, is massive, and interpreted as deposited from dense pyroclastic flows. Its surface can exhibit lobes and levees covered with disk-shaped and vesicular large clasts. These fragile large clasts must have rafted at the surface of the flows all along the path in order to be preserved, and thus imply a sharp density boundary near the surface of these flows. (2) The proximal cross-stratified facies is exposed on valley overbanks on the upper part of the volcano and contains both massive coarse-grained layers and cross-stratified ash and lapilli bedsets. It is interpreted as deposited from (a) dense pyroclastic flows that overflowed the gentle ridges of valleys of the upper part of the volcano and (b) dilute pyroclastic density currents created from the dense flows by the entrainment of air on the steep upper flanks. (3) The distal cross-stratified facies outcrops as spatially limited, isolated, and wedge-shaped bodies of cross-stratified ash deposits located downstream of cliffs on valleys overbanks. It contains numerous aggrading dune bedforms, whose crest orientations reveal parental flow directions. A downstream decrease in the size of the dune bedforms, together with a downstream fining trend in the grain size distribution are observed on a 100-m scale. This facies is interpreted to have been deposited from dilute pyroclastic density currents with basal tractional boundary layers. We suggest that the parental flows were produced from the dense flows by entrainment of air at cliffs, and that these diluted currents might rapidly deposit through "pneumatic jumps". Three modes are present in the grain size distribution of all samples independently of the facies, which further supports the interpretation that all three facies derive from the same initial flows. This study emphasizes the influence of topography on small volume pyroclastic density currents, and the importance of flow transformation and flow-stripping processes.

Slow-moving and far-travelled dense pyroclastic flows during the Peach Spring super-eruption.

PubMed

Roche, O; Buesch, D C; Valentine, G A

2016-03-07

Explosive volcanic super-eruptions of several hundred cubic kilometres or more generate long run-out pyroclastic density currents the dynamics of which are poorly understood and controversial. Deposits of one such event in the southwestern USA, the 18.8 Ma Peach Spring Tuff, were formed by pyroclastic flows that travelled >170 km from the eruptive centre and entrained blocks up to ∼ 70-90 cm diameter from the substrates along the flow paths. Here we combine these data with new experimental results to show that the flow's base had high-particle concentration and relatively modest speeds of ∼ 5-20 m s(-1), fed by an eruption discharging magma at rates up to ∼ 10(7)-10(8) m(3) s(-1) for a minimum of 2.5-10 h. We conclude that sustained high-eruption discharge and long-lived high-pore pressure in dense granular dispersion can be more important than large initial velocity and turbulent transport with dilute suspension in promoting long pyroclastic flow distance.

Radiocarbon dates for lava flows and pyroclastic deposits on Sao Miguel, Azores

USGS Publications Warehouse

Moore, R.B.; Rubin, M.

1991-01-01

We report 63 new radiocarbon analyses of samples from Sao Miguel, the largest island in the Azores archipelago. The samples are mainly carbonized tree roots and other plant material collected from beneath 20 mafic lava flows and spatter deposits and from within and beneath 42 trachytic pyroclastic flow, pyroclastic surge, mudflow, pumice-fall and lacustrine deposits and lava flows. One calcite date is reported. These dates establish ages for 48 previously undated lava flows and pyroclastic deposits, and revise three ages previously reported. These data are critical to deciphering the Holocene and late Pleistocene eruptive history of Sao Miguel and evaluating its potential volcanic hazards. Average dormant intervals during the past 3000 years are about 400 years for Sete Cidades volcano, 145 years for volcanic Zone 2, 1150 years for Agua de Pau volcano and 320 years for Furnas volcano. No known eruptions have occurred in volcanic Zone 4 during the past 3000 years. -from Authors

Mihi Breccia: A stack of lacustrine sediments and subaqueous pyroclastic flows within the Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand

USGS Publications Warehouse

Downs, Drew

2016-01-01

The Taupo Volcanic Zone (TVZ), New Zealand, encompasses a wide variety of arc-related strata, although most of its small-volume (non-caldera-forming) eruptions are poorly-exposed and extensively hydrothermally altered. The Mihi Breccia is a stratigraphic sequence consisting of interbedded rhyolitic pyroclastic flows and lacustrine sediments with eruption ages of 281 ± 18 to at least 239 ± 6 ka (uncertainties at 2σ). In contrast to other small-volume rhyolitic eruptions within the TVZ, Mihi Breccia is relatively well-exposed within the Paeroa fault block, and contains minimal hydrothermal alteration. Pyroclastic flow characteristics and textures including: 1) breadcrusted juvenile clasts, 2) lack of welding, 3) abundant ash-rich matrix, 4) lack of fiamme and eutaxitic textures, 5) lack of thermal oxidation colors, 6) lack of cooling joints, 7) exclusive lacustrine sediment lithic clasts, and 8) interbedding with lacustrine sediments, all indicating that Mihi Breccia strata originated in a paleo-lake system. This ephemeral paleo-lake system is inferred to have lasted for > 50 kyr (based on Mihi Breccia age constraints), and referred to as Huka Lake. Mihi Breccia pyroclastic flow juvenile clast geochemistry and petrography correspond with similar-aged (264 ± 8, 263 ± 10, and 247 ± 4 ka) intra-caldera rhyolite domes filling the Reporoa caldera (source of the 281 ± 81 Kaingaroa Formation ignimbrite). These exposed intra-caldera rhyolite domes (as well as geophysically inferred subsurface domes) are proposed to be source vents for the Mihi Breccia pyroclastic flows. Soft-sediment deformation associated with Mihi Breccia strata indicate either seismic shock, rapid sediment loading during pyroclastic flow emplacement, or both. Thus, the Mihi Breccia reflects a prolonged series of subaqueous rhyolite dome building and associated pyroclastic flows, accompanied by seismic activity, emplaced into a large paleo-lake system within the TVZ.

Mihi Breccia: A stack of lacustrine sediments and subaqueous pyroclastic flows within the Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Downs, Drew T.

2016-11-01

The Taupo Volcanic Zone (TVZ), New Zealand, encompasses a wide variety of arc-related strata, although most of its small-volume (non-caldera-forming) eruptions are poorly-exposed and extensively hydrothermally altered. The Mihi Breccia is a stratigraphic sequence consisting of interbedded rhyolitic pyroclastic flows and lacustrine sediments with eruption ages of 281 ± 18 to at least 239 ± 6 ka (uncertainties at 2σ). In contrast to other small-volume rhyolitic eruptions within the TVZ, Mihi Breccia is relatively well-exposed within the Paeroa fault block, and contains minimal hydrothermal alteration. Pyroclastic flow characteristics and textures include: 1) prismatically jointed juvenile clasts, 2) lack of welding, 3) abundant ash-rich matrix, 4) lack of fiamme and eutaxitic textures, 5) lack of thermal oxidation colors, 6) lack of cooling joints, 7) exclusive lacustrine sediment lithic clasts, and 8) interbedding with lacustrine sediments, all indicating that Mihi Breccia strata originated in a paleo-lake system. This ephemeral paleo-lake system is inferred to have lasted for > 50 kyr (based on Mihi Breccia age constraints), and referred to as Huka Lake. Mihi Breccia pyroclastic flow juvenile clast geochemistry and petrography correspond with similar-aged (264 ± 8, 263 ± 10, and 247 ± 4 ka) intra-caldera rhyolite domes filling the Reporoa caldera (source of the 281 ka Kaingaroa Formation ignimbrite). These exposed intra-caldera rhyolite domes (as well as geophysically inferred subsurface domes) are proposed to be source vents for the Mihi Breccia pyroclastic flows. Soft-sediment deformation associated with Mihi Breccia strata indicates either seismic shock, rapid sediment loading during pyroclastic flow emplacement, or both. Thus, the Mihi Breccia reflects a prolonged series of subaqueous rhyolite dome building and associated pyroclastic flows, accompanied by seismic activity, emplaced into a large paleo-lake system within the TVZ.

Catastrophic lava dome failure at Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat, 12-13 July 2003

USGS Publications Warehouse

Herd, Richard A.; Edmonds, Marie; Bass, Venus A.

2005-01-01

The lava dome collapse of 12–13 July 2003 was the largest of the Soufrière Hills Volcano eruption thus far (1995–2005) and the largest recorded in historical times from any volcano; 210 million m3 of dome material collapsed over 18 h and formed large pyroclastic flows, which reached the sea. The evolution of the collapse can be interpreted with reference to the complex structure of the lava dome, which comprised discrete spines and shear lobes and an apron of talus. Progressive slumping of talus for 10 h at the beginning of the collapse generated low-volume pyroclastic flows. It undermined the massive part of the lava dome and eventually prompted catastrophic failure. From 02:00 to 04:40 13 July 2003 large pyroclastic flows were generated; these reached their largest magnitude at 03:35, when the volume flux of material lost from the lava dome probably approached 16 million m3 over two minutes. The high flux of pyroclastic flows into the sea caused a tsunami and a hydrovolcanic explosion with an associated pyroclastic surge, which flowed inland. A vulcanian explosion occurred during or immediately after the largest pyroclastic flows at 03:35 13 July and four further explosions occurred at progressively longer intervals during 13–15 July 2003. The dome collapse lasted approximately 18 h, but 170 of the total 210 million m3 was removed in only 2.6 h during the most intense stage of the collapse.

A new high-performance 3D multiphase flow code to simulate volcanic blasts and pyroclastic density currents: example from the Boxing Day event, Montserrat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ongaro, T. E.; Clarke, A.; Neri, A.; Voight, B.; Widiwijayanti, C.

2005-12-01

For the first time the dynamics of directed blasts from explosive lava-dome decompression have been investigated by means of transient, multiphase flow simulations in 2D and 3D. Multiphase flow models developed for the analysis of pyroclastic dispersal from explosive eruptions have been so far limited to 2D axisymmetric or Cartesian formulations which cannot properly account for important 3D features of the volcanic system such as complex morphology and fluid turbulence. Here we use a new parallel multiphase flow code, named PDAC (Pyroclastic Dispersal Analysis Code) (Esposti Ongaro et al., 2005), able to simulate the transient and 3D thermofluid-dynamics of pyroclastic dispersal produced by collapsing columns and volcanic blasts. The code solves the equations of the multiparticle flow model of Neri et al. (2003) on 3D domains extending up to several kilometres in 3D and includes a new description of the boundary conditions over topography which is automatically acquired from a DEM. The initial conditions are represented by a compact volume of gas and pyroclasts, with clasts of different sizes and densities, at high temperature and pressure. Different dome porosities and pressurization models were tested in 2D to assess the sensitivity of the results to the distribution of initial gas pressure, and to the total mass and energy stored in the dome, prior to 3D modeling. The simulations have used topographies appropriate for the 1997 Boxing Day directed blast on Montserrat, which eradicated the village of St. Patricks. Some simulations tested the runout of pyroclastic density currents over the ocean surface, corresponding to observations of over-water surges to several km distances at both locations. The PDAC code was used to perform 3D simulations of the explosive event on the actual volcano topography. The results highlight the strong topographic control on the propagation of the dense pyroclastic flows, the triggering of thermal instabilities, and the elutriation of finest particles, and demonstrated the formation of dense pyroclastic flows by drainage of clasts sedimented from dilute flows. Fundamental and accurate hazard information can be obtained from the simulations, and the 3D displays are readily comprehended by officials and the public, making them very effective tools for risk mitigation.

Detection and characterization of debris avalanche and pyroclastic flow dynamics from the simulation of the seismic signal they generate: application to Montserrat, Lesser Antilles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, J.; Mangeney, A.; Moretti, L.; Stutzmann, E.; Calder, E. S.; Smith, P. J.; Capdeville, Y.; Le Friant, A.; Cole, P.; Luckett, R.; Robertson, R.

2011-12-01

Gravitational instabilities such as debris avalanches or pyroclastic flows represent one of the major natural hazards for populations who live in mountainous or volcanic areas. Detection and understanding of the dynamics of these events is crucial for risk assessment. Furthermore, during an eruption, a series of explosions and gravitational flows can occur, making it difficult to retrieve the characteristics of the individual gravitational events such as their volume, velocity, etc. In this context, the seismic signal generated by these events provides a unique tool to extract information on the history of the eruptive process and to validate gravitational flow models. We analyze here a series of events including explosions, debris avalanche and pyroclastic flows occurring in Montserrat in December 1997. This seismic signal is composed of six main pulses. The characteristics of the seismic signals generated by pyroclastic flows (amplitude, emergent onset, frequency spectrum, etc.) are described and linked to the volume of the individual events estimated from past field surveys. As a first step, we simulate the waveform of each event by assuming that the generation process reduces to a simple force applied at the surface of the topography. Going further, we perform detailed numerical simulation of the Boxing Day debris avalanche and of the following pyroclastic flow using a landslide model able to take into account the 3D topography. The stress field generated by the gravitational flows on the topography is then applied as surface boundary condition in a wave propagation model, making it possible to simulate the seismic signal generated by the avalanche and pyroclastic flow. Comparison between the simulated signal and the seismic signal recorded at the Puerto Rico seismic station located 450 km away from the source, show that this method allows us to reproduce the low frequency seismic signal and to constrain the volume and frictional behavior of the individual events. As a result, simulation of seismic signals generated by gravitational flows provides insight into the history of eruptive sequences and into the characteristics of the individual events.

Paleomagnetic evidence for high-temperature emplacement of the 1883 subaqueous pyroclastic flows from Krakatau Volcano, Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mandeville, Charles W.; Carey, Steven; Sigurdsson, Haraldur; King, John

1994-05-01

The paroxysmal 1883 eruption of Krakatau volcano in Indonesia discharge at least 6.5 cu km (dense rock equivalent) of pyroclastic material into the shallow waters of the Sunda Straits within a 15-km radius of the volcano. Progressive thermal demagnetization studies of individually oriented pumice clasts from a core sample of the submarine pyroclastic deposits show that 41 out of 47 clasts exhibit single-component remanence with mean inclination of -24 deg. The partial thermoremanent magnetization components of both pumice and lithic clasts are well grouped in orientation, indicating that substantial cooling of clasts must have occurred following deposition. Estimated subaqueous emplacement temperature for such clasts is greater than 500 C. Rare two-component lithic fragments exhibit inflection points on vector endpoint diagrams that mark the temperature below which the fragments acquired magnetization of similar orientation. These inflection points range from 350 to 550 C, indicating a minimum subaqueous emplacement temperature of 350 C. Paleomagnetic evidence for high-emplacement temperature supports the hypothesis that proximal 1883 submarine pyroclastic deposits resulted from entrance of hot, subaerially generated pyroclastic flows into the sea. Similar deposits have been interpreted from the geologic record, but this is the first documented example of submarine pyroclastic flows from a historic eruption. The Kratatau deposits thus serve as an important modern analog for the study of pyroclastic flow/seawater interactions.

Chronology, morphology and stratigraphy of pumiceous pyroclastic-flow (ignimbrite) deposits from the eruption of Mount St. Helens on 18 May 1983

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Criswell, C. W.; Elston, W. E.

1984-01-01

Between 1217 and 1620 hours (PDT), on May 18, 1980, the magmatic eruption column of Mount St. Helens formed an ash fountain and pyroclastic flows dominated the eruption process over tephra ejection. Eurption-rate pulsations generally increased to a maximum at 1600 to 1700 hrs. After 1620 hrs, the eruption assumed an open-vent discharge with strong, vertical ejection of tephra. Relative eruption rates (relative mass flux rates) of the pyroclastic flows were determined by correlating sequential photographs and SLAR images, obtained during the eruption, with stratigraphy and surface morphology of the deposits.

Pyroclastic Flow Remnants at Shiveluch Volcano

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-08

NASA image acquired February 25, 2011 Pyroclastic flows are some of the most fearsome hazards posed by erupting volcanoes. These avalanches of superheated ash, gas, and rock are responsible for some of the most famous volcanic disasters in history, including the burial of the ancient Roman city of Pompei and the destruction of Saint-Pierre in 1902. More recently, pyroclastic flows from Mount Merapi in Indonesia caused most of the casualties during the volcano’s 2010 eruption. The intense heat—over 1,000° Celsius (1800° Fahrenheit)—the terrific speed—up to 720 kilometers (450 miles) per hour—and the mixture of toxic gases all contribute to the deadly potential. Pyroclastic flows can incinerate, burn, or asphyxiate people who cannot get out of the flow path. This false-color satellite image from the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) on the Terra satellite shows the remnants of a large pyroclastic flow on the slopes of Shiveluch Volcano. Fortunately, no one was hurt during the eruption and flow in the sparsely-populated area. ASTER detected heat from the flow during or shortly after an event on January 25, 2011. Note how the heat signatures from January line up with the dark surface deposits visible on February 25; those deposits cover more than 10 square kilometers (4 square miles). Light brown ash covers the snow above the flow deposits, and a tiny plume rises from Shiveluch’s growing lava dome. Vegetation surrounding the volcano is colored dark red. NASA Earth Observatory image by Robert Simmon, using data from the NASA/GSFC/METI/ERSDAC/JAROS, and U.S./Japan ASTER Science Team. Caption by Robert Simmon. Instrument: Terra - ASTER Credit: NASA Earth Observatory NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on Twitter Join us on Facebook

Tephrostratigraphy of the A.D. 79 pyroclastic deposits in perivolcanic areas of Mt. Vesuvio (Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lirer, Lucio; Munno, Rosalba; Petrosino, Paola; Vinci, Anna

1993-11-01

Correlations between pyroclastic deposits in perivolcanic areas are often complicated by lateral and vertical textural variations linked to very localized depositional effects. In this regard, a detailed sampling of A.D. 79 eruption products has been performed in the main archaeological sites of the perivolcanic area, with the aim of carrying out a grain-size, compositional and geochemical investigation so as to identify the marker layers from different stratigraphic successions and thus reconstruct the eruptive sequence. In order to process the large number of data available, a statistical approach was considered the most suitable. Statistical processing highlighted 14 marker layers among the fall, stratified surge and pyroclastic flow deposits. Furthermore statistical analysis made it possible to correlate pyroclastic flow and surge deposits interbedded with fall, interpreted as a lateral facies variation. Finally, the passage from magmatic to hydromagmatic activity is marked by the deposition of pyroclastic flow, surge and accretionary lapilli-bearing deposits. No transitional phase from magmatic to hydromagmatic activity has been recognized.

Slow-moving and far-travelled dense pyroclastic flows during the Peach Spring super-eruption

USGS Publications Warehouse

Roche, Olivier; Buesch, David C.; Valentine, Greg A.

2016-01-01

Explosive volcanic super-eruptions of several hundred cubic kilometres or more generate long run-out pyroclastic density currents the dynamics of which are poorly understood and controversial. Deposits of one such event in the southwestern USA, the 18.8 Ma Peach Spring Tuff, were formed by pyroclastic flows that travelled >170 km from the eruptive centre and entrained blocks up to ~70–90 cm diameter from the substrates along the flow paths. Here we combine these data with new experimental results to show that the flow’s base had high-particle concentration and relatively modest speeds of ~5–20 m s−1, fed by an eruption discharging magma at rates up to ~107–108 m3 s−1 for a minimum of 2.5–10 h. We conclude that sustained high-eruption discharge and long-lived high-pore pressure in dense granular dispersion can be more important than large initial velocity and turbulent transport with dilute suspension in promoting long pyroclastic flow distance.

Erosion and entrainment of snow and ice by pyroclastic density currents: some outstanding questions (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walder, J. S.

2010-12-01

A pyroclastic density current moving over snow is likely to transform to a lahar if the pyroclasts incorporate enough (melting) snow and meltwater to bring the bulk water content of the mixture to about 35% by volume. However, the processes by which such a mixture forms are still not well understood. Walder (Bull. Volcanol., v. 62, 2000) showed experimentally the existence of an erosion mechanism that functions even in the absence of relative shear motion between pyroclasts and snow substrate: a portion of the snow melted by a blanket of pyroclasts is vaporized; the flux of water vapor upward through the pyroclasts may be enough to fluidize the pyroclasts, which then convect, rapidly scour the snow substrate and transform into a slurry. But these experiments do not tell us how moving pyroclasts would erode snow, and simply releasing a hot grain flow over a snow surface in the lab gives misleading results owing to improper scaling of τ/σ , the ratio of the shear stress τ exerted by the pyroclastic flow to the shear strength σ of snow. There seems to be no way around this problem for experiments with actual snow. However, it may be possible to circumvent the scaling problem by replacing the snow substrate by a gas-fluidized particle bed: by varying the gas flux, the apparent shear strength of the particle bed can be varied. Such an investigation of erosional processes could be done at room temperature. Snow-avalanche studies (for example, Gauer and Issler, Ann. Glaciol. v. 38, 2003) may provide some insight into snow erosion by a pyroclastic density current. Snow is eroded at the base of a dense snow avalanche by abrasion, particle impacts, and—at the avalanche head—by plowing and a “blasting” mechanism associated with compression of the snowpack and expulsion of pore fluid (air). Erosion at the avalanche head seems to be particularly important. Similar processes are likely to occur when the over-riding flow comprises hot grains. The laboratory release of a hot grain flow over snow, although improperly scaled for investigating erosive processes, does demonstrate that snow hydrology and snowpack stability may be critical in the transformation of pyroclastic density currents to lahars. When such an experiment is run in a sloping flume, with meltwater able to drain freely at the base of the snow layer, the hot grain flow spreads over the snow surface and then comes to rest--no slurry is produced. In contrast, if meltwater drainage is blocked, the wet snow layer fails at its bed, mobilizes as a slush flow, and mixes with the hot grains to form a slurry. Ice layers within a natural snowpack would likewise block meltwater drainage and be conducive to the formation of slush flows. Abrasion and particle impacts—processes that have been studied intensively by engineers concerned with the wear of surfaces in machinery—probably play an important role in the erosion of glacier ice by pyroclastic density currents. A prime example may be the summit ice cap of Nevado del Ruiz, Colombia, which was left grooved by the eruption of 1985 (Thouret, J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res., v. 41, 1990). Erosion of glacier ice is also strongly controlled by the orientation of crevasses, which can “capture” pyroclastic currents. This phenomenon was well displayed at Mount Redoubt, Alaska during the eruptions of 1989-90 and 2009.

Swift snowmelt and floods (lahars) caused by great pyroclastic surge at Mount St Helens volcano, Washington, 18 May 1980

USGS Publications Warehouse

Waitt, R.B.

1989-01-01

The initial explosions at Mount St. Helens, Washington, on the moring of 18 May 1980 developed into a huge pyroclastic surge that generated catastrophic floods off the east and west flanks of the volcano. Near-source surge deposits on the east and west were lithic, sorted, lacking in accretionary lapilli and vesiculated ash, not plastered against upright obstacles, and hot enough to char wood - all attributes of dry pyroclastic surge. Material deposited at the surge base on steep slopes near the volcano transformed into high-concentration lithic pyroclastic flows whose deposits contain charred wood and other features indicating that these flows were hot and dry. Stratigraphy shows that even the tail of the surge had passed the east and west volcano flanks before the geomorphically distinct floods (lahars) arrived. This field evidence undermines hypotheses that the turbulent surge was itself wet and that its heavy components segregated out to transform directly into lahars. Nor is there evidence that meters-thick snow-slab avalanches intimately mixed with the surge to form the floods. The floods must have instead originated by swift snowmelt at the base of a hot and relatively dry turbulent surge. Impacting hot pyroclasts probably transferred downslope momentum to the snow surface and churned snow grains into the surge base. Melting snow and accumulating hot surge debris may have moved initially as thousands of small thin slushflows. As these flows removed the surface snow and pyroclasts, newly uncovered snow was partly melted by the turbulent surge base; this and accumulating hot surge debris in turn began flowing, a self-sustaining process feeding the initial flows. The flows thus grew swiftly over tens of seconds and united downslope into great slushy ejecta-laden sheetfloods. Gravity accelerated the floods to more than 100 km/h as they swept down and off the volcano flanks while the snow component melted to form great debris-rich floods (lahars) channeled into valleys. ?? 1989 Springer-Verlag.

Multiphase flow modeling and simulation of explosive volcanic eruptions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neri, Augusto

Recent worldwide volcanic activity, such as eruptions at Mt. St. Helens, Washington, in 1980, Mt. Pinatubo, Philippines, in 1991, as well as the ongoing eruption at Montserrat, West Indies, highlighted again the complex nature of explosive volcanic eruptions as well as the tremendous risk associated to them. In the year 2000, about 500 million people are expected to live under the shadow of an active volcano. The understanding of pyroclastic dispersion processes produced by explosive eruptions is, therefore, of primary interest, not only from the scientific point of view, but also for the huge worldwide risk associated with them. The thesis deals with an interdisciplinary research aimed at the modeling and simulation of explosive volcanic eruptions by using multiphase thermo-fluid-dynamic models. The first part of the work was dedicated to the understanding and validation of recently developed kinetic theory of two-phase flow. The hydrodynamics of fluid catalytic cracking particles in the IIT riser were simulated and compared with lab experiments. Simulation results confirm the validity of the kinetic theory approach. Transport of solids in the riser is due to dense clusters. On a time-average basis the bottom of the riser and the walls are dense, in agreement with IIT experimental data. The low frequency of oscillation (about 0.2 Hz) is also in agreement with data. The second part of the work was devoted to the development of transient two-dimensional multiphase and multicomponent flow models of pyroclastic dispersion processes. In particular, the dynamics of ground-hugging high-speed and high-temperature pyroclastic flows generated by the collapse of volcanic columns or by impulsive discrete explosions, was investigated. The model accounts for the mechanical and thermal non-equilibrium between a multicomponent gas phase and N different solid phases representative of pyroclastic particles of different sizes. Pyroclastic dispersion dynamics describes the formation of the initial vertical jet, the column collapse, and the building of the pyroclastic fountain, followed by the generation of radially spreading pyroclastic flows. The development of thermal convective instabilities in the flow lead to the formation of co-ignimbritic or phoenix clouds. Simulation results strongly highlight the importance of the multiphase flow formulation of the mixture. Large particles tend to segregate and sediment along the ground, whereas fine particles tend to form ascending buoyant plumes. Mixtures rich in fine grained particles produce larger runout of the flow and larger ascending plumes than mixtures rich in coarse particles. Simulation results appear to be qualitatively in agreement with field observations, but require to be fully validated by the simulation of well-known test cases.

Pyroclastic Flow Generated Tsunami Waves Detected by CALIPSO Borehole Strainmeters at Soufriere Hills, Montserrat During Massive Dome Collapse: Numerical Simulations and Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Boskirk, E. J.; Voight, B.; Watts, P.; Widiwijayanti, C.; Mattioli, G. S.; Elsworth, D.; Hidayat, D.; Linde, A.; Malin, P.; Neuberg, J.; Sacks, S.; Shalev, E.; Sparks, R. J.; Young, S. R.

2004-12-01

The July 12-13, 2003 eruption (dome collapse plus explosions) of Soufriere Hills Volcano in Montserrat, WI, is the largest historical lava dome collapse with ˜120 million cubic meters of the dome lost. Pyroclastic flows entered the sea at 18:00 AST 12 July at the Tar River Valley (TRV) and continued until the early hours of 13 July. Low-amplitude tsunamis were reported at Antigua and Guadaloupe soon after the dome collapse. At the time of eruption, four CALIPSO borehole-monitoring stations were in the process of being installed, and three very-broad-band Sacks-Evertson dilatometers were operational and recorded the event at 50 sps. The strongest strain signals were recorded at the Trants site, 5 km north of the TRV entry zone, suggesting tsunami waves >1 m high. Debris strandlines closer to TRV recorded runup heights as much as 8 m. We test the hypothesis that the strain signal is related to tsunami waves generated by successive pyroclastic flows induced during the dome collapse. Tsunami simulation models have been generated using GEOWAVE, which uses simple physics to recreate waves generated by idealized pyroclastic flows entering the sea at TRV. Each simulation run contains surface wave amplitude gauges located in key positions to the three borehole sites. These simulated wave amplitudes and periods are compared quantitatively with the data recorded by the dilatometers and with field observations of wave runup, to elucidate the dynamics of pyroclastic flow tsunami genesis and its propagation in shallow ocean water.

Inside pyroclastic density currents - uncovering the enigmatic flow structure and transport behaviour in large-scale experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Breard, Eric C. P.; Lube, Gert

2017-01-01

Pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) are the most lethal threat from volcanoes. While there are two main types of PDCs (fully turbulent, fully dilute pyroclastic surges and more concentrated pyroclastic flows encompassing non-turbulent to turbulent transport) pyroclastic flows, which are the subject of the present study, are far more complex than dilute pyroclastic surges and remain the least understood type despite their far greater hazard, greater runout length and ability to transport vast quantities of material across the Earth's surface. Here we present large-scale experiments of natural volcanic material and gas in order to provide the missing quantitative view of the internal structure and gas-particle transport mechanisms in pyroclastic flows. We show that the outer flow structure with head, body and wake regions broadly resembles current PDC analogues of dilute gravity currents. However, the internal structure, in which lower levels consist of a concentrated granular fluid and upper levels are more dilute, contrasts significantly with the internal structure of fully dilute gravity currents. This bipartite vertical structure shows strong analogy to current conceptual models of high-density turbidity currents, which are responsible for the distribution of coarse sediment in marine basins and of great interest to the hydrocarbon industry. The lower concentrated and non-turbulent levels of the PDC (granular-fluid basal flow) act as a fast-flowing carrier for the more dilute and turbulent upper levels of the current (ash-cloud surge). Strong kinematic coupling between these flow parts reduces viscous dissipation and entrainment of ambient air into the lower part of the ash-cloud surge. This leads to a state of forced super-criticality whereby fast and destructive PDCs can endure even at large distances from volcanoes. Importantly, the basal flow/ash-cloud surge coupling yields a characteristically smooth rheological boundary across the non-turbulent/turbulent interface, as well as vertical velocity and density profiles in the ash-cloud surge, which strongly differ from current theoretical predictions. Observed generation of successive pulses of high dynamic pressure within the upper dilute levels of the PDC may be important to understand the destructive potential of PDCs. The experiments further show that a wide range in the degree of coupling between particle and gas phases is critical to the vertical and longitudinal segregation of the currents into reaches that have starkly contrasting sediment transport capacities. In particular, the formation of mesoscale turbulence clusters under strong particle-gas feedback controls vertical stratification inside the turbulent upper levels of the current (ash-cloud surge) and triggers significant transfers of mass and momentum from the ash-cloud surge onto the granular-fluid basal flow. These results open up new pathways to advance current computational PDC hazard models and to describe and interpret PDCs as well as other types of high-density gravity currents transported across the surfaces of Earth and other planets and across marine basins.

The flow dynamics of an extremely large volume pyroclastic flow, the 2.08-Ma Cerro Galán Ignimbrite, NW Argentina, and comparison with other flow types

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cas, Ray A.F.; Wright, Heather M.; Folkes, Christopher B.; Lesti, Chiara; Porreca, Massimiliano; Giordano, Guido; Viramonte, Jose G.

2011-01-01

The 2.08-Ma Cerro Galán Ignimbrite (CGI) represents a >630-km3 dense rock equivalent (VEI 8) eruption from the long-lived Cerro Galán magma system (∼6 Ma). It is a crystal-rich (35–60%), pumice (<10% generally) and lithic-poor (<5% generally) rhyodacitic ignimbrite, lacking a preceding plinian fallout deposit. The CGI is preserved up to 80 km from the structural margins of the caldera, but almost certainly was deposited up to 100 km from the caldera in some places. Only one emplacement unit is preserved in proximal to medial settings and in most distal settings, suggesting constant flow conditions, but where the pyroclastic flow moved into a palaeotopography of substantial valleys and ridges, it interacted with valley walls, resulting in flow instabilities that generated multiple depositional units, often separated by pyroclastic surge deposits. The CGI preserves a widespread sub-horizontal fabric, defined by aligned elongate pumice and lithic clasts, and minerals (e.g. biotite). A sub-horizontal anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility fabric is defined by minute magnetic minerals in all localities where it has been analysed. The CGI is poor in both vent-derived (‘accessory’) lithics and locally derived lithics from the ground surface (‘accidental’) lithics. Locally derived lithics are small (<20 cm) and were not transported far from source points. All data suggest that the pyroclastic flow system producing the CGI was characterised throughout by high sedimentation rates, resulting from high particle concentration and suppressed turbulence at the depositional boundary layer, despite being a low aspect ratio ignimbrite. Based on these features, we question whether high velocity and momentum are necessary to account for extensive flow mobility. It is proposed that the CGI was deposited by a pyroclastic flow system that developed a substantial, high particle concentration granular under-flow, which flowed with suppressed turbulence. High particle concentration and fine-ash content hindered gas loss and maintained flow mobility. In order to explain the contemporaneous maintenance of high particle concentration, high sedimentation rate at the depositional boundary layer and a high level of mobility, it is also proposed that the flow(s) was continuously supplied at a high mass feeding rate. It is also proposed that internal gas pressure within the flow, directed downwards onto the substrate over which the flow was passing, reduced the friction between the flow and the substrate and also enhanced its mobility. The pervasive sub-horizontal fabric of aligned pumice, lithic and even biotite crystals indicates a consistent horizontal shear force existed during transport and deposition in the basal granular flow, consistent with the existence of a laminar, shearing, granular flow regime during the final stages of transport and deposition.

Flow-permeability feedbacks and the development of segregation pipes in volcanic materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rust, Alison

2014-05-01

Flow and transformation in volcanic porous media is important for the segregation of melts and aqueous fluids from magmas as well as elutriation of fine ash from pyroclastic flows and vents. The general topic will be discussed in the framework of understanding sets of vertical pipes found in two very different types of volcanic deposits: 1) vesicular (bubbly) cylinders in basalt lava flows and 2) gas escape pipes in pyroclastic flow deposits. In both cases the cylinders can be explained by a flow-permeability feedback where perturbations in porosity and thus permeability cause locally higher flow speeds that in turn locally increase the permeability. For vesicular cylinders in lava flows, the porous medium is a framework of crystals within the magma. Above a critical crystallinity, which depends on the shape and size distribution of the crystals, the crystals form a touching framework. As the water-saturated magma continues to cool, it crystallizes anhydrous minerals, resulting in the exsolution of water vapour bubbles that can drive flow of bubbly melt through the crystal network. It is common to find sets of vertical cylinders of bubby melt in solidified lava flows, with compositions that match the residual melt from 35-50% crystallization of the host basalt. These cylinders resemble chimneys in experiments of crystallising ammonium chloride solution that are explained by reactive flow with porous medium convection. The Rayleigh number for the magmatic case is too low for convection but the growth of steam bubbles as the magma crystallizes induces pore fluid flow up through the permeable crystal pile even if there is no convective instability. This bubble-growth-driven upward flow is reactive and can lead to channelization because of a feedback between velocity and permeability. For the gas escape pipes in pyroclastic flows, the porous medium is a very poorly sorted granular material composed of fragments of solid magma with a huge range of grain sizes from ash (microns to 2 mm) to clasts of decimeters or greater. The vertical gas escape pipes are distinguished from the surrounding pyroclastic flow deposit by the lack of fine ash in the pipes; this missing ash was transported up out of the pyroclastic flow by gas flow, a process called elutriation. Laboratory experiments with beds of binary mixtures of spheres aerated through a porous plate at the base, demonstrate that the size ratio, density ratio, and proportions of the two populations of spheres all affect the pattern and efficiency of segregation. Decompaction of the upper portion of the bed separates the grains and thus facilitated the elutriation of the finer particles, which must be transported up through the spaces between the larger particles. A variety of segregation feature are found including pipes lacking fines that grow down from the top of the bed. These could be explained by channelizing of gas flow due to a feedback between local reduction in fines increasing the local permeability and gas velocity.

Multiphase modeling of channelized pyroclastic density currents and the effect of confinement on mobility and entrainment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kubo, A. I.; Dufek, J.

2017-12-01

Around explosive volcanic centers such as Mount Saint Helens, pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) pose a great risk to life and property. Understanding of the mobility and dynamics of PDCs and other gravity currents is vital to mitigating hazards of future eruptions. Evidence from pyroclastic deposits at Mount Saint Helens and one-dimensional modeling suggest that channelization of flows effectively increases run out distances. Dense flows are thought to scour and erode the bed leading to confinement for subsequent flows and could result in significant changes to predicted runout distance and mobility. Here, we present the results of three-dimensional multiphase models comparing confined and unconfined flows using simplified geometries. We focus on bed stress conditions as a proxy for conditions that could influence subsequent erosion and self-channelization. We also explore the controls on gas entrainment in all scenarios to determine how confinement impacts the particle concentration gradient, granular interactions, and mobility.

Inland-directed base surge generated by the explosive interaction of pyroclastic flows and seawater at Soufrière Hills volcano, Montserrat

USGS Publications Warehouse

Edmonds, Marie; Herd, Richard A.

2005-01-01

The largest and most intense lava-dome collapse during the eruption of Soufrière Hills volcano, Montserrat, 1995–2004, occurred 12–13 July 2003. The dome collapse involved around 200 × 106 m3 of material and was associated with a phenomenon previously unknown at this volcano. Large pyroclastic flows at the peak of the dome collapse interacted explosively with seawater at the mouth of the Tar River Valley and generated a hot, dry base surge that flowed 4 km inland and 300 m uphill. The surge was destructive to at least 25 m above the ground and it carbonized vegetation. The resulting two-layer deposits were as much as 0.9 m thick. Although the entire collapse lasted 18 h, the base surge greatly increased the land area affected by the dome collapse in a few minutes at the peak of the event, illustrating the complex nature of the interaction between pyroclastic flows and seawater.

Recent eruptive history of Mount Hood, Oregon, and potential hazards from future eruptions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Crandell, Dwight Raymond

1980-01-01

Each of three major eruptive periods at Mount Hood (12,000-15,000(?), 1,500-1,800, and 200-300 years ago) produced dacite domes, pyroclastic flows, and mudflows, but virtually no pumice. Most of the fine lithic ash that mantles the slopes of the volcano and the adjacent mountains fell from ash clouds that accompanied the pyroclastic flows. Widely scattered pumice lapilli that are present at the ground surface on the south, east, and north sides of Mount Hood may have been erupted during the mid-1800's, when the last known activity of the volcano occurred. The geologically recent history of Mount Hood suggests that the most likely eruptive event in the future will be the formation of another dome, probably within the present south-facing crater. The principal hazards that could accompany dome formation include pyroclastic flows and mudflows moving from the upper slopes of the volcano down the floors of valleys. Ash clouds which accompany pyroclastic flows may deposit as much as a meter of fine ash close to their source, and as much as 20 centimeters at a distance of 11 kilometers downwind from the pyroclastic flows. Other hazards that could result from such eruptions include laterally directed explosive blasts that could propel rock fragments outward from the sides of a dome at high speed, and toxic volcanic gases. The scarcity of pumiceous ash erupted during the last 15,000 years suggests that explosive pumice eruptions are not a major hazard at Mount Hood; thus, there seems to be little danger that such an eruption will significantly affect the Portland (Oregon) metropolitan area in the near future.

Numerical Simulation using VolcFlow for Pyroclastic Density Currents by Explosive Eruption of Mt. Baekdu, Korea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yun, S. H.; Chang, C.

2015-12-01

It is the numerical simulation using a VolcFlow model to determine the runout range of pyroclastic density currents where an eruption column had been formed by the explosive Plinian eruption and the collapse of the column had caused to occur on Mt. Baekdu. We assumed that the most realistic way for the simulation of a sustained volcanic column is to modify the topography with a cone above the crater to follow expert advice from Dr. Karim Kelfoun, the developer of VolcFlow. Then we set the radius and height of the cone, the volume of pyroclastic flow, and the duration and simulation time accoding to the volcanic explosivity index (VEI). Also we set the yield stress as 5,000 Pa, 10,000 Pa, 15,000 Pa, the basal friction angle as 3°, 5°, 10°, respectively. As the simulation results, the longest runout range was 2.3 km, 9.1 km, 14.4 km, 18.6 km, 23.4 km from VEI 3 to VEI 7, respectively. It can be used as a very important material to predict the impact range of pyroclastic density currents and to minimize human and material damages caused by pyroclastic density currents derived from the future explosive eruption of Mt. Baekdu. This research was supported by a grant 'Development of Advanced Volcanic Disaster Response System considering Potential Volcanic Risk around Korea' [MPSS-NH-2015-81] from the Natural Hazard Mitigation Research Group, National Emergency Management Agency of Korea.

Pyroclast/snow interactions and thermally driven slurry formation. Part 1: Theory for monodisperse grain beds

USGS Publications Warehouse

Walder, J.S.

2000-01-01

Lahars are often produced as pyroclastic flows move over snow. This phenomenon involves a complicated interplay of mechanical and thermal processes that need to be separated to get at the fundamental physics. The thermal physics of pyroclast/snow interactions form the focus of this paper. A theoretical model is developed of heat- and mass transfer at the interface between a layer of uniformly sized pyroclasts and an underlying bed of snow, for the case in which there is no relative shear motion between pyroclasts and snow. A microscale view of the interface is required to properly specify boundary conditions. The physical model leads to the prediction that the upward flux of water vapor - which depends upon emplacement temperature, pyroclast grain size, pyroclast-layer thickness, and snow permeability - is sometimes sufficient to fluidize the pyroclasts. Uniform fluidization is usually unstable to bubble formation, which leads to vigorous convection of the pyroclasts themselves. Thus, predicted threshold conditions for fluidization are tantamount to predicted thresholds for particle convection. Such predictions are quantitatively in good agreement with results of experiments described in part 2 of this paper. Because particle convection commonly causes scour of the snow bed and transformation of the pyroclast layer to a slurry, there exists a 'thermal scour' process for generating lahars from pyroclastic flows moving over snow regardless of the possible role of mechanical scour.

Voluminous lava-like precursor to a major ash-flow tuff: Low-column pyroclastic eruption of the Pagosa Peak Dacite, San Juan volcanic field, Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bachmann, Olivier; Dungan, M.A.; Lipman, P.W.

2000-01-01

The Pagosa Peak Dacite is an unusual pyroclastic deposit that immediately predated eruption of the enormous Fish Canyon Tuff (~5000 km3) from the La Garita caldera at 28 Ma. The Pagosa Peak Dacite is thick (to 1 km), voluminous (>200 km3), and has a high aspect ratio (1:50) similar to those of silicic lava flows. It contains a high proportion (40-60%) of juvenile clasts (to 3-4 m) emplaced as viscous magma that was less vesiculated than typical pumice. Accidental lithic fragments are absent above the basal 5-10% of the unit. Thick densely welded proximal deposits flowed rheomorphically due to gravitational spreading, despite the very high viscosity of the crystal-rich magma, resulting in a macroscopic appearance similar to flow-layered silicic lava. Although it is a separate depositional unit, the Pagosa Peak Dacite is indistinguishable from the overlying Fish Canyon Tuff in bulk-rock chemistry, phenocryst compositions, and 40Ar/39Ar age. The unusual characteristics of this deposit are interpreted as consequences of eruption by low-column pyroclastic fountaining and lateral transport as dense, poorly inflated pyroclastic flows. The inferred eruptive style may be in part related to synchronous disruption of the southern margin of the Fish Canyon magma chamber by block faulting. The Pagosa Peak eruptive sources are apparently buried in the southern La Garita caldera, where northerly extensions of observed syneruptive faults served as fissure vents. Cumulative vent cross-sections were large, leading to relatively low emission velocities for a given discharge rate. Many successive pyroclastic flows accumulated sufficiently rapidly to weld densely as a cooling unit up to 1000 m thick and to retain heat adequately to permit rheomorphic flow. Explosive potential of the magma may have been reduced by degassing during ascent through fissure conduits, leading to fracture-dominated magma fragmentation at low vesicularity. Subsequent collapse of the 75 x 35 km2 La Garita caldera and eruption of the Fish Canyon Tuff were probably triggered by destabilization of the chamber roof as magma was withdrawn during the Pagosa Peak eruption. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Generation of pyroclastic flows and surges by hot-rock avalanches from the dome of Mount St. Helens volcano, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mellors, R.A.; Waitt, R.B.; Swanson, D.A.

1988-01-01

Several hot-rock avalanches have occurred during the growth of the composite dome of Mount St. Helens, Washington between 1980 and 1987. One of these occurred on 9 May 1986 and produced a fan-shaped avalanche deposit of juvenile dacite debris together with a more extensive pyroclastic-flow deposit. Laterally thinning deposits and abrasion and baking of wooden and plastic objects show that a hot ash-cloud surge swept beyond the limits of the pyroclastic flow. Plumes that rose 2-3 km above the dome and vitric ash that fell downwind of the volcano were also effects of this event, but no explosion occurred. All the facies observed originated from a single avalanche. Erosion and melting of craterfloor snow by the hot debris caused debris flows in the crater, and a small flood that carried juvenile and other clasts north of the crater. A second, broadly similar event occured in October 1986. Larger events of this nature could present a significant volcanic hazard. ?? 1988 Springer-Verlag.

The 26 May 1982 breakout flows derived from failure of a volcanic dam at El Chichón, Chiapas, Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Macias, J.L.; Capra, L.; Scott, K.M.; Espindola, J.M.; Garcia-Palomo, A.; Costa, J.E.

2004-01-01

The eruptions of El Chicho??n between 28 March and 4 April 1982 produced a variety of pyroclastic deposits. The climactic phase, on 3 April at 07:35 (4 April at 01:35 GMT), destroyed the central andesitic dome and fed pyroclastic surges and flows that dammed nearby drainages, including the Magdalena River. By late April, a lake had formed, 4 km long and 300-400 m wide, containing a volume of 26 ?? 106 m3 of hot water. At 01:30 on 26 May, the pyroclastic dam was breached and surges of sediment and hot water soon inundated the town of Ostuaca??n, 10 km downstream. This hot flood was finally contained at Pen??itas Hydroelectric Dam, 35 km downstream, where one fatality occurred and three workers were badly scalded. Stratigraphic and sedimentologic evidence indicates that the rapidly draining lake initially discharged two debris flows, followed by five smaller debris flows and water surges. The main debris flows became diluted with distance, and by the time they reached Ostuaca??n, they merged into a single hyperconcentrated flow with a sediment concentration of ???30 vol%. Deposits from this hyperconcentrated flow were emplaced for 15 km, as far as the confluence with another river, the Mas-Pac, below which the flow was diluted to sediment-laden streamflow. The minimum volume of the breakout-flow deposits is estimated at 17 ?? 106 m3. From high-water marks, flow profiles, and simulations utilizing the DAMBRK code from the National Weather Service, we calculated a maximum peak discharge of 11,000 m3/s at the breach; this maximum peak discharge occurred 1 h after initial breaching. The calculations indicated that ???2 h were required to drain the lake.

The Ottaviano eruption of Somma-Vesuvio (8000 y B.P.): a magmatic alternating fall and flow-forming eruption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rolandi, G.; Maraffi, S.; Petrosino, P.; Lirer, L.

1993-11-01

The Ottaviano eruption occurred in the late neolithic (8000 y B.P.). 2.40 km 3 of phonolitic pyroclastic material (0.61 km 3 DRE) were emplaced as pyroclastic flow, surge and fall deposits. The eruption began with a fall phase, with a model column height of 14 km, producing a pumice fall deposit (LA). This phase ended with short-lived weak explosive activity, giving rise to a fine-grained deposit (L1), passing to pumice fall deposits as the result of an increasing column height and mass discharge rate. The subsequent two fall phases (producing LB and LC deposits), had model column heights of 20 and 22 km with eruption rates of 2.5 × 10 7 and 2.81 × 10 7 kg/s, respectively. These phases ended with the deposition of ash layers (L2 and L3), related to a decreasing, pulsing explosive activity. The values of dynamic parameters calculated for the eruption classify it as a sub-plinian event. Each fall phase was characterized by variations in the eruptive intensity, and several pyroclastic flows were emplaced (F1 to F3). Alternating pumice and ash fall beds record the waning of the eruption. Finally, owing to the collapse of a eruptive column of low gas content, the last pyroclastic flow (F4) was emplaced.

Using Clay Models to Understand Volcanic Mudflows

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Laney, Eric; Mattox, Steve

2007-01-01

Gravity is a subtle but ubiquitous force that influences nearly all geologic processes from the formation of ores to the flow of glaciers and rivers. Gravity also determines the path some materials take as they flow down volcanoes. Lava flows, mudflows (also called lahars), and pyroclastic flows are three such materials. Understanding the factors…

Stratigraphic framework of Holocene volcaniclastic deposits, Akutan Volcano, east-central Aleutian Islands, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Waythomas, C.F.

1999-01-01

Akutan Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the Aleutian arc, but until recently little was known about its history and eruptive character. Following a brief but sustained period of intense seismic activity in March 1996, the Alaska Volcano Observatory began investigating the geology of the volcano and evaluating potential volcanic hazards that could affect residents of Akutan Island. During these studies new information was obtained about the Holocene eruptive history of the volcano on the basis of stratigraphic studies of volcaniclastic deposits and radiocarbon dating of associated buried soils and peat. A black, scoria-bearing, lapilli tephra, informally named the 'Akutan tephra,' is up to 2 m thick and is found over most of the island, primarily east of the volcano summit. Six radiocarbon ages on the humic fraction of soil A-horizons beneath the tephra indicate that the Akutan tephra was erupted approximately 1611 years B.P. At several locations the Akutan tephra is within a conformable stratigraphic sequence of pyroclastic-flow and lahar deposits that are all part of the same eruptive sequence. The thickness, widespread distribution, and conformable stratigraphic association with overlying pyroclastic-flow and lahar deposits indicate that the Akutan tephra likely records a major eruption of Akutan Volcano that may have formed the present summit caldera. Noncohesive lahar and pyroclastic-flow deposits that predate the Akutan tephra occur in the major valleys that head on the volcano and are evidence for six to eight earlier Holocene eruptions. These eruptions were strombolian to subplinian events that generated limited amounts of tephra and small pyroclastic flows that extended only a few kilometers from the vent. The pyroclastic flows melted snow and ice on the volcano flanks and formed lahars that traveled several kilometers down broad, formerly glaciated valleys, reaching the coast as thin, watery, hyperconcentrated flows or water floods. Slightly cohesive lahars in Hot Springs valley and Long valley could have formed from minor flank collapses of hydrothermally altered volcanic bedrock. These lahars may be unrelated to eruptive activity.

Chronology and pyroclastic stratigraphy of the May 18, 1980, eruption of Mount St. Helens, Washington

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Criswell, C. William

1987-01-01

The eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980 can be subdivided into six phases: the paroxysmal phase I, the early Plinian phase II, the early ash flow phase III, the climactic phase IV, the late ash flow phase V, and phase VI, the activity of which consisted of a low-energy ash plume. These phases are correlated with stratigraphic subunits of ash-fall tephra and pyroclastic flow deposits. Sustained vertical discharge of phase II produced evolved dacite with high S/Cl ratios. Ash flow activity of phase III is attributed to decreases in gas content, indicated by reduced S/Cl ratios and increased clast density of the less evolved gray pumice. Climactic events are attributed to vent clearing and exhaustion of the evolved dacite.

Variations in eruptive style and depositional processes of Neoproterozoic terrestrial volcano-sedimentary successions in the Hamid area, North Eastern Desert, Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khalaf, Ezz El Din Abdel Hakim

2013-07-01

Two contrasting Neoproterozoic volcano-sedimentary successions of ca. 600 m thickness were recognized in the Hamid area, Northeastern Desert, Egypt. A lower Hamid succession consists of alluvial sediments, coherent lava flows, pyroclastic fall and flow deposits. An upper Hamid succession includes deposits from pyroclastic density currents, sills, and dykes. Sedimentological studies at different scales in the Hamid area show a very complex interaction of fluvial, eruptive, and gravitational processes in time and space and thus provided meaningful insights into the evolution of the rift sedimentary environments and the identification of different stages of effusive activity, explosive activity, and relative quiescence, determining syn-eruptive and inter-eruptive rock units. The volcano-sedimentary deposits of the study area can be ascribed to 14 facies and 7 facies associations: (1) basin-border alluvial fan, (2) mixed sandy fluvial braid plain, (3) bed-load-dominated ephemeral lake, (4) lava flows and volcaniclastics, (5) pyroclastic fall deposits, (6) phreatomagmatic volcanic deposits, and (7) pyroclastic density current deposits. These systems are in part coeval and in part succeed each other, forming five phases of basin evolution: (i) an opening phase including alluvial fan and valley flooding together with a lacustrine period, (ii) a phase of effusive and explosive volcanism (pulsatory phase), (iii) a phase of predominant explosive and deposition from base surges (collapsing phase), and (iv) a phase of caldera eruption and ignimbrite-forming processes (climactic phase). The facies architectures record a change in volcanic activity from mainly phreatomagmatic eruptions, producing large volumes of lava flows and pyroclastics (pulsatory and collapsing phase), to highly explosive, pumice-rich plinian-type pyroclastic density current deposits (climactic phase). Hamid area is a small-volume volcano, however, its magma compositions, eruption styles, and inter-eruptive breaks suggest, that it closely resembles a volcanic architecture commonly associated with large, composite volcanoes.

Tracking in Real-Time Pyroclastic Flows at Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat, by infrasonic array.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ripepe, M.; de Angelis, S.; Lacanna, G.; Poggi, P.; Williams, C.

2008-12-01

Active volcanoes produce infrasonic airwaves, which provide valuable insight into the eruption dynamics and the level of volcanic activity. On open conduit volcanoes, infrasound can be used to monitor the gas overpressure in the magma and the degassing rate of active volcanic vents. On volcanoes characterized by dome growth, infrasound can also be generated by non-explosive sources related to dome collapses and pyroclastic flows. In March 2008, the Department of Earth Science (DST) of Firenze (Italy) in cooperation with Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) has installed a small-aperture infrasonic array at a distance of ~3000 m from the dome of the Soufriere Hill Volcano (SHV). The array has an aperture of 200 m and a "star" geometry, with 3 satellite stations at 100 m distance from the receiving central station. Each element of the array is linked to the receiver station by fiber optics cable, and the signal is acquired with a resolution of 16 bits at a rate of 50 samples/sec. The data collected by the array are sent via a radio modem link to the MVO offices, on Montserrat, where they are archived and processed in real-time. Real-time location of infrasonic events are obtained and displayed on computer monitors for use in monitoring of volcanic activity. After a period of very low levels of activity, starting from the end of May 2008, SHV has produced several small explosions without any short-term precursory sign. Some of these events have generated ash plumes reaching up to a few thousands of meters above the sea level, and were accompanied by moderate-to-large size pyroclastic flows that descended the western flanks of the volcanic edifice. The array was able to detect and locate in real-time the clear infrasound associated both with the explosions and the pyroclastic flows. In the latter case, the array estimated the speed and the direction of the flux revealing the presence of several pulses within the same flow. The variable azimuth of the signal during the flow indicated a mean speed of 160-175 km/h. The ability to detect and track such events in a real-time fashion has a strong impact on understanding the dynamics of pyroclastic flow propagation as well as on monitoring operations and risk management in Montserrat.

The Ongoing Lava Flow Eruption of Sinabung Volcano (Sumatra, Indonesia): Observations from Structure-from-Motion and Satellite Remote Sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carr, B. B.; Clarke, A. B.; Arrowsmith, R.; Vanderkluysen, L.

2015-12-01

Sinabung is a 2460 m high andesitic stratovolcano in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Its ongoing eruption has produced a 2.9 km long lava flow with two active summit lobes and frequent pyroclastic flows (≤ 5 km long) with associated plumes over 5 km high. Large viscous lava flows of this type are common at volcanoes around the world, but are rarely observed while active. This eruption therefore provides a special opportunity to observe and study the mechanisms of emplacement and growth of an active lava flow. In September 2014, we conducted a field campaign to collect ground-based photographs to analyze with Structure-from-Motion photogrammetric techniques. We built multiple 3D models from which we estimate the volume of the lava flow and identify areas where the flow was most active. Thermal infrared and visual satellite images provide information on the effusive eruption from its initiation in December 2013 to the present and allow us to estimate the eruption rate, advance rate and rheological characteristics of the flow. According to our DEMs the flow volume as of September 2014 was 100 Mm3, providing an average flow rate of 4.5 m3/s, while comparison of two DEMs from that month suggests that most growth occurred at the SE nose of the flow. Flow advancement was initially controlled by the yield strength of the flow crust while eruption and flow advance rates were at their highest in January-March 2014. A period of slow front advancement and inflation from March - October 2014 suggests that the flow's interior had cooled and that propagation was limited by the interior yield strength. This interpretation is supported by the simultaneous generation of pyroclastic flows due to collapse of the upper portion of the lava flow and consequent lava breakout and creation of new flow lobes originating from the upper reaches in October 2014 and June 2015. Both lobes remain active as of August 2015 and present a significant hazard for collapse and generation of pyroclastic flows. We use a pre-eruption DEM of Sinabung provided by the Badan Informasi Geospasial (Indonesia) to identify over 20 older lava flows at Sinabung. The active flow appears to represent a typical eruption of Sinabung, with its length and area similar to previous flows.

The 15 September 1991 pyroclastic flows at Unzen Volcano (Japan): a flow model for associated ash-cloud surges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujii, Toshitsugu; Nakada, Setsuya

1999-04-01

Large-scale collapse of a dacite dome in the late afternoon of 15 September 1991 generated a series of pyroclastic-flow events at Unzen Volcano. Pyroclastic flows with a volume of 1×10 6 m 3 (as DRE) descended the northeastern slope of the volcano, changing their courses to the southeast due to topographic control. After they exited a narrow gorge, an ash-cloud surge rushed straight ahead, detaching the main body of the flow that turned and followed the topographic lows to the east. The surge swept the Kita-Kamikoba area, which had been devastated by the previous pyroclastic-flow events, and transported a car as far as 120 m. Following detachment, the surge lost its force after it moved several hundred meters, but maintained a high temperature. The deposits consist of a bottom layer of better-sorted ash (unit 1), a thick layer of block and ash (unit 2), and a thin top layer of fall-out ash (unit 3). Unit 2 overlies unit 1 with an erosional contact. The upper part of unit 2 grades into better-sorted ash. At distal block-and-ash flow deposits, the bottom part of unit 2 also consists of better-sorted ash, and the contact with the unit 1 deposits becomes ambiguous. Video footage of cascading pyroclastic flows during the 1991-1995 eruption, traveling over surfaces without any topographic barriers, revealed that lobes of ash cloud protruded intermittently from the moving head and sides, and that these lobes surged ahead on the ground surface. This fact, together with the inspection by helicopter shortly after the events, suggests that the protruded lobes consisted of better-sorted ash, and resulted in the deposits of unit 1. The highest ash-cloud plume at the Oshigadani valley exit, and the thickest deposition of fall-out ash over Kita-Kamikoba and Ohnokoba, indicate that abundant ash was also produced when the flow passed through a narrow gorge. In the model presented here, the ash clouds from the pyroclastic flows were composed of a basal turbulent current of high concentration (main body), an overriding and intermediate fluidization zone, and an overlying dilute cloud. Release of pressurized gas in lava block pores, due to collisions among blocks and the resulting upward current, caused a zone of fluidization just above the main body. The mixture of gas and ash sorted in the fluidization zone moved ahead and to the side of the main body as a gravitational current, where the ash was deposited as surge deposits. The main body, which had high internal friction and shear near its base, then overran the surge deposits, partially eroding them. When the upward current of gas (fluidization) waned, better-sorted ash suspended in the fluidization zone was deposited on block-and-ash deposits. In the distal places of block-and-ash deposits, unit 2 probably was deposited in non-turbulent fashion without any erosion of the underlying layer (unit 1).

The 7-8 August 2008 eruption of Kasatochi Volcano, central Aleutian Islands, Alaska

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waythomas, Christopher F.; Scott, William E.; Prejean, Stephanie G.; Schneider, David J.; Izbekov, Pavel; Nye, Christopher J.

2010-12-01

Kasatochi volcano in the central Aleutian Islands erupted unexpectedly on 7-8 August 2008. Kasatochi has received little study by volcanologists and has had no confirmed historical eruptions. The island is an important nesting area for seabirds and a long-term biological study site of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. After a notably energetic preeruptive earthquake swarm, the volcano erupted violently in a series of explosive events beginning in the early afternoon of 7 August. Each event produced ash-gas plumes that reached 14-18 km above sea level. The volcanic plume contained large amounts of SO2 and was tracked around the globe by satellite observations. The cumulative volcanic cloud interfered with air travel across the North Pacific, causing many flight cancelations that affected thousands of travelers. Visits to the volcano in 2008-2009 indicated that the eruption generated pyroclastic flows and surges that swept all flanks of the island, accumulated several tens of meters of pyroclastic debris, and increased the diameter of the island by about 800 m. Pyroclastic flow deposits contain abundant accidental lithic debris derived from the inner walls of the Kasatochi crater. Juvenile material is crystal-rich silicic andesite that ranges from slightly pumiceous to frothy pumice. Fine-grained pyroclastic surge and fall deposits with accretionary lapilli cover the lithic-rich pyroclastic flow deposits and mark a change in eruptive style from episodic explosive activity to more continuous ash emission with smaller intermittent explosions. Pyroclastic deposits completely cover the island, but wave erosion and gully development on the flanks have begun to modify the surface mantle of volcanic deposits.

An aeromagnetic survey in the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, Alaska. M.S. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anma, K.

1971-01-01

Geologic and magnetic studies of the Katmai area have further demonstrated the close relationship between the Katmai Caldera, Novarupta plug, and the pyroclastic flows in the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. The magnetic fields observed appear to be associated with the thickness of the pyroclastic flow and the different rock units within it for lower flight levels, and also the contrast between the valley fill and the rock units at the Valley margins. Consistent magnetic anomalies are associated with the larger fumarole lines, which were presumably sites of large scale activity, while the smaller fumaroles are not usually seen in the aeromagnetic map. A possible correlation between low positive anomalies and nuee ardente deposits was revealed by the aeromagnetic survey, but was not strong. A ground survey was also carried out in several parts of the Valley with a view to detailed delineation of the magnetic signatures of the pyroclastic flow, as an aid to interpreting the aeromagnetic date.

The initial giant umbrella cloud of the May 18th, 1980, explosive eruption of Mount St. Helens

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sparks, R.S.J.; Moore, J.G.; Rice, C.J.

1986-01-01

The initial eruption column of May 18th, 1980 reached nearly 30 km altitude and released 1017 joules of thermal energy into the atmosphere in only a few minutes. Ascent of the cloud resulted in forced intrusion of a giant umbrella-shaped cloud between altitudes of 10 and 20 km at radial horizontal velocities initially in excess of 50 m/s. The mushroom cloud expanded 15 km upwind, forming a stagnation point where the radial expansion velocity and wind velocity were equal. The cloud was initiated when the pyroclastic blast flow became buoyant. The flow reduced its density as it moved away from the volcano by decompression, by sedimentation, and by mixing with and heating the surrounding air. Observations indicate that much of the flow, covering an area of 600 km2, became buoyant within 1.5 minutes and abruptly ascended to form the giant cloud. Calculations are presented for the amount of air that must have been entrained into the flow to make it buoyant. Assuming an initial temperature of 450??C and a magmatic origin for the explosion, these calculations indicate that the flow became buoyant when its temperature was approximately 150??C and the flow consisted of a mixture of 3.25 ?? 1011 kg of pyroclasts and 5.0 ?? 1011 kg of air. If sedimentation is considered, these figures reduce to 1.1 ?? 1011 kg of pyroclasts and 1.0 ?? 1011 kg of air. ?? 1986.

The A.D. 1835 eruption of Volcán Cosigüina, Nicaragua: A guide for assessing local volcanic hazards

USGS Publications Warehouse

Scott, William E.; Gardner, Cynthia A.; Devoli, Graziella; Alvarez, Antonio

2006-01-01

The January 1835 eruption of Volcán Cosigüina in northwestern Nicaragua was one of the largest and most explosive in Central America since Spanish colonization. We report on the results of reconnaissance stratigraphic studies and laboratory work aimed at better defining the distribution and character of deposits emplaced by the eruption as a means of developing a preliminary hazards assessment for future eruptions. On the lower flanks of the volcano, a basal tephra-fall deposit comprises either ash and fine lithic lapilli or, locally, dacitic pumice. An overlying tephra-fall deposit forms an extensive blanket of brown to gray andesitic scoria that is 35–60 cm thick at 5–10 km from the summit-caldera rim, except southwest of the volcano, where it is considerably thinner. The scoria fall produced the most voluminous deposit of the eruption and underlies pyroclastic-surge and -flow deposits that chiefly comprise gray andesitic scoria. In northern and southeastern sectors of the volcano, these flowage deposits form broad fans and valley fills that locally reach the Gulf of Fonseca. An arcuate ridge 2 km west of the caldera rim and a low ridge east of the caldera deflected pyroclastic flows northward and southeastward. Pyroclastic flows did not reach the lower west and southwest flanks, which instead received thick, fine-grained, accretionary-lapilli–rich ashfall deposits that probably derived chiefly from ash clouds elutriated from pyroclastic flows. We estimate the total bulk volume of erupted deposits to be ∼6 km3. Following the eruption, lahars inundated large portions of the lower flanks, and erosion of deposits and creation of new channels triggered rapid alluviation. Pre-1835 eruptions are poorly dated; however, scoria-fall, pyroclastic-flow, and lahar deposits record a penultimate eruption of smaller magnitude than that of 1835. It occurred a few centuries earlier—perhaps in the fifteenth century. An undated sequence of thick tephra-fall deposits on the west flank of the volcano records tens of eruptions, some of which were greater in magnitude than that of 1835. Weathering evidence suggests this sequence is at least several thousand years old. The wide extent of pyroclastic flows and thick tephra fall during 1835, the greater magnitude of some previous Holocene eruptions, and the location of Cosigüina on a peninsula limit the options to reduce risk during future unrest and eruption.

Structure and physical characteristics of pumice from the climactic eruption of Mount Mazama (Crater Lake), Oregon

USGS Publications Warehouse

Klug, C.; Cashman, K.; Bacon, C.

2002-01-01

The vesicularity, permeability, and structure of pumice clasts provide insight into conditions of vesiculation and fragmentation during Plinian fall and pyroclastic flow-producing phases of the ???7,700 cal. year B.P. climactic eruption of Mount Mazama (Crater Lake), Oregon. We show that bulk properties (vesicularity and permeability) can be correlated with internal textures and that the clast structure can be related to inferred changes in eruption conditions. The vesicularity of all pumice clasts is 75-88%, with >90% interconnected pore volume. However, pumice clasts from the Plinian fall deposits exhibit a wider vesicularity range and higher volume percentage of interconnected vesicles than do clasts from pyroclastic-flow deposits. Pumice permeabilities also differ between the two clast types, with pumice from the fall deposit having higher minimum permeabilities (???5??10-13 m2) and a narrower permeability range (5-50??10-13 m2) than clasts from pyroclastic-flow deposits (0.2-330??10-13 m2). The observed permeability can be modeled to estimate average vesicle aperture radii of 1-5 ??m for the fall deposit clasts and 0.25-1 ??m for clasts from the pyroclastic flows. High vesicle number densities (???109 cm-3) in all clasts suggest that bubble nucleation occured rapidly and at high supersaturations. Post-nucleation modifications to bubble populations include both bubble growth and coalescence. A single stage of bubble nucleation and growth can account for 35-60% of the vesicle population in clasts from the fall deposits, and 65-80% in pumice from pyroclastic flows. Large vesicles form a separate population which defines a power law distribution with fractal dimension D=3.3 (range 3.0-3.5). The large D.value, coupled with textural evidence, suggests that the large vesicles formed primarily by coalescence. When viewed together, the bulk properties (vesicularity, permeability) and textural characteristics of all clasts indicate rapid bubble nucleation followed by bubble growth, coalescence and permeability development. This sequence of events is best explained by nucleation in response to a downward-propagating decompression wave, followed by rapid bubble growth and coalescence prior to magma disruption by fragmentation. The heterogeneity of vesicle sizes and shapes, and the absence of differential expansion across individual clasts, suggest that post-fragmentation expansion played a limited role in the development of pumice structure. The higher vesicle number densities and lower permeabilities of pyroclastic-flow clasts indicate limited coalescence and suggest that fragmentation occurred shortly after decompression. Either increased eruption velocities or increased depth of fragmentation accompanying caldera collapse could explain compression of the pre-fragmentation vesiculation interval.

Surface morphology of caldera-forming eruption deposits revealed by lidar mapping of Crater Lake National Park, Oregon- Implications for emplacement and surface modification

USGS Publications Warehouse

Robinson, Joel E.; Bacon, Charles R.; Major, Jon J.; Wright, Heather M.; Vallance, James W.

2017-01-01

Large explosive eruptions of silicic magma can produce widespread pumice fall, extensive ignimbrite sheets, and collapse calderas. The surfaces of voluminous ignimbrites are rarely preserved or documented because most terrestrial examples are heavily vegetated, or severely modified by post-depositional processes. Much research addresses the internal sedimentary characteristics, flow processes, and depositional mechanisms of ignimbrites, however, surface features of ignimbrites are less well documented and understood, except for comparatively small-volume deposits of historical eruptions. The ~7,700 calendar year B.P. climactic eruption of Mount Mazama, USA vented ~50 km3 of magma, deposited first as rhyodacite pumice fall and then as a zoned rhyodacite-to-andesite ignimbrite as Crater Lake caldera collapsed. Lidar collected during summer 2010 reveals the remarkably well-preserved surface of the Mazama ignimbrite and related deposits surrounding Crater Lake caldera in unprecedented detail despite forest cover. The ±1 m lateral and ±4 cm vertical resolution lidar allows surface morphologies to be classified. Surface morphologies are created by internal depositional processes and can point to the processes at work when pyroclastic flows come to rest. We describe nine surface features including furrow-ridge sets and wedge-shaped mounds in pumice fall eroded by high-energy pyroclastic surges, flow- parallel ridges that record the passage of multiple pyroclastic flows, perched benches of marginal deposits stranded by more-mobile pyroclastic-flow cores, hummocks of dense clasts interpreted as lag deposit, transverse ridges that mark the compression and imbrication of flows as they came to rest, scarps indicating ignimbrite remobilization, fields of pit craters caused by phreatic explosions, fractures and cracks caused by extensional processes resulting from ignimbrite volume loss, and stream channels eroded in the newly formed surface. The nine morphologies presented here illustrate a dynamic depositional environment that varied spatially and with time during the eruption, and show that multiple processes modified the ignimbrite after deposition, both during and after the eruption.

Surface morphology of caldera-forming eruption deposits revealed by lidar mapping of Crater Lake National Park, Oregon - Implications for deposition and surface modification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robinson, Joel E.; Bacon, Charles R.; Major, Jon J.; Wright, Heather M.; Vallance, James W.

2017-08-01

Large explosive eruptions of silicic magma can produce widespread pumice fall, extensive ignimbrite sheets, and collapse calderas. The surfaces of voluminous ignimbrites are rarely preserved or documented because most terrestrial examples are heavily vegetated, or severely modified by post-depositional processes. Much research addresses the internal sedimentary characteristics, flow processes, and depositional mechanisms of ignimbrites, however, surface features of ignimbrites are less well documented and understood, except for comparatively small-volume deposits of historical eruptions. The 7700 calendar year B.P. climactic eruption of Mount Manama, USA, vented 50 km3 of magma, deposited first as rhyodacite pumice fall and then as a zoned rhyodacite-to-andesite ignimbrite as Crater Lake caldera collapsed. Lidar collected during summer 2010 reveals the remarkably well-preserved surface of the Manama ignimbrite and related deposits surrounding Crater Lake caldera in unprecedented detail despite forest cover. The ± 1 m lateral and ± 4 cm vertical resolution lidar allows surface morphologies to be classified. Surface morphologies are created by internal depositional processes and can point to the processes at work when pyroclastic flows come to rest. We describe nine surface features including furrow-ridge sets and wedge-shaped mounds in pumice fall eroded by high-energy pyroclastic surges, flow-parallel ridges that record the passage of multiple pyroclastic flows, perched benches of marginal deposits stranded by more-mobile pyroclastic-flow cores, hummocks of dense clasts interpreted as lag deposit, transverse ridges that mark the compression and imbrication of flows as they came to rest, scarps indicating ignimbrite remobilization, fields of closely spaced pits caused by phreatic explosions, fractures and cracks due to extensional processes resulting from ignimbrite volume loss, and stream channels eroded in the newly formed surface. The nine morphologies presented here illustrate a dynamic depositional environment that varied spatially and with time during the eruption, and show that multiple processes modified the ignimbrite after deposition, both during and after the eruption.

Pyroclast/snow interactions and thermally driven slurry formation. Part 2: Experiments and theoretical extension to polydisperse tephra

USGS Publications Warehouse

Walder, J.S.

2000-01-01

Erosion of snow by pyroclastic flows and surges presumably involves mechanical scour, but there may be thermally driven phenomena involved as well. To investigate this possibility, layers of hot (up to 400??C), uniformly sized, fine- to medium-grained sand were emplaced vertically onto finely shaved ice ('snow'); thus there was no relative shear motion between sand and snow and no purely mechanical scour. In some cases large vapor bubbles, commonly more than 10 mm across, rose through the sand layer, burst at the surface, and caused complete convective overturn of the sand, which then scoured and mixed with snow and transformed into a slurry. In other cases no bubbling occurred and the sand passively melted its way downward into the snow as a wetting front moved upward into the sand. A continuum of behaviors between these two cases was observed. Vigorous bubbling and convection were generally favored by high temperature, small grain size, and small layer thickness. A physically based theory of heat- and mass transfer at the pyroclast/snow interface, developed in Part 1 of this paper, does a good job of explaining the observations as a manifestation of unstable vapor-driven fluidization. The theory, when extrapolated to the behavior of actual, poorly sorted pyroclastic flow sediments, leads to the prediction that the observed 'thermal-scour' phenomenon should also occur for many real pyroclastic flows passing over snow. 'Thermal scour' is therefore likely to be involved in the generation of lahars.

Recognition and characterisation of high-grade ignimbrites from the Neoproterozoic rhyolitic volcanism in southernmost Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sommer, Carlos Augusto; Lima, Evandro Fernandes; Machado, Adriane; Rossetti, Lucas de Magalhães May; Pierosan, Ronaldo

2013-11-01

Neoproterozoic magmatism in southern Brazil is associated with translithospheric shear belts and strike-slip basins in a post-collisional setting related to the last stages of the Brasilian-Pan African Orogenic Cycle. It evolved from an association of high-K calc-alkaline, leucocratic-peraluminous and continental tholeiitic magmas, to an association with shoshonitic magmas and, eventually, to an association with magmas of the sodic mildly alkaline series. This magmatism varies from metaluminous to peralkaline and exhibits alkaline sodic affinity. A large volcanism is related to this alkaline sodic magmatism and is named the Acampamento Velho Formation. This unit was coeval with subaerial siliciclastic sedimentation in post-collisional basins preserved in the region. The Acampamento Velho Formation consists of pyroclastic and effusive volcanic deposits, which are mainly silicic, emplaced under subaerial conditions. The best exposures of this volcanism occur on the Ramada and Taquarembó plateaus, located southwest of Rio Grande do Sul in southernmost Brazil. The pyroclastic flow deposits are composed mainly of juvenile fragments such as pumices, shards and crystal fragments. Welding is very effective in these units. High-grade ignimbrites occur at the base and intermediate portions of the deposits and rheoignimbrites are observed at the top. The pre-eruptive temperature calculations, which were obtained at the saturation of zircon, revealed values between 870 °C and 978 °C for Taquarembó Plateau and 850 °C-946 °C for Ramada Plateau. The calculated viscosity values vary from 6.946 to 8.453 log η (Pas) for the rheoignimbrites and 7.818 to 10.588 log η (Pas) for the ignimbrites. Zr contents increase toward the top of the pyroclastic sequence, which indicates an increase in peralkalinity and determines the reduction in viscosity for clasts at the upper portions of the flows. The patterns of the structures of the ignimbrites and rheoignimbrites in the Taquarembó and Ramada plateaus accords well with successive pyroclastic flows that halts en masse. In this model the entire pyroclastic flow halts en masse, so complex vertical changes in grain size and composition are interpreted as recording deposition from successive discrete pyroclastic flows. The stratification observed in intermediate units in Taquarembó Plateau might reflect in this case variation in eruptive dynamics and short pauses.

The thermal evolution of pyroclastic density currents: Exploring the thermal histories of juvenile clasts of Tungurahua and Cotopaxi, Ecuador

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benage, M. C.; Dufek, J.; Degruyter, W.

2010-12-01

The thermal history of pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) is critical in determining flow dynamics and deposit characteristics. The thermal history of these flows depends on the particles’ internal rate of heat transfer and heat exchange between discrete particles and a gas phase. We examine the thermal history of a class of dense PDC exemplified by the eruption of Tungurahua (2006) and Cotopaxi (1877) that have abundant breadcrust bombs segregated in levees and in flow snouts. An open question in this type of PDC is the amount of air entrainment (and cooling) during transport. To understand the entrainment and cooling history of these flows we use a multiphase numerical model coupled with a Lagrangian model (Eulerian-Eulerian-Lagrangian [EEL]) that tracks the internal heat transfer and post-eruption bubble evolution in juvenile clasts. We combine the numerical study with the observation of the morphology and vesicularity of breadcrust bombs from dense pyroclastic density currents from Tungurahua and Cotopaxi. Breadcrust bombs are common in many deposits from mafic explosive eruptions, e.g. Montserrat, Cotopaxi, Guagua Pichincha, and Tungurahua volcanoes. At many locations these bombs have likely been transported as ballistics (interacting mostly with ambient air), although several instances of dense scoria bomb flows have been noted (e.g. Cotopaxi and Tungurahua, Ecuador). The dense flow deposits are generally rich in unabraided breadcrust bombs along the flow levee and occasionally along the entire transect of the flow. The breadcrust bombs range in size from tens of centimeters to meters. They can also be found draping around previous deposits suggesting a high temperature of deposition. We discuss the use of clast morphology with other thermal proxies to better understand the thermal evolution of individual PDC and the proportion of time clasts underwent transport in dense flows as compared to ballistic transport.

Potential hazards from future eruptions of Mount St. Helens Volcano, Washington

USGS Publications Warehouse

Crandell, Dwight Raymond; Mullineaux, Donal Ray

1978-01-01

Mount St. Helens has been more active and more explosive during the last 4,500 years than any other volcano in the conterminous United States. Eruptions of that period repeatedly formed domes, large volumes of pumice, hot pyroclastic flows, and, during the last 2,500 years, lava flows. Some of this activity resulted in mudflows that extended tens of kilometers down the floors of valleys that head at the volcano. This report describes the nature of the phenomena and their threat to people and property; the accompanying maps show areas likely to be affected by future eruptions of Mount St. Helens. Explosive eruptions that produce large volumes of pumice affect large areas because winds can carry the lightweight material hundreds of kilometers from the volcano. Because of prevailing winds, the 180-degree sector east of the volcano will be affected most often and most severely by future eruptions of this kind. However, the pumice from any one eruption will fall in only a small part of that sector. Pyroclastic flows and mudflows also can affect areas far from the volcano, but the areas they affect are smaller because they follow valleys. Mudflows and possibly pyroclastic flows moving rapidly down Swift and Pine Creeks could displace water in Swift Reservoir, which could cause disastrous floods farther downvalley.

A fast, calibrated model for pyroclastic density currents kinematics and hazard

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esposti Ongaro, Tomaso; Orsucci, Simone; Cornolti, Fulvio

2016-11-01

Multiphase flow models represent valuable tools for the study of the complex, non-equilibrium dynamics of pyroclastic density currents. Particle sedimentation, flow stratification and rheological changes, depending on the flow regime, interaction with topographic obstacles, turbulent air entrainment, buoyancy reversal, and other complex features of pyroclastic currents can be simulated in two and three dimensions, by exploiting efficient numerical solvers and the improved computational capability of modern supercomputers. However, numerical simulations of polydisperse gas-particle mixtures are quite computationally expensive, so that their use in hazard assessment studies (where there is the need of evaluating the probability of hazardous actions over hundreds of possible scenarios) is still challenging. To this aim, a simplified integral (box) model can be used, under the appropriate hypotheses, to describe the kinematics of pyroclastic density currents over a flat topography, their scaling properties and their depositional features. In this work, multiphase flow simulations are used to evaluate integral model approximations, to calibrate its free parameters and to assess the influence of the input data on the results. Two-dimensional numerical simulations describe the generation and decoupling of a dense, basal layer (formed by progressive particle sedimentation) from the dilute transport system. In the Boussinesq regime (i.e., for solid mass fractions below about 0.1), the current Froude number (i.e., the ratio between the current inertia and buoyancy) does not strongly depend on initial conditions and it is consistent to that measured in laboratory experiments (i.e., between 1.05 and 1.2). For higher density ratios (solid mass fraction in the range 0.1-0.9) but still in a relatively dilute regime (particle volume fraction lower than 0.01), numerical simulations demonstrate that the box model is still applicable, but the Froude number depends on the reduced gravity. When the box model is opportunely calibrated with the numerical simulation results, the prediction of the flow runout is fairly accurate and the model predicts a rapid, non-linear decay of the flow kinetic energy (or dynamic pressure) with the distance from the source. The capability of PDC to overcome topographic obstacles can thus be analysed in the framework of the energy-conoid approach, in which the predicted kinetic energy of the flow front is compared with the potential energy jump associated with the elevated topography to derive a condition for blocking. Model results show that, although preferable to the energy-cone, the energy-conoid approach still has some serious limitations, mostly associated with the behaviour of the flow head. Implications of these outcomes are discussed in the context of probabilistic hazard assessment studies, in which a calibrated box model can be used as a fast pyroclastic density current emulator for Monte Carlo simulations.

Mount St. Helens eruptive behavior during the past 1500 yr.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hoblitt, R.P.; Crandell, D.R.; Mullineaux, D.R.

1980-01-01

During the past 1500 yr Mount St. Helens, Washington, has repeatedly erupted dacite domes, tephra, and pyroclastic flows as well as andesite lava flows and tephra. Two periods of activity prior to 1980, each many decades long, were both initiated by eruptions of volatile-rich dacite which were followed by andesite, then by dacite. A third eruptive period was characterized by the eruption of volatile-poor dacite that formed a dome and minor pyroclastic flows. The prolonged duration of some previous eruptive periods suggests that the current activity could continue for many years. The volatile-rich dacite that has been erupted to date probably will be followed by gas-poor magma, but it cannot yet be predicted whether a more mafic magma will be extruded during the current eruptive period.-Authors

Nested Architecture of Pyroclastic Bedforms Generated by a Single Flow Event: Outcrop Examples from the Izu Volcanic Islands, Japan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nemoto, Y.; Yoshida, S.

2009-12-01

We claim that compound bedforms, where small bedforms (e.g., dunes and antidunes) occur within and around the larger bedforms, are common in pyroclastic-flow deposits, using Quaternary-Holocene outcrop examples from the modern Izu volcanic island chain some 100-150 km SSW of Tokyo. The nested occurrence of bedforms have been well documented for siliciclastic deposits, as exemplified by compound dunes where small dunes (c. cm- dm thick) occur between the avalanche surfaces within larger dunes, indicating that these dunes of different sizes were produced simultaneously. However, compound dunes have rarely been reported from pyroclastic deposits. In contrast, we have discovered that compound dunes are common in pyroclastic flow deposits in the late Pleistocene & Holocene outcrops in Niijima and Oshima of the Izu volcanic island chain. Moreover, these outcrops contain abundant compound antidunes, which have been reported from neither siliciclastic or pyroclastic deposits. This is probably because flume studies, where most of published antidune studies are based, focus on small (c. cm-dm high) antidunes. In Niijima Island, we examined pyroclastic-flow deposits shed from Mt. Miyatsuka (14 ka) and Mt. Mukai (886 A.D.). Both groups of deposits contain abundant antidune stratifications, which commonly form nested structures in a two- or three-fold hierarchy, with subordinate crossbeddings originated from dune migrations. Each class of antidunes is characterized by multiple scour surfaces and vertical aggradations around mounds of lag deposits above erosion surfaces, and typically has both upstream and downstream accretion components with different proportions. The late Pleistocene pyroclastic outcrops of the nearby Oshima Island exhibit similar patterns. The geometry of the accretion surfaces vary significantly in the outcrops of both Niijima and Oshima. Whereas the antidunes dominated by upstream accretion are characterized by (1) gently inclined accretion surface and (2) round crest shape, the antidunes dominated by downstream accretion are characterized by (i) steep accretion surface that commonly exceed the angle of repose and (ii) angular to cuspate crest shape. The mechanism in charge of generating the compound antidunes is unclear; however, observations of standing waves in the modern siliciclastic depositional environments (e.g., shallow running water on the beach) suggest that compound antidunes are produced by a gravitational collapse of the crest of large and exceedingly steepened standing waves. When the crest collapes, it commonly breaks into two smaller standing waves that are positioned on the flanks of the large (but now slightly deflated) standing wave, and stay there until the angle of the flanks increases again to form a new large standing wave. The collapse-rebuilding cycle persists as long as the flow condition is sustained.

Realizing life-scalable experimental pyroclastic density currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cronin, S. J.; Lube, G.; Breard, E.; Jones, J.; Valentine, G.; Freundt, A.; Hort, M. K.; Bursik, M. I.

2013-12-01

Pyroclastic Density Currents (PDCs) - the most deadly threat from volcanoes - are extremely hot, ground-hugging currents of rock fragments and gas that descend slopes at hundreds of kilometers per hour. These hostile flows are impossible to internally measure, thus volcanologists are persistently blocked in efforts to realistically forecast their internal mechanics and hazards. Attempts to fill this gap via laboratory-scale experiments continue to prove difficult, because they usually mismatch the dynamic and kinematic scaling of real-world flows by several orders of magnitude. In a multi-institutional effort, the first large-scale pyroclastic flow generator that can synthesize repeatable hot high-energy gas-particle mixture flows in safety has been commissioned in New Zealand. The final apparatus stands 15 m high, consisting of a tower/elevator system; an instrumented hopper that can hold >6000 kg (or 3.2 m3) of natural volcanic materials, which can be discharged at a range of controlled rates onto an instrumented, variably inclinable (6-25°) glass-sided chute for examining the vertical profiles of PDCs in motion. The use of rhyolitic pyroclastic material from the 1800 AD Taupo Eruption (with its natural grain-size, sorting and shape characteristics) and gas ensures natural coupling between the solids and fluid phases. PDC analogues with runout of >15 meters and flow depths of 1.5-6 meters are created by generating variably heated falling columns of natural volcanic particles (50-1300 kg/s), dispersed and aerated to controlled particle densities between 3 and 60 vol.% at the base of the elevated hopper. The descending columns rapidly generate high-velocity flows (up to 14 m/s) once impacting on the inclined channel, reproducing many features of natural flows, including segregation into dense and dilute regimes, progressive aggradational and en masse deposition of particles and the development of high internal gas-pore-pressures during flow. The PDC starting conditions (velocity, mass flux, particle solids concentration and temperature) can be precisely varied to obtain a wide range of PDC gas-particle transport and sedimentation conditions that match dynamic and kinematic scaling of natural flows. For instance, bulk flow scaling shows full turbulence (Re>106); while at the same time, the variation in Stokes and Stability numbers (describing Lagrangian acceleration of particles due to gravity and viscous drag) cover a wide range of natural conditions. The resulting PDC flow regimes include convection dominated dilute suspension that produce lateral ash-cloud surges, inertial dry granular to partially fluidised flows with high dynamic pressures, and, intermittent flow regimes of intermediate particle solids concentration. Depending on the PDC starting conditions, stratified, dune-bedded or inversely graded bedforms are created, whose formation can be tracked using high-speed cinematography and particle-image-velocimetry. We present here the first overview results from these experiments and invite further multi-organisational collaboration in ongoing simulations.

Building vulnerability and human casualty estimation for a pyroclastic flow: a model and its application to Vesuvius

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spence, Robin J. S.; Baxter, Peter J.; Zuccaro, Giulio

2004-05-01

Pyroclastic flows clearly present a serious threat to life for the inhabitants of settlements on the slopes of volcanoes with a history of explosive eruptions; but it is increasingly realised that buildings can provide a measure of protection to occupants trapped by such flows. One important example is Vesuvius, whose eruption history includes many events which were lethal for the inhabitants of the neighbouring Vesuvian villages. Recent computational fluid dynamics computer modelling for Vesuvius [Todesco et al., Bull. Volcanol. 64 (2002) 155-177] has enabled a realistic picture of an explosive eruption to be modelled, tracing the time-dependent development of the physical parameters of a simulated flow at a large three-dimensional mesh of points, based on assumed conditions of temperature, mass-flow rate and particle size distribution at the vent. The output includes mapping of temperature, mixture density and mixture velocity over the whole adjacent terrain. But to date this information has not been used to assess the impacts of such flows on buildings and their occupants. In the project reported in this paper, estimates of the near-ground flow parameters were used to assess the impact of a particular simulated pyroclastic flow (modelled roughly on the 1631 eruption) on the buildings and population in four of the Vesuvian villages considered most at risk. The study had five components. First, a survey of buildings and the urban environment was conducted to identify the incidence of characteristics and elements likely to affect human vulnerability, and to classify the building stock. The survey emphasised particularly the number, location and type of openings characteristic of the major classes of the local building stock. In the second part of the study, this survey formed the basis for estimates of the probable impact of the pyroclastic flow on the envelope and internal air conditions of typical buildings. In the third part, a number of distinct ways in which human casualties would occur were identified, and estimates were made of the relationship between casualty rates and environmental conditions for each casualty type. In the fourth part of the study, the assumed casualty rates were used to estimate the proportions of occupants who would be killed or seriously injured for the assumed pyroclastic flow scenario in the Vesuvian villages studied, and their distribution by distance from the vent. It was estimated that in a daytime eruption, 25 min after the start of the eruption, there would be 480 deaths and a further 190 serious injuries, for every 1000 remaining in the area. In a night-time scenario, there would be 360 deaths with a further 230 serious injuries per 1000 after the same time interval. Finally, a set of risk factors for casualties was identified, and factors were discussed and ranked for their mitigation impact in the eruption scenario. The most effective mitigation action would of course be total evacuation before the start of the eruption. But if this were not achieved, barred window openings or sealed openings to slow the ingress of hot gases, together with a reduction of the fire load, could be effective means of reducing casualty levels.

Origin and age of the Volcanic Rocks of Tláloc Volcano, Sierra Nevada, Central Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meier, M.; Grobéty, B.; Arce, J. L.; Rueda, H.

2007-05-01

The Tláloc volcano (TV) is a 4125 m high stratovolcano of the Trans Mexican Volcanic Belt (TMVB) and is located in the northern end of the N-S trending Sierra Nevada, 30 km NE of Mexico City. Few data on the petrological and temporal evolution of TV have been published to date. Recently dated deposits gave ages between 32'000 and 34'500±500 years BP (Huddart and Gonzalez, 2004). Mapping and sampling of extrusive rocks in the summit region of TV revealed a dome structure with radiating lava flows consisting of dacitic rocks containing plagioclase and hornblende phenocrysts. Some flows, however, seem to be associated with a collapse structure E of the main summit. Crossing relationships indicate that this structure is older (“Paleo Tláloc”). A stratigraphy of the pyroclastic deposits was established along the northern slope of TV. From the numerous pyroclastic flows, separated by paleosoils and fluviatile deposits, only two pumice and one block and ash flow (BAF) have regional extent. Their thickness - distance relationship and their granulometry point to major explosive events. A carbonized wood sample from the BAF deposit gave ages similar to the previous ages (33'180±550 yr BP and 23'170±270 yr BP), a sample from a pyroclastic flow gave even a younger age (16'620±110 yr BP), suggesting that TV remained active also after the volcanoes Iztaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl further to the South started their activity. Based on these preliminary data it may be necessary to reconsider the accepted scenario of the temporal evolution of the central section of the TMVB, which assumes that the activity migrates from North to South with time. Huddart, D. and Gonzalez, S., 2004. Pyroclastic flows and associated sediments, Tláloc-Telapón, piedmont fringe of the eastern basin of Mexico. In: G.J. Aguirre-Diaz, Macías, J.L., and Siebe, C., (Editor), Penrose Conference. UNAM, Metepec, Puebla, Mexico, pp. 35.

Quantifying the condition of eruption column collapse during explosive volcanic eruptions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koyaguchi, Takehiro; Suzuki, Yujiro

2016-04-01

During an explosive eruption, a mixture of pyroclasts and volcanic gas forms a buoyant eruption column or a pyroclastic flow. Generation of a pyroclastic flow caused by eruption column collapse is one of the most hazardous phenomena during explosive volcanic eruptions. The quantification of column collapse condition (CCC) is, therefore, highly desired for volcanic hazard assessment. Previously the CCC was roughly predicted by a simple relationship between magma discharge rate and water content (e.g., Carazzo et al., 2008). When a crater is present above the conduit, because of decompression/compression process inside/above the crater, the CCC based on this relationship can be strongly modified (Woods and Bower, 1995; Koyaguchi et al., 2010); however, the effects of the crater on CCC has not been fully understood in a quantitative fashion. Here, we have derived a semi-analytical expression of CCC, in which the effects of the crater is taken into account. The CCC depends on magma properties, crater shape (radius, depth and opening angle) as well as the flow rate at the base of crater. Our semi-analytical CCC expresses all these dependencies by a single surface in a parameter space of the dimensionless magma discharge rate, the dimensionless magma flow rate (per unit area) and the ratio of the cross-sectional areas at the top and the base of crater. We have performed a systematic parameter study of three-dimensional (3D) numerical simulations of eruption column dynamics to confirm the semi-analytical CCC. The results of the 3D simulations are consistent with the semi-analytical CCC, while they show some additional fluid dynamical features in the transitional state (e.g., partial column collapse). Because the CCC depends on such many parameters, the scenario towards the generation of pyroclastic flow during explosive eruptions is considered to be diverse. Nevertheless, our semi-analytical CCC together with the existing semi-analytical solution for the 1D conduit flow model (Koyaguchi, 2005) allows us to intuitively and quantitatively understand how the eruption column dynamics approaches to the CCC as the crater radius increases during the waxing stage of an eruption, or as the magma chamber pressure decreases during the waning stage.

Tsunami deposits associated with the 7.3 ka caldera-forming eruption of the Kikai Caldera, insights for tsunami generation during submarine caldera-forming eruptions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geshi, Nobuo; Maeno, Fukashi; Nakagawa, Shojiro; Naruo, Hideto; Kobayashi, Tetsuo

2017-11-01

Timing and mechanism of volcanic tsunamis will be a key to understand the dynamics of large-scale submarine explosive volcanism. Tsunami deposits associated with the VEI 7 eruption of the Kikai Caldera at 7.3 ka are found in the Yakushima and Kuchinoerabujima Islands, 40 km south -southeast of the caldera rim. The tsunami deposits distribute along the rivers in their northern coast up to 4.5 km from the river exit and up to 50 m above the present sea level. The tsunami deposits in the Yakushima area consist of pumice-bearing gravels in the lower part of the section (Unit I) and pumiceous conglomerate in the upper part (Unit II). The presence of rounded pebbles of sedimentary rocks, which characterize the beach deposit, indicates a run-up current from the coastal area. The rip-up clasts of the underlying paleosol in Unit I show strong erosion during the invasion of tsunami. Compositional similarity between the pumices in the tsunami deposit and the juvenile materials erupted in the early phase of the Akahoya eruption indicates the formation of tsunami deposit during the early phase of the eruption, which produced the initial Plinian pumice fall and the lower half of the Koya pyroclastic flow. Presence of the dense volcanic components (obsidians and lava fragments) besides pumices in the tsunami deposit supports that they were carried by the Koya pyroclastic flow, and not the pumices floating on the sea surface. Sequential relationship between the Koya pyroclastic flow and the tsunami suggests that the emplacement of the pyroclastic flow into the sea surrounding the caldera is the most probable mechanism of the tsunami.

Dense Pyroclastic Flows of the 16 -17 August 2006 Eruption of Tungurahua Volcano, Ecuador

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hall, M. L.; Mothes, P. A.; Ramon, P.; Arellano, S.; Barba, D.; Palacios, P.

2007-05-01

The 16-17 August 2006 eruption of Tungurahua volcano in central Ecuador was preceded by 7 years of threatening activity and finally a VEI=2 eruption on 14-15 July 2006. The larger August eruption witnessed tens of pyroclastic flows that descended 17 different channels up to 8.5 km to the volcano's base on the NW, N, W, and SW sides. Tungurahua (5023m) is a steep-sided, low SiO2 andesitic volcano with 2600 to 3200m of relief. The initial, small nuee ardentes began around 1700hr (local time), the larger flows occurred between 2147hr and 0100hr (17 Aug.), and a total of 31 events were indicated by seismic signals. The deposits of three distinct flow cycles are recognized at the NW base of the cone. On the Los Pajaros depositional fan, deposits of flows 1 and 2 are widespread laterally (<600m) and have low-aspect morphologies with low snouts and without levees. Their outer surfaces are covered with accessory > juvenile clasts that mainly range from 15 to 25cm in diameter, conversely their interiors are comprised of 40-42% clasts of 1-25cm size and a matrix (58-60%) of sand-size grains. The earlier flow 1 was accompanied by an ash cloud surge that leveled, but did not scorch, all trees, brush, even metal antenna posts, leaving a 1-10cm thick sandy ash layer upon flow 1's deposit. On the fan as well as in gullies on the upper flanks, flow 3 deposits form long narrow lobes with 1-2m high frontal snouts that are followed by empty flow channels, 5-15m wide, bounded by parallel levees 1-1.5m high. Within these channels subsequent flow lobes are found as remnant pulses. Unlike flows 1 and 2, flow 3 lobes are covered with 0.5-3m cauliflower-shaped, slightly vesiculated bombs that are rarely abraded; the deposit's interior has a 45% sandy matrix. During the climatic eruptive phase continuous lava fountaining, 500-700m high, and crater spilling likely fed a continual stream of fragmented lava onto the cone's upper steep flanks, from which dense pyroclastic mass flows were initiated by gravity. Flows 1 and 2 were more fluidized (due to entrained air and fines), faster, and had wider lateral extents. Flow 3 was poorly fluidized, highly channelized, and behaved more like an inertial granular flow that formed as a continuous avalanche stream that separated into consecutive pulses along the runout channel.

New evidence suggests pyroclastic flows are responsible for the remarkable preservation of the Jehol biota

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Baoyu; Harlow, George E.; Wohletz, Kenneth; Zhou, Zhonghe; Meng, Jin

2014-02-01

The lower Cretaceous Yixian and Jiufotang formations contain numerous exceptionally well-preserved invertebrate, vertebrate and plant fossils that comprise the Jehol Biota. Freshwater and terrestrial fossils of the biota usually occur together within some horizons and have been interpreted as deposits of mass mortality events. The nature of the events and the mechanisms behind the exceptional preservation of the fossils, however, are poorly understood. Here, after examining and analysing sediments and residual fossils from several key horizons, we postulate that the causal events were mainly phreatomagmatic eruptions. Pyroclastic density currents were probably responsible for the major causalities and for transporting the bulk of the terrestrial vertebrates from different habitats, such as lizards, birds, non-avian dinosaurs and mammals, into lacustrine environments for burial. Terrestrial vertebrate carcasses transported by and sealed within the pyroclastic flows were clearly preserved as exceptional fossils through this process.

Volcanic mixed avalanches: a distinct eruption-triggered mass-flow process at snow-clad volcanoes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pierson, T.C.; Janda, R.J.

1994-01-01

A generally unrecognized type of pyroclastic deposit was produced by rapid avalanches of intimately mixed snow and hot pyroclastic debris during eruptions at Mount St. Helens, Nevado del Ruiz, and Redoubt Volcano between 1982 and 1989. These "mixed avalanches' traveled as far as 14 km at velocities up to ~27 m/s, involved as much as 107 m3 of rock and ice, and left unmelted deposits of single flow units as thick as 5 m. During flow downslope, heat transfer from hot rocks to snow produced meltwater that partially saturated the mixtures, apparently giving these mixed avalanches mobilities equal to or greater than those of "dry' debris avalanches of similar volume. After melting and desiccation, the deposits are highly susceptible to erosion and unlikely to be well preserved in the stratigraphic record. -Authors

Permeability and microstructural changes due to weathering of pyroclastic rocks in Cappadocia, central Turkey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, M.; Takahashi, M.; Anma, R.; Shiomi, K.

2014-12-01

Studies of permeability changes of rocks during weathering are important to understand the processes of geomorphological development and how they are influenced by cyclic climatic conditions. Especially volcanic tuffs and pyroclastic flow deposits are easily affected by water absorption and freezing-thawing cycle (Erguler. 2009, Çelik and Ergül 2014). Peculiar erosional landscapes of Cappadocia, central Turkey, with numerous underground cities and carved churches, that made this area a world heritage site, are consists of volcanic tuffs and pyroclastic flow deposits. Understanding permeability changes of such rocks under different conditions are thus important not only to understand fundamental processes of weathering, but also to protect the landscapes of the world heritage sites and archaeological remains. In this study, we aim to evaluate internal void structures and bulk permeability of intact and weathered pyroclastic rocks from Cappadocia using X-ray CT, mercury intrusion porosimetry data and permeability measurement method of flow pump test. Samples of pyroclastic deposits that comprise the landscapes of Rose Valley and Ihlara Valley, were collected from the corresponding strata outside of the preservation areas. Porosity and pore-size distribution for the same samples measured by mercury intrusion porosimetry, indicate that the intact samples have lower porosity than weathered samples and pore sizes were dominantly 1-10μm in calculated radii, whereas weathered samples have more micropores (smaller than 1 μm). X-ray CT images were acquired to observe internal structure of samples. Micro-fractures, probably caused by repeated expansion and contraction due to temperature changes, were observed around clast grains. The higher micropore ratio in weathered samples could be attributed to the development of the micro-farctures. We will discuss fundamental processes of weathering and geomorphological development models using these data.

Tracking Pyroclastic Flows at Soufrière Hills Volcano

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ripepe, Maurizio; De Angelis, Silvio; Lacanna, Giorgio; Poggi, Pasquale; Williams, Carlisle; Marchetti, Emanuele; Delle Donne, Dario; Ulivieri, Giacomo

2009-07-01

Explosive volcanic eruptions typically show a huge column of ash and debris ejected into the stratosphere, crackling with lightning. Yet equally hazardous are the fast moving avalanches of hot gas and rock that can rush down the volcano's flanks at speeds approaching 280 kilometers per hour. Called pyroclastic flows, these surges can reach temperatures of 400°C. Fast currents and hot temperatures can quickly overwhelm communities living in the shadow of volcanoes, such as what happened to Pompeii and Herculaneum after the 79 C.E. eruption of Italy's Mount Vesuvius or to Saint-Pierre after Martinique's Mount Pelée erupted in 1902.

Pyroclastic Deposits in Floor-Fractured Craters: A Unique Style or Lunar Basaltic Volcanism?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allen, Carlton C.; DonaldsonHanna, Kerri L.; Pieters, Carle M.; Moriarty, Daniel P.; Greenhagen, Benjamin T.; Bennett, Kristen A.; Kramer, Georgiana Y.; Paige, David A.

2013-01-01

The lunar maria were formed by effusive fissure flows of low-viscosity basalt. Regional pyroclastic deposits were formed by deep-sourced fire-fountain eruptions dominated by basaltic glass. Basaltic material is also erupted from small vents within floor-fractured impact craters. These craters are characterized by shallow, flat floors cut by radial, concentric and/or polygonal fractures. Schultz [1] identified and classified over 200 examples. Low albedo pyroclastic deposits originate from depressions along the fractures in many of these craters.

An investigation of volcanic depressions. Part 1: Airfall and intrusive pyroclastic deposits. Part 2: Subaerial pyroclastic flows and their deposits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, H.; Mcbirney, A. R.

1969-01-01

Pyroclastic ejecta and the deposits they form were classified in many ways, and many interpretations were given to individual terms. Some classifications are based on the modes of orgin and deposition of the ejecta; others emphasized the chemical and physical composition of the ejecta. Particle-size was used as the prime basis of subdivision, and the same size-limits were used as those employed in the classification of sediments and sedimentary rocks.

Deposits from the 12 July Dome Collapse and Explosive Activity at Soufriere Hills Volcano, 12-15 July 2003

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edmonds, M.; Herd, R.; Strutt, M.; Mann, C.

2003-12-01

A large dome collapse took place on 12-13 July 2003 at Soufriere Hills Volcano. This event was the largest in magnitude during the 1995-2003 eruption and involved over 120 million m3 andesite dome and talus material. The collapse took place over 18 hours and culminated in an explosive phase that continued intermittently until 15 July 2003. Prior to the collapse, the total volume of the dome was 230 million m3 and was made up of remnants of lava erupted 1997-2001, talus material and fresh andesite dome lava erupted during the last two years. Talus made up around 50% of the total dome volume. This paper describes and interprets the pyroclastic flow and airfall deposits from this event, using other monitoring data and empirical evidence to reconstruct the dome collapse. The airfall and pyroclastic flow deposits were studied in detail over the weeks following the collapse. Airfall deposits were studied at 45 locations around the island and 75 samples were collected for analysis. The surge deposit stretched over 10 km2 on land and 35 pits were dug at intervals through it. The sections were described and sampled, yielding a further 60 samples for grain size analysis. Further sampling was carried out on the block and ash deposits in the Tar River Valley and on the Tar River Fan. Pumices from the post-collapse explosion sequence were collected and their densities measured and mass coverage estimated. Deposit maps for airfall, lithics and pumices were constructed for all of the individual events and a map to show the distribution of the main surge unit was generated. The collapse was monitored in real-time using the MVO seismic network and observations from the field. The sequence of events was as follows. From 09:00 to 18:00, low-energy pyroclastic flows took place, confined to the Tar River Valley, which reached the sea at the mouth of Tar River. These flows gradually increased in energy throughout the day but were not associated with energetic, large surges. By 18:00 the pyroclastic flows had increased in volume and were causing phreatic explosions as large, hot blocks hit the sea on the Tar River Fan. By 20:00 the pyroclastic flows had changed in character and were associated with a larger seismic signal and powerful surges that traveled up to 3 km off the coast over the surface of the sea. The most energetic phase of the eruption took place between 22:30 12 July and 01:30 13 July. The dome collapse of 12-13 July culminated in several very large individual pyroclastic flows, representing the collapse of the massive, hot, gas-rich interior of the lava dome. One very large flow was associated with a destructive and energetic surge that swept over topography to the north of the Tar River, killed 40-50 cows, removed trees at their bases and caused large clasts to become embedded in trees at a height of 1.5 m above the ground surface north of Irish Ghaut. The unloading of such large masses of lava dome from over the vent area caused large and powerful explosions. The mapping of the deposits from this event has shed light on the origins of the surge and the timing of large phreatic and magmatic explosions and has led to a new understanding of the hazard potential of large surges derived from the Tar River Valley during large dome collapses at Soufriere Hills Volcano.

Plastic Models Designed to Produce Large Height-to-Length Ratio Steady-State Planar and Axisymmetric (Radial) Viscous Liquid Laminar Flow Gravity Currents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blanck, Harvey F.

2012-01-01

Naturally occurring gravity currents include events such as air flowing through an open front door, a volcanic eruption's pyroclastic flow down a mountainside, and the spread of the Bhopal disaster's methyl isocyanate gas. Gravity currents typically have a small height-to-distance ratio. Plastic models were designed and constructed with a…

The relationship between carbonate facies, volcanic rocks and plant remains in a late Palaeozoic lacustrine system (San Ignacio Fm, Frontal Cordillera, San Juan province, Argentina)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Busquets, P.; Méndez-Bedia, I.; Gallastegui, G.; Colombo, F.; Cardó, R.; Limarino, O.; Heredia, N.; Césari, S. N.

2013-07-01

The San Ignacio Fm, a late Palaeozoic foreland basin succession that crops out in the Frontal Cordillera (Argentinean Andes), contains lacustrine microbial carbonates and volcanic rocks. Modification by extensive pedogenic processes contributed to the massive aspect of the calcareous beds. Most of the volcanic deposits in the San Ignacio Fm consist of pyroclastic rocks and resedimented volcaniclastic deposits. Less frequent lava flows produced during effusive eruptions led to the generation of tabular layers of fine-grained, greenish or grey andesites, trachytes and dacites. Pyroclastic flow deposits correspond mainly to welded ignimbrites made up of former glassy pyroclasts devitrified to microcrystalline groundmass, scarce crystals of euhedral plagioclase, quartz and K-feldspar, opaque minerals, aggregates of fine-grained phyllosilicates and fiammes defining a bedding-parallel foliation generated by welding or diagenetic compaction. Widespread silicified and silica-permineralized plant remains and carbonate mud clasts are found, usually embedded within the ignimbrites. The carbonate sequences are underlain and overlain by volcanic rocks. The carbonate sequence bottoms are mostly gradational, while their tops are usually sharp. The lower part of the carbonate sequences is made up of mud which appear progressively, filling interstices in the top of the underlying volcanic rocks. They gradually become more abundant until they form the whole of the rock fabric. Carbonate on volcanic sandstones and pyroclastic deposits occur, with the nucleation of micritic carbonate and associated production of pyrite. Cyanobacteria, which formed the locus of mineral precipitation, were related with this nucleation. The growth of some of the algal mounds was halted by the progressive accumulation of volcanic ash particles, but in most cases the upper boundary is sharp and suddenly truncated by pyroclastic flows or volcanic avalanches. These pyroclastic flows partially destroyed the carbonate beds and palaeosols. Microbial carbonate clasts, silicified and silica-permineralized tree trunks, log stumps and other plant remains such as small branches and small roots inside pieces of wood (interpreted as fragments of nurse logs) are commonly found embedded within the ignimbrites. The study of the carbonate and volcanic rocks of the San Ignacio Fm allows the authors to propose a facies model that increases our understanding of lacustrine environments that developed in volcanic settings.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

G.A. Valentine; F.V. Perry; D. Krier

Five Pleistocene basaltic volcanoes in Crater Flat (southern Nevada) demonstrate the complexity of eruption processes associated with small-volume basalts and the effects of initial emplacement characteristics on post-eruptive geomorphic evolution of the volcanic surfaces. The volcanoes record eruptive processes in their pyroclastic facies ranging from ''classical'' Strombolian mechanisms to, potentially, violent Strombolian mechanisms. Cone growth was accompanied, and sometimes disrupted, by effusion of lavas from the bases of cones. Pyroclastic cones were built upon a gently southward-sloping surface and were prone to failure of their down-slope (southern) flanks. Early lavas flowed primarily southward and, at Red and Black Cone volcanoes,more » carried abundant rafts of cone material on the tops of the flows. These resulting early lava fields eventually built platforms such that later flows erupted from the eastern (at Red Cone) and northern (at Black Cone) bases of the cones. Three major surface features--scoria cones, lava fields with abundant rafts of pyroclastic material, and lava fields with little or no pyroclastic material--experienced different post-eruptive surficial processes. Contrary to previous interpretations, we argue that the Pleistocene Crater Flat volcanoes are monogenetic, each having formed in a single eruptive episode lasting months to a few years, and with all eruptive products having emanated from the area of the volcanoes main cones rather than from scattered vents. Geochemical variations within the volcanoes must be interpreted within a monogenetic framework, which implies preservation of magma source heterogeneities through ascent and eruption of the magmas.« less

Preliminary analyses of SIB-B radar data for recent Hawaii lava flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaupp, V. H.; Derryberry, B. A.; Macdonald, H. C.; Gaddis, L. R.; Mouginis-Mark, P. J.

1986-01-01

The Shuttle Imaging Radar (SIR-B) experiment acquired two L-band (23 cm wavelength) radar images (at about 28 and 48 deg incidence angles) over the Kilauea Volcano area of southeastern Hawaii. Geologic analysis of these data indicates that, although aa lava flows and pyroclastic deposits can be discriminated, pahoehoe lava flows are not readily distinguished from surrounding low return materials. Preliminary analysis of data extracted from isolated flows indicates that flow type (i.e., aa or pahoehoe) and relative age can be determined from their basic statistics and illumination angle.

Boiling-over dense pyroclastic density currents during the formation of the 100 km3 Huichapan ignimbrite in Central Mexico: Stratigraphic and lithofacies analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pacheco-Hoyos, Jaime G.; Aguirre-Díaz, Gerardo J.; Dávila-Harris, Pablo

2018-01-01

A lithofacies analysis of the Huichapan ignimbrite has been undertaken to evaluate its depositional history from large pyroclastic density currents. The Huichapan ignimbrite is a massive ignimbrite sheet with a maximum runout of at least 55 km and thickness variations between 6 and 80 m. The lower portion of the Huichapan ignimbrite consists of a large plateau [ 100 km3; 69 km3 as dense-rock equivalent (DRE)] of massive ignimbrites with welding variations from densely welded to partly welded, devitrification, and high-temperature vapor-phase alteration. The lower part grades laterally to moderately welded and non-devitrified ignimbrites. These variations are interpreted as the sedimentation of density-stratified pyroclastic density currents erupted as boiling-over pulses from the Huichapan-Donguinyó caldera complex at a continuous rate, supporting deposition by quasi-steady progressive aggradation of sustained and hot currents. To the north of the caldera, the lower portion of the ignimbrite consists of a small plateau (< 10 km3) in which the densely welded and devitrified lithofacies are absent. Our interpretation is that the pyroclastic density currents flowed late to the north of the caldera and formed a smaller ignimbrite plateau with respect to the western one. This northern ignimbrite plateau cooled faster than the western ignimbrite plateau. Deposition-induced topographic modifications suggest that topographic obstacles, such as remnants of older volcanoes, may have promoted the deviation of the density currents to the north. The upper portion of the ignimbrite is composed of extensive, massive, coarse clast-rich, non-devitrified, and non-welded ignimbrites with abundant fines-poor pipes. This upper part was deposited from largely sustained and rapidly aggrading high-concentration currents in a near end-member, fluid escape-dominated flow boundary zone. The absence of welding in the upper portion may record pyroclastic density currents cooling during the formation of a relatively high pyroclastic fountain at the vent. We have established a depositional model for the Huichapan ignimbrite that explains the differences between the western and northern plateaus. The Huichapan ignimbrite was formed during a large caldera-forming eruption with concentrated pyroclastic fountains. High mass-flow rate was maintained for long periods, promoting the mobility of the pyroclastic density currents.

Effects of slope on the formation of dunes in dilute, turbulent pyroclastic currents: May 18th, 1980 Mt. St. Helens eruption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bendana, Sylvana; Brand, Brittany D.; Self, Stephen

2014-05-01

The flanks of Mt St Helens volcano (MSH) are draped with thin, cross-stratified and stratified pyroclastic density current (PDC) deposits. These are known as the proximal bedded deposits produced during the May 18th, 1980 eruption of MSH. While the concentrated portions of the afternoon PDCs followed deep topographic drainages down the steep flanks of the volcano, the dilute overriding cloud partially decoupled to develop fully dilute, turbulent PDCs on the flanks of the volcano (Beeson, D.L. 1988. Proximal Flank Facies of the May 18, 1980 Ignimbrite: Mt. St. Helens, Washington.). The deposits along the flank thus vary greatly from those found in the pumice plain, which are generally thick, massive, poorly-sorted, block-rich deposits associated with the more concentrated portions of the flow (Brand et al, accepted. Dynamics of pyroclastic density currents: Conditions that promote substrate erosion and self-channelization - Mount St Helens, Washington (USA). JVGR). We explore the influence of topography on the formation of these dilute currents and influence of slope on the currents transport and depositional mechanisms. The deposits on steeper slopes (>15°) are fines depleted relative to the proximal bedded deposits on shallower slopes (<15°). Bedform amplitude and wavelength increase with increasing slope, as does the occurrence of regressive dunes. Increasing slope causes an increase in flow velocity and thus an increase in flow turbulence. The fines depleted deposits suggest that fine ash elutriation is more efficient in flows with stronger turbulence. The longer wavelength and amplitudes suggest that bedform morphology is directly related to flow velocity, an important finding since the controls on bedform wavelength and amplitude in density stratified flows remains poorly constrained. The occurrence of regressive dunes, often interpreted as high flow-regime bedforms, on steeper slopes relative to progressive dunes on shallower slopes further attests to the control of velocity and flow regime on bedform morphology. Samples collected from recently exposed deposits and analyzed by grain size measurements, density analyses, and crystal morphoscopy studies further assess modes of origin and transport of dilute PDCs.

Quantification of L-band InSAR coherence over volcanic areas using LiDAR and in situ measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arab-Sedze, Melanie; Heggy, Essam; Bretard, Frederic; Berveiller, Daniel; Jacquemoud, Stephane

2014-07-01

Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) is a powerful tool to monitor large-scale ground deformation at active volcanoes. However, vegetation and pyroclastic deposits degrade the radar coherence and therefore the measurement of 3-D surface displacements. In this article, we explore the complementarity between ALOS - PALSAR coherence images, airborne LiDAR data and in situ measurements acquired over the Piton de La Fournaise volcano (Reunion Island, France) to determine the sources of errors that may affect repeat-pass InSAR measure- ments. We investigate three types of surfaces: terrains covered with vegetation, lava flows (a'a, pahoehoe or slabby pahoehoe lava flows) and pyroclastic deposits (lapilli). To explain the loss of coherence observed over the Dolomieu crater between 2008 and 2009, we first use laser altimetry data to map topographic variations. The LiDAR intensity, which depends on surface reflectance, also provides ancillary information about the potential sources of coherence loss. In addition, surface roughness and rock dielectric properties of each terrain have been determined in situ to better understand how electromagnetic waves interact with such media: rough and porous surfaces, such as the a'a lava flows, produce a higher coherence loss than smoother surfaces, such as the pahoehoe lava flows. Variations in dielectric properties suggest a higher penetration depth in pyroclasts than in lava flows at L-band frequency. Decorrelation over the lapilli is hence mainly caused by volumetric effects. Finally, a map of LAI (Leaf Area Index) produced using SPOT 5 imagery allows us to quantify the effect of vegeta- tion density: radar coherence is negatively correlated with LAI and is unreliable for values higher than 7.5.

Causes, Dynamics and Impacts of Lahar Mass Flows due to the April 2015 Eruption of Calbuco Volcano, Chile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dussaillant, Alejandro; Russell, Andy; Meier, Claudio; Rivera, Andres; Mella, Mauricio; Garrido, Natalia; Hernandez, Jorge; Napoleoni, Felipe; Gonzalez, Cristian

2016-04-01

Calbuco is a 2015m high, glacier capped, stratovolcano in the heavily populated Los Lagos region of southern Chile with a history of large volcanic eruptions in 1893-95, 1906-7, 1911-12, 1917, 1932, 1945, 1961 and 1972. Calbuco volcano experienced a powerful 90 minute eruption at 18:04h on 22 April, 2015 followed by additional major eruptions at 01:00h and 13:10h on 23 & 30 April, respectively, resulting in the evacuation of 6500 people and the imposition of a 20 km radius exclusion zone. Pyroclastic flows descended into several river catchments radiating from the volcano with lahars travelling distances of up to 14 km, reaching populated areas. We present findings from detailed field observations from April and July 2015, and January 2016, regarding the causes, dynamics and impacts of lahars generated by the April 2015 eruption, supported by satellite imagery, LiDAR and detailed rtkGPS & TLS surveys, as well as sediment sampling. Pyroclastic flows melted glacier ice and snow generating the largest lahars in the Rio Este and Rio Blanco Sur on the southern flanks of the volcano. Lahar deposits in the Rio Blanco Norte were buried by pyroclastic flow deposits with measured temperatures of up to 282°C three months after emplacement. Lahar erosional impacts included bedrock erosion, alluvial channel incision, erosion of surficial deposits and the felling of large areas of forest. Depositional landforms included boulder run-ups on the outsides of channel bends, boulder clusters and large woody debris jams. Lahars deposited up to 8m of sediment within distal reaches. Deposits on the southern flanks of Calbuco indicate the passage of multiple pulses of contrasting rheology. Lahar occurrence and magnitude was controlled by the pre-eruption distribution of snow and ice on the volcano. Pre-existing lahar channels controlled flows to lower piedmont zones where routing was determined by palaeo-lahar geomorphology. Ongoing erosion of proximal pyroclastic flow and lahar deposits provides large volumes of sediment to distal portions of fluvial systems radiating from Calbuco, continuing impact on infrastructure and settlements, including secondary lahars due to rain and melt events. The database generated by this study hopes to contribute to further studies into lahars, including its use to test lahar numerical models.

Dynamic Statistical Models for Pyroclastic Density Current Generation at Soufrière Hills Volcano

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolpert, Robert L.; Spiller, Elaine T.; Calder, Eliza S.

2018-05-01

To mitigate volcanic hazards from pyroclastic density currents, volcanologists generate hazard maps that provide long-term forecasts of areas of potential impact. Several recent efforts in the field develop new statistical methods for application of flow models to generate fully probabilistic hazard maps that both account for, and quantify, uncertainty. However a limitation to the use of most statistical hazard models, and a key source of uncertainty within them, is the time-averaged nature of the datasets by which the volcanic activity is statistically characterized. Where the level, or directionality, of volcanic activity frequently changes, e.g. during protracted eruptive episodes, or at volcanoes that are classified as persistently active, it is not appropriate to make short term forecasts based on longer time-averaged metrics of the activity. Thus, here we build, fit and explore dynamic statistical models for the generation of pyroclastic density current from Soufrière Hills Volcano (SHV) on Montserrat including their respective collapse direction and flow volumes based on 1996-2008 flow datasets. The development of this approach allows for short-term behavioral changes to be taken into account in probabilistic volcanic hazard assessments. We show that collapses from the SHV lava dome follow a clear pattern, and that a series of smaller flows in a given direction often culminate in a larger collapse and thereafter directionality of the flows change. Such models enable short term forecasting (weeks to months) that can reflect evolving conditions such as dome and crater morphology changes and non-stationary eruptive behavior such as extrusion rate variations. For example, the probability of inundation of the Belham Valley in the first 180 days of a forecast period is about twice as high for lava domes facing Northwest toward that valley as it is for domes pointing East toward the Tar River Valley. As rich multi-parametric volcano monitoring dataset become increasingly available, eruption forecasting is becoming an increasingly viable and important research field. We demonstrate an approach to utilize such data in order to appropriately 'tune' probabilistic hazard assessments for pyroclastic flows. Our broader objective with development of this method is to help advance time-dependent volcanic hazard assessment, by bridging the

Rheology of the 2006 eruption at Tungurahua volcano, Ecuador

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hanson, J. B.; Lavallée, Y.; Hess, K.-U.; von Aulock, F. W.; Dingwell, D. B.

2009-04-01

During August 16th to 18th 2006, the eruptive crisis at Tungurahua volcano (Ecuador) culminated in VEI 2 eruption with tens of pyroclastic flows and the extrusion of a lava flow. The nearly simultaneous occurrence of a lava flow and a pyroclastic flow from a single vent deserves attention. Generally, the rheology is a chief determinant of eruption style. Specifically, magmas are ductile (effusive) at low strain rates whereas they are brittle (explosive) at high strain rates. Although this distinction has been extensively described for single-phase magmas, there remain many questions as to the rheological implications of crystals and bubbles present in magmas. Here we present preliminary characterizations of the complex rheology of the magma involved in the 2006 eruption at Tungurahua volcano. The magma present in this eruption was andesitic with an interstitial melt composition averaging ~58 wt.% SiO2. The bombs present in the pyroclastic deposit show an open porosity ranging from 15 to 35 vol.% and a crystallinity generally greater than ~30 vol.% and occasionally up to 60 vol.% in samples affected by microlite growth. Petrographic analyses revealed magma batches with different crystallization histories. In high-porosity samples containing microlites, a recrystallization rim around clinopyroxene and resorption of the plagioclase were observed. In contrast, the dense samples show pristine, euhedral crystals and a near absence of microlites. The heterogeneous petrographic structures suggest the possibilities of mingling in the conduit or of magma batches with different decompression rates. Dilatometric analyses suggest glass transition temperatures (Tg) of ~974 °C for the dense material (porosity~15 vol.%) and as high as ~1060 °C for the high-porosity bombs (porosity~35 vol.%). Successive series of heating and cooling of the glass reveal an increase of Tg by as much as 60 °C indicative of significant water left in the melt. Preliminary analyses of images obtained via high-resolution neutron tomography also suggest the remnant of water in the bombs. This work in progress suggests that the large eruptive event in mid-August 2006 were caused by recharge in the magma reservoir or possibly in the conduit. Subsequently, both magma batches ascended through the pipe-like conduit, but rheological differences and possibly different ascent rates impeded complete mixing. This distinction may also explain the simultaneous occurrence of a lava flow and pyroclastic flows.

2500 pyroclast puzzle: probing eruptive scenarios at Volcán de Colima, Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kueppers, U.; Varley, N. R.; Alatorre-Ibarguengoitia, M. A.; Lavallee, Y.; Becker, S.; Berninger, N.; Goldstein, F.; Hanson, J. B.; Kolzenburg, S.; Dingwell, D. B.

2009-12-01

The Colima volcanic complex is comprised by two edifices, the extinct Nevado de Colima to the North and the active Fuego de Colima in the South. Since 1998, a dome-building phase has shown repeated shifts between lava effusion and short-lived explosive activity. Lava extrusion rates were usually low leading to the build-up of domes inside the crater but occasionally, lava spilled over the crater rim and flowed down the flanks. This effusive activity was usually associated with several ash explosions and gas exhalation events per day. In 2005, occasional block-and-ash flows from dome-collapse events travelled down the Western flanks and reached La Lumbre valley. Later that year, violent explosive eruptions destroyed the dome and sent pyroclastic flows to valleys in the South (Monte Grande) and South-East (La Arena). The transition from effusive to short-lived but highly explosive eruptive behaviour presents an interesting opportunity to study pyroclastic flow deposits from different generating mechanisms. Gas at overpressure in bubbly magma is one of the main driving forces of explosive eruptions. The change of the physical properties of evolved magmas after the fragmentation is minor. Therefore, a detailed characterisation of volcanic products reveals much information and is vital for a correct understanding of volcanic deposits. Comparing different units allows constraining the bandwidth of possible eruptive scenarios. Here, we thoroughly characterized the deposits of the above described events on site. In the field, we 1) measured the density distribution of 100 surficial juvenile and lithic clasts at 24 localities (1 * 1 m) across the length and width of the pyroclastic flow deposits; 2) sieved the matrix (approx. 30 * 30 * 30 cm) at each locality; and 3) created detailed stratigraphic logs. We observe a lower mean density and a greater variance for clasts generated by the explosive eruption. Our results highlight the different origin of the 2005 deposits on Colima. Ergo, the physical properties of eruptive products allow the constraining of eruptive scenarios and may help to better interpret volcanic deposits that have not been eye-witnessed.

Rapid welding and rheomorphism in unconfined (sheet-like) ignimbrites in Idaho, England and Pantelleria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barry, T. L.; Branney, M. J.; Andrews, G.

2003-04-01

Sheet-like rheomorphic ignimbrites of diverse chemistry and geological setting preserve evidence of very rapid welding and rheomorphism, with time-scales of the same order-of-magnitude as the duration of the pyroclastic density current (mins-hrs). This is in contrast to rheomorphism that occurs primarily after emplacement; for example, in the Crinkles Tuffs of Scafell caldera in England individual rheomorphic folds affect more than one ignimbrite. In this case two or more ignimbrites were emplaced and then underwent rheomorphism together, prior to cooling. In contrast to valley-filling rheomorphic ignimbrites, in which the orientation of sheathfold axes and elongation lineations remain parallel to the valley (1) (i.e. the valley served to maintain the flow direction by chanelling), sheathfolds axes and elongation lineations in sheet-like ignimbrites emplaced onto low-angle slopes vary at each individual geographic location. At individual heights in the ignimbrite sheet, the orientation trends cluster, and the azimuth orientation of the clusters change systematically with height. We interpret this as indicating that the flow-direction of the pyroclastic density current changed with time during progressive aggradation of the ignimbrite. During deposition, agglutination and rheomorphism occurred in a relatively narrow, rising ductile shear zone. The transport direction at a particular moment was preserved as rheomorphic fabrics became frozen into the deposit when this shear zone migrated away upwards. Each level in the ignimbrite thus provides a snap-shot of the flow direction at a particular time. Changes in flow-direction in sustained pyroclastic density currents occur due to depositional and erosional modification of topography (2). Chilled basal vitrophyres of rheomorphic ignimbrites are particularly instructive, as rapid chilling uniquely preserves early stages of welding and deformation. Oblique fabrics are typical, and record agglutination and initial rheomorphism that elsewhere is transposed and overprinted by more protracted shear and attenuation. In contrast, upper vitrophyres of some rheomorphic ignimbrites show well-developed sheath and flow-perturbation folds(3). (1) Branney MJ and Barry TL (2003) Abstract in this volume. (2) Branney MJ and Kokelaar P (2003) Pyroclastic density currents and the sedimentation of ignimbrites. Geol. Soc. London Mem. 27. 150 pp. (3) Alsop GI and Holdsworth RE (2002) Tectonophysics 6605.

Geology of proximal, small-volume trachyte-trachyandesite pyroclastic flows and associated surge deposits, Roccamonfina volcano, Italy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giannetti, Bernardino

1998-01-01

This paper describes the 232 ka B.P. MTTT trachyte-trachyandesite pyroclastic succession of Roccamonfina volcano. This small-volume, proximal sequence crops out along Mulino di Sotto, Paratone, and Pisciariello ravines in the southwest sector of the central caldera, and covers a minimum extent of 3.5 km 2 area. It is made up of seven pyroclastic flows and pyroclastic surge units consisting of trachytic ash matrix containing juvenile trachyandesitic scoria and dense lava fragments, pumice clasts of uncertain trachyandesite, and a foreign trachyandesitic lithic facies. Two stratigraphic markers allow correlation of the units. No paleosoils and Plinian fallout have been observed at the base and within the succession. Some lateral grading of scoria and lithic clasts suggests that MTTT derived from three distinct source vents. The sequence consists of a basal ash flow passing laterally to laminated surge deposits (Unit A). This is overlain by a reversely graded scoria and pumice lapilli flow (Unit B) which is in turn overlain by a thinly cross-stratified scoria lapilli surge (Unit C). Unit C is capped by a prominent ash-and-scoria flow (Unit D). A ground layer (Marker MK1) divides Unit D from a massive ignimbrite which grades upcurrent to sand-wave surge deposits (Unit E). Another ground layer (Marker MK2) separates Unit E from Unit F. This unit consists of a basal ignimbrite passing laterally to bedded surge deposits with convolute structures (subunit Fl), and grading upcurrent to a subhorizontally plane-laminated ash cloud (subunit F2) containing near the top a layer of millimetric lithic clasts embedded in fine ash. The succession is closed by the pyroclastic flow Unit G. Surge Unit C can be interpreted in terms of vertical gradients in turbulence, particle concentration, and velocity during flowage, whereas the bedded surge parts present in the massive deposits of Units A and E-F1 can be related to abrupt changes of velocity down the steep slopes of ravines. Reverse grading in Unit B is probably due to grain dispersive pressures. The convolute structures within Fl are related to zones of diagenetic cementation associated with groundwater. Finally, the laminated, fine-grained nature of subunit F2 is interpreted as due to ash clouds elutriated from the basal part of Unit F. Stratigraphic markers MK1-MK2 are ground layer breccias formed by settling of lithic and scoria clasts from overlying units E and F, respectively. Vesiculation and morphologies of glass shards of the MTTT succession suggest that eruptions were essentially driven by magmatic explosions which had an appreciable hydromagmatic component.

Evidence of erosional self-channelization of pyroclastic density currents revealed by ground-penetrating radar imaging at Mount St. Helens, Washington (USA)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gase, Andrew C.; Brand, Brittany D.; Bradford, John H.

2017-03-01

The causes and effects of erosion are among the least understood aspects of pyroclastic density current (PDC) dynamics. Evidence is especially limited for erosional self-channelization, a process whereby PDCs erode a channel that confines the body of the eroding flow or subsequent flows. We use ground-penetrating radar imaging to trace a large PDC scour and fill from outcrop to its point of inception and discover a second, larger PDC scour and fill. The scours are among the largest PDC erosional features on record, at >200 m wide and at least 500 m long; estimated eroded volumes are on the order of 106 m3. The scours are morphologically similar to incipient channels carved by turbidity currents. Erosion may be promoted by a moderate slope (5-15°), substrate pore pressure retention, and pulses of increased flow energy. These findings are the first direct evidence of erosional self-channelization by PDCs, a phenomenon that may increase flow velocity and runout distance through confinement and substrate erosion.

Fine-scale ignimbrite morphology revealed in LiDAR at Crater Lake, OR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robinson, J. E.; Bacon, C. R.; Wright, H. M.

2011-12-01

Mount Mazama erupted ~7,700 years ago resulting in the collapse of Crater Lake caldera, ash fall across the Pacific Northwest, and emplacement of compositionally zoned ignimbrite. Early climactic ignimbrite contains uniform rhyodacitic pumice and traveled far from the vent, whereas late, less mobile ignimbrite is dominated by crystal-rich andesitic scoria and mafic crystal mush. Funded by the USGS, NPS, and FHWA, the DOGAMI-led Oregon LiDAR Consortium contracted with Watershed Services to collect ~800 km2 of LiDAR over Crater Lake National Park from Aug 2010 to Sept 2010. Ground laser returns have an average density of 1.63 returns/m2 over the heavily forested area of interest. The data have a lateral RMSE and vertical accuracy of 0.05 m. A bare earth terrain model allows a virtual removal of the forest, revealing fine-scale surface morphology, notably in the climactic ignimbrite. Secondary pyroclastic flows, explosion craters, erosion by water, and compaction-related deformation modified the originally smooth ignimbrite surface. Distinct pyroclastic flow fronts are evident in the LiDAR in Annie Creek valley. Leveed flows stand approximately 5 m above the lower ignimbrite surface, and individual toes are about 1-2 m high. Preliminary field checking indicates that rhyodacitic pumice dominates the lower ignimbrite surface, but the leveed flows are a subequal mix of locally oxidized rhyodacitic pumice and andesitic scoria. We hypothesize that these deposits were secondary pyroclastic flows formed by gravitational failure of late ignimbrite. In the Castle Creek valley, is a 2-meter collapse scarp that may have spawned a small secondary pyroclastic flow; several such headwall scarps are present in Sand Creek valley. Differential compaction features are common in many thick ignimbrites. We suggest this caused the deformation of the ignimbrite apparent in the LiDAR. In Annie Creek valley are a series of flow parallel asymmetric ridges, with shallower slopes toward the valley center, in the surface of the rhyodacitic ignimbrite. The ridges are 1-2 m high, and have a variable wavelength averaging 60 m. We hypothesize that this terrain is a series of antithetic faults due to downbending towards the thickest part of the ignimbrite. The ignimbrite near the Pumice Desert is likely over 100 m thick. Here, cracks positioned on topographic highs or at breaks in slope are 50 m to 800 m long and up to 30 m wide. The cracks open towards the thickest part of the ignimbrite in the downslope direction. They appear to be tension fractures that opened because of differential compaction of the ignimbrite. Breakaway fractures mark where ignimbrite thickness abruptly decreases laterally, such as north-northeast of the caldera and at valley margins. Some fractures show evidence of water erosion during formation of fractures. On the lee side of Timber Crater, north of Crater Lake, is a series of N-S trending ribs composed of pumice fall from the climactic eruption deposited on glaciated andesite lava. Timber Crater lies on the main dispersal axis of the pumice fall. We suggest that high-energy pyroclastic flows encountered topographic bumps on the flanks of Timber Crater. This affected flow turbulence causing linear troughs to erode into the fall deposit and leaving pumice-fall ribs.

Proximal pyroclastic deposits from the 1989-1990 eruption of Redoubt Volcano, Alaska - stratigraphy, distribution, and physical characteristics

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gardner, C.A.; Neal, C.A.; Waitt, R.B.; Janda, R.J.

1994-01-01

More than 20 eruptive events during the 1989-1990 eruption of Redoubt Volcano emplaced a complex sequence of lithic pyroclastic-flow, -surge, -fall, ice-diamict, and lahar deposits mainly on the north side of the volcano. The deposits record the changing eruption dynamics from initial gas-rich vent-clearing explosions to episodic gas-poor lava-dome extrusions and failures. The repeated dome failures produced lithic pyroclastic flows that mixed with snow and glacial ice to generate lahars that were channelled off Drift glacier into the Drift River valley. Some of the dome failures occurred without precursory seismic warning and appeared to result solely from gravitational instability. Material from the disrupted lava domes avalanched down a steep, partly ice-filled canyon incised on the north flank of the volcano and came to rest on the heavily crevassed surface of the piedmont lobe of Drift glacier. Most dome-collapse events resulted in single, monolithologic, massive to reversely graded, medium- to coarse-grained, sandy pyroclastic-flow deposits containing abundant dense dome clasts. These deposits vary in thickness, grain size, and texture depending on distance from the vent and local topography; deposits are finer and better sorted down flow, thinner and finer on hummocks, and thicker and coarser where ponded in channels cut through the glacial ice. The initial vent-clearing explosions emplaced unusual deposits of glacial ice, snow, and rock in a frozen matrix on the north and south flanks of the volcano. Similar deposits were described at Nevado del Ruiz, Columbia and have probably been emplaced at other snow-and-ice-clad volcanoes, but poor preservation makes them difficult to recognize in the geologic record. In a like fashion, most deposits from the 1989-1990 eruption of Redoubt Volcano may be difficult to recognize and interpret in the future because they were emplaced in an environment where glacio-fluvial processes dominate and quickly obscure the primary depositional record. ?? 1994.

Clast morphologies and heating experiments constrain the thermal conditions during pyroclastic density current emplacement at Tungurahua volcano, Ecuador

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garman, K. A.; Swarr, G. J.; Dufek, J.; Harpp, K. S.; Geist, D.

2009-12-01

Clasts within pyroclastic density current deposits (PDCs) record information about the dynamic processes and thermal history of erosion, transportation, and deposition. The August 2006 eruption of Tungurahua produced PDCs with exceptional clast abundances and morphologies. This eruption was of the “boiling over” type, where the PDCs were not accompanied by a high column. Rather, they were fed by strong, low (less than 2 km), and persistent fountaining. Granulometric, clast morphology, and flow dimension data were obtained by detailed study of the four largest PDC deposits produced during this eruption. The individual flow units have ratios of height loss to travel distance (H/L) ranging from 0.38 to 0.51, which lie in the upper range of H/L ratios for pyroclastic density currents, generally typical of small-volume events. The flow deposits are characterized by oblate scoria bombs up to 1.78 m in diameter, and the bombs are best preserved in levees, flow snouts, and the upper parts of some deposits. The interiors of the deposits are all poorly sorted, with particles less than 8 mm in diameter ranging from 0.55 to 0.87 weight percent. Pyroclastic surges originated from PDCs at locations of abrupt topographic steepening and channel curvature. In both of these locations, we observed evidence of bedload deposition and enhanced mobility of surge material. Some of the bombs were solid at the time of their deposition, whereas others deformed plastically after deposition, which constrains their thermal history. Clast size controls the internal forces and thermal evolution of a clast, which are critical in determining its post-fragmentation plastic deformation. Heating experiments on slabs made from the bombs constrain the deformation of the clasts as a function of temperature and torque. We will discuss the thermal history of individual clasts, field observation of individual clast deformation, and the information they provide on the entrainment of the ambient atmosphere.

Using InSAR for Characterizing Pyroclastic Flow Deposits at Augustine Volcano Across Two Eruptive Cycles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McAlpin, D. B.; Meyer, F. J.; Lu, Z.; Beget, J. E.

2014-12-01

Augustine Island is a small, 8x11 km island in South Central Alaska's lower Cook Inlet. It is approximately 280 km southwest of Anchorage, and occupied entirely by its namesake Augustine Volcano. At Augustine Volcano, SAR data suitable for interferometry is available from 1992 to 2005, from March 2006 to April 2007, and from July 2007 to October 2010. Its last two eruptive episodes, in 1986 and 2006, resulted in substantial pyroclastic flow deposits (PFDs) on the Volcano's north flank. Earlier InSAR analyses of the area, from 1992-1999, identified local subsidence, but no volcano-wide deformation indicative of magma-chamber evacuation. In contrast to previous studies, we use InSAR data to determine a range of geophysical parameters for PFDs emplaced during the Augustine's two most recent eruption cycles. Based on InSAR measurements between 1992 and 2010, we reconstruct the deformation behavior of PFDs emplaced during Augustine's last two eruption cycles. Using a combination of InSAR measurements and modeling, we determine the thickness and long-term deformation of overlaying pyroclastic flow deposits emplaced in 1986 and 2006. Consistent with previous observations of pyroclastic flows, we found that the PFDs on Augustine Island rapidly subsided after emplacement due to an initial compaction of the material. We determined the length of this initial settling period and measured the compaction rate. Subsequent to this initial rapid subsidence, we found that PFD deformation slowed to a more persistent, linear, long-term rate, related to cooling of the deposits. We established that the deposits' contraction rate is linearly related to their thickness and measured the contraction rate. Finally, a study of long term coherence properties of the Augustine PFDs showed remarkable stability of the surface over long time periods. This information provides clues on the structural properties and composition of the emplaced material.

Lava dome growth and mass wasting measured by a time series of ground-based radar and seismicity observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wadge, G.; Macfarlane, D. G.; Odbert, H. M.; James, M. R.; Hole, J. K.; Ryan, G.; Bass, V.; de Angelis, S.; Pinkerton, H.; Robertson, D. A.; Loughlin, S. C.

2008-08-01

Exogenous growth of Peléean lava domes involves the addition of lava from a central summit vent and mass wasting on the flanks as rockfalls and pyroclastic flows. These processes were investigated at the Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat, between 30 March and 10 April 2006, using a ground-based imaging millimeter-wave radar, AVTIS, to measure the shape of the dome and talus surface and rockfall seismicity combined with camera observations to infer pyroclastic flow deposit volumes. The topographic evolution of the lava dome was recorded in a time series of radar range and intensity measurements from a distance of 6 km, recording a southeastward shift in the locus of talus deposition with time, and an average height increase for the talus surface of about 2 m a day. The AVTIS measurements show an acceleration in lava extrusion rate on 5 April, with a 2-day lag in the equivalent change in the rockfall seismicity record. The dense rock equivalent volumetric budget of lava added and dispersed, including the respective proportions of the total for each component, was calculated using: (1) AVTIS range and intensity measurements of the change in summit lava (˜1.5 × 106 m3, 22%), (2) AVTIS range measurements to measure the talus growth (˜3.9 × 106 m3, 57%), and (3) rockfall seismicity to measure the pyroclastic flow deposit volumes (˜1.4 × 106 m3, 21%), which gives an overall dense rock equivalent extrusion rate of about 7 m3·s-1. These figures demonstrate how efficient nonexplosive lava dome growth can be in generating large volumes of primary clastic deposits, a process that, by reducing the proportion of erupted lava stored in the summit region, will reduce the likelihood of large hazardous pyroclastic flows.

Utilizing NASA Earth Observations to Model Volcanic Hazard Risk Levels in Areas Surrounding the Copahue Volcano in the Andes Mountains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keith, A. M.; Weigel, A. M.; Rivas, J.

2014-12-01

Copahue is a stratovolcano located along the rim of the Caviahue Caldera near the Chile-Argentina border in the Andes Mountain Range. There are several small towns located in proximity of the volcano with the two largest being Banos Copahue and Caviahue. During its eruptive history, it has produced numerous lava flows, pyroclastic flows, ash deposits, and lahars. This isolated region has steep topography and little vegetation, rendering it poorly monitored. The need to model volcanic hazard risk has been reinforced by recent volcanic activity that intermittently released several ash plumes from December 2012 through May 2013. Exposure to volcanic ash is currently the main threat for the surrounding populations as the volcano becomes more active. The goal of this project was to study Copahue and determine areas that have the highest potential of being affected in the event of an eruption. Remote sensing techniques were used to examine and identify volcanic activity and areas vulnerable to experiencing volcanic hazards including volcanic ash, SO2 gas, lava flow, pyroclastic density currents and lahars. Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+), Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI), EO-1 Advanced Land Imager (ALI), Terra Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER), Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), ISS ISERV Pathfinder, and Aura Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) products were used to analyze volcanic hazards. These datasets were used to create a historic lava flow map of the Copahue volcano by identifying historic lava flows, tephra, and lahars both visually and spectrally. Additionally, a volcanic risk and hazard map for the surrounding area was created by modeling the possible extent of ash fallout, lahars, lava flow, and pyroclastic density currents (PDC) for future eruptions. These model results were then used to identify areas that should be prioritized for disaster relief and evacuation orders.

Analog laboratory experiments on the influence of substrate roughness on the run out distance of pyroclastic flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roche, O.; Chedevile, C.

2012-12-01

We carried out scaled experiments on gas-particles flows propagating on a rough substrate in order to investigate the emplacement of pyroclastic flows. The flows were generated from the release of non-fluidized or gas-fluidized columns of fine (80 μm) glass beads of height of 30 cm into a 3 m-long horizontal channel. The base of the channel was either smooth or was made rough by gluing a monodisperse layer of spherical particles of diameter of 80 μm to 3 mm. We defined the substrate roughness as the size of the glued particles, which corresponded to up to several tens of centimeters when scaled to the natural system. The flow front kinematics and the detailed interactions between the base of the flow and the rough substrate were investigated from high speed videos. We measured systematically the run out distance of the flows, and experiments were repeated 8-10 times for each configuration to obtain a mean value. The run out distance increased with the substrate roughness for both initially non-fluidized and fluidized flows. The run out had a minimum value for a smooth base and was about twice that value for the highest roughness of 3 mm. Analysis of the flow kinematics revealed that the increase in run out was caused by higher front velocities essentially at late stages of emplacement, during which the head of the flows stretched considerably. High speed videos made at the base of the flows showed that their head first slid over the substrate before aggregates of particles fell into the interstices between the particles forming the rough substrate, at a mean speed of several centimeters per second. In contrast, complementary experiments on flows of coarse beads of 350 μm showed that the substrate roughness did not influence their run out, and at the flow base their particles bumped into those of the substrate before falling individually into the interstices. These observations suggest that the positive correlation between the flow run out and the substrate roughness for flows of fine particles could result from two mechanisms. The first was the reduction of the contact area between the flow base and the substrate as the roughness increased because of the reduced number of particles per unit length. The second, main mechanism was auto-fluidization generated as the fine particles falling into the interstices expulsed the air upward at a velocity much larger than the minimum fluidization velocity. This promoted at least partial fluidization or additional pore pressure in case of initially non-fluidized or fluidized flows, respectively. This experimental investigation provides some counterintuitive results and has implication for hazards assessment. Other things being equal, the run out distance of fines-rich pyroclastic flows is expected to increase with the roughness of the terrain on which they propagate.

The 1883 eruption of Krakatau

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Self, S.; Rampino, M. R.

1981-01-01

The 1883 eruption of Krakatau was a modest ignimbrite-forming event. The deposits are primarily coarse-grained dacitic, non-welded ignimbrite. Large explosions produced pyroclastic flows that entered the sea, generating destructive tsunami. Grain-size studies of the ignimbrite suggest that these explosions were not driven by magma-seawater interaction. The total bulk volume of pyroclastic deposits, including co-ignimbrite ash, is estimated to be 18-21 cu km.

Hierarchical Bayesian modelling of mobility metrics for hazard model input calibration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calder, Eliza; Ogburn, Sarah; Spiller, Elaine; Rutarindwa, Regis; Berger, Jim

2015-04-01

In this work we present a method to constrain flow mobility input parameters for pyroclastic flow models using hierarchical Bayes modeling of standard mobility metrics such as H/L and flow volume etc. The advantage of hierarchical modeling is that it can leverage the information in global dataset for a particular mobility metric in order to reduce the uncertainty in modeling of an individual volcano, especially important where individual volcanoes have only sparse datasets. We use compiled pyroclastic flow runout data from Colima, Merapi, Soufriere Hills, Unzen and Semeru volcanoes, presented in an open-source database FlowDat (https://vhub.org/groups/massflowdatabase). While the exact relationship between flow volume and friction varies somewhat between volcanoes, dome collapse flows originating from the same volcano exhibit similar mobility relationships. Instead of fitting separate regression models for each volcano dataset, we use a variation of the hierarchical linear model (Kass and Steffey, 1989). The model presents a hierarchical structure with two levels; all dome collapse flows and dome collapse flows at specific volcanoes. The hierarchical model allows us to assume that the flows at specific volcanoes share a common distribution of regression slopes, then solves for that distribution. We present comparisons of the 95% confidence intervals on the individual regression lines for the data set from each volcano as well as those obtained from the hierarchical model. The results clearly demonstrate the advantage of considering global datasets using this technique. The technique developed is demonstrated here for mobility metrics, but can be applied to many other global datasets of volcanic parameters. In particular, such methods can provide a means to better contain parameters for volcanoes for which we only have sparse data, a ubiquitous problem in volcanology.

Experimental investigation into the initiation and intensity of erosion in granular flows and its effect on flow dynamics with applications to pyroclastic density currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pollock, N. M.; Brand, B. D.; Roche, O.

2017-12-01

The macroscopic processes that control the behavior of pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) include the transportation and deposition of flow particles, entrainment of air, and interaction with topography. However, recent field studies demonstrate that substrate erosion by PDCs is also pervasive. Furthermore, analogue experiments suggest that erosion can increase flow runout distance up to 50%. We present the results from a series of analogue flume experiments on both non-fluidized and initially gas fluidized (i.e. high pore fluid pressure) granular flows. The experiments are designed to explore the controls on erosion initiation and intensity, and how erosion affects flow dynamics. A range of initial conditions allow us to explore how the angle of the bed (0°-20°) and diameter of substrate particles (40 to 700 μm) affect the onset of erosion. The experiments also explore how erosion, once initiated, affects the behavior of the flow in terms of velocity and runout distance. We observe that fluidized flows have increased runout distances of 50-300% relative to non-fluidized flows with the same initial conditions. Fluidized flows that travel over substrates composed of 40 μm particles consistently experience the largest increase in runout distance relative to non-fluidized flows, while flows over substrates of 80 μm particles experience the lowest increase. Erosion occurs for all experimental configurations in both non-fluidized and fluidized flows; however, the intensity of erosion varies widely, from small, millimeter-scale erosional features to decimeter sized wave-like features. Fluidized flows consistently show more intense erosion than non-fluidized flows, suggesting that the fluid-like behavior of these flows allows for efficient mixing between flow and substrate particles. These experiments demonstrate that erosion is a pervasive process for fluidized granular flows and that intense erosion is associated with increased flow runout distances. These results improve our understanding of the role of fluidization in erosion processes, what controls when PDCs become erosional, and how that erosion can alter flow behavior. To accurately model and predict hazards associated with PDCs, we must better understand erosional processes as they relate to these dangerous volcanic phenomena.

Fine-grained linings of leveed channels facilitate runout of granular flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kokelaar, B. P.; Graham, R. L.; Gray, J. M. N. T.; Vallance, J. W.

2014-01-01

Catastrophic dense granular flows, such as occur in rock avalanches, debris flows and pyroclastic flows, move as fully shearing mixtures that have approximately 60 vol.% solids and tend to segregate to form coarse-grained fronts and leveed channels. Levees restrict spreading of unconfined flows and form as coarse particles that become concentrated in the top of the flow are transported to the front and then advect to the sides in the flow head. Channels from which most material has drained away down slope are commonly lined with fine-grained deposit, widely thought to remain from the tail of the waning flow. We show how segregation in experimental dense flows of carborundum or sand (300-425 μm) mixed with spherical fine ballotini (150-250 μm), on rough slopes of 27-29°, produces fine-grained channel linings that are deposited with the levees, into which they grade laterally. Maximum runout distance is attained with mixtures containing 30-40% sand, just sufficient to segregate and form levees that are adequately robust to restrict the spreading attributable to the low-friction fines. Resin impregnation and serial sectioning of deliberately arrested experimental flows shows how fines-lined levees form from the flow head; the flows create their own stable ‘conduit’ entirely from the front, which in a geophysical context can play an important mechanistic role in facilitating runout. The flow self-organization ensures that low-friction fines at the base of the segregated channel flow shear over fine-grained substrate in the channel, thus reducing frictional energy losses. We propose that in pyroclastic flows and debris flows, which have considerable mobility attributable to pore-fluid pressures, such fine-grained flow-contact zones form similarly and not only reduce frictional energy losses but also reduce flow-substrate permeability so as to enhance pore-fluid pressure retention. Thus the granular flow self-organization that produces fine-grained channel linings can be an important factor in facilitating long runout of catastrophic geophysical flows on the low slopes (few degrees) of depositional fans and aprons around mountains and volcanoes.

High and highly variable cooling rates during pyroclastic eruptions on Axial Seamount, Juan de Fuca Ridge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Helo, Christoph; Clague, David A.; Dingwell, Donald B.; Stix, John

2013-03-01

We present a calorimetric analysis of pyroclastic glasses and glassy sheet lava flow crusts collected on Axial Seamount, Juan de Fuca Ridge, NE Pacific Ocean, at a water depth of about 1400 m. The pyroclastic glasses, subdivided into thin limu o Pele fragments and angular, blocky clasts, were retrieved from various stratigraphic horizons of volcaniclastic deposits on the upper flanks of the volcanic edifice. Each analysed pyroclastic sample consists of a single type of fragment from one individual horizon. The heat capacity (cp) was measured via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and analysed using relaxation geospeedometry to obtain the natural cooling rate across the glass transition. The limu o Pele samples (1 mm grain size fraction) and angular fragments (0.5 mm grain size fraction) exhibit cooling rates of 104.3 to 106.0 K s- 1 and 103.9 to 105.1 K s- 1, respectively. A coarser grain size fraction, 2 mm for limu o Pele and 1 mm for the angular clasts yields cooling rates at the order of 103.7 K s- 1. The range of cooling rates determined for the different pyroclastic deposits presumably relates to the size or intensity of the individual eruptions. The outer glassy crusts of the sheet lava flows were naturally quenched at rates between 63 K s- 1 and 103 K s- 1. By comparing our results with published data on the very slow quenching of lava flow crusts, we suggest that (1) fragmentation and cooling appear to be coupled dynamically and (2) ductile deformation upon the onset of cooling is restricted due to the rapid increase in viscosity. Lastly, we suggest that thermally buoyant plumes that may arise from rapid heat transfer efficiently separate clasts based on their capability to rise within the plume and as they subsequently settle from it.

25 years of ecological change at Mount St. Helens.

Treesearch

V.H. Dale; C.M. Crisafulli; F.J. Swanson

2005-01-01

18 May 2005 marks the 25th anniversary of the massive eruption of Mount St. Helens. This eruption involved diverse geological processes (1) that disturbed forests, meadows, lakes, an drivers (2) (see the figure). A huge landslide and searing flows of hot gases and pumic framents (pyroclastic flows) inundated 60 km2 of land, obliterating...

Fine-grained linings of leveed channels facilitate runout of granular flows

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kokelaar, B.P.; Graham, R. L.; Gray, J.M.N.T.; Vallance, James W.

2014-01-01

Catastrophic dense granular flows, such as occur in rock avalanches, debris flows and pyroclastic flows, move as fully shearing mixtures that have approximately 60 vol.% solids and tend to segregate to form coarse-grained fronts and leveed channels. Levees restrict spreading of unconfined flows and form as coarse particles that become concentrated in the top of the flow are transported to the front and then advect to the sides in the flow head. Channels from which most material has drained away down slope are commonly lined with fine-grained deposit, widely thought to remain from the tail of the waning flow. We show how segregation in experimental dense flows of carborundum or sand (300–425 μm) mixed with spherical fine ballotini (150–250 μm), on rough slopes of 27–29°, produces fine-grained channel linings that are deposited with the levees, into which they grade laterally. Maximum runout distance is attained with mixtures containing 30–40% sand, just sufficient to segregate and form levees that are adequately robust to restrict the spreading attributable to the low-friction fines. Resin impregnation and serial sectioning of deliberately arrested experimental flows shows how fines-lined levees form from the flow head; the flows create their own stable ‘conduit’ entirely from the front, which in a geophysical context can play an important mechanistic role in facilitating runout. The flow self-organization ensures that low-friction fines at the base of the segregated channel flow shear over fine-grained substrate in the channel, thus reducing frictional energy losses. We propose that in pyroclastic flows and debris flows, which have considerable mobility attributable to pore-fluid pressures, such fine-grained flow-contact zones form similarly and not only reduce frictional energy losses but also reduce flow–substrate permeability so as to enhance pore-fluid pressure retention. Thus the granular flow self-organization that produces fine-grained channel linings can be an important factor in facilitating long runout of catastrophic geophysical flows on the low slopes (few degrees) of depositional fans and aprons around mountains and volcanoes.

New views of granular mass flows

USGS Publications Warehouse

Iverson, R.M.; Vallance, J.W.

2001-01-01

Concentrated grain-fluid mixtures in rock avalanches, debris flows, and pyroclastic flows do not behave as simple materials with fixed rheologies. Instead, rheology evolves as mixture agitation, grain concentration, and fluid-pressure change during flow initiation, transit, and deposition. Throughout a flow, however, normal forces on planes parallel to the free upper surface approximately balance the weight of the superincumbent mixture, and the Coulomb friction rule describes bulk intergranular shear stresses on such planes. Pore-fluid pressure can temporarily or locally enhance mixture mobility by reducing Coulomb friction and transferring shear stress to the fluid phase. Initial conditions, boundary conditions, and grain comminution and sorting can influence pore-fluid pressures and cause variations in flow dynamics and deposits.

Pyroclastic sulphur eruption at Poás volcano, Costa Rica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Francis, P. W.; Thorpe, R. S.; Brown, G. C.

1980-02-01

The recent Voyager missions to Jupiter have highlighted the role of sulphur in volcanic processes on Io1-7. Although fumarolic sulphur and SO2 gas are almost universal in terrestrial active volcanoes, and rare instances of sulphur lava flows have been reported8,9, sulphur in a pyroclastic form has only been described from Poás volcano, Costa Rica10. Here we amplify the original descriptions by Bennett and Raccichini10 and describe a recent eruption of pyroclastic sulphur scoria and ejected blocks that are characterised by miniature sulphur stalactites and stalagmites.

Erosion, transport and segregation of pumice and lithic clasts in pyroclastic flows inferred from ignimbrite at Lascar Volcano, Chile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calder, E. S.; Sparks, R. S. J.; Gardeweg, M. C.

2000-12-01

Investigations have been made on the distribution of pumice and lithic clasts in the lithic rich Soncor ignimbrite (26.5 ka) and the 1993 pumice flow deposits of Lascar Volcano, Chile. The Soncor ignimbrite shows three main lithofacies which grade into one another. Coarse lithic breccias range from matrix poor stratified varieties, irregular shaped sheets and elongate hummocks in proximal environments, to breccia lenses with pumiceous ignimbrite matrix. Massive, lithic rich facies comprise the bulk of the ignimbrite. Pumice rich facies are bimodal with abundant large pumice clasts (often with reverse grading), rare lithic clasts and occur distally and on high ground adjacent to deep proximal valleys. In the 1993 pyroclastic flow deposits lithic rich facies are deposited on slopes up to 14° whereas pumice rich facies are deposited only on slopes <4°. Lithic rich parts show a thin pumice rich corrugated surface which can be traced into the pumice rich facies. The high lithic content in the Soncor ignimbrite is attributed to the destruction of a pre-existing dome complex, deep explosive cratering into the interior of the volcano and erosion during pyroclastic flow emplacement. Lithic clasts incorporated into the flows during erosion of the basement substrate have been distinguished from those derived from the vent. Categorisation of these lithics and knowledge of the local geology allows these clasts to be used as tracers to interpret former flow dynamics. Lithic populations demonstrate local flow paths and show that lithics are picked up preferentially where flows move around or over obstacles, or through constrictions. Eroded lithics can be anomalously large, particularly close to the location of erosion. Observations of both the Soncor ignimbrite and the 1993 deposits show that lithic rich parts of flows were much more erosive than pumice rich parts. Both the Soncor and 1993 deposits are interpreted as resulting from predominantly high concentration granular suspensions where particle-particle interactions played a major role. The concentrated flows segregated from more expanded and turbulent suspension currents within a few kilometres of the source. During emplacement some degree of internal mixing is inferred to have occurred enabling entrained lithics to migrate into flow interiors. The facies variations and distributions and the strong negative correlation between maximum pumice and lithic clast size are interpreted as the consequence of efficient density segregation within the concentrated flows. The frictional resistance of the lithic rich part is greater so that it deposits on steeper slopes and generally closer to the source. The lower density and more mobile pumice rich upper portions continued to flow and sequentially detached from the lithic rich base of the flow. Pumice rich portions moved to the margins and distal parts of the flow so that distal deposits are lithic poor and non-erosive. The flows are therefore envisaged as going though several important transformations. Proximally, dense, granular flow, undercurrents are formed by rapid sedimentation of suspension currents. Medially to distally the undercurrents evolve to flows with significantly different rheology and mobility characteristics as lithic clasts are sedimented out and distal flows become dominated by pumice.

Eruptive style and construction of shallow marine mafic tuff cones in the Narakay Volcanic Complex (Proterozoic, Hornby Bay Group, Northwest Territories, Canada)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ross, Gerald M.

1986-03-01

The Early Proterozoic (1663 Ma) Narakay Volcanic Complex, exposed in Great Bear Lake (Northwest Territories, Canada), is a bimodal suite of basalt and rhyolite erupted in a continental setting and consisting largely of pyroclastic rocks interlayered with shallow marine sedimentary rocks of the Hornby Bay Group. Mafic pyroclastic rocks consist of lapilli tuff, tuff, tuff breccia and agglomerate that represent the remnants of small subaerial tuff cones (0.5 to 2 km in diameter) that in most cases have subsided into the volcanic conduit. Stratification styles, sedimentary structures and grain morphologies in pyroclastic rocks reflect variations in the water:magma ratio during eruptions and have been used to help elucidate eruptive mechanisms and reconstruct volcanic edifices. Basaltic pyroclasts are commonly bounded by fracture surfaces and are morphologically similar to modern pyroclasts produced by thermal quench fragmentation or steam-blast disruption of magma. Most fragments have low vesicularity and scoria is only locally abundant which indicates that eruptive energy was supplied mostly by water—melt interaction rather than exsolution of magmatic gases. Cored bombs and lapilli, fusiform bombs, and pyroclasts similar in texture to those of Strombolian cinder and agglutinate spatter, are uncommon but are stratigraphically widespread and imply the occurrence of Strombolian eruptions, presumably when water access to the vent was impeded. Massive bedding is typical of the tuffs and, in addition to the poorly sorted ash-rich nature of the tuffs, implies deposition from water- and/or steam-rich hydrovolcanic eruption clouds and cypressoid jets by airfall and dense pyroclastic flows. Uncommon well-stratified and sorted ash and lapilli tuff record airfall and pyroclastic flow(?) deposition from eruption clouds rich in magmatic gases. Base surge deposits are uncommon and occur only in the subaerial portion of a sequence of tuffs inferred to record the progradation of a cone-margin surge platform into standing water. Few of the tuff cone deposits display a systematic vertical sequence of stratification styles, structures and grain morphologies. This indicates that either the eruptive style varied irregularly between hydrovolcanic and Strombolian and/or that pyroclasts of different origin were mixed during eruptions.

Deterministic estimation of hydrological thresholds for shallow landslide initiation and slope stability models: case study from the Somma-Vesuvius area of southern Italy

USGS Publications Warehouse

Baum, Rex L.; Godt, Jonathan W.; De Vita, P.; Napolitano, E.

2012-01-01

Rainfall-induced debris flows involving ash-fall pyroclastic deposits that cover steep mountain slopes surrounding the Somma-Vesuvius volcano are natural events and a source of risk for urban settlements located at footslopes in the area. This paper describes experimental methods and modelling results of shallow landslides that occurred on 5–6 May 1998 in selected areas of the Sarno Mountain Range. Stratigraphical surveys carried out in initiation areas show that ash-fall pyroclastic deposits are discontinuously distributed along slopes, with total thicknesses that vary from a maximum value on slopes inclined less than 30° to near zero thickness on slopes inclined greater than 50°. This distribution of cover thickness influences the stratigraphical setting and leads to downward thinning and the pinching out of pyroclastic horizons. Three engineering geological settings were identified, in which most of the initial landslides that triggered debris flows occurred in May 1998 can be classified as (1) knickpoints, characterised by a downward progressive thinning of the pyroclastic mantle; (2) rocky scarps that abruptly interrupt the pyroclastic mantle; and (3) road cuts in the pyroclastic mantle that occur in a critical range of slope angle. Detailed topographic and stratigraphical surveys coupled with field and laboratory tests were conducted to define geometric, hydraulic and mechanical features of pyroclastic soil horizons in the source areas and to carry out hydrological numerical modelling of hillslopes under different rainfall conditions. The slope stability for three representative cases was calculated considering the real sliding surface of the initial landslides and the pore pressures during the infiltration process. The hydrological modelling of hillslopes demonstrated localised increase of pore pressure, up to saturation, where pyroclastic horizons with higher hydraulic conductivity pinch out and the thickness of pyroclastic mantle reduces or is interrupted. These results lead to the identification of a comprehensive hydrogeomorphological model of susceptibility to initial landslides that links morphological, stratigraphical and hydrological conditions. The calculation of intensities and durations of rainfall necessary for slope instability allowed the identification of deterministic hydrological thresholds that account for uncertainty in properties and observed rainfall intensities.

Effects of slope on the dynamics of dilute pyroclastic density currents from May 18th, 1980 Mt. St. Helens eruption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bendana, S.; Self, S.; Dufek, J.

2012-12-01

The infamous, May 18th, 1980 eruption of Mt St Helens in the state of Washington produced several episodes of pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) including the initial lateral blast, which traveled nearly 30 km, and later PDCs, which filled in the area up to 8 km north of the volcano. The focus of this research is on the later PDCs, which differed from the lateral blast in that they have a higher particle concentration and filled in the topography up to 40 m. While the concentrated portions of the afternoon PDCs followed deep topographic drainages down the steep flanks of the volcano, the dilute overriding cloud partially decoupled to develop fully dilute, turbulent PDCs on the flanks of the volcano (Beeson, D.L. 1988. Proximal Flank Facies of the May 18, 1980 Ignimbrite: Mt. St. Helens, Washington.). The dilute PDCs deposited thin, cross-stratified and stratified pyroclastic deposits, known as the proximal bedded deposits, which differ greatly in depositional characteristics from the thick, massive, poorly-sorted, block-rich deposits associated with the more concentrated portions of the flow. We explore the influence of topography on the formation of these dilute currents and influence of slope on the currents transport and depositional mechanisms. The deposits on steeper slopes (>15°) are fines depleted relative to the proximal bedded deposits on shallower slopes (<15°). Bedform amplitude and wavelength increase with increasing slope, as does the occurrence of regressive dunes. Increasing slope causes an increase in flow velocity and thus an increase in flow turbulence. The fines depleted deposits suggest that fine ash elutriation is more efficient in flows with stronger turbulence. The longer wavelength and amplitudes suggest that bedform morphology is directly related to flow velocity, an important finding since the controls on bedform wavelength and amplitude in density stratified flows remains poorly constrained. The occurrence of regressive dunes, often interpreted as high flow-regime bedforms, on steeper slopes relative to progressive dunes on shallower slopes further attests to the control of velocity and flow regime on bedform morphology. Samples collected from recently exposed deposits and analyzed by grain size measurements, density analyses, and crystal morphoscopy studies further assess modes of origin and transport of dilute PDCs. The collected data will be used to validate numerical models that attempt to quantify the hazards of decoupled, dilute PDCs.

The AD 1300 1700 eruptive periods at Tungurahua volcano, Ecuador, revealed by historical narratives, stratigraphy and radiocarbon dating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Le Pennec, J.-L.; Jaya, D.; Samaniego, P.; Ramón, P.; Moreno Yánez, S.; Egred, J.; van der Plicht, J.

2008-09-01

Tungurahua is a frequently active and hazardous volcano of the Ecuadorian Andes that has experienced pyroclastic flow-forming eruption in 1773, 1886, 1916-18 and 2006-08. Earlier eruptions in Late Pre-Hispanic and Early Colonial times have remained poorly known and are debated in the literature. To reconstruct the eruptive chronology in that time interval we examine relevant historical narratives recently found in Sevilla, Spain, and Rome, Italy, and we combine stratigraphic field constraints with 22 new radiocarbon age determinations. Results show that pyroclastic flow-forming eruptions and tephra falls took place repeatedly since ~ 700 14C yr BP, when the Tungurahua region was already populated. Radiocarbon ages averaging around 625 yr BP reveal a period of notable eruptive activity in the 14th century (Late Integration cultural period). The associated andesitic eruptions produced ash and scoria falls of regional extent and left scoria flow deposits on the western flanks of the edifice. The fact that Tungurahua was known by the Puruhás Indians as a volcano at the time of the Spanish Conquest in 1533 perhaps refers to these eruptions. A group of ages ranging from 380 to 270 yr BP is attributed to younger periods of activity that also predates the 1773 event, and calibration results yield eruption dates from late 15th to late 17th centuries (i.e. Inca and Early Colonial Periods). The historical narratives mention an Early Colonial eruption between the Spanish Conquest and the end of the 16th century, followed by a distinct eruptive period in the 1640s. The descriptions are vague but point to destructive eruptions likely accompanied by pyroclastic flows. The dated tephras consist of andesitic scoria flow deposits and the contemporaneous fallout layers occur to the west. These findings reveal that the eruption recurrence rate at Tungurahua is at least one pyroclastic flow-forming event per century since the 13th century and the occurrence of such eruptions in 2006-08 is thus fully consistent with the rate inferred for the past seven centuries. In addition, historical chronicles suggest that a notch opened in the crater margin during the 1640 decade, as has occurred repeatedly in the past millennium at Tungurahua. Such small-volume collapse events represent a previously unrecognized source of hazards which deserve special attention for risk assessment purposes in the context of the currently ongoing eruption.

A new look at mobility metrics for pyroclastic density currents: collection, interpretation, and use

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ogburn, S. E.; Lopes, D.; Calder, E. S.

2012-12-01

Mitigation of risk associated with pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) depends upon accurate forecasting of possible flow paths, often using empirical models that rely on mobility metrics or the stochastic application of computational flow models. Mobility metrics often inform computational models, sometimes as direct model inputs (e.g. energy cone model), or as estimates for input parameters (e.g. basal friction parameter in TITAN2D). These mobility metrics are often compiled from PDCs at many volcanoes, generalized to reveal empirical constants, or sampled for use in probabilistic models. In practice, however, there are often inconsistencies in how mobility metrics have been collected, reported, and used. For instance, the runout of PDCs often varies depending on the method used (e.g. manually measured from a paper map, automated using GIS software); and the distance traveled by the center of mass of PDCs is rarely reported due to the difficulty in locating it. This work reexamines the way we measure, report, and analyze PDC mobility metrics. Several metrics, such as the Heim coefficient (height dropped/runout, H/L) and the proportionality of inundated area to volume (A∝V2/3) have been used successfully with PDC data (Sparks 1976; Nairn and Self 1977; Sheridan 1979; Hayashi and Self 1992; Calder et al. 1999; Widiwijayanti et al. 2008) in addition to the non-volcanic flows they were originally developed for. Other mobility metrics have been investigated by the debris avalanche community but have not yet been extensively applied to pyroclastic flows (e.g. the initial aspect ratio of collapsing pile). We investigate the relative merits and suitability of contrasting mobility metrics for different types of PDCs (e.g. dome-collapse pyroclastic flows, ash-cloud surges, pumice flows), and indicate certain circumstances under which each model performs optimally. We show that these metrics can be used (with varying success) to predict the runout of a PDC of given volume, or vice versa. The problem of locating the center of mass of PDCs is also investigated by comparing field measurements, geometric centroids, linear thickness models, and computational flow models. Comparing center of mass measurements with runout provides insight into the relative roles of sliding vs. spreading in PDC emplacement. The effect of topography on mobility is explored by comparing mobility metrics to valley morphology measurements, including sinuosity, cross-sectional area, and valley slope. Lastly, we examine the problem of compiling and generalizing mobility data from worldwide databases using a hierarchical Bayes model for weighting mobility metrics for use as model inputs, which offers an improved method over simple space-filling strategies. This is especially useful for calibrating models at data-sparse volcanoes.

The CALIPSO Borehole Project at Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat, BWI: Status and Scientific Overview of Prodigious Dome Collapse of July 2003

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mattioli, G. S.; Voight, B.; Linde, A. T.; Sacks, I. S.; Watts, P.; Hidayat, D.; Young, S. R.; Widiwijayanti, C.; Shalev, E.; Malin, P. E.; Elsworth, D.; Williams, P.; van Boskirk, E.; Thompson, G.; Syers, T.; Sparks, R. S.; Schleigh, B.; Norton, G.; Neuberg, J.; Miller, V.; McWhorter, N.; Johnston, W.; Dunkley, P.; Clarke, A. B.; Bass, V.

2005-05-01

The CALIPSO Project (Caribbean Andesite Lava Island-volcano Precision Seismo-geodetic Observatory) has greatly enhanced the monitoring and scientific infrastructure at the Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat with the recent installation of an integrated array of borehole and surface geophysical instrumentation at four sites (Mattioli et al., 2004). The sensor package at each site includes: a single-component, very broad band, Sacks-Evertson strainmeter, a three-component seismometer (~Hz to 1 kHz), a Pinnacle Technologies series 5000 tiltmeter, and a surface Ashtech u-Z CGPS station with choke ring antenna, SCIGN mount and radome. The project has been successfully launched with its capture of the tremendous SHV lava dome collapse of 12-13 July 2003 (Herd et al., 2003), involving about 120 million cubic meters--the largest lava dome collapse in the historical record. A wide variety of unique geophysical signals were acquired CALIPSO instrumentation during the July 2003 collapse and important constraints on a variety of volcanic processes are being obtained. For example, tsunami waves were generated 2 km east of the volcanic dome by pyroclastic flows entering the sea. We reconstruct collapse volume-time history from seismic signals generated by pyroclastic flows, using the method of Brodscholl et al. (2000). The tsunami left flotsam strandlines of runup >8m high along the east coast of Montserrat, and waves ~0.5m high were reported from Guadaloupe. Unique borehole dilatometer data (Voight et al., 2003; Mattioli et al., 2003; 2004) record details of tsunami wave passage. One station is located 40m from the sea, with the instrument ~180m below MSL. Strain wave packets at periods of ~200-500s occurred, consistent in period and amplitude with water loading from passing tsunami waves. Wave packets between ~0600-1130 LT can be correlated with pyroclastic flow seismic data. Non-linear Boussinesq hydrodynamic modeling fits wave decay from source to instrument site and is consistent with wave periods and delay times. Coherent near-field waves depend on flow volume, submerged time of motion, and bathymetry. The model matches the delay time between pyroclastic flow entry time and arrival of tsunami waves at the instrument site.

Disruption of Drift glacier and origin of floods during the 1989-1990 eruptions of Redoubt Volcano, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Trabant, D.C.; Waitt, R.B.; Major, J.J.

1994-01-01

Melting of snow and glacier ice during the 1989-1990 eruption of Redoubt Volcano caused winter flooding of the Drift River. Drift glacier was beheaded when 113 to 121 ?? 106 m3 of perennial snow and ice were mechanically entrained in hot-rock avalanches and pyroclastic flows initiated by the four largest eruptions between 14 December 1989 and 14 March 1990. The disruption of Drift glacier was dominated by mechanical disaggregation and entrainment of snow and glacier ice. Hot-rock avalanches, debris flows, and pyroclastic flows incised deep canyons in the glacier ice thereby maintaining a large ice-surface area available for scour by subsequent flows. Downvalley flow rheologies were transformed by the melting of snow and ice entrained along the upper and middle reaches of the glacier and by seasonal snowpack incorporated from the surface of the lower glacier and from the river valley. The seasonal snowpack in the Drift River valley contributed to lahars and floods a cumulative volume equivalent to about 35 ?? 106 m3 of water, which amounts to nearly 30% of the cumulative flow volume 22 km downstream from the volcano. The absence of high-water marks in depressions and of ice-collapse features in the glacier indicated that no large quantities of meltwater that could potentially generate lahars were stored on or under the glacier; the water that generated the lahars that swept Drift River valley was produced from the proximal, eruption-induced volcaniclastic flows by melting of snow and ice. ?? 1994.

Social and environmental impact of volcaniclastic flows related to 472 AD eruption at Vesuvius from stratigraphic and geoarcheological data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di Vito, Mauro A.; de Vita, Sandro; Rucco, Ilaria; Bini, Monica; Zanchetta, Giovanni; Aurino, Paola; Cesarano, Mario; Ebanista, Carlo; Rosi, Mauro; Ricciardi, Giovanni

2017-04-01

There is a growing number of evidences in the surrounding plain of Somma-Vesuvius volcano which indicate that along with primary volcanic processes (i.e. fallout, pyroclastic density currents) the syn-eruptive and post-eruptive volcaniclastic remobilization has severely impacted the ancient civilizations, which flourished in the area. This represents an important starting point for understanding the future hazard related to a potential (and not remote) renewal of volcanic activity of the Campaniana volcanoes. We present geoarcheological and stratigraphic data obtained from the analysis of more than 160 sections in the Campanian plain showing the widespread impact of volcaniclastic debris flows and floods originated from the rapid remobilization of the products of the AD 472 eruption of Somma-Vesuvius, both on the environment and on the human landscape. This eruption was one of the two sub-Plinian historical events of Somma Vesuvius. This event largely impacted the northern and eastern territory surrounding the volcano with deposition of a complex sequence of pyroclastic-fallout and -current deposits. These sequences were variably affected by syn- and post-eruptive mobilization both along the Somma-Vesuvius slopes and the Apennine valleys with the emplacement of thick mud- and debris-flows which strongly modified the preexisting paleogeography of the Plain with irretrievable damages to the agricultural and urban landscape. The multidisciplinary approach to the study of the sequences permitted to reconstruct the palaeoenvironment before the eruption and the timing of the emplacement of both pyroclastic and volcanoclastic deposits. The preexisting landscape was characterized by intense human occupation, although showing strong evidences of degradation and abandonment due to the progressive decline of the Roman Empire. The impact of volcaniclastic flows continued for decades after the eruption as highlighted in the studied sequences by stratigraphic and archaeologic data. In fact the volcanoclastic flows emplacement continued at least until the following AD 512 eruption of Somma-Vesuvius, and likely contributed to the final decline of the Roman civilization in the area.

Lahar Hazards at Concepción volcano, Nicaragua

USGS Publications Warehouse

Vallance, J.W.; Schilling, S.P.; Devoli, G.; Howell, M.M.

2001-01-01

Concepción is one of Nicaragua’s highest and most active volcanoes. The symmetrical cone occupies the northeastern half of a dumbbell shaped island called Isla Ometepa. The dormant volcano, Maderas, occupies the southwest half of the island. A narrow isthmus connects Concepción and Maderas volcanoes. Concepción volcano towers more than 1600 m above Lake Nicaragua and is within 5 to 10 km of several small towns situated on its aprons at or near the shoreline. These towns have a combined population of nearly 5,000. The volcano has frequently produced debris flows (watery flows of mud, rock, and debris—also known as lahars when they occur on a volcano) that could inundate these nearby populated areas. Concepción volcano has erupted more than 25 times in the last 120 years. Its first recorded activity was in AD 1883. Eruptions in the past century, most of which have originated from a small summit crater, comprise moderate explosions, ash that falls out of eruption plumes (called tephra), and occasional lava flows. Near the summit area, there are accumulations of rock that were emplaced hot (pyroclastic deposits), most of which were hot enough to stick together during deposition (a process called welding). These pyroclastic rocks are rather weak, and tend to break apart easily. The loose volcanic rock remobilizes during heavy rain to form lahars. Volcanic explosions have produced blankets of tephra that are distributed downwind, which on Isla Ometepe is mostly to the west. Older deposits at the west end of the island that are up to 1 m thick indicate larger explosive events have happened at Concepción volcano in prehistoric time. Like pyroclastic-flow deposits, loose tephra on the steep slopes of the volcano provides source material that heavy rainstorms and earthquakes can mobilize to trigger debris flow.

Dielectric constant as a predictor of porosity in dry volcanic rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rust, A. C.; Russell, J. K.; Knight, R. J.

1999-07-01

Measurements of dielectric constant ( K') are made on 34 samples of volcanic rocks at frequencies of 0.01 to 10 MHz under ambient atmospheric conditions. Bulk density ( ρT), total porosity ( ΦT) and connected porosity ( ΦConn) are also measured. The samples derive from two dacitic lava flows (˜60-62 and 68 wt.% SiO 2), dacitic pyroclastic deposits (˜66-68 wt.% SiO 2) and two basalt lava flows (˜49-52 wt.% SiO 2). Each locality provided a suite of samples with similar mineralogy and composition but a range of porosities. Porosity measurements indicate that as much as 17% of pumice pore space can be unconnected. The data show a strong correlation between K' and ΦT and the dacitic rocks show a 2.5-fold decrease in K' over a porosity range of 8-79%. The data are fitted to a time propagation (TP) model and to a more general two-parameter model based on the Lichtenecker-Rother equation. For dacitic rocks, the dielectric constant is best related to porosity by: (K') 0.96=Φ+6.51(1-Φ). K' and ρT are also strongly correlated in these sample sets. The trend formed by samples of dacite in ( K', ρT) space is linear and the data compare well with published values for other non-basaltic rocks. Samples of basalt show greater variance in measured values of K', due perhaps to higher and more variable modes of Fe-Ti oxide minerals. These new data suggest the possibility of inverting radar velocity data to obtain estimates of porosity in dry volcanic successions. Inversion of radar data for porosity could be useful in discriminating between units of an eruption cycle (e.g., lava flow, pyroclastic flow, airfall) and mapping porosity variations within deposits such as welded pyroclastic flows.

Arenal-type pyroclastic flows: A probabilistic event tree risk analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meloy, Anthony F.

2006-09-01

A quantitative hazard-specific scenario-modelling risk analysis is performed at Arenal volcano, Costa Rica for the newly recognised Arenal-type pyroclastic flow (ATPF) phenomenon using an event tree framework. These flows are generated by the sudden depressurisation and fragmentation of an active basaltic andesite lava pool as a result of a partial collapse of the crater wall. The deposits of this type of flow include angular blocks and juvenile clasts, which are rarely found in other types of pyroclastic flow. An event tree analysis (ETA) is a useful tool and framework in which to analyse and graphically present the probabilities of the occurrence of many possible events in a complex system. Four event trees are created in the analysis, three of which are extended to investigate the varying individual risk faced by three generic representatives of the surrounding community: a resident, a worker, and a tourist. The raw numerical risk estimates determined by the ETA are converted into a set of linguistic expressions (i.e. VERY HIGH, HIGH, MODERATE etc.) using an established risk classification scale. Three individually tailored semi-quantitative risk maps are then created from a set of risk conversion tables to show how the risk varies for each individual in different areas around the volcano. In some cases, by relocating from the north to the south, the level of risk can be reduced by up to three classes. While the individual risk maps may be broadly applicable, and therefore of interest to the general community, the risk maps and associated probability values generated in the ETA are intended to be used by trained professionals and government agencies to evaluate the risk and effectively manage the long-term development of infrastructure and habitation. With the addition of fresh monitoring data, the combination of both long- and short-term event trees would provide a comprehensive and consistent method of risk analysis (both during and pre-crisis), and as such, an ETA is considered to be a valuable quantitative decision support tool.

Digital Data for Volcano Hazards from Mount Rainier, Washington, Revised 1998

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schilling, S.P.; Doelger, S.; Hoblitt, R.P.; Walder, J.S.; Driedger, C.L.; Scott, K.M.; Pringle, P.T.; Vallance, J.W.

2008-01-01

Mount Rainier at 4393 meters (14,410 feet) is the highest peak in the Cascade Range; a dormant volcano having glacier ice that exceeds that of any other mountain in the conterminous United States. This tremendous mass of rock and ice, in combination with great topographic relief, poses a variety of geologic hazards, both during inevitable future eruptions and during the intervening periods of repose. The volcano's past behavior is the best guide to possible future hazards. The written history (about A.D. 1820) of Mount Rainier includes one or two small eruptions, several small debris avalanches, and many small lahars (debris flows originating on a volcano). In addition, prehistoric deposits record the types, magnitudes, and frequencies of other events, and areas that were affected. Mount Rainier deposits produced since the latest ice age (approximately during the past 10,000 years) are well preserved. Studies of these deposits indicate we should anticipate potential hazards in the future. Some phenomena only occur during eruptions such as tephra falls, pyroclastic flows and surges, ballistic projectiles, and lava flows while others may occur without eruptive activity such as debris avalanches, lahars, and floods. The five geographic information system (GIS) volcano hazard data layers used to produce the Mount Rainier volcano hazard map in USGS Open-File Report 98-428 (Hoblitt and others, 1998) are included in this data set. Case 1, case 2, and case 3 layers were delineated by scientists at the Cascades Volcano Observatory and depict various lahar innundation zones around the mountain. Two additional layers delineate areas that may be affected by post-lahar sedimentation (postlahar layer) and pyroclastic flows (pyroclastic layer).

Dynamics of an unusual cone-building trachyte eruption at Pu`u Wa`awa`a, Hualālai volcano, Hawai`i

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shea, Thomas; Leonhardi, Tanis; Giachetti, Thomas; Lindoo, Amanda; Larsen, Jessica; Sinton, John; Parsons, Elliott

2017-04-01

The Pu`u Wa`awa`a pyroclastic cone and Pu`u Anahulu lava flow are two prominent monogenetic eruptive features assumed to result from a single eruption during the trachyte-dominated early post-shield stage of Hualālai volcano (Hawaíi). Púu Wa`awa`a is composed of complex repetitions of crudely cross-stratified units rich in dark dense clasts, which reversely grade into coarser pumice-rich units. Pyroclasts from the cone are extremely diverse texturally, ranging from glassy obsidian to vesicular scoria or pumice, in addition to fully crystalline end-members. The >100-m thick Pu`u Anahulu flow is, in contrast, entirely holocrystalline. Using field observations coupled with whole rock analyses, this study aimed to test whether the Pu`u Wa`awa`a tephra and Pu`u Anahulu lava flows originated from the same eruption, as had been previously assumed. Crystal and vesicle textures are characterized along with the volatile contents of interstitial glasses to determine the origin of textural variability within Pu`u Wáawáa trachytes (e.g., magma mixing vs. degassing origin). We find that (1) the two eruptions likely originated from distinct vents and magma reservoirs, despite their proximity and similar age, (2) the textural diversity of pyroclasts forming Pu`u Wa`awa`a can be fully explained by variable magma degassing and outgassing within the conduit, (3) the Pu`u Wa`awa`a cone was constructed during explosions transitional in style between violent Strombolian and Vulcanian, involving the formation of a large cone and with repeated disruption of conduit plugs, but without production of large pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), and (4) the contrasting eruption styles of Hawaiian trachytes (flow-, cone-, and PDC-forming) are probably related to differences in the outgassing capacity of the magmas prior to reaching the surface and not in intrinsic compositional or temperature properties. These results further highlight that trachytes are "kinetically faster" magmas compared to dacites or rhyolites, likely degassing and crystallizing more rapidly.

Numerical modeling of a sub Plinian eruption at La Soufrière de Guadeloupe: implications for pyroclastic density currents hazard assessment.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esposti Ongaro, Tomaso; Neri, Augusto; Komorowski, Jean-Christophe

2013-04-01

We present three-dimensional numerical simulations of a sub-Plinian eruptive scenario at La Soufrière de Guadeloupe, aimed at assessing the capability of pyroclastic density currents to reach the inhabited regions on the volcano slopes, in case of the future resumption of the explosive activity. The selected eruptive scenario is similar to that hypothesized for the 1530 a.D. eruption, but several eruptive conditions have been analyzed to account for different behaviours of the eruptive column and percentages of collapse. Numerical results describe, in 3D and in time, the formation, instability and partial collapse of the eruptive column, and the simultaneous formation of a convective plume and several branched pyroclastic density currents. The proximal volcano morphology, characterized by the presence of ancient caldera rims and the remnants of the old edifice, controls the areal distribution of the collapsed material and the paths of channelized flows along the incised topography. The analysis of the 3D runs suggests that partial collapse scenarios produce steeply stratified pyroclastic density currents, which are strongly controlled by the topography and whose propagation is likely driven by the dynamics of the dense, basal layer. Although vertical grid size still does not allow the resolution of the dynamics of such concentrated flows, preliminary georeferenced maps of pyroclastic density currents' hazardous actions (temperature and dynamic pressure) provide interesting and useful information which can serve as a basis for elaborating a quantitative framework for the assessment of their impact on vulnerable infrastructures, networks, and population.

14C ages and activity for the past 50 ka at Volcán Galeras, Colombia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Banks, N.G.; Calvache, V.M.L.; Williams, S.N.

1997-01-01

Volcán Galeras is the southernmost Colombian volcano with well-recorded historic activity. The volcano is part of a large and complex volcanic center upon which 400,000 people live. Historic activity has centered on a small-volume cone inside the youngest of several large amphitheaters that breach the west flank of the volcano, away from the city of Pasto (population 300,000). Lava flows (SiO2 between 54.6 and 64.7 wt.%) have dominated activity for more than 1 Ma, but explosive events have also occurred. Joint studies by volcanologists from Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and the United States produced 24 new14C ages and more than 100 stratigraphic sections to interpret the past 50 ka of activity at Galeras, including sector collapse events. The youngest collapse event truncated 12.8 ka lava flows and may have occurred as recently as 8 to 10 ka. Tephra-fall material rapidly thins and becomes finer away from the vent area. The only widespread marker in the < 10 ka section is a biotite-bearing tephra deposited between 4.1 and 4.5 ka from a source south of Galeras. It separates cryoturbated from largely undisturbed layers on Galeras, and thus dates a stratigraphic horizon which is useful in the interpretation of other volcanoes and geotectonics in the equatorial Andes. Pyroclastic flows during the past 50 ka have been small to moderate in volume, but they have left numerous thin deposits on the north and east flanks where lava flows have been impeded by crater and amphitheater walls. Many of the pyroclastic-flow deposits are lithic rich, with fines and clasts so strongly altered by hydrothermal action before eruption that they, as well as the sector collapse deposits, resemble waste dumps of leached cappings from disseminated sulfide deposits more than volcanogenic deposits. This evidence of a long-lived hydrothermal system indicates susceptibility to mass failure and explosive events higher than expected for a volcano built largely by lava flows and modest Vulcanian eruptions. Photographs, written accounts, and our study document historic north and east flank pyroclastic flows as far as 10 km from the summit; however, none have left recognizable deposits in Pasto for more than 40 ka.

14C ages and activity for the past 50 ka at Volcán Galeras, Colombia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banks, N. G.; Calvache V, M. L.; Williams, S. N.

1997-05-01

Volcán Galeras is the southernmost Colombian volcano with well-recorded historic activity. The volcano is part of a large and complex volcanic center upon which 400,000 people live. Historic activity has centered on a small-volume cone inside the youngest of several large amphitheaters that breach the west flank of the volcano, away from the city of Pasto (population 300,000). Lava flows (SiO 2 between 54.6 and 64.7 wt.%) have dominated activity for more than 1 Ma, but explosive events have also occurred. Joint studies by volcanologists from Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and the United States produced 24 new 14C ages and more than 100 stratigraphic sections to interpret the past 50 ka of activity at Galeras, including sector collapse events. The youngest collapse event truncated 12.8 ka lava flows and may have occurred as recently as 8 to 10 ka. Tephra-fall material rapidly thins and becomes finer away from the vent area. The only widespread marker in the < 10 ka section is a biotite-bearing tephra deposited between 4.1 and 4.5 ka from a source south of Galeras. It separates cryoturbated from largely undisturbed layers on Galeras, and thus dates a stratigraphic horizon which is useful in the interpretation of other volcanoes and geotectonics in the equatorial Andes. Pyroclastic flows during the past 50 ka have been small to moderate in volume, but they have left numerous thin deposits on the north and east flanks where lava flows have been impeded by crater and amphitheater walls. Many of the pyroclastic-flow deposits are lithic rich, with fines and clasts so strongly altered by hydrothermal action before eruption that they, as well as the sector collapse deposits, resemble waste dumps of leached cappings from disseminated sulfide deposits more than volcanogenic deposits. This evidence of a long-lived hydrothermal system indicates susceptibility to mass failure and explosive events higher than expected for a volcano built largely by lava flows and modest Vulcanian eruptions. Photographs, written accounts, and our study document historic north and east flank pyroclastic flows as far as 10 km from the summit; however, none have left recognizable deposits in Pasto for more than 40 ka.

Effects of volcano profile on dilute pyroclastic density currents: Numerical simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doronzo, D. M.; Valentine, G. A.; Dellino, P.; de Tullio, M. D.

2012-04-01

Explosive activity and lava dome collapse at stratovolcanoes can lead to pyroclastic density currents (PDCs; mixtures of volcanic gas, air, and volcanic particles) that produce complex deposits and pose a hazard to surrounding populations. Two-dimensional numerical simulations of dilute PDCs (characterized by a turbulent suspended load and deposition through a bed load) are carried out with the Euler-Lagrange approach of multiphase physics. The fluid phase is modeled as a dusty gas (1.88 kg/m3 dense), and the solid phase is modeled as discrete particles (1 mm, 5 mm, and 10 mm; 1500 kg/m3 dense and irregularly-shaped), which are two-way coupled to the gas, i.e. they affect the fluid turbulence. The initial PDC, which enters a volcano domain 5 km long and 1.9 km high, has the following characteristics: thickness of 200 m, velocity of 20 m/s, temperature of 573 K, turbulence of 5 %, and sediment concentration of 3 % by volume. The actual physics of flow boundary zone is simulated at the PDC base, by monitoring the sediment flux toward the substrate, which acts through the flow boundary zone, and the grain-size distribution. Also, the PDC velocity and dynamic pressure are calculated. The simulations show that PDC transport, deposition, and hazard potential are sensitive to the shape of the volcano slope (profile) down which they flow. In particular, three generic volcano profiles, straight, concave-upward, and convex-upward are focused on. Dilute PDCs that flow down a constant slope gradually decelerate over the simulated run-out distance (5 km in the horizontal direction) due to a combination of sedimentation, which reduces the density of the PDC, and mixing with the atmosphere. However, dilute PDCs down a concave-upward slope accelerate high on the volcano flanks and have less sedimentation until they begin to decelerate over the shallow lower slopes. A convex-upward slope causes dilute PDCs to lose relatively more of their pyroclast load on the upper slopes of a volcano, and although they accelerate as they reach the lower, steeper slopes, the acceleration is reduced because of the upstream loss of pyroclasts (lower density contrast with the atmosphere). The dynamic pressure, a measure of the damage that can be caused by PDCs, reflects these complex relations. Details are found in Valentine et al. (2011). Reference Valentine G.A., Doronzo D.M., Dellino P., de Tullio M.D. (2011), Effects of volcano profile on dilute pyroclastic density currents: Numerical simulations, Geology, 39, 947-950.

Pyroclastic Flow (Post-)Emplacement Thermal History Derived From Titanomagnetite Curie Temperatures: Mt. St. Helens and Soufrière Hills as Test Cases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bowles, J.; Jackson, M.; Lappe, S. C. L. L.; Solheid, P.; Stinton, A. J.

2014-12-01

Pumice blocks and ash matrix sampled from the 1980 pyroclastic flows at Mt. St. Helens and the 2010 flow at Soufrière Hills, Montserrat, display magnetic Curie temperatures (TC) that vary strongly with depth in the flow. We demonstrate that these TC variations result from variable degrees of cation ordering within Mg- and Al-bearing titanomagnetites, and that the degree of ordering is dependent on the emplacement temperature and post-emplacement thermal history of the sample. Curie temperatures are lowest at the tops of flows where rapid cooling has quenched in a relatively low degree of cation order. Samples that cooled more slowly at depth in the flow evolved towards a higher degree of cation order with a correspondingly higher TC. Isothermal annealing experiments in the laboratory have allowed us to document the time-temperature evolution of the cation ordering and Curie temperature, and we use this data in combination with conductive cooling calculations to forward model stratigraphic variations in TC as a function of emplacement temperature (e.g., Fig.1). Preliminary results show that modeled emplacement temperatures (Templ) are reasonably close to measured or estimated emplacement temperatures. Thermal demagnetization data from lithic clasts incorporated into some flows supports the modeled emplacement temperatures; a low-temperature overprint in the direction of the present-day field is removed at ~Templ. However, the documented variation of TC with thermal history means that care should be taken in interpreting this more traditional lithic-based paleomagnetic paleothermometry data. Modification of Curie and blocking temperatures both during natural cooling and during laboratory thermal treatments could affect lithic-based emplacement temperature estimates.

Experimental Determination of Bed Conditions in Concentrated Pyroclastic Density Currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winner, A.; Ferrier, K.; Dufek, J.

2016-12-01

Pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) are ground-hugging mixtures of hot gas and rock that can reach temperatures > 800 oC and speeds of 200 m/s. These flows are capable of eroding and entraining the underlying bed material into the flow, which can strongly influence flow momentum, runout distance, and hazards associated with PDCs. However, the mechanism of erosion remains poorly constrained, with proposed mechanisms including under-pressure following the head of the fluidized current, force chain enhanced stresses at the bed, and discrete particle impacts and friction. The interactions between PDCs and the bed have been difficult to observe in the field, as their infrequent occurrence, opacity, and hostile environment make real-time measurement difficult. This study is aimed at obtaining a better understanding of the interactions between PDCs and the bed through a quantitative analysis of bed forces. Our experimental apparatus consists of a rotating cylindrical flume of radius 22 cm, within which gas-rich granular material flows along the interior of the cylinder as it rotates. By using a rotating cylinder, we are able to simulate long-duration flows, allowing us to observe impact forces at the bed over timescales comparable to the flow duration of natural PDCs. To measure the distribution and evolution of forces imparted by the flow on the bed, we constructed a cylindrical insert with a non-erodible bed in which we embedded force sensor arrays parallel and perpendicular to the direction of flow. To measure the forces felt by the particles in the flow, we added "smart particles" 25 to 50 mm in diameter to the flow. Each smart particle contains a three-axis accelerometer and a micro SD card enclosed in a spherical plastic casing, and possesses a density similar to that of the pumice in the experimental flow. Each smart particle also contains a three-axis magnetometer which permits its location to be tracked by means of a unique applied magnetic field. Ultimately, data from these experiments will provide a robust basis for describing the distribution of basal forces given a set of macroscopic flow properties such as grain size, particle concentration, shear rate, and particle elasticity.

Two examples of subaqueously welded ash-flow tuffs: the Visean of southern Vosges (France) and the Upper Cretaceous of northern Anatolia (Turkey)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schneider, Jean-Luc; Fourquin, Claude; Paicheler, Jean-Claude

1992-02-01

Pyroclastic deposits interpreted as subaqueous ash-flow tuff have been recognized within Archean to Recent marine and lacustrine sequences. Several authors proposed a high-temperature emplacement for some of these tuffs. However, the subaqueous welding of pyroclastic deposits remains controversial. The Visean marine volcaniclastic formations of southern Vosges (France) contain several layers of rhyolitic and rhyodacitic ash-flow tuff. These deposits include, from proximal to distal settings, breccia, lapilli and fine-ash tuff. The breccia and lapilli tuff are partly welded, as indicated by the presence of fiamme, fluidal and axiolitic structures. The lapilli tuff form idealized sections with a lower, coarse and welded unit and an upper, bedded and unwelded fine-ash tuff. Sedimentary structures suggest that the fine-ash tuff units were deposited by turbidity currents. Welded breccias, interbedded in a thick submarine volcanic complex, indicate the close proximity of the volcanic source. The lapilli and fine-ash tuff are interbedded in a thick marine sequence composed of alternating sandstones and shales. Presence of a marine stenohaline fauna and sedimentary structures attest to a marine depositional environment below storm-wave base. In northern Anatolia, thick massive sequences of rhyodacitic crystal tuff are interbedded with the Upper Cretaceous marine turbidites of the Mudurnu basin. Some of these tuffs are welded. As in southern Vosges, partial welding is attested by the presence of fiamme and fluidal structures. The latter are frequent in the fresh vitric matrix. These tuff units contain a high proportion of vitroclasis, and were emplaced by ash flows. Welded tuff units are associated with non-welded crystal tuff, and contain abundant bioclasts which indicate mixing with water during flowage. At the base, basaltic breccia beds are associated with micritic beds containing a marine fauna. The welded and non-welded tuff sequences are interbedded in an alternation of limestones and marls. These limestones are rich in pelagic microfossils. The evidence above strongly suggest that in both examples, tuff beds are partly welded and were emplaced at high temperature by subaqueous ash flows in a permanent marine environment. The sources of the pyroclastic material are unknown in both cases. We propose that the ash flows were produced during submarine fissure eruptions. Such eruptions could produce non-turbulent flows which were insulated by a steam carapace before deposition and welding. The welded ash-flow tuff deposits of southern Vosges and northern Anatolia give strong evidence for existence of subaqueous welding.

Sedimentation and mobility of PDCs: a reappraisal of ignimbrites' aspect ratio.

PubMed

Giordano, Guido; Doronzo, Domenico M

2017-06-30

The aspect ratio of ignimbrites is a commonly used parameter that has been related to the energy of the parent pyroclastic density currents (PDCs). However this parameter, calculated as the ratio between the average thickness and the average lateral extent of ignimbrites, does not capture fundamental differences in pyroclastic flow mobility nor relates to lithofacies variations of the final deposits. We herein introduce the "topological aspect ratio" (ARt) as the ratio of the local deposit thickness (Ht) to the distance between the local site and the maximum runout distance (Lt), where Ht is a proxy for the PDC tendency to deposit, and Lt a proxy for the PDC mobility or its tendency to further transport the pyroclastic material. The positive versus negative spatial gradient d(ARt)/dx along flow paths discriminate zones where PDCs are forced (i.e. where they transport the total energy under the action of mass discharge rate) from zones where they are inertial (i.e. where they transport the total energy under the action of viscous or turbulent fluidization). Though simple to apply, the topological aspect ratio and its spatial gradient are powerful descriptors of the interplay between sedimentation and mobility of PDCs, and of the resulting lithofacies variations.

Volcanic stratigraphy and geochemistry of the Soufrière Volcanic Centre, Saint Lucia with implications for volcanic hazards

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lindsay, Jan M.; Trumbull, Robert B.; Schmitt, Axel K.; Stockli, Daniel F.; Shane, Phil A.; Howe, Tracy M.

2013-05-01

The Soufrière Volcanic Complex (SVC), Saint Lucia, represents one of the largest silicic centres in the Lesser Antilles arc. It comprises extensive pumiceous pyroclastic flow deposits, lava flows as well as Peléan-style domes and dome collapse block-and-ash-flow deposits. These deposits occur within and around the Qualibou Depression, a ~ 10-km diameter wide sector collapse structure. To date, vent locations for SVC pyroclastic deposits and their relationship to the sector collapse have been unclear because of limited stratigraphic correlation and few radiometric ages. In this study we reconstruct the geologic history of the SVC in light of new and recently published (U-Th)/He, U-Th and U-Pb zircon chronostratigraphic data, aided by mineralogical and geochemical correlation. Compositionally, SVC deposits are monotonous medium-K, calc-alkaline rocks with 61.6 to 67.7 wt.% SiO2 and display similar trace element abundances. Combined U-Th and (U-Th)/He zircon dating together with 14C ages and mineral fingerprinting reveals significant explosive eruptions at 640, 515, 265, 104, 60 and 40 ka (producing deposits previously grouped together as the "Choiseul" unit) and at 20 ka (Belfond unit). The mineralogically and geochemically distinct Belfond unit is a large, valley-filling pumiceous pyroclastic flow deposit distributed to the north, northeast, south and southeast of the Qualibou Depression that was probably deposited during a single plinian eruption. The unit previously referred to as ‘Choiseul tuff' is much less well defined. The typical Choiseul unit comprises a series of yellowish-white, crystal-poor, non-welded pumiceous pyroclastic deposits cropping out to the north and southeast of the Qualibou depression; however its age is poorly constrained. A number of other units previously mapped as Choiseul can be distinguished based on age, and in some cases mineral and whole rock chemistry. Pyroclastic deposits at Micoud (640 ± 19 ka), Bellevue (264 ± 8 ka), Anse John (104 ± 4 ka) and La Pointe (59.8 ± 2.1 ka), Anse Noir and Piaye were all previously grouped with or associated with the Choiseul tuff (all uncertainties 1σ). We suggest that these units represent individual periods of activity spanning a range of ages, whereas Choiseul pumice at the type locality has yielded a (U-Th)/He zircon age of 515 ± 19 ka. Their overall geochemical and mineralogical similarities with the Choiseul at the type locality suggest that they might have all originated from the same centre. Morne Tabac (532 ± 21 ka) is a dome truncated by the depression escarpment, whereas Morne Bonin (273 ± 15 ka), Gros Piton and Petit Piton (71 ± 3 ka and 109 ± 4 ka, resp.), Belfond (13.6 ± 0.4 ka) and Terre Blanche (15.3 ± 0.4 ka) are domes within the Qualibou Depression. Belfond and Terre Blanche have whole rock geochemistry and mineral assemblages similar to the Belfond pyroclastic flow deposit, thus possibly representing late-erupted degassed portions of the magma that produced the Belfond pyroclastics. The geochemical characteristics and similar zircon age distributions of the silicic lava domes and pyroclastics of the SVC suggest that these share a common magma source beneath the Qualibou depression. The distribution of the pyroclastic flows and the wide range in their eruption ages makes it unlikely that these were erupted during caldera-forming activity, and we instead invoke a series of smaller-volume explosive eruptions from the area of the current depression, the earliest of which occurred from a large proto-Qualibou edifice that subsequently underwent sector collapse. Activity from this proto-Qualibou centre may have ceased sometime between 38 and 59 ka ago, it therefore seems unlikely given our present understanding that there will be another eruption from the southern central highland region. However, the young dome-forming activity in the Qualibou depression may have occurred in or close to the Holocene, and there have been dome collapse events and explosion craters formed since then. A new dome eruption or renewed activity at a dome within the depression, growing in the style of the ongoing Soufrière Hills lava dome on the nearby island of Montserrat, is possible; as is a future plinian eruption from this area. Such an eruption would not only have a devastating impact on Saint Lucia, but would also have significant regional and global impacts.

Syn-eruptive, soft-sediment deformation of dilute pyroclastic density current deposits: triggers from granular shear, dynamic pore pressure, ballistic impacts and shock waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Douillet, G. A.; Taisne, B.; Tsang-Hin-Sun, È.; Müller, S. K.; Kueppers, U.; Dingwell, D. B.

2014-12-01

Soft-sediment deformation produces intriguing sedimentary structures and can occur in diverse environments and from a variety of triggers. From the observation of such structures and their interpretation in terms of trigger mechanisms, valuable information can be extracted about former conditions. Here we document examples of syn-eruptive deformation in dilute pyroclastic density current deposits. Outcrops from 6 different volcanoes have been compiled in order to provide a broad perspective on the variety of structures: Ubehebe craters (USA), Tungurahua (Ecuador), Soufrière Hills (Montserrat), Laacher See (Germany), Tower Hill and Purrumbete lake (both Australia). Isolated slumps as well as sinking pseudonodules are driven by their excess weight and occur after deposition but penecontemporaneous to the eruption. Isolated, cm-scale, overturned beds with vortex forms have been interpreted to be the signature of shear instabilities occurring at the boundary of two granular media. They may represent the frozen record of granular, pseudo Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities. Their recognition can be a diagnostic for flows with a granular basal boundary layer. The occurrence of degassing pipes together with basal intrusive dikes suggest fluidization during flow stages, and can facilitate the development of Kelvin-Helmholtz structures. The occurrence at the base of flow units of injection dikes in some outcrops compared with suction-driven local uplifts in others indicates the role of dynamic pore pressure. Variations of the latter are possibly related to local changes between depletive and accumulative dynamics of flows. Ballistic impacts can trigger unconventional sags producing local displacement or liquefaction. Based on the deformation depth, these can yield precise insights into depositional unit boundaries. Such impact structures may also be at the origin of some of the steep truncation planes visible at the base of the so-called "chute and pool" structures. Finally, the passage of shock waves emanating from the vent may be preserved in the form of trains of isolated, fine-grained overturned beds which may disturb the surface bedding without occurrence of a sedimentation phase in the vicinity of a vent. Dilute pyroclastic density currents occur contemporaneously with seismogenic volcanic explosions. They are often deposited on steep slopes and can incorporate large amounts of water and gas in the sediment. They can experience extremely high sedimentation rates and may flow at the border between traction, granular and fluid-escape boundary zones. These are just some of the many possible triggers acting in a single environment, and reveal the potential for insights into the eruptive mechanisms of dilute pyroclastic density currents.

Physical properties of lava flows on the southwest flank of Tyrrhena Patera, Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crown, David A.; Porter, Tracy K.; Greeley, Ronald

1991-01-01

Tyrrhena Patera (TP) (22 degrees S, 253.5 degrees W), a large, low-relief volcano located in the ancient southern highlands of Mars, is one of four highland paterae thought to be structurally associated with the Hellas basin. The highland paterae are Hesperian in age and among the oldest central vent volcanoes on Mars. The morphology and distribution of units in the eroded shield of TP are consistent with the emplacement of pyroclastic flows. A large flank unit extending from TP to the SW contains well-defined lava flow lobes and leveed channels. This flank unit is the first definitive evidence of effusive volcanic activity associated with the highland paterae and may include the best preserved lava flows observed in the Southern Hemisphere of Mars. Flank flow unit averages, channelized flow, flow thickness, and yield strength estimates are discussed. Analysis suggests the temporal evolution of Martian magmas.

Stratigraphy of Pyroclastic Deposits of EL Aguajito Caldera, Baja California Sur, MÉXICO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osorio Ocampo, L. S.; Macias, J. L.; García Sánchez, L.; Pola, A.; Saucedo, R.; Sánchez, J. M.; Avellán, D. R.; Cardona, S.; Reyes-Agustín, G.; Arce, J. L.

2015-12-01

El Aguajito caldera is located in the State of Baja California Sur, it comprises an area of 450 km2 and sits within the Santa Rosalía Basin which is controlled by NE-SW extensional structures and the NW-SE Cimarron Fault that transects the caldera structure. The oldest rocks are ~90 Ma granodiorites covered by an Oligocene-Miocene volcano-sedimentary sequence, the Miocene Santa Lucia Formation and La Esperanza basalt. Pliocene volcanism is represented by La Reforma caldera, El Aguajito caldera, and the Tres Vírgenes Volcanic complex. This study focuses on the cartography and stratigraphy of area in order to understand the evolution of the volcanic system. The stratigraphy from base to top consists of a series of shallow marine sediments (fossiliferous sandstones) covered by a thick sequence of ignimbrites and pyroclastic flows interbedded with volcaniclastic deposits (Gloria and El Infierno Formations). On top of these deposits is El Aguajito caldera, it consists of a 2 m thick pumice fallout followed by an ignimbrite with three transitional lithofacies: a ≤30-m thick light-pink pyroclastic flow enriched in pumice at the base that gradually becomes enrich in lithics towards the top with the occurrence of degasing pipes. On top rests a 15 m-thick light-purple ignimbrite slightly welded with fiammes and a sequence of pumiceous pyroclastic flows and fallouts. These deposits have been associate to the caldera formation with a collapse diameter of ~8 km marked by rhyolitic domes exposed along a ring collapse crowned the sequence as well as NW-SE aligned rhyolitic domes parallel to the seashore. This cartography allowed to present a preliminary new geological map with four stratigraphic units recognized so far, that were emplaced under subaerial conditions beginning with a Plinian column followed by the emplacement of El Aguajito ignimbrite with its subsequent caldera collapse and finally the extrusion of resurgent domes.

Keeping watch over Colombia’s slumbering volcanoes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ordoñez, Milton; López, Christian; Alpala, Jorge; Narváez, Lourdes; Arcos, Dario; Battaglia, Maurizio

2015-01-01

Located in the Central Cordillera (Colombian Andes), Nevado del Ruiz is a volcanic complex, topped by glaciers, rising 5,321 m above sea level. A relatively small explosive eruption from Ruiz's summit crater on November 13, 1985, generated an eruption column and sent a series of pyroclastic flows and surges across the volcano's ice-covered summit. Pumice and meltwater produced by the hot pyroclastic flows and surges swept into gullies and channels on the slopes of Ruiz as a series of lahars. Within two hours of the beginning of the eruption, lahars had traveled 100 km and left behind a wake of destruction: more than 25,000 people were killed (23,000 in the town of Armero and 2,000 in the town of Chinchiná), about 5,000 injured, and more than 5,000 homes destroyed along the Chinchiná, Gualí, and Lagunillas rivers.

Welding of Pyroclastic Deposits: Questions Arising from Experiments (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Russell, K.; Quane, S.; Robert, G.; Andrews, G. D.; Kennedy, B. M.

2009-12-01

Ultimately, all natural magmas vesiculate near the Earth’s surface to produce bubble-rich melts, that commonly foam to the point of fragmentation producing pyroclastic deposits. Vesiculation processes increase porosity and create permeability thereby increasing the efficacy of fluid escape and suppressing explosivity. Conversely, processes that destroy porosity and permeability, including bubble collapse, compaction, and welding, inhibit the escape of fluids and can produce overpressures leading to explosive behavior. Compaction and welding processes are pervasive in volcanic deposits and pertinent to: i) formation of spatter-fed clastogenic lava flows, ii) sintering of fragmental material in volcanic conduits, and to iii) welding of pyroclastic flow and fall deposits. The rate at which porous pyroclastic deposits compact and sinter (i.e., welding; cf. Grunder and Russell, 2005) governs the efficacy with which porosity (and ultimately permeability) is lost (Sparks et al., 1999). Ultimately, rates of welding reflect the aggregate rheological properties of the deposit. Here, we present an ensemble of experimental results used to investigate the rheology of hot, porous, pyroclastic materials during compaction. We have used a GEOCOMP Loadtrac II device modified to perform constant displacement rate or constant load deformation experiments on large (7 x 4.5 cm) unconfined cores of pumice, lava, or sintered ash. The experiments are at temperatures (T ~ 800-900°C), load stresses (< 150 MPa), and strain rates (10-6 to -2 s-1) consistent with the emplacement of pyroclastic flows. The effects of fluid pressure have also been studied experimentally by using a steel cell and piston system that permits high-T deformation experiments at controlled PH2O (Robert et al. 2008). Our experiments simulate compaction of natural pyroclastic deposits and provide the data to parameterize a relationship between the effective viscosity of the hot, porous deposit of ash (η), the viscosity of the melt fragments (ηo) and porosity (Φ) of the deposit (Quane et al. 2009): log η = log ηo - 2.5Φ/(1-Φ). This relationship is used to model compaction and welding of processes in ignimbrites and in volcanic conduits as a function of load, temperature and porosity. Our analysis shows that compaction operates very rapidly at high-T such that welding in ignimbrites is fully decoupled from cooling history and may even rival the depositional timescales of pyroclastic density currents. Experiments performed at PH2O values of ~1-3 MPa recover lower values of effective viscosity (109.2 - 9.4 Pa s), despite being run at substantially lower temperature (640-665°C). The presence of the H2O fluid expands the window of viscous (vs. brittle) deformation and prevents the strain hardening that normally accompanies porosity reduction allowing for the continuous accumulation of strain. These results apply to welding of rheomorphic ignimbrites and the compaction, annealing and eventual sealing of volcanic conduits.

Two coarse pyroclastic flow deposits, northern Mono-Inyo Craters, CA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dennen, R. L.; Bursik, M. I.; Stokes, P. J.; Lagamba, M.; Fontanella, N.; Hintz, A. R.; Jayko, A. S.

2010-12-01

The ~1350 A.D., rhyolitic North Mono eruption, Mono-Inyo Craters, CA, included the extrusion and destruction of Panum Dome and associated clastic deposits. Overlying the tephras of the North Mono sequence, the Panum deposits include a block-and-ash flow (BAF) deposit, covering ~3.5 km2. Blocks within the deposit are typically lithic rhyolite and banded gray micro-vesicular glass, showing white, almost powdery marks ranging from circular to linear in shape. These marks are interpreted as friction marks resulting from collisions between clasts. The deposit also contains bread-crusted obsidians with pressed-in clasts as well as reticulite with a bread-crusted surface texture. Near the centerline of the deposit is a ridge-topping train of jigsaw fractured blocks, often with reddish-orange alteration. One house sized jigsaw block sits upstream of a long, thinning pile of reddish orange debris; this “flow shadow” indicates that the block remained relatively stationary while the block and ash flow continued to propagate around it. The bread-crusted reticulite is most common at proximal localities. It is proposed that the dome destruction included a debris avalanche emplacing the train of jigsaw fractured blocks and creating a topographic high, the block-and-ash flow (the farthest reaching deposit from this event) which flowed around the debris avalanche deposits, and a final “lateral expansion” of a magma foam, creating the reticulite seen concentrated at proximal locations. Another coarse pyroclastic flow (here termed the “lower blast deposit”) underlies the North Mono tephra. It is more obsidian rich and finer grained than the Panum BAF. The lower blast deposit may have originated from Pumice Pit vent, which is now capped with an older dome ~0.5 km southeast of Panum. The lower blast deposit extends farther from the Panum vent than does the Panum BAF deposit, and apparently was mistaken for the Panum BAF deposit by previous workers. Hence the run-out distance of the Panum BAF is smaller than previously reported. Thus, there are multiple, coarse pyroclastic flow-like deposits at the northern end of the Mono-Inyo Craters, reflecting multiple phases of dome destruction. The lower blast deposit is proposed to be a blast event predating the Panum eruption, possibly originating from Pumice Pit. The Panum BAF consists of three main facies, formed by three separate, sequential events. A debris avalanche deposited a train of jigsaw clasts along a narrow path, followed by a block and ash flow that spread material over a wider region. Finally, molten rhyolite was exposed by the earlier events, resulting in rapid foam expansion and creation of a bread crusted reticulite-bearing facies.

Two approaches for numerical modelling of waves generated by landslides : macroscopic and grain scales.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clous, Lucie; Abadie, Stéphane

2017-04-01

The present works aims to show two approaches for the numerical modelling of waves generated by landslides. The first approach is based on a macroscopic view of the landslide. Two cases are introduced : the pyroclastic flow and the generation by a granular flow. Regarding the pyroclastic flow, if we consider that the high interstitial pressure persists during the propagation as showed in some experiments (Roche et al.), the slide has a fluid-like behaviour and therefore can be modelled as a Newtonian fluid. Some experiments are in process to assess this hypothesis. In the case of granular flow, we deal with the experiment of glass beads falling on a slope into water (Viroulet) for two diameters of beads. First, the landslide is modelled as a Newtonian fluid. The aim is to determine the viscosity value for each case and be able to reproduce the first wave. To be closer to the granular media, the mu(I)-rheology is also introduced (GDR MiDi). This rheology has been proposed to model dense granular flow and parameters are defined by the media. The second approach is to model the grain itself in the granular media. It can be done by coupling a DEM code with a Navier-Stokes code for example (Shan and Zhao). However, here, the idea is to compute the slide and the fluids with only a Navier-Stokes (NS) code. To realise that, the solid are modelled using penalised fluid (Ducassou et al.). Yet, the interactions between solid have to be manage by an additional routine in the NS code. A first model has been developed for interaction between discs. Experimental results are expected for the validation of this routine like the fall of several cylinders on a slope into water. References : O. Roche, S. Montserrat, Y. Niño, and A. Tamburrino. Pore fluid pressure and internal kinematics of gravitational laboratory air-particle flows: Insights into the emplacement dynamics of pyroclastic flows. Journal of Geophysical Research, 115(B9), September 2010. Sylvain Viroulet. Simulations de tsunamis générés par glissements de terrains aériens. Thèse de doctorat, Aix-Marseille Université, France, 2013. GDR MiDi. On dense granular flows. The European Physical Journal E, 14(4):341-365, August 2004. Tong Shan and Zidong Zhao. A coupled CFD-DEM analysis of granular flow impacting on a water reservoir. Acta Mechanica, 225(8):2449-2470, August 2014. B. Ducassou, J. Nunez, M. Cruchaga, and S. Abadie. A fictitious domain approach on a viscosity penalty method to simulate wave / structure interaction. To appear in Journal of Hydraulic Research.

Time Series Radar Observations of a Growing Lava Dome

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wadge, G.; Macfarlane, D. G.; Odbert, H. M.; James, M. R.; Hole, J. K.; Ryan, G.; Bass, V.; de Angelis, S.; Pinkerton, H.; Robertson, D. A.; Loughlin, S. C.

2007-12-01

Exogenous growth of Peléean lava domes occurs by addition of lava from a central summit vent and mass wasting on the flanks as rockfalls and pyroclastic flows, forming an apron of talus. We observed this process at the Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat between 30 March and 10 April 2006 using a ground-based imaging mm-wave radar, AVTIS, to measure the shape of the dome surface.From a time series of range and intensity measurements at a distance of six kilometres we measured the topographic evolution of the lava dome. The locus of talus deposition moved to the southeast with time and the talus surface grew upwards on average at about 2 metres per day. The AVTIS measurements show an acceleration in lava extrusion rate on 5 April, with a 2-day lag in the equivalent rockfall seismicity record. We account for the budget of lava addition and dispersal during the eleven days of measurements using: AVTIS range measurements to measure the talus growth (7.2 Mm3, 67%), AVTIS range and intensity measurements to measure the summit lava growth (1.7 Mm3, 16%), and rockfall seismicity and visual observations to measure the pyroclastic flow deposits (1.8 Mm3, 17%). This gives an overall dense rock equivalent extrusion rate of about 9.7 m3s-1. These figures demonstrate how efficient non-explosive lava dome growth can be in generating large volumes of primary clastic deposits, and how this process could also reduce the propensity for large hazardous pyroclastic flows. andrews.ac.uk/~mmwave/mmwave/avtis.shtml

Palaeomagnetic Emplacement Temperature Determinations of Pyroclastic and Volcaniclastic Deposits in Southern African Kimberlite Pipes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fontana, G.; Mac Niocaill, C.; Brown, R.; Sparks, R. S.; Matthew, F.; Gernon, T. M.

2009-12-01

Kimberlites are complex, ultramafic and diamond-bearing volcanic rocks preserved in volcanic pipes, dykes and craters. The formation of kimberlite pipes is a strongly debated issue and two principal theories have been proposed to explain pipe formation: (1) the explosive degassing of magma, and (2) the interaction of rising magma with groundwater (phreatomagmatism). Progressive thermal demagnetization studies are a powerful tool for determining the emplacement temperatures of ancient volcanic deposits and we present the first application of such techniques to kimberlite deposits. Lithic clasts were sampled from a variety of lithofacies, from three pipes for which the internal geology is well constrained (A/K1 pipe, Orapa Mine, Botswana and the K1 and K2 pipes, Venetia Mine, South Africa). The sampled deposits included massive and layered vent-filling breccias with varying abundances of lithic inclusions and layered crater-filling pyroclastic deposits, talus breccias and volcaniclastic breccias. Lithic clasts sampled from layered and massive vent-filling pyroclastic deposits in A/K1 were emplaced at >590° C. Results from K1 and K2 provide a maximum emplacement temperature limit for vent-filling breccias of 420-460° C; and constrain equilibrium deposit temperatures at 300-340° C. Crater-filling volcaniclastic kimberlite breccias and talus deposits from A/K1 were emplaced at ambient temperatures, consistent with infilling of the pipe by post-eruption epiclastic processes. Identified within the epiclastic crater-fill succession is a laterally extensive 15-20 metre thick kimberlite pyroclastic flow deposit emplaced at temperatures of 220-440° C. It overlies the post-eruption epiclastic units and is considered an extraneous pyroclastic kimberlite deposit erupted from another kimberlite vent. The results provide important constraints on kimberlite emplacement mechanisms and eruption dynamics. Emplacement temperatures of >590°C for pipe-filling pyroclastic deposits are consistent with volatile-driven eruptions, and suggest phreatomagmatism did not play a major role in the generation of the deposits. The discovery of an extraneous pyroclastic flow deposit within the Orapa A/K1 epiclastic crater, which was erupted from another vent, suggests kimberlite eruptions are capable of producing sustained eruption columns and thick pyroclastic deposits involving significant transport away from source.

Workshops on Volcanoes at Santiaguito (Guatemala): A community effort to inform and highlight the outstanding science opportunities at an exceptional laboratory volcano

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, J. B.; Escobar-Wolf, R. P.; Pineda, A.

2016-12-01

Santiaguito is one of Earth's most reliable volcanic spectacles and affords opportunity to investigate dome volcanism, including hourly explosions, pyroclastic flows, block lava flows, and sporadic paroxysmal eruptions. The cubic km dome, active since 1922, comprises four coalescing structures. Lava effusion and explosions are ideally observed from a birds-eye perspective at the summit of Santa Maria volcano (1200 m above and 2700 km from the active Caliente vent). Santiaguito is also unstable and dangerous. Thousands of people in farms and local communities are exposed to hazards from frequent lahars, pyroclastic flows, and potentially large sector-style dome collapses. In January 2016 more than 60 volcano scientists, students, postdocs, and observatory professionals traveled to Santiaguito to participate in field study and discussion about the science and hazards of Santiaguito. The event facilitated pre- and syn-workshop field experiments, including deployment of seismic, deformation, infrasound, multi-spectral gas and thermal sensing, UAV reconnaissance, photogrammetry, and petrologic and rheologic sampling. More than 55 participants spent the night on the 3770-m summit of Santa Maria to partake in field observations. The majority of participants also visited lahar and pyroclastic flow-impacted regions south of the volcano. A goal of the workshop was to demonstrate how multi-disciplinary observations are critical to elucidate volcano eruption dynamics. Integration of geophysical and geochemical observation, and open exchange of technological advances, is vital to achieve the next generation of volcano discovery. Toward this end data collected during the workshop are openly shared within the broader volcanological community. Another objective of the workshop was to bring attention to an especially hazardous and little-studied volcanic system. The majority of workshop attendees had not visited the region and their participation was hoped to seed future collaboration and study in Guatemala. This presentation highlights both the multi-disciplinary science and scientists' experiences at Santiaguito and argues for future similar meetings at other open-vent volcanoes.

Compaction and gas loss in welded pyroclastic deposits as revealed by porosity, permeability, and electrical conductivity measurements of the Shevlin Park Tuff

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wright, Heather M.; Cashman, Katharine V.

2014-01-01

Pyroclastic flows produced by large volcanic eruptions commonly densify after emplacement. Processes of gas escape, compaction, and welding in pyroclastic-flow deposits are controlled by the physical and thermal properties of constituent material. Through measurements of matrix porosity, permeability, and electrical conductivity, we provide a framework for understanding the evolution of pore structure during these processes. Using data from the Shevlin Park Tuff in central Oregon, United States, and from the literature, we find that over a porosity range of 0%–70%, matrix permeability varies by almost 10 orders of magnitude (from 10–20 to 10–11 m2), with over three orders of magnitude variation at any given porosity. Part of the variation at a given porosity is due to permeability anisotropy, where oriented core samples indicate higher permeabilities parallel to foliation (horizontally) than perpendicular to foliation (vertically). This suggests that pore space is flattened during compaction, creating anisotropic crack-like networks, a geometry that is supported by electrical conductivity measurements. We find that the power law equation: k1 = 1.3 × 10–21 × ϕ5.2 provides the best approximation of dominant horizontal gas loss, where k1 = permeability, and ϕ = porosity. Application of Kozeny-Carman fluid-flow approximations suggests that permeability in the Shevlin Park Tuff is controlled by crack- or disk-like pore apertures with minimum widths of 0.3 and 7.5 μm. We find that matrix permeability limits compaction over short times, but deformation is then controlled by competition among cooling, compaction, water resorption, and permeable gas escape. These competing processes control the potential for development of overpressure (and secondary explosions) and the degree of welding in the deposit, processes that are applicable to viscous densification of volcanic deposits in general. Further, the general relationships among porosity, permeability, and pore geometry are relevant for flow of any fluid through an ignimbritic host.

Stratigraphic and sedimetological study of relevant lahar deposits of La Lumbre ravine, Colima volcano (Mexico): preliminary results.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarocchi, D.; Rodriguez-Sedano, L. A.; Saucedo, R.; Capra, L.

2009-04-01

Volcán de Colima is the most active volcano of Mexico with more than fifty eruptions documented in the last four centuries. The great amount of pyroclastic material deposited in the volcano slopes represents a perfect source for an intense lahar activity. Despite the intense volcanic activity with production of explosive eruptions and pyroclastic flows, lahars are greatly the most dangerous phenomena at Volcán de Colima. Pyroclastic flows did not reach long distances, generally less than 5 km from the crater. In contrast, lahars travel long distances, up to 10 km, causing damage to infrastructure and being able to affect populated areas. For this reason in the last 100 years more than 350 people died for lahars in the Colima Volcanic Complex and only 8 lost their lives for pyroclastic flows in 1913 plinian eruption. "La Lumbre" ravine is a very important morphological feature in the western-southwestern sector of the volcano, there, it gathers the main drainage system and collects water from "El Playon", a wide intra-caldera basin delimited by the Volcán de Colima to the south and the "Paleofuego" caldera rim to the north. This ravine produced huge lahars such as the 1906 lahar which killed almost 325 people, or the lahars associated with the great 1913 eruption, other associated with de 1990-91 volcanic crisis, and is still very active, continuously remobilizing the 1998-99 pyroclastic flow deposits. In 2002 near the confluence between "La Lumbre" and "El Zarco" Ravine, a house was destroyed fortunately with no danger for people. In order to perform future accurate lahar numerical simulation and obtain reliable hazard study along this ravine, is very important to reconstruct the complex stratigraphy and understand which of such important deposits is related with the 1906, 1913 or 1991 eruptive crisis. For this reason we are performing a detailed stratigraphic study of the lahars sequence. We selected the best outcrops at different distances from the crater. In each site we obtained vertical granulometric sections in order to point out the presence of granulometric structures. Each unit was studied in order to obtain the total granulometric distribution at different depths, and of each sample we performed component analysis and clast shape study. Preliminary results point out the presence of almost three important lahar units that can be well followed along the ravine. All the studied deposits are related with no-cohesive lahars. The important thickness, the very coarse granulometry and the presence of abundant juvenile clasts, suggest that they are related with important volcanic crisis.

Effect of antecedent-hydrological conditions on rainfall triggering of debris flows in ash-fall pyroclastic mantled slopes of Campania (southern Italy)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Napolitano, E.; Fusco, F; Baum, Rex L.; Godt, Jonathan W.; De Vita, P.

2016-01-01

Mountainous areas surrounding the Campanian Plain and the Somma-Vesuvius volcano (southern Italy) are among the most risky areas of Italy due to the repeated occurrence of rainfallinduced debris flows along ash-fall pyroclastic soil-mantled slopes. In this geomorphological framework, rainfall patterns, hydrological processes taking place within multi-layered ash-fall pyroclastic deposits and soil antecedent moisture status are the principal factors to be taken into account to assess triggering rainfall conditions and the related hazard. This paper presents the outcomes of an experimental study based on integrated analyses consisting of the reconstruction of physical models of landslides, in situ hydrological monitoring, and hydrological and slope stability modeling, carried out on four representative source areas of debris flows that occurred in May 1998 in the Sarno Mountain Range. The hydrological monitoring was carried out during 2011 using nests of tensiometers and Watermark pressure head sensors and also through a rainfall and air temperature recording station. Time series of measured pressure head were used to calibrate a hydrological numerical model of the pyroclastic soil mantle for 2011, which was re-run for a 12-year period beginning in 2000, given the availability of rainfall and air temperature monitoring data. Such an approach allowed us to reconstruct the regime of pressure head at a daily time scale for a long period, which is representative of about 11 hydrologic years with different meteorological conditions. Based on this simulated time series, average winter and summer hydrological conditions were chosen to carry out hydrological and stability modeling of sample slopes and to identify Intensity- Duration rainfall thresholds by a deterministic approach. Among principal results, the opposing winter and summer antecedent pressure head (soil moisture) conditions were found to exert a significant control on intensity and duration of rainfall triggering events. Going from winter to summer conditions requires a strong increase of intensity and/or duration to induce landslides. The results identify an approach to account for different hazard conditions related to seasonality of hydrological processes inside the ash-fall pyroclastic soil mantle. Moreover, they highlight another important factor of uncertainty that potentially affects rainfall thresholds triggering shallow landslides reconstructed by empirical approaches.

Dune bedforms produced by dilute pyroclastic density currents from the August 2006 eruption of Tungurahua volcano, Ecuador.

PubMed

Douillet, Guilhem Amin; Pacheco, Daniel Alejandro; Kueppers, Ulrich; Letort, Jean; Tsang-Hin-Sun, Ève; Bustillos, Jorge; Hall, Minard; Ramón, Patricio; Dingwell, Donald B

A series of pyroclastic density currents were generated at Tungurahua volcano (Ecuador) during a period of heightened activity in August 2006. Dense pyroclastic flows were confined to valleys of the drainage network, while dilute pyroclastic density currents overflowed on interfluves where they deposited isolated bodies comprising dune bedforms of cross-stratified ash exposed on the surface. Here, the description, measurement, and classification of more than 300 dune bedforms are presented. Four types of dune bedforms are identified with respect to their shape, internal structure, and geometry (length, width, thickness, stoss and lee face angles, and stoss face length). (1) "Elongate dune bedforms" have smooth shapes and are longer (in the flow direction) than wide or thick. Internal stratification consists of stoss-constructional, thick lensoidal layers of massive and coarse-grained material, alternating with bedsets of fine laminae that deposit continuously on both stoss and lee sides forming aggrading structures with upstream migration of the crests. (2) "Transverse dune bedforms" show linear crests perpendicular to the flow direction, with equivalent lengths and widths. Internally, these bedforms exhibit finely stratified bedsets of aggrading ash laminae with upstream crest migration. Steep truncations of the bedsets are visible on the stoss side only. (3) "Lunate dune bedforms" display a barchanoidal shape and have stratification patterns similar to those of the transverse ones. Finally, (4) "two-dimensional dune bedforms" are much wider than long, exhibit linear crests and are organized into trains. Elongate dune bedforms are found exclusively in proximal deposition zones. Transverse, lunate, and two-dimensional dune bedforms are found in distal ash bodies. The type of dune bedform developed varies spatially within an ash body, transverse dune bedforms occurring primarily at the onset of deposition zones, transitioning to lunate dune bedforms in intermediate zones, and two-dimensional dune bedforms exclusively on the lateral and distal edges of the deposits. The latter are also found where flows moved upslope. Elongate dune bedforms were deposited from flows with both granular-based and tractional flow boundaries that possessed high capacity and competence. They may have formed in a subcritical context by the blocking of material on the stoss side. We do not interpret them as antidune or "chute-and-pool" structures. The dimensions and cross-stratification patterns of transverse dune bedforms are interpreted as resulting from low competence currents with a significant deposition rate, but we rule out their interpretation as "antidunes". A similar conclusion holds for lunate dune bedforms, whose curved shape results from a sedimentation rate dependent on the thickness of the bedform. Finally, two-dimensional dune bedforms were formed where lateral transport exceeds longitudinal transport; i.e., in areas where currents were able to spread laterally in low velocity zones. We suggest that the aggrading ash bedsets with upstream crest migration were formed under subcritical flow conditions where the tractional bedload transport was less important than the simultaneous fallout from suspension. This produced differential draping with no further reworking. We propose the name "regressive climbing dunes" for structures produced by this process. A rapid decrease in current velocity, possibly triggered by hydraulic jumps affecting the entire parent flows, is inferred to explain their deposition. This process can in principle hold for any kind of particulate density current.

First Volcanological-Probabilistic Pyroclastic Density Current and Fallout Hazard Map for Campi Flegrei and Somma Vesuvius Volcanoes.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mastrolorenzo, G.; Pappalardo, L.; Troise, C.; Panizza, A.; de Natale, G.

2005-05-01

Integrated volcanological-probabilistic approaches has been used in order to simulate pyroclastic density currents and fallout and produce hazard maps for Campi Flegrei and Somma Vesuvius areas. On the basis of the analyses of all types of pyroclastic flows, surges, secondary pyroclastic density currents and fallout events occurred in the volcanological history of the two volcanic areas and the evaluation of probability for each type of events, matrixs of input parameters for a numerical simulation have been performed. The multi-dimensional input matrixs include the main controlling parameters of the pyroclasts transport and deposition dispersion, as well as the set of possible eruptive vents used in the simulation program. Probabilistic hazard maps provide of each points of campanian area, the yearly probability to be interested by a given event with a given intensity and resulting demage. Probability of a few events in one thousand years are typical of most areas around the volcanoes whitin a range of ca 10 km, including Neaples. Results provide constrains for the emergency plans in Neapolitan area.

Pyroclast Tracking Velocimetry: A particle tracking velocimetry-based tool for the study of Strombolian explosive eruptions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaudin, Damien; Moroni, Monica; Taddeucci, Jacopo; Scarlato, Piergiorgio; Shindler, Luca

2014-07-01

Image-based techniques enable high-resolution observation of the pyroclasts ejected during Strombolian explosions and drawing inferences on the dynamics of volcanic activity. However, data extraction from high-resolution videos is time consuming and operator dependent, while automatic analysis is often challenging due to the highly variable quality of images collected in the field. Here we present a new set of algorithms to automatically analyze image sequences of explosive eruptions: the pyroclast tracking velocimetry (PyTV) toolbox. First, a significant preprocessing is used to remove the image background and to detect the pyroclasts. Then, pyroclast tracking is achieved with a new particle tracking velocimetry algorithm, featuring an original predictor of velocity based on the optical flow equation. Finally, postprocessing corrects the systematic errors of measurements. Four high-speed videos of Strombolian explosions from Yasur and Stromboli volcanoes, representing various observation conditions, have been used to test the efficiency of the PyTV against manual analysis. In all cases, >106 pyroclasts have been successfully detected and tracked by PyTV, with a precision of 1 m/s for the velocity and 20% for the size of the pyroclast. On each video, more than 1000 tracks are several meters long, enabling us to study pyroclast properties and trajectories. Compared to manual tracking, 3 to 100 times more pyroclasts are analyzed. PyTV, by providing time-constrained information, links physical properties and motion of individual pyroclasts. It is a powerful tool for the study of explosive volcanic activity, as well as an ideal complement for other geological and geophysical volcano observation systems.

PYFLOW 2.0. A new open-source software for quantifying the impact and depositional properties of dilute pyroclastic density currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dioguardi, Fabio; Dellino, Pierfrancesco

2017-04-01

Dilute pyroclastic density currents (DPDC) are ground-hugging turbulent gas-particle flows that move down volcano slopes under the combined action of density contrast and gravity. DPDCs are dangerous for human lives and infrastructures both because they exert a dynamic pressure in their direction of motion and transport volcanic ash particles, which remain in the atmosphere during the waning stage and after the passage of a DPDC. Deposits formed by the passage of a DPDC show peculiar characteristics that can be linked to flow field variables with sedimentological models. Here we present PYFLOW_2.0, a significantly improved version of the code of Dioguardi and Dellino (2014) that was already extensively used for the hazard assessment of DPDCs at Campi Flegrei and Vesuvius (Italy). In the latest new version the code structure, the computation times and the data input method have been updated and improved. A set of shape-dependent drag laws have been implemented as to better estimate the aerodynamic drag of particles transported and deposited by the flow. A depositional model for calculating the deposition time and rate of the ash and lapilli layer formed by the pyroclastic flow has also been included. This model links deposit (e.g. componentry, grainsize) to flow characteristics (e.g. flow average density and shear velocity), the latter either calculated by the code itself or given in input by the user. The deposition rate is calculated by summing the contributions of each grainsize class of all components constituting the deposit (e.g. juvenile particles, crystals, etc.), which are in turn computed as a function of particle density, terminal velocity, concentration and deposition probability. Here we apply the concept of deposition probability, previously introduced for estimating the deposition rates of turbidity currents (Stow and Bowen, 1980), to DPDCs, although with a different approach, i.e. starting from what is observed in the deposit (e.g. the weight fractions ratios between the different grainsize classes). In this way, more realistic estimates of the deposition rate can be obtained, as the deposition probability of different grainsize constituting the DPDC deposit could be different and not necessarily equal to unity. Calculations of the deposition rates of large-scale experiments, previously computed with different methods, have been performed as experimental validation and are presented. Results of model application to DPDCs and turbidity currents will also be presented. Dioguardi, F, and P. Dellino (2014), PYFLOW: A computer code for the calculation of the impact parameters of Dilute Pyroclastic Density Currents (DPDC) based on field data, Powder Technol., 66, 200-210, doi:10.1016/j.cageo.2014.01.013 Stow, D. A. V., and A. J. Bowen (1980), A physical model for the transport and sorting of fine-grained sediment by turbidity currents, Sedimentology, 27, 31-46

Preventing volcanic catastrophe; the U.S. International Volcano Disaster Assistance Program

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ewert, J.W.; Murray, T.L.; Lockhart, A. B.; Miller, C.D.

1993-01-01

Unfortunately, a storm on November 13, 1985, obscured the glacier-clad summit of Nevado del Ruiz. On that night an explosive eruption tore through the summit and spewed approximately 20 million cubic meters of hot ash and rocks across the snow-covered glacier. These materials were transported across the snow pack by avalanches of hot volcanic debris (pyroclastic flows) and fast-moving, hot, turbulent clouds of gas and ash (pyroclastic surges). The hot pyroclastic flows and surges caused rapid melting of the snow and ice and created large volumes of water that swept down canyons leading away from the summit. As these floods of water descended the volcano, they picked up loose debris and soil from the canyon floors and walls, growing both in volume and density, to form hot lahars. In the river valleys farther down the volcano's flanks, the lahars were as much as 40 m thick and traveled at velocities as fast as 50 km/h. Two and a half hours after the start of the eruption one of the lahars reachered Armero, 74 km from the explosion crater. In a few short minutes most of the town was swept away or buried in a torrent of mud and boulders, and three quaters of the townspeople perished.  

Syn-eruptive, soft-sediment deformation of deposits from dilute pyroclastic density current: triggers from granular shear, dynamic pore pressure, ballistic impacts and shock waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Douillet, G. A.; Taisne, B.; Tsang-Hin-Sun, E.; Muller, S. K.; Kueppers, U.; Dingwell, D. B.

2015-05-01

Soft-sediment deformation structures can provide valuable information about the conditions of parent flows, the sediment state and the surrounding environment. Here, examples of soft-sediment deformation in deposits of dilute pyroclastic density currents are documented and possible syn-eruptive triggers suggested. Outcrops from six different volcanoes have been compiled in order to provide a broad perspective on the variety of structures: Soufriere Hills (Montserrat), Tungurahua (Ecuador), Ubehebe craters (USA), Laacher See (Germany), and Tower Hill and Purrumbete lakes (both Australia). The variety of features can be classified in four groups: (1) tubular features such as pipes; (2) isolated, laterally oriented deformation such as overturned or oversteepened laminations and vortex-shaped laminae; (3) folds-and-faults structures involving thick (>30 cm) units; (4) dominantly vertical inter-penetration of two layers such as potatoids, dishes, or diapiric flame-like structures. The occurrence of degassing pipes together with basal intrusions suggest fluidization during flow stages, and can facilitate the development of other soft-sediment deformation structures. Variations from injection dikes to suction-driven, local uplifts at the base of outcrops indicate the role of dynamic pore pressure. Isolated, centimeter-scale, overturned beds with vortex forms have been interpreted to be the signature of shear instabilities occurring at the boundary of two granular media. They may represent the frozen record of granular, pseudo Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities. Their recognition can be a diagnostic for flows with a granular basal boundary layer. Vertical inter-penetration and those folds-and-faults features related to slumps are driven by their excess weight and occur after deposition but penecontemporaneous to the eruption. The passage of shock waves emanating from the vent may also produce trains of isolated, fine-grained overturned beds that disturb the surface bedding without occurrence of a sedimentation phase in the vicinity of explosion centers. Finally, ballistic impacts can trigger unconventional sags producing local displacement or liquefaction. Based on the deformation depth, these can yield precise insights into depositional unit boundaries. Such impact structures may also be at the origin of some of the steep truncation planes visible at the base of the so-called "chute and pool" structures. Dilute pyroclastic density currents occur contemporaneously with seismogenic volcanic explosions. They can experience extremely high sedimentation rates and may flow at the border between traction, granular and fluid-escape boundary zones. They are often deposited on steep slopes and can incorporate large amounts of water and gas in the sediment. These are just some of the many possible triggers acting in a single environment, and they reveal the potential for insights into the eruptive and flow mechanisms of dilute pyroclastic density currents.

Database for geologic maps of pyroclastic-flow and related deposits of the 1980 eruptions of Mount St. Helens, Washington

USGS Publications Warehouse

Furze, Andrew J.; Bard, Joseph A.; Robinson, Joel; Ramsey, David W.; Kuntz, Mel A.; Rowley, Peter D.; MacLeod, Norman S.

2017-10-31

This publication releases digital versions of the geologic maps in U.S. Geological Survey Miscellaneous Investigations Map 1950 (USGS I-1950), “Geologic maps of pyroclastic-flow and related deposits of the 1980 eruptions of Mount St. Helens, Washington” (Kuntz, Rowley, and MacLeod, 1990) (https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/i1950). The 1980 Mount St. Helens eruptions on May 18, May 25, June 12, July 22, August 7, and October 16–18 produced pyroclastic-flow and related deposits. The distribution and morphology of these deposits, as determined from extensive field studies and examination of vertical aerial photographs, are shown on four maps in I-1950 (maps A–D) on two map sheets. Map A shows the May 18, May 25, and June 12 deposits; map B shows the July 22 deposits; map C shows the August 7 deposits; and map D shows the October 16–18 deposits. No digital geospatial versions of the geologic data were made available at the time of publication of the original maps. This data release consists of attributed vector features, data tables, and the cropped and georeferenced scans from which the features were digitized, in order to enable visualization and analysis of these data in GIS software. This data release enables users to digitally re-create the maps and description of map units of USGS I-1950; map sheet 1 includes text sections (Introduction, Physiography of Mount St. Helens at the time of the 1980 eruptions, Processes of the 1980 eruptions, Deposits of the 1980 eruptions, Limitations of the maps, Preparation of the maps, and References cited) and associated tables and figures that are not included in this data release.

The Summer 1997 Eruption at Pillan Patera on Io: Implications for Ultrabasic Lava Flow Emplacement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, David A.; Davies, Ashley G.; Keszthelyi, Laszlo; Greeley, Ronald

2001-01-01

Galileo data and numerical modeling were used to investigate the summer 1997 eruption at Pillan Patera on Io. This event, now defined as 'Pillanian' eruption style, included a high-temperature (greater than 1600 C), possibly ultrabasic, 140-km-high plume eruption that deposited dark, orthopyroxene-rich pyroclastic material over greater than 125,000 sq km, followed by emplacement of dark flow-like material over greater than 3100 sq km to the north of the caldera. We estimate that the high-temperature, energetic episode of this eruption had a duration of 52- 167 days between May and September 1997, with peak eruption temperatures around June 28, 1997. Galileo 20 m/pixel images of part of the Pillan flow field show a widespread, rough, pitted surface that is unlike any flow surface we have seen before. We suggest that th.s surface may have resulted from (1) a fractured lava crust formed during rapid, low-viscosity lava surging, perhaps including turbulent flow emplacement; (2) disruption of the lava flow by explosive interaction with a volatile-rich substrate: or (3) a combination of 1 and 2 with or without accumulation of pyroclastic materials on the surface. Well-developed flow lobes are observed, suggesting that this is a relatively distal part of the flow field. Shadow measurements at flow margins indicate a thickness of approx. 8-10 m. We have modeled the emplacement of putative ultrabasic flows from the summer 1997 Pillan eruption using constraints from new Galileo data. Results suggest that either laminar sheet flows or turbulent channelized flows could have traveled 50-150 km on a flat. unobstructed surface, which is consistent with the estimated length of the Pillan flow field (approx. 60 km). Our modeling suggests low thermal erosion rates (less than 0.1 m/d), and that the formation of deep (greater than 20 m) erosion channels was unlikely, especially distal to the source. We calculate a volumetric flow rate of approx. 2-7 x l0(exp 3) cu m/s, which is greater than those for typical Mauna Loa/Kilauea flows but comparable to those for the (1783) Laki eruption and the inferred flow rates of the Roza flows in the Columbia River flood basalts. The differences in ultrabasic eruption styles on Earth and Io appear to be controlled by the different eruption environments: Plumes at sites of ultrabasic eruptions on Io suggest strong magma-volatile: interactions on a low-gravity body lacking an atmosphere, whereas the geology at sites of komatiite eruptions on Earth suggest mostly submarine emplacement of thick flows with a pronounced lack of subaerial explosive activity.

The Summer 1997 Eruption at Pillan Patera on Io: Implications for Ultrabasic Lava Flow Emplacement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, David A.; Davies, Ashley G.; Keszthelyi, Laszlo P.; Greeley, Ronald

2001-01-01

Galileo data and numerical modeling were used to investigate the summer 1977 eruption at Pillan Patera on Io. This event, now defined as "Pillanian" eruption style, included a high-temperature (greater than 1600 C), possible ultrabasic , 140-km-high plume eruption that deposited dark, orthopyroxene-rich pyroclastic material over greater than 125,000 sq km, followed by emplacement of dark flow-like material over greater than 3100 sq km to the north of the caldera. We estimate that the high-temperature, energetic episode of this eruption had a duration of 52 - 167 days between May and September 1997, with peak eruption temperatures around June 28, 1997. Galileo 20 m/pixel images of part of the Pillan flow field show a wide-spread, rough, pitted surface that is unlike any flow surface we have seen before. We suggest that this surface may have resulted from: 1. A fractured lava crust formed during rapid, low-viscosity lava surging, perhaps including turbulent flow emplacement. 2. Disruption of the lava flow by explosive interaction with a volatile-rich substrate. or 3. A combination of 1 and 2 with or without accumulation of pyroclastic material on the surface. Well-developed flow lobes are observed, suggesting that this is a relatively distant part of the flow field.Shadow measurements at flow margins indicate a thickness of-8 - 10 m. We have modeled the emplacement of putative ultrabasic flow from the summer 1997 Pillan eruption using constraints from new Galileo data. Results suggest that either laminar sheet flows or turbulent channelized flows could have traveled 50 - 150 km on a flat, unobstructed surface, which is consistent with the estimated length of the Pillan flow field (approx. 60 km). Our modeling suggests low thermal erosion rates (less than 4.1 m/d), and that the formation of deep (greater than 20 m) erosion channels was unlikely, especially distal to the source. We calculate a volumetric flow rate of approx. 2 - 7 x 10(exp 3)cu m/s, which is greater than those for typical Mauna Loa/Kilaueaq flows but comparable to those for the (1783) Laki eruption and the inferred flow rates of the Roza flows in the Columbia River flood basalts. The differences in ultrabasic eruption styles on Earth and Io appear to be controlled by the different eruption environments; Plumes at sites of ultrabasic eruptions on Io suggest strong magma-volatile interactions on a low-gravity body lacking an atmosphere, whereas the geology at sites of komatiite eruptions on Earth suggest mostly submarine emplacement of thick flows with a pronounced lack of subaerial explosive activity.

Interaction of pyroclastic density currents with human settlements: Evidence from ancient Pompeii

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gurioli, Lucia; Pareschi, M. Teresa; Zanella, Elena; Lanza, Roberto; Deluca, Enrico; Bisson, Marina

2005-06-01

Integrating field observations and rock-magnetic measurements, we report how a turbulent pyroclastic density current interacted with and moved through an urban area. The data are from the most energetic, turbulent pyroclastic density current of the A.D. 79 eruption of Vesuvius, Italy, which partially destroyed the Roman city of Pompeii. Our results show that the urban fabric was able to divide the lower portion of the current into several streams that followed the city walls and the intracity roads. Vortices, revealed by upstream particle orientations and decreases in deposit temperature, formed downflow of obstacles or inside cavities. Although these perturbations affected only the lower part of the current and were localized, they could represent, in certain cases, cooler zones within which chances of human survival are increased. Our integrated field data for pyroclastic density current temperature and flow direction, collected for the first time across an urban environment, enable verification of coupled thermodynamic numerical models and their hazard simulation abilities.

Characterization of pyroclastic deposits and pre-eruptive soils following the 2008 eruption of Kasatochi Island Volcano, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wang, B.; Michaelson, G.; Ping, C.-L.; Plumlee, G.; Hageman, P.

2010-01-01

The 78 August 2008 eruption of Kasatochi Island volcano blanketed the island in newly generated pyroclastic deposits and deposited ash into the ocean and onto nearby islands. Concentrations of water soluble Fe, Cu, and Zn determined from a 1:20 deionized water leachate of the ash were sufficient to provide short-term fertilization of the surface ocean. The 2008 pyroclastic deposits were thicker in concavities at bases of steeper slopes and thinner on steep slopes and ridge crests. By summer 2009, secondary erosion had exposed the pre-eruption soils along gulley walls and in gully bottoms on the southern and eastern slopes, respectively. Topographic and microtopographic position altered the depositional patterns of the pyroclastic flows and resulted in pre-eruption soils being buried by as little as 1 m of ash. The different erosion patterns gave rise to three surfaces on which future ecosystems will likely develop: largely pre-eruptive soils; fresh pyroclastic deposits influenced by shallowly buried, pre-eruptive soil; and thick (>1 m) pyroclastic deposits. As expected, the chemical composition differed between the pyroclastic deposits and the pre-eruptive soils. Pre-eruptive soils hold stocks of C and N important for establishing biota that are lacking in the fresh pyroclastic deposits. The pyroclastic deposits are a source for P and K but have negligible nutrient holding capacity, making these elements vulnerable to leaching loss. Consequently, the pre-eruption soils may also represent an important long-term P and K source. ?? 2010 Regents of the University of Colorado.

Geomorphology and stratigraphy of Alba Patera, Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schneeberger, Dale M.; Pieri, David C.

1991-01-01

Geomorphic and stratigraphic analysis of Alba Patera suggests a volcanic construct built by lavas with rheologic properties similar to basalts. A series of evolving eruptive styles is suggested by changes in morphology and inferred progressive reductions in flow volume with higher stratigraphic position. Alba Patera's volcanic history has been summarized into four main phases. The first is characterized by extensive flood like flows presumably erupted from fissures associated with the initial intrusion of magma into the region. The second phase is associated with the emplacement of pyroclastic rock, a more speculative interpretation. The third phase produced the voluminous tabular, crested, and undifferentiated flows, probably from a more centralized vent source. The fourth and last phase is marked the effusion of levee like flows and the collapse of the summit calderas and final graben formation.

Sensitivity of OMI SO2 measurements to variable eruptive behaviour at Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayer, C. S.; Wadge, G.; Edmonds, M.; Christopher, T.

2016-02-01

Since 2004, the satellite-borne Ozone Mapping Instrument (OMI) has observed sulphur dioxide (SO2) plumes during both quiescence and effusive eruptive activity at Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat. On average, OMI detected a SO2 plume 4-6 times more frequently during effusive periods than during quiescence in the 2008-2010 period. The increased ability of OMI to detect SO2 during eruptive periods is mainly due to an increase in plume altitude rather than a higher SO2 emission rate. Three styles of eruptive activity cause thermal lofting of gases (Vulcanian explosions; pyroclastic flows; a hot lava dome) and the resultant plume altitudes are estimated from observations and models. Most lofting plumes from Soufrière Hills are derived from hot domes and pyroclastic flows. Although Vulcanian explosions produced the largest plumes, some produced only negligible SO2 signals detected by OMI. OMI is most valuable for monitoring purposes at this volcano during periods of lava dome growth and during explosive activity.

Galileo at Io: results from high-resolution imaging.

PubMed

McEwen, A S; Belton, M J; Breneman, H H; Fagents, S A; Geissler, P; Greeley, R; Head, J W; Hoppa, G; Jaeger, W L; Johnson, T V; Keszthelyi, L; Klaasen, K P; Lopes-Gautier, R; Magee, K P; Milazzo, M P; Moore, J M; Pappalardo, R T; Phillips, C B; Radebaugh, J; Schubert, G; Schuster, P; Simonelli, D P; Sullivan, R; Thomas, P C; Turtle, E P; Williams, D A

2000-05-19

During late 1999/early 2000, the solid state imaging experiment on the Galileo spacecraft returned more than 100 high-resolution (5 to 500 meters per pixel) images of volcanically active Io. We observed an active lava lake, an active curtain of lava, active lava flows, calderas, mountains, plateaus, and plains. Several of the sulfur dioxide-rich plumes are erupting from distal flows, rather than from the source of silicate lava (caldera or fissure, often with red pyroclastic deposits). Most of the active flows in equatorial regions are being emplaced slowly beneath insulated crust, but rapidly emplaced channelized flows are also found at all latitudes. There is no evidence for high-viscosity lava, but some bright flows may consist of sulfur rather than mafic silicates. The mountains, plateaus, and calderas are strongly influenced by tectonics and gravitational collapse. Sapping channels and scarps suggest that many portions of the upper approximately 1 kilometer are rich in volatiles.

Impact of explosive eruption scenarios at Vesuvius

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zuccaro, G.; Cacace, F.; Spence, R. J. S.; Baxter, P. J.

2008-12-01

In the paper the first attempt at the definition of a model to assess the impact of a range of different volcanic hazards on the building structures is presented. This theoretical approach has been achieved within the activities of the EXPLORIS Project supported by the EU. A time history for Sub-Plinian I eruptive scenario of the Vesuvius is assumed by taking advantage of interpretation of historical reports of volcanic crises of the past [Carafa, G. 1632. In opusculum de novissima Vesuvij conflagratione, epistola isagogica, 2 a ed. Napoli, Naples; Mascolo, G.B., 1634. De incendio Vesuvii excitato xvij. Kal. Ianuar. anno trigesimo primo sæculi Decimiseptimi libri X. Cum Chronologia superiorum incendiorum; & Ephemeride ultimi. Napoli; Varrone, S., 1634. Vesuviani incendii historiae libri tres. Napoli], numerical simulations [Neri, A., Esposti Ongaro, T., Macedonio, G., Gidaspow, D., 2003. Multiparticle simulation of collapsing volcanic columns and pyroclastic flows. J. Geophys. Res. Lett. 108, 2202. doi:10.1029/2001 JB000508; Macedonio, G., Costa, A., Longo, A., 2005. HAZMAP: a computer model for volcanic ash fallout and assessment of subsequent hazard. Comput. Geosci. 31,837-845; Costa, A., Macedonio, G., Folch, A., 2006. A three-dimensional Eulerian model for transport and deposition of volcanic ashes. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 241,634-647] and experts' elicitations [Aspinall, W.P., 2006. Structured elicitation of expert judgment for probabilistic hazard and risk assessment in volcanic eruptions. In: Mader, H.M. Coles, S.G. Connor, C.B. Connor, L.J. (Eds), Statistics in Volcanology. Geological Society of London on behalf of IAVCEI, pp.15-30; Woo, G., 1999. The Mathematics of Natural Catastrophes. Imperial College Press, London] from which the impact on the building structures is derived. This is achieved by an original definition of vulnerability functions for multi-hazard input and a dynamic cumulative damage model. Factors affecting the variability of the final scenario are highlighted. The results show the high sensitivity of hazard combinations in time and space distribution and address how to mitigate building vulnerability to subsequent eruptive phenomena [Baxter, P., Spence, R., Zuccaro, G., 2008-this issue. Risk mitigation and emergency measures at Vesuvius]. The first part of the work describes the numerical modelling and the methodology adopted to evaluate the resistance of buildings under the combined action of volcanic phenomena. Those considered here for this multi-hazard approach are limited to the following: earthquakes, pyroclastic flows and ash falls. Because of the lack of a systematic and extensive database of building damages observed after eruptions of such intensity of the past, approaches to this work must take a hybrid form of stochastic and deterministic analyses, taking into account written histories of volcanic eruptions and expertise from field geologists to build up a semi-deterministic model of the possible combinations of the above hazards that are situated both in time and space. Once a range of possible scenarios has been determined, a full stochastic method can be applied to find a sub-set of permutations and combinations of possible effects. This preliminary study of identification of the possible combination of the phenomena, subdividing them into those which are discrete and those which are continuous in time and space, enables consideration the vulnerability functions of the combinations to be feasible. In previous works [Spence, R., Brichieri-Colombi, N., Holdsworth, F., Baxter, P., Zuccaro, G., 2004a. Vesuvius: building vulnerability and human casualty estimation for a pyroclastic flow (25 pages). J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res. 133, 321-343. ISSN 0377-0273; Spence, R., Zuccaro, G., Petrazzuoli, S., Baxter, P.J., 2004b. The resistance of buildings to pyroclastic flows: theoretical and experimental studies in relation to Vesuvius, ASCE Nat. Hazards Rev. 5, 48-50. ISSN 1527-6988; Spence, R., Kelman, I., Petrazzuoli, S., Zuccaro, G., 2005. Residential Buildings and Occupant Vulnerability to Tephra Fall. Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci. vol. 5. European Geosciences Union, pp.1-18; Baxter, P.J., Cole, P.D., Spence, R., Zuccaro, G., Boyd, R., Neri, A., 2005. The impacts of pyroclastic density currents on buildings during the eruption of the Soufrière hills volcano, Montserrat. Bull. Volcanol. vol. 67,292-313] the authors investigated, by means of experimental and analytical methods, the limiting resistance of masonry and reinforced concrete buildings assuming each action separately. In this work the first attempt to estimate the response of the buildings to the volcanic seismic action or to the lateral dynamic pressure due to pyroclastic flow combined with an extra vertical load on the roof due to ash fall is performed. The results show that up to a certain limit of ash fall deposit, the increment of structure weight increases the resistance of a building to pyroclastic flow action while it reduces its seismic resistance. In particular the collapse of the top storey of R.C. buildings having large roofs could occur by accumulation of ash and a strong earthquake. Seismic and pyroclastic flow vulnerability of tall R.C. and masonry buildings with rigid floors is less sensitive to ash fall load combination. The model allows any sequence of events (earthquake, ash fall, pyroclastic flow) to be assumed and evaluates the spatial distribution of the cumulative impact at a given time. Single impact scenarios have been derived and mapped on a suitable grid into which the territory around Vesuvius has been subdivided. The buildings have been classified according to the constructional characteristics that mostly affect their response under the action of the phenomena; hence the vulnerability distribution of the buildings are assigned to each cell of the grid and by taking advantage from the combined vulnerability functions the impact is derived at time t. In the paper the following impact simulations are presented: single cases of selected seismic sequence during the unrest phase (Sub-Plinian I) ash fall damage distribution compatible to a Sub-Plinian I eruption pyroclastic flow cumulative damage scenarios for selected cases (Sub-Plinian I). The model also allows either Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate the most probable final scenario or maximisation of some parameter sensitive to Civil Protection preparedness. The analysis of the results derived for a Sub-Plinian I-like eruption has shown the importance of the seismic intensities released during the unrest phase that could interfere with the evacuation of the area and the huge number of partial collapses (roofs) due to ash fall.

Pyroclastic rocks: another manifestation of ultramafic volcanism on Gorgona Island, Colombia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Echeverría, Lina M.; Aitken, Bruce G.

1986-04-01

Tertiary ultramafic volcanism on Gorgona Island, Colombia, is manifested not only by komatiite flows, but also by a more voluminous sequence of tuff breccias, which is cut by comagmatic picrite dikes. The ultramafic pyroclastic rocks are chaotic to stratified mixtures of angular to subrounded glassy picritic blocks and a fine grained volcaniclastic matrix that consists primarily of plastically-deformed, glassy globules. The entire deposit is interpreted to have formed by an explosive submarine eruption of phenocryst-laden picritic magma. MgO contents of tuff breccias and picrite dikes range from 21 to 27 wt%. Relative to nearby komatiite flows, these rocks are MgO-rich, and FeO-, TiO2- and Ni-poor. HREE concentrations are very low (

Constraining recent Shiveluch volcano eruptions (Kamchatka, Russia) by means of dendrochronology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Solomina, O.; Pavlova, I.; Curtis, A.; Jacoby, G.; Ponomareva, V.; Pevzner, M.

2008-10-01

Shiveluch (N 56°38´, E 161°19´; elevation: active dome ~2500 m, summit of Old Shiveluch 3283 m) is one of the most active volcanoes in Kamchatka. The eruptions of Shiveluch commonly result in major environmental damage caused by debris avalanches, hot pyroclastic flows, tephra falls and lahars. Constraining these events in time and space is important for the understanding and prediction of these natural hazards. The last major eruption of Shiveluch occurred in 2005; earlier ones, dated by instrumental, historical, 14C and tephrochronological methods, occurred in the last millennium around AD 1030, 1430, 1650, 1739, 1790 1810, 1854, 1879 1883, 1897 1898, 1905, 1927 1929, 1944 1950, and 1964. A lava dome has been growing in the 1964 crater since 1980, occasionally producing tephra falls and pyroclastic flows. Several Shiveluch eruptions (~AD 1050, 1650, 1854, 1964) may have been climatically effective and are probably recorded in the Greenland ice cores. Previously, most dates for eruptions before AD 1854 were obtained by tephrochronology and constrained by radiocarbon dating with an accuracy of several decades or centuries. In this paper we report tree-ring dates for a recent pyroclastic flow in Baidarnaia valley. Though the wood buried in these deposits is carbonized, fragile and poorly preserved, we were able to measure ring-width using standard tree-ring equipment or photographs and to cross-date these samples against the regional Kamchatka larch ring-width chronology. The dates of the outer rings indicate the date of the eruptions. In the Baidarnaia valley the eruption occurred shortly after AD 1756, but not later than AD 1758. This date coincides with the decrease of ring-width in trees growing near Shiveluch volcano in 1758 1763 in comparison with the control "non-volcanic" chronology. The pyroclastic flow in Kamenskaia valley, although similar in appearance to the one in Baidarnaia valley, definitively yielded a different age. Due to the age limit of the reference chronology (AD 1632 2005) and its short overlap with the sample chronology in Kamenskaia valley the dates of these deposits are very preliminary. The deposits probably date back to approximately AD 1649 or a few years later. This date is in close agreement with the previously obtained radiocarbon date of these sediments to AD 1641(1652)1663. Our data agree well with the tephrochronological findings, and further constrain the chronology of volcanic events in this remote area.

Field-trip guide to Mount St. Helens, Washington - An overview of the eruptive history and petrology, tephra deposits, 1980 pyroclastic density current deposits, and the crater

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pallister, John S.; Clynne, Michael A.; Wright, Heather M.; Van Eaton, Alexa R.; Vallance, James W.; Sherrod, David R.; Kokelaar, B. Peter

2017-08-02

This field trip will provide an introduction to several fascinating features of Mount St. Helens. The trip begins with a rigorous hike of about 15 km from the Johnston Ridge Observatory (9 km north-northeast of the crater vent), across the 1980 Pumice Plain, to Windy Ridge (3.6 km northeast of the crater vent) to examine features that document the dynamics and progressive emplacement of pyroclastic flows. The next day, we examine classic tephra outcrops of the past 3,900 years and observe changes in thickness and character of these deposits as we traverse their respective lobes. We examine clasts in the deposits and discuss how the petrology and geochemistry of Mount St. Helens deposits reveal the evolution of the magmatic system through time. We also investigate the stratigraphy of the 1980 blast deposit and review the chronology of this iconic eruption as we travel through the remains of the blown-down forest. The third day is another rigorous hike, about 13 km round trip, climbing from the base of Windy Ridge (elevation 1,240 m) to the front of the Crater Glacier (elevation 1,700 m). En route we examine basaltic andesite and basalt lava flows emplaced between 1,800 and 1,700 years before present, a heterolithologic flow deposit produced as the 1980 blast and debris avalanche interacted, debris-avalanche hummocks that are stranded on the north flank and in the crater mouth, and shattered dacite lava domes that were emplaced between 3,900 and 2,600 years before present. These domes underlie the northern part of the volcano. In addition, within the crater we traverse well-preserved pyroclastic-flow deposits that were emplaced on the crater floor during the summer of 1980, and a beautiful natural section through the 1980 deposits in the upper canyon of the Loowit River.Before plunging into the field-trip log, we provide an overview of Mount St. Helens geology, geochemistry, petrology, and volcanology as background. The volcano has been referred to as a “master teacher.” The 1980 eruption and studies both before and after 1980 played a major role in the establishment of the modern U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program and our understanding of flank collapses, debris avalanches, cryptodomes, blasts, pyroclastic density currents, and lahars, as well as the dynamics of magma ascent and eruption.

Friction weakening in granular flows deduced from seismic records at the Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levy, Clara; Mangeney, Anne; Bonilla, Fabian; Hibert, Clément; Calder, Eliza S.; Smith, Patrick J.

2015-11-01

Accurate modeling of rockfalls and pyroclastic flows is still an open issue, partly due to a lack of measurements related to their dynamics. Using seismic data from the Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat, and granular flow modeling, we show that the power laws relating the seismic energy Es to the seismic duration ts and relating the loss of potential energy ΔEp to the flow duration tf are very similar, like the power laws observed at Piton de la Fournaise, Reunion Island. Observations showing that tf≃ts suggest a constant ratio Es/ΔEp≃10-5. This similarity in these two power laws can be obtained only when the granular flow model uses a friction coefficient that decreases with the volume transported. Furthermore, with this volume-dependent friction coefficient, the simulated force applied by the flow to the ground correlates well with the seismic energy, highlighting the signature of this friction weakening effect in seismic data.

Friction weakening in granular flows deduced from seismic records at the Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levy, Clara; Mangeney, Anne; Bonilla, Fabian; Hibert, Clément; Calder, Eliza; Smith, Paddy

2015-04-01

Accurate modelling of rockfalls and pyroclastic flows is still an open issue, partly due the lack of measurements related to the dynamics of such events. Using seismic data from the Soufrière Hills Volcano and granular flow modelling, we show that the power laws relating the seismic energy Es to the seismic duration ts and relating the loss of potential energy ΔEp to the flow duration tf are very similar (Ei ≈ tiβ with i = s,p), as observed previously at Piton de la Fournaise, Reunion Island. Observations showing that tf ≃ ts suggest a constant ratio Es/ΔEp ≃ 10-5. This similarity in the power laws can be obtained only when the granular flow model uses a friction coefficient that decreases with the volume involved. Furthermore, with this volume-dependent friction coefficient, the simulated force applied by the flow to the ground correlates well with the seismic energy, highlighting the signature of this friction weakening effect in seismic data.

Role of large wood (LW) in rivers affected by the 2008 Chaitén volcano explosive eruption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iroume, A.; Andreoli, A.; Ulloa, H.; Merino, A.; da Canal, M.; Iroume, A., Jr.

2010-12-01

In January 2010 we begun a research to study LW quantity, spatial distribution and transport rate, sediment and discharge quantification and channel morphology in different rivers affected by 2008 Chaitén volcano eruption. This document presents some insights from a first survey on LW characterization and its effect on river channel morphology. We monitored the following streams in the Chaiten area: Rio Chaitén (Rio Blanco) heavily impacted by pyroclastic flow, lahars flow and seasonal floods, the Rio Negro affected by ash deposits and seasonal flows and the Rio Rayas impacted by lahars flow and glacial melting. In this document we concentrated on Rio Chaitén. We are characterizing longitudinal distribution, volume and structures of LW (wood elements of more than 10 cm of diameter and 1 m of longitude) through field sampling and photogrammetric interpretation and studying LW mobilization using active (RFID) and passive tags. We select representative cross-sections for repeated measurements. Future surveys will include seasonal suspended and bedload sampling, LW spatial distribution and influence on channel morphology and bank erosion and LW mobilization linked with floods and channel geometry changes. During the first field survey we found huge LW input rate due to eruption influence (killed trees and pyroclastic flows and floods), erosion of different terraces generated from intense debris-flow sedimentations caused by Chaitén Volcano explosion, typical on stream LW structures (log-steps, jams) contributing to streambed stability and channel avulsion caused by log-dams. Also, LW deposited parallel to stream indicates high mobilization and LW deposited on external curve contribute to bank stabilization. We measured high sediment transport rate also in low-flow conditions due to huge availability of fine volcanic sediments. Associated risks to LW are: dam break processes, more channel avulsion caused by log accumulations, flow resistance increase favoring channel divagation (especially important for town segment) and logs floating downstream can obstruct/damage bridges and culverts. Funding for this research has been provided by Chile's National Research Foundation through FONDECYT Projects N 1080249 and 1090774. The authors thank USGS and SERNAGEOMIN for their cooperation.

Continuum Mechanical and Computational Aspects of Material Behavior

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fried, Eliot

2015-02-11

Fluid flows are typically classified as laminar or turbulent. While the glassy, regular flow of water from a slightly opened tap is laminar, the sinuous, irregular flow of water from a fully opened tap is turbulent. In a laminar flow, the velocity and other relevant fields are deterministic functions of position and time. Photos taken at different times, no matter how far removed, of steady laminar flow from a tap will be identical. In a turbulent flow, the velocity and other relevant fields manifest complex spatial and temporal fluctuations. A video of steady turbulent flow from a tap will exhibitmore » a constantly changing pattern and many length and time scales. In nature and technology, laminar flows are more the exception than the rule. Fluvial, oceanic, pyroclastic, atmospheric, and interstellar flows are generally turbulent, as are the flows of blood through the left ventricle and air in the lungs. Flows around land, sea, and air vehicles and through pipelines, heating, cooling, and ventilation systems are generally turbulent, as are most flows involved in industrial processing, combustion, chemical reactions, and crystal growth. Over the past year, a significant portion of our research activity has focused on numerical studies of Navier-Stokes-αβ model and extensions thereof. Our results regarding these and other approaches to turbulence modeling are described below.« less

Long-term volcanic hazard assessment on El Hierro (Canary Islands)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Becerril, L.; Bartolini, S.; Sobradelo, R.; Martí, J.; Morales, J. M.; Galindo, I.

2014-07-01

Long-term hazard assessment, one of the bastions of risk-mitigation programs, is required for land-use planning and for developing emergency plans. To ensure quality and representative results, long-term volcanic hazard assessment requires several sequential steps to be completed, which include the compilation of geological and volcanological information, the characterisation of past eruptions, spatial and temporal probabilistic studies, and the simulation of different eruptive scenarios. Despite being a densely populated active volcanic region that receives millions of visitors per year, no systematic hazard assessment has ever been conducted on the Canary Islands. In this paper we focus our attention on El Hierro, the youngest of the Canary Islands and the most recently affected by an eruption. We analyse the past eruptive activity to determine the spatial and temporal probability, and likely style of a future eruption on the island, i.e. the where, when and how. By studying the past eruptive behaviour of the island and assuming that future eruptive patterns will be similar, we aim to identify the most likely volcanic scenarios and corresponding hazards, which include lava flows, pyroclastic fallout and pyroclastic density currents (PDCs). Finally, we estimate their probability of occurrence. The end result, through the combination of the most probable scenarios (lava flows, pyroclastic density currents and ashfall), is the first qualitative integrated volcanic hazard map of the island.

Post-eruptive sediment transport and surface processes on unvegetated volcanic hillslopes - A case study of Black Tank scoria cone, Cima Volcanic Field, California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kereszturi, Gábor; Németh, Károly

2016-08-01

Conical volcanic edifices that are made up from lapilli to block/bomb pyroclastic successions, such as scoria cones, are widespread in terrestrial and extraterrestrial settings. Eruptive processes responsible for establishing the final facies architecture of a scoria cone are not well linked to numerical simulations of their post-eruptive sediment transport. Using sedimentological, geomorphic and 2D fragment morphology data from a 15-ky-old scoria cone from the Cima Volcanic Field, California, this study provides field evidence of the various post-eruptive sediment transport and degradation processes of scoria cones located in arid to semi-arid environments. This study has revealed that pyroclast morphologies vary downslope due to syn-eruptive granular flows, along with post-eruptive modification by rolling, bouncing and sliding of individual particles down a slope, and overland flow processes. The variability of sediment transport rates on hillslopes are not directly controlled by local slope angle variability and the flank length but rather by grain size, and morphological characteristics of particles, such as shape irregularity of pyroclast fragments and block/lapilli ratio. Due to the abundance of hillslopes degrading in unvegetated regions, such as those found in the Southwestern USA, granulometric influences should be accounted for in the formulation of sediment transport laws for geomorphic modification of volcanic terrains over long geologic time.

Petrogenesis and depositional history of felsic pyroclastic rocks from the Melka Wakena archaeological site-complex in South central Ethiopia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Resom, Angesom; Asrat, Asfawossen; Gossa, Tegenu; Hovers, Erella

2018-06-01

The Melka Wakena archaeological site-complex is located at the eastern rift margin of the central sector of the Main Ethiopian Rift (MER), in south central Ethiopia. This wide, gently sloping rift shoulder, locally called the "Gadeb plain" is underlain by a succession of primary pyroclastic deposits and intercalated fluvial sediments as well as reworked volcaniclastic rocks, the top part of which is exposed by the Wabe River in the Melka Wakena area. Recent archaeological survey and excavations at this site revealed important paleoanthropological records. An integrated stratigraphic, petrological, and major and trace element geochemical study has been conducted to constrain the petrogenesis of the primary pyroclastic deposits and the depositional history of the sequence. The results revealed that the Melka Wakena pyroclastic deposits are a suite of mildly alkaline, rhyolitic pantellerites (ash falls, pumiceous ash falls and ignimbrites) and slightly dacitic ash flows. These rocks were deposited by episodic volcanic eruptions during early to middle Pleistocene from large calderas along the Wonji Fault Belt (WFB) in the central sector of the MER and from large silicic volcanic centers at the eastern rift shoulder. The rhyolitic ash falls, pumiceous ash falls and ignimbrites have been generated by fractional crystallization of a differentiating basaltic magma while the petrogenesis of the slightly dacitic ash flows involved some crustal contamination and assimilation during fractionation. Contemporaneous fluvial activities in the geomorphologically active Gadeb plain deposited overbank sedimentary sequences (archaeology bearing conglomerates and sands) along meandering river courses while a dense network of channels and streams have subsequently down-cut through the older volcanic and sedimentary sequences, redepositing the reworked volcaniclastic sediments further downstream.

Volcanic Hazards Associated with the NE Sector of Tacaná Volcano, Guatemala.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hughes, S. R.; Saucedo, R.; Macias, J.; Arce, J.; Garcia-Palomo, A.; Mora, J.; Scolamacchia, T.

2003-12-01

Tacaná volcano, with a height of 4,030 m above sea level, straddles the southern Mexico/Guatemala border. Last active in 1986, when there was a small phreatic event with a duration of a few days, this volcano presents an impending hazard to over 250,000 people. The NE sector of the volcano reveals the violent volcanic history of Tacaná that may be indicative of a serious potential risk to the area. Its earliest pyroclastic history appears to consist of fall, flow, and surge deposits, together with lavas, that have formed megablocks within a series of old debris avalanche deposits. This sector collapse event is overlain by a sequence of pumice fall and ash flow deposits, of which the youngest, less-altered pumice fall deposit shows a minimum thickness of > 4 m, with a dispersal axis trending toward the NE. A second debris avalanche deposit, separated from the above deposits by a paleosoil, is dominated by megablocks of lava and scoriaceous dome material. The current topography around the northeastern flank of the volcano is determined by a third, and most recent debris avalanche deposit, a thick (> 20 m) sequence of six block and ash flows dated at around 16,000 years BP, each separated by 1-10 cm thick ash cloud surge deposit, together with secondary lahar deposits. These are followed by a at least 4 lava flows that extend 2 km down the flank of the volcano. It appears that the most recent pyroclastic event at Tacaná is also recorded in this sector of the volcano: above the block and ash flows occurs a > 1 m thick ash flow unit that can be seen at least 5 km from the vent. Lastly, the Santa Maria Ash fall deposit, produced in 1902, has capped most of the deposits at Tacaná.

Soufriere Hills Volcano Resumes Activity

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-08

A massive eruption of Montserrat’s Soufrière Hills Volcano covered large portions of the island in debris. The eruption was triggered by a collapse of Soufrière Hills’ summit lava dome on February 11, 2010. Pyroclastic flows raced down the northern flank of the volcano, leveling trees and destroying buildings in the village of Harris, which was abandoned after Soufrière Hills became active in 1995. The Montserrat Volcano Observatory reported that some flows, about 15 meters (49 feet) thick, reached the sea at Trant’s Bay. These flows extended the island’s coastline up to 650 meters (2,100 feet). These false-color satellite images show the southern half of Montserrat before and after the dome collapse. The top image shows Montserrat on February 21, 2010, just 10 days after the event. For comparison, the bottom image shows the same area on March 17, 2007. Red areas are vegetated, clouds are white, blue/black areas are ocean water, and gray areas are covered by flow deposits. Fresh deposits tend to be lighter than older deposits. On February 21, the drainages leading down from Soufrière Hills, including the White River Valley, the Tar River Valley, and the Belham River Valley, were filled with fresh debris. According to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, pyroclastic flows reached the sea through Aymers Ghaut on January 18, 2010, and flows entered the sea near Plymouth on February 5, 2010. NASA Earth Observatory image by Robert Simmon, using data from the NASA/GSFC/METI/ERSDAC/JAROS, and U.S./Japan ASTER Science Team. Caption by Robert Simmon. To read more go to: earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=42792 NASA Goddard Space Flight Center is home to the nation's largest organization of combined scientists, engineers and technologists that build spacecraft, instruments and new technology to study the Earth, the sun, our solar system, and the universe. Follow us on Twitter Join us on Facebook

Pyroclastic deposits of the Mount Edgecumbe volcanic field, southeast Alaska: eruptions of a stratified magma chamber

USGS Publications Warehouse

Riehle, J.R.; Champion, D.E.; Brew, D.A.; Lanphere, M.A.

1992-01-01

The Mount Edgecumbe volcanic field in southeastern Alaska consists of 5-6 km3 (DRE) of postglacial pyroclasts that overlie Pleistocene lavas. All eleven pyroclast vents align with the long axis of the field, implying that the pyroclast magma conduits followed a crustal fissure. Most of these vents had previously erupted lavas that are compositionally similar to the pyroclasts, so a persistent magma system (chamber) had likely evolved by the onset of the pyroclastic eruptions. The pyroclastic sequence was deposited in about a millennium and is remarkable for a wide range of upward-increasing silica contents (51-72% SiO2), which is consistent with rise of coexisting magmas at different rates governed by their viscosity. Basaltic and andesitic lava flows have erupted throughout the lifetime of the field. Rhyolite erupted late; we infer that it formed early but was hindered from rising by its high viscosity. Most of the magmas-and all siliceous ones-erupted from vents on the central fissure. Basalt has not erupted from the center of the field during at least the latter part of its lifetime. Thus the field may illustrate basalt underplating: heat and mass flux are concentrated at the center of a stratified magma chamber in which a cap of siliceous melt blocks the rise of basalt. Major-element, strontium isotope, and mineral compositions of unaltered pyroclasts are broadly similar to those of older lavas of similar SiO2 content. Slightly fewer phenocrysts, inherited grains, and trace amphibole in pyroclastic magmas may be due simply to faster rise and less undercooling and degassing before eruption relative to the lavas. Dacite occurs only in the youngest deposits; the magma formed by mixing of andesitic and rhyolitic magmas erupted shortly before by the dacitic vents. ?? 1992.

Evaluation of Sulfur Flow Emplacement on Io from Galileo Data and Numerical Modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, David A.; Greeley, Ronald; Lopes, Rosaly M. C.; Davies, Ashley G.

2001-01-01

Galileo images of bright lava flows surrounding Emakong Patera have bee0 analyzed and numerical modeling has been performed to assess whether these flows could have resulted from the emplacement of sulfur lavas on Io. Images from the solid-state imaging (SSI) camera show that these bright, white to yellow Emakong flows are up to 370 km long and contain dark, sinuous features that are interpreted to be lava conduits, -300-500 m wide and >lo0 km lorig. Neiu-Infrared Mapping S estimate of 344 K f 60 G131'C) within the Bmakong caldera. We suggest that these bright flows likely resulted from either sulfur lavas or silicate lavas that have undergone extensive cooling, pyroclastic mantling, and/or alteration with bright sulfurous materials. The Emakoag bright flows have estimated volume of -250-350 km', similar to some of the smaller Columbia River Basalt flows, If the Emakong flows did result from effusive sulfur eruptions, then they are orders of magnitude reater in volume than any terrestrial sulfur flows. Our numerical modeling capable of traveling tens to hundreds of kilometers, consistent with the predictions of Sagan. Our modeled flow distances are also consistent with the measured lengths of the Emakong channels and bright flows.

Volcanic Processes and Geology of Augustine Volcano, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Waitt, Richard B.; Beget, James E.

2009-01-01

Augustine Island (volcano) in lower Cook Inlet, Alaska, has erupted repeatedly in late-Holocene and historical times. Eruptions typically beget high-energy volcanic processes. Most notable are bouldery debris avalanches containing immense angular clasts shed from summit domes. Coarse deposits of these avalanches form much of Augustine's lower flanks. A new geologic map at 1:25,000 scale depicts these deposits, these processes. We correlate deposits by tephra layers calibrated by many radiocarbon dates. Augustine Volcano began erupting on the flank of a small island of Jurassic clastic-sedimentary rock before the late Wisconsin glaciation (late Pleistocene). The oldest known effusions ranged from olivine basalt explosively propelled by steam, to highly explosive magmatic eruptions of dacite or rhyodacite shed as pumice flows. Late Wisconsin piedmont glaciers issuing from the mountainous western mainland surrounded the island while dacitic eruptive debris swept down the south volcano flank. Evidence is scant for eruptions between the late Wisconsin and about 2,200 yr B.P. On a few south-flank inliers, thick stratigraphically low pumiceous pyroclastic-flow and fall deposits probably represent this period from which we have no radiocarbon dates on Augustine Island. Eruptions between about 5,350 and 2,200 yr B.P. we know with certainty by distal tephras. On Shuyak Island 100 km southeast of Augustine, two distal fall ashes of Augustinian chemical provenance (microprobe analysis of glass) date respectively between about 5,330 and 5,020 yr B.P. and between about 3,620 and 3,360 yr B.P. An Augustine ash along Kamishak Creek 70 km southwest of Augustine dates between about 3,850 and 3,660 yr B.P. A probably Augustinian ash lying within peat near Homer dates to about 2,275 yr B.P. From before 2,200 yr B.P. to the present, Augustine eruptive products abundantly mantle the island. During this period, numerous coarse debris avalanches swept beyond Augustine's coast, most recently in A.D. 1883. The decapitated summit after the 1883 eruption, replaced by andesite domes of six eruptions since, shows a general process: collapse of steep summit domes, then the summit regrown by later dome eruptions. The island's stratigraphy is based on six or seven coarse-pumice tephra 'marker beds'. In upward succession they are layers G (2,100 yr B.P.), I (1,700 yr B.P.), H (1,400 yr B.P.), C (1,200-1,000 yr B.P.), M (750 yr B.P.), and B (390 yr B.P.). A coarse, hummocky debris-avalanche deposit older than about 2,100 yr B.P. - or perhaps a stack of three of them - lies along the east coast, the oldest exposed such bouldery diamicts on Augustine Island. Two large debris avalanches swept east and southeast into the sea between about 2,100 and 1,800 yr B.P. A large debris avalanche shed east and east-northeast into the sea between 1,700 and 14,00 yr B.P. Between about 1,400 and 1,100 yr B.P. debris avalanches swept into the sea on the volcano's south, southwest, and north-northwest. Pumiceous pyroclastic fans spread to the southeast and southwest, lithic pyroclastic flows and lahars (?) to the south and southeast. Pyroclastic flows, pyroclastic surges, and lahars swept down the west and south flanks between about 1,000 and 750 yr B.P. A debris avalanche swept into the sea on the west, and a small one on the south-southeast, between about 750 and 400 yr B.P. Large lithic pyroclastic flows shed to the southeast; smaller ones descended existing swales on the southwest and south. Between about 400 yr B.P. and historical time (late 1770s), three debris avalanches swept into the sea on the west-northwest, north-northwest, and north flanks. One of them (West Island) was large and fast: most of it rode to sea far beyond a former sea cliff, and its surface includes geomorphic evidence of having initiating a tsunami. Augustine's only conspicuous lava flow erupted on the north flank. During this prehistoric period numerous domes grew at th

Postglacial volcanic deposits at Glacier Peak, Washington, and potential hazards from future eruptions; a preliminary report

USGS Publications Warehouse

Beget, J.E.

1982-01-01

Eruptions and other geologic events at Glacier Peak volcano in northern Washington have repeatedly affected areas near the volcano as well as areas far downwind and downstream. This report describes the evidence of this activity preserved in deposits on the west and east flanks of the volcano. On the west side of Glacier Peak the oldest postglacial deposit is a large, clayey mudflow which traveled at least 35 km down the White Chuck River valley sometime after 14,000 years ago. Subsequent large explosive eruptions produced lahars and at least 10 pyroclastic-flow deposits, including a semiwelded vitric tuff in the White Chuck River valley. These deposits, known collectively as the White Chuck assemblage, form a valley fill which is locally preserved as far as 100 km downstream from the volcano in the Stillaguamish River valley. At least some of the assemblage is about 11,670-11,500 radiocarbon years old. A small clayey lahar, containing reworked blocks of the vitric tuff, subsequently traveled at least 15 km down the White Chuck River. This lahar is overlain by lake sediments containing charred wood which is about 5,500 years old. A 150-m-thick assemblage of pyroclastic-flow deposits and lahars, called the Kennedy Creek assemblage, is in part about 5,500-5,100 radiocarbon years old. Lithic lahars from this assemblage extend at least 100 km downstream in the Skagit River drainage. The younger lahar assemblages, each containing at least three lahars and reaching at least 18 km downstream from Glacier Peak in the White Chuck River valley, are about 2,800 and 1,800 years old, respectively. These are postdated by a lahar containing abundant oxyhornblende dacite, which extends at least 30 km to the Sauk River. A still younger lahar assemblage that contains at least five lahars, and that also extends at least 30 km to the Sauk River, is older than a mature forest growing on its surface. At least one lahar and a flood deposit form a low terrace at the confluence of the White Chuck and Sauk Rivers, and were deposited before 300 years ago, but more recently than about 1,800 years ago. Several small outburst floods, including one in 1975, have affected Kennedy and Baekos Creek and the upper White Chuck River in the last hundred years. East of Glacier Peak the oldest postglacial deposits consist of ash-cloud deposits that underlie tephra erupted by Glacier Peak between 12,750 and 11,250 radiocarbon years ago. Although pyroclastic-flow deposits correlative with the ash-cloud deposits have not been recognized, late Pleistocene pumiceous lahars extend at least 50 km downstream in the Suiattle River valley. A younger clayey mudflow extends at least 6 km down Dusty Creek. This lahar is overlain by deposits of lithic pyroclastic flows and lahars that form the Dusty assemblage. This assemblage is at least 300 m thick in the upper valleys of Dusty and Chocolate Creeks, and contains more than 10 km3 of lithic debris. Lahars derived from the Dusty assemblage extend at least 100 km down the Skagit River valley from Glacier Peak. This assemblage is younger than tephra layer 0 from Mount Mazama, and older than tephra layer Yn from Mount St. Helens, and thus was formed between about 7,000 and 3,400 years ago. The Dusty assemblage may have been formed at the same time as the Kennedy Creek assemblage. A 100-m-thick assemblage of pyroclastic flows and lahars preserved in the Chocolate Creek valley is about 1,800 radiocarbon years old. A clayey lahar in the upper Chocolate Creek valley extended at least 2 km downvalley after 1,800 years ago, but before pyroclastic flows and lahars were deposited in upper Chocolate Creek 1,100 radiocarbon years ago. Several clayey lahars in the Dusty Creek valley east of Glacier Peak are also about 1,100 years old. A lahar in the valley of Dusty Creek, which contains rare prismatically jointed blocks of vesiculated dacite, and a white ash that is locally as much as 50 cm thick may be the products of small

A "simulation chain" to define a Multidisciplinary Decision Support System for landslide risk management in pyroclastic soils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Damiano, E.; Mercogliano, P.; Netti, N.; Olivares, L.

2012-04-01

This paper proposes a Multidisciplinary Decision Support System (MDSS) as an approach to manage rainfall-induced shallow landslides of the flow type (flowslides) in pyroclastic deposits. We stress the need to combine information from the fields of meteorology, geology, hydrology, geotechnics and economics to support the agencies engaged in land monitoring and management. The MDSS consists of a "simulation chain" to link rainfall to effects in terms of infiltration, slope stability and vulnerability. This "simulation chain" was developed at the Euro-Mediterranean Centre for Climate Change (CMCC) (meteorological aspects), at the Geotechnical Laboratory of the Second University of Naples (hydrological and geotechnical aspects) and at the Department of Economics of the University of Naples "Federico II" (economic aspects). The results obtained from the application of this simulation chain in the Cervinara area during eleven years of research allowed in-depth analysis of the mechanisms underlying a flowslide in pyroclastic soil.

Volcanism on Io: Insights from Global Geologic Mapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, D. A.; Keszthelyi, L. P.; Crown, D. A.; Yff, J. A.; Jaeger, W. L.; Schenk, P. M.

2008-12-01

NASA's Galileo Mission (1996-2003) acquired excellent images of the antijovian (or far side) hemisphere of Jupiter's volcanic moon Io, which are complementary to the subjovian (or near side) images obtained by the 1979 NASA Voyager Mission. In 2005 the U.S. Geological Survey produced a set of global image mosaics of Io (spatial resolution 1 kilometer/picture element and full color) that enable for the first time production of a complete global geologic map. We have mapped Io using ArcGIS software to assess the types and abundances of process-related geologic material units and structures, to gain further insights into the types and styles of activity that shape this hyperactive volcanic moon. We find that lava flow fields make up about 28% of the surface, in which bright (presumably sulfur) flows are twice as abundant as dark (presumably silicate) flows. Many of the bright flows do not have adjacent dark flows, perhaps indicative of extensive primary rather than secondary sulfur volcanism (i.e., effusion of crustal sulfur magma, rather than sulfur-rich country rock melted by adjacent silicate magma). Ephemeral, diffuse pyroclastic plume deposits mantle about 18% of the surface at any time, and include condensed sulfur and sulfur dioxide gases and silicate ash. Patera (i.e., caldera) floors contain lava flows and/or some lava lakes, and cover only 2.5% of the surface, but are the source of most of the active hot spots. Restriction of effusive resurfacing mostly to caldera-like topographic depressions, and the ephemeral nature of plume deposits, explains the relatively small amount of surface changes observed between the Voyager and Galileo missions. Tectonic mountains, rising up to 17 km, cover about 3% of the surface, but close association of about one-third to one-half of the mountains with paterae suggest linkage of volcanic and tectonic processes. About 67% of Io is covered by plains, thought to consist of silicate crust covered with accumulations of lava flows and pyroclastics whose boundaries are not discernable. No impact craters have been found on Io, indicating a surface age of less than a few tens of millions of years. We will discuss the implications of these results for Io's volcanism.

Using paleomagnetism to uncover long-runout pyroclastic flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lerner, G. A.; Cronin, S. J.; Turner, G. M.

2017-12-01

Understanding the conditions under which volcanic deposits were emplaced is vital to better preparing for hazards at an active stratovolcano. The coherence of paleomagnetic directions in different parts of the blocking temperature spectrum between the clasts of mass flow deposits has proven to be a useful tool for ascertaining emplacement temperatures. These temperature estimates can help in distinguishing between hot pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) and cold lahars. In the case of more clast-poor distal deposits, however, it can be difficult to obtain sufficient clast material for effective paleomagnetic study. In this study, the problem was remedied by using oriented and strengthened samples of matrix material from mass flow deposits in the 11,500 BP Warea Formation from Mt. Taranaki, New Zealand. Paleomagnetic data from matrix samples was used to supplement the limited data obtained from the traditional clast analysis in order to determine the emplacement temperature of the deposits. Comparison of paleomagnetic directions obtained from matrix samples at several sites within the Warea Formation revealed it as a PDC with matrix temperatures over 200°C and clasts reaching temperatures of up to 410°C at the time of deposition. This discovery of hot PDC deposits at distances >20 km from the summit of the volcano extends their known range at this volcano by 5 km. These findings will significantly change the hazard mapping and emergency planning for this region.

Earth Observations taken by the Expedition 21 Crew

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-10-16

ISS021-E-008370 (16 Oct. 2009) --- El Misti volcano in Peru is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 21 crew member on the International Space Station. The symmetric conical shape of El Misti is typical of a stratovolcano ? a type of volcano characterized by interlayered lavas and products of explosive eruptions, such as ash and pyroclastic flow deposits. Stratovolcanoes are usually located on the continental crust above a subducting tectonic plate. Magma feeding the stratovolcanoes of the Andes Mountains ? including 5,822 meter-high El Misti ? is associated with ongoing subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate. El Misti?s most recent -- and relatively minor -- eruption occurred in 1985. The city center of Arequipa, Peru lies only 17 kilometers away from the summit of El Misti; the gray urban area is bordered by green agricultural fields (right). With almost one million residents in 2009, it is the second city of Peru in terms of population. Much of the building stone for Arequipa, known locally as sillar, is quarried from nearby pyroclastic flow deposits that are white in color. Arequipa is known as ?the White City? because of the prevalence of this building material. The Chili River extends northeastwards from the city center, and flows through a canyon (left) between El Misti volcano and Nevado Chachani to the north.

The anatomy of a pyroclastic density current: the 10 July 2015 event at Volcán de Colima (Mexico)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Capra, L.; Sulpizio, R.; Márquez-Ramirez, V. H.; Coviello, V.; Doronzo, D. M.; Arambula-Mendoza, R.; Cruz, S.

2018-04-01

Pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) represent one of the most dangerous phenomena occurring in explosive volcanic eruptions, and any advance in the physical understanding of their transport and sedimentation processes can contribute to improving their hazard assessment. The 10-11 July 2015 eruption at Volcán de Colima provided a unique opportunity to better understand the internal behaviour of PDCs based on seismic monitoring data. On 10 July 2015, the summit dome collapsed, producing concentrated PDCs that filled the main channel of the Montegrande ravine. A lahar monitoring station installed 6 km from the volcano summit recorded a PDC before being completely destroyed. Real-time data acquisition from a camcorder and a geophone that were part of the station, along with field observations and grain-size data of the pyroclastic deposits, are used here to interpret the internal flow structure and time-variant transport dynamics of low-volume, valley-confined concentrated PDCs. The PDC that reached the monitoring station moved at a velocity of 7 m/s and filled a 12-m-deep channel. The outcrops show massive, block-and-ash flow deposits with trains of coarse clasts in the middle and towards the top of the depositional units. The seismic record gathered with the geophone was analysed for the time window when the flow travelled past the sensor. The geophone record was also compared with the recordings of a broadband seismic station located nearby. Two main frequency ranges were recognised which could be correlated with the basal frictional forces exerted by the flow on the channel bed (10-20 Hz) and a collisional regime (20-40 Hz) interpreted to be associated with a clast segregation process (i.e. kinematic squeezing). This latter regime promoted the upward migration of large blocks, which subsequently deviated towards the margin of the flow where they interacted with the sidewall of the main channel. The energy calculated for both seismic components shows that the collisional regime represents 30% of the total energy including an important sidewall-stress component. These results, gathered directly from a moving flow, contribute to unravelling the internal behaviour of concentrated PDCs providing information on energy partitioning and particle-particle interactions. This confirms previous assumptions inferred from field observations, and tested by analogue or numerical modelling. The nature of the contact between grains is still poorly documented in natural PDCs, and there is still much uncertainty and discussion about dominant forces in such currents. Data reported here may thus be useful to better constrain the physics of low-volume, valley-confined concentrated PDCs and our findings need to be considered in theoretical models. In parallel, this study shows how geophones can provide a cheap alternative for PDC detection.

Impact of the AD 79 explosive eruption on Pompeii, I. Relations amongst the depositional mechanisms of the pyroclastic products, the framework of the buildings and the associated destructive events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luongo, Giuseppe; Perrotta, Annamaria; Scarpati, Claudio

2003-08-01

A quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the damage caused by the products of explosive eruptions to buildings provides an excellent contribution to the understanding of the various eruptive processes during such dramatic events. To this end, the impact of the products of the two main phases (pumice fallout and pyroclastic density currents) of the Vesuvius AD 79 explosive eruption onto the Pompeii buildings has been evaluated. Based on different sources of data, such as photographs and documents referring to the archaeological excavations of Pompeii, the stratigraphy of the pyroclastic deposits, and in situ inspection of the damage suffered by the buildings, the present study has enabled the reconstruction of the events that occurred inside the city when the eruption was in progress. In particular, we present new data related to the C.J. Polibius' house, a large building located inside Pompeii. From a comparison of all of the above data sets, it has been possible to reconstruct, in considerable detail, the stratigraphy of the pyroclastic deposits accumulated in the city, to understand the direction of collapse of the destroyed walls, and to evaluate the stratigraphic level at which the walls collapsed. Finally, the distribution and style of the damage allow us to discuss how the emplacement mechanisms of the pyroclastic currents are influenced by their interaction with the urban centre. All the data suggest that both structure and shape of the town buildings affected the transport and deposition of the erupted products. For instance, sloping roofs 'drained' a huge amount of fall pumice into the 'impluvia' (a rectangular basin in the centre of the hall with the function to collect the rain water coming from a hole in the centre of the roof), thus producing anomalous deposit thicknesses. On the other hand, flat and low-sloping roofs collapsed under the weight of the pyroclastic material produced during the first phase of the eruption (pumice fall). In addition, it is evident that the walls that happened to be parallel to the direction of the pyroclastic density currents produced during the second eruptive phase were minimally damaged in comparison to those walls oriented perpendicular to the flow direction. We suggest that the lower depositional parts of the pyroclastic currents were partially blocked (locally reflected) and slowed down because of recurring encounters with the closely spaced walls within buildings. Locally, the percentage of demolished walls decreases down-current, which has been interpreted as a loss in kinetic energy within the depositional system of the flow. However, it seems that the upper transport system by-passed these obstacles, then supplied new pyroclasts to the depositional system that restored its physical characteristics and restored enough kinetic energy to demolish the next walls and buildings further along its path.

Burial of Emperor Augustus' villa at Somma Vesuviana (Italy) by post-79 AD Vesuvius eruptions and reworked (lahars and stream flow) deposits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perrotta, Annamaria; Scarpati, Claudio; Luongo, Giuseppe; Aoyagi, Masanori

2006-11-01

A new archaeological site of Roman Age has been recently found engulfed in the products of Vesuvius activity at Somma Vesuviana, on the northern flank of the Somma-Vesuvius, 5 km from the vent. A 9 m deep, 30 by 35 m trench has revealed a monumental edifice tentatively attributed to the Emperor Augustus. Different than Pompeii and Herculaneum sites which were completely buried in the catastrophic eruption of 79 AD, this huge roman villa survived the effects of the 79 AD plinian eruption as suggested by stratigraphic and geochronologic data. It was later completely engulfed in the products of numerous explosive volcanic eruptions ranging from 472 AD to 1631 AD, which were separated by reworked material and paleosols. The exposed burial sequence is comprised of seven stratigraphic units. Four units are composed exclusively of pyroclastic products each emplaced during a unique explosive event. Two units are composed of volcaniclastic material (stream flow and lahars) emplaced during quiescent periods of the volcano. Finally, one unit is composed of both pyroclastic and volcaniclastic deposits. One of the more relevant volcanological results of this study is the detailed reconstruction of the destructive events that buried the Emperor Augustus' villa. Stratigraphic evidence shows the absence of any deposit associated with the 79 AD eruption at this site and that the building was extensively damaged (sacked) before it was engulfed by the products of subsequent volcanic eruptions and lahars. The products of the 472 AD eruption lie directly on the roman structures. They consist of scoria fall layers intercalated with massive and stratified pyroclastic density current deposits that caused limited damage to the structure. The impact on the building of penecontemporaneous lahars was more important; these caused the collapse of some structures. The remaining part of the building was subsequently entombed by the products of explosive eruptions (e.g. 512/536 eruption, 1631 eruption) and mass flows.

Deployment of broadband seismic and infrasonic networks on Tungurahua and Cotopaxi Volcanoes, Ecuador

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumagai, H.; Yepes, H.; Vaca, M.; Caceres, V.; Nagai, T.; Yokoe, K.; Imai, T.; Miyakawa, K.; Yamashina, T.; Arrais, S.; Vasconez, F.; Pinajota, E.; Cisneros, C.; Ramos, C.; Paredes, M.; Gomezjurado, L.; Garcia-Aristizabal, A.; Molina, I.; Ramon, P.; Segovia, M.; Palacios, P.; Enriquez, W.; Inoue, I.; Nakano, M.; Inoue, H.

2006-12-01

Tungurahua and Cotopaxi are andesitic active volcanoes in Ecuadorian Andes. Tungurahua continues its eruptive activity since 1999, in which explosive eruptions accompanying pyroclastic flows occurred in July- August, 2006. Cotopaxi is one of the world's highest glacier-clad active volcanoes, and its seismic activity remains high since 2001. To enhance the monitoring capability of these volcanoes, we have installed broadband seismometers (Guralp CMG-40T: 60 s-50 Hz) and infrasonic sensors (ACO TYPE7144/4144: 10 s- 100 Hz) on these volcanoes through the technical cooperation program of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Three and five stations are currently installed at Tungurahua and Cotopaxi, respectively, and additional two stations will be installed at Tungurahua. Both seismic and infrasonic waveform data at each station are digitized by a Geotech Smart24D datalogger with a sampling frequency of 50 Hz, and transmitted by a digital telemetry system using 2.4 GHz Wireless LAN to the central office in Quito. The Tungurahua's eruptive activity accompanying pyroclastic flows in July-August 2006 was monitored in real-time by the network. The observed waveforms show a wide variety of signatures in response to various eruption styles: intermittent tremor during Strombolian eruptions, five-hour-long continuous strong tremor during heightened eruptions, very-long-period (VLP) seismic signals (10-50 s) associated with pyroclastic flows, and impulsive seismic and infrasonic events of explosions. At Cotopaxi Volcano, VLP signals (2 s) accompanying long- period signals (1-2 Hz) were detected by our network. Similar events occurred in 2002, and are interpreted as gas-release process from magma in an intruded dike beneath Cotopaxi (Molina et al, submitted to JGR). The present observation of the same type of events suggests that the intruded dike is still active beneath Cotopaxi. These signals detected by our networks are highly useful to understand volcanic processes beneath Tungurahua and Cotopaxi, which contribute to improve the monitoring capability of these volcanoes.

A Rhinocerotid Skull Cooked-to-Death in a 9.2 Ma-Old Ignimbrite Flow of Turkey

PubMed Central

Antoine, Pierre-Olivier; Orliac, Maeva J.; Atici, Gokhan; Ulusoy, Inan; Sen, Erdal; Çubukçu, H. Evren; Albayrak, Ebru; Oyal, Neşe; Aydar, Erkan; Sen, Sevket

2012-01-01

Background Preservation of fossil vertebrates in volcanic rocks is extremely rare. An articulated skull (cranium and mandible) of a rhinoceros was found in a 9.2±0.1 Ma-old ignimbrite of Cappadocia, Central Turkey. The unusual aspect of the preserved hard tissues of the skull (rough bone surface and brittle dentine) allows suspecting a peri-mortem exposure to a heating source. Methodology/Principal Findings Here we describe and identify the skull as belonging to the large two-horned rhinocerotine Ceratotherium neumayri, well-known in the late Miocene of the Eastern Mediterranean Province. Gross structural features and microscopic changes of hard tissues (bones and teeth) are then monitored and compared to the results of forensic and archaeological studies and experiments focusing on heating effects, in order to reconstruct the hypothetical peri-mortem conditions. Macroscopic and microscopic structural changes on compact bones (canaliculi and lamellae vanished), as well as partial dentine/cementum disintegration, drastic enamel-dentine disjunctions or microscopic cracks affecting all hard dental tissues (enamel, cementum, and dentine) point to continued exposures to temperatures around 400–450°C. Comparison to other cases of preservation of fossil vertebrates within volcanic rocks points unambiguously to some similarity with the 79 AD Plinian eruption of the Vesuvius, in Italy. Conclusions/Significance A 9.2±0.1 Ma-old pyroclastic density current, sourced from the Çardak caldera, likely provoked the instant death of the Karacaşar rhino, before the body of the latter experienced severe dehydration (leading to the wide and sustainable opening of the mouth), was then dismembered within the pyroclastic flow of subaerial origin, the skull being separated from the remnant body and baked under a temperature approximating 400°C, then transported northward, rolled, and trapped in disarray into that pyroclastic flow forming the pinkish Kavak-4 ignimbrite ∼30 km North from the upper Miocene vent. PMID:23185510

Quaternary silicic pyroclastic deposits of Atitlán Caldera, Guatemala

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rose, William I.; Newhall, Christopher G.; Bornhorst, Theodore J.; Self, Stephen

1987-01-01

Atitlán caldera has been the site of several silicic eruptions within the last 150,000 years, following a period of basalt/andesite volcanism. The silicic volcanism began with 5–10 km3 of rhyodacites, erupted as plinian fall and pyroclastic flows, about 126,000 yr. B.P. At 85,000 yr. B.P. 270–280 km3 of compositionally distinct rhyolite was erupted in the Los Chocoyos event which produced widely dispersed, plinian fall deposits and widespread, mobile pyroclastic flows. In the latter parts of this eruption rhyodacite and minor dacite were erupted which compositionally resembled the earliest silicic magmas of the Atitlán center. As a result of this major eruption, the modern Atitlán (III) caldera formed. Following this event, rhyodacites were again erupted in smaller (5–13 km3) volumes, partly through the lake, and mafic volcanism resumed, forming three composite volcanoes within the caldera. The bimodal mafic/silicic Atitlán volcanism is similar to that which has occurred elsewhere in the Guatemalan Highlands, but is significantly more voluminous. Mafic lavas are thought to originate in the mantle, but rise, intrude and underplate the lower crust and partly escape to the surface. Eventually, silicic melts form in the crust, possibly partly derived from underplated basaltic material, rise, crystallize and erupt. The renewed mafic volcanism could reflect either regional magmato-tectonic adjustment after the large silicic eruption or the onset of a new cycle.

Geological and geotechnical characterization of the debris avalanche and pyroclastic deposits of Cotopaxi Volcano (Ecuador). A contribute to instability-related hazard studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vezzoli, L.; Apuani, T.; Corazzato, C.; Uttini, A.

2017-02-01

The huge volcanic debris avalanche occurred at 4.5 ka is a major event in the evolution of the Cotopaxi volcano, Ecuador. The present volcanic hazard in the Cotopaxi region is related to lahars generated by volcanic eruptions and concurrent ice melting. This paper presents the geological and geotechnical field and laboratory characterization of the 4.5 ka Cotopaxi debris avalanche deposit and of the younger unconsolidated pyroclastic deposits, representing the probable source of future shallow landslides. The debris avalanche formed a deposit with a well-developed hummocky topography, and climbed a difference in height of about 260 m along the slopes of the adjacent Sincholagua volcano. The debris avalanche deposit includes four lithofacies (megablock, block, mixed, and sheared facies) that represent different flow regimes and degrees of substratum involvement. The facies distribution suggests that, in the proximal area, the debris avalanche slid predominantly confined to the valleys along the N and NE flank of the volcanic cone, emplacing a stack of megablocks. When the flow reached the break in slope at the base of the edifice, it became unconfined and spread laterally over most of the area of the Rio Pita valley. A dynamic block fragmentation and dilation occurred during the debris avalanche transport, emplacing the block facies. The incorporation of the older Chalupas Ignimbrite is responsible for the mixed facies and the sheared facies. Geotechnical results include a full-range grain size characterization, which enabled to make broader considerations on possible variability among the sampled facies. Consolidated drained triaxial compression tests, carried out on the fine fraction < 4.76 mm, point out that shear strength for cohesionless sandy materials is only due to effective friction angle, and show a quite homogeneous behaviour over the set of tested samples. The investigated post-4.5 pyroclastic deposits constitute a 5-12 m thick sequence of poorly consolidated materials that are interlayered with lava flows. Their geotechnical analyses have evidenced a strong variability in grain size distribution, reflecting the depositional processes, and a generally high porosity. Consolidated drained triaxial compression tests delineated a similar shear stress-strain behaviour among the different units, where shear strength is only due to friction angle. Failure surfaces are always well developed, indicating that the poorly consolidated pyroclastic cover could undergo failure leading to the formation of a gravity driven instability phenomena, like granular or debris flows, which are mainly controlled by the fine fraction. This work underlies the general necessity for a site-specific, and interdisciplinary approach in the characterization of volcanic successions to provide reliable data for gravitational instability studies.

Mobility of pyroclastic density currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giordano, G.; Porreca, M.; Lesti, C.; Cas, R. A. F.

2012-04-01

Mobility of pyroclastic density currents is a hot topic largely still poorly understood. Here we review three case studies of low aspect ratio (10-4) ignimbrites that encompass the spectrum from small to large volume, from basic to felsic in composition and from hot magmatic to cold phreatomagmatic endmembers. The 0.87 km3, phreatomagmatic, K-foiditic, Peperino Albano ignimbrite (Colli Albani, Italy), was erupted from the Albano maar at < 23 ka. The ignimbrite displays both thick valley pond and veneer facies. The juvenile component is 30-40% of the total volume and is highly fragmented to ash, with only a very minor proportion of small, vesicular lapilli. The unit reaches 10 km from vent, where it is confined in major valleys. Emplacement temperatures retrieved from paleomagnetic data and field data are at 350°-100°C. The 69 km3, tephritic, Pozzolane Rosse ignimbrite was erupted from the caldera of Colli Albani at 460 ka. The succession starts with subplinian fallout of poorly vesicular scoria lapilli. The overlying ignimbrite cover more than 2000 km2 and relate to pyroclastic flows with significant mobility, able to surmount hills at more than 20 km from vent. The facies is almost ubiquitously massive and chaotic. Juvenile pyroclasts are made of variably porphyritic, poorly to moderately vesicular scoria and spatter lapilli, and coarse ash. The texture of juvenile clasts indicates that the presence of little fine ash is not due to elutriation but to weak fragmentation of poorly vesicular and poorly viscous magma. The > 500 km3, rhyodacitic Galan ignimbrite (Altiplano Puna, Argentina) was erupted at 2.1 Ma. There is no basal fallout deposit. The ignimbrite is lithic poor, very crystal rich, massive and chaotic throughout, emplaced above Curie temperature, and develops valley confined facies, but no veneer facies, from proximal to distal (> 80 km) locations. The three cases show that: - the mobility of pyroclastic flows does not necessarily relate to the conversion of potential energy into kinetic energy during the collapse of an initially buoyant column; - extreme fragmentation and entrapment of fine ash does not seem to be a pre-requisite for mobility; - temperature also seems not to be a pre-requisite.

Analysis of the 2006 block-and-ash flow deposits of Merapi Volcano, Java, Indonesia, using high-spatial resolution IKONOS images and complementary ground based observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thouret, Jean-Claude; Gupta, Avijit; Liew, Soo Chin; Lube, Gert; Cronin, Shane J.; Surono, Dr

2010-05-01

On 16 June 2006 an overpass of IKONOS coincided with the emplacement of an active block-and-ash flow fed by a lava dome collapse event at Merapi Volcano (Java, Indonesia). This was the first satellite image recorded for a moving pyroclastic flow. The very high-spatial resolution data displayed the extent and impact of the pyroclastic deposits emplaced during and prior to, the day of image acquisition. This allowed a number of features associated with high-hazard block-and-ash flows emplaced in narrow, deep gorges to be mapped, interpreted and understood. The block-and-ash flow and surge deposits recognized in the Ikonos images include: (1) several channel-confined flow lobes and tongues in the box-shaped valley; (2) thin ash-cloud surge deposit and knocked-down trees in constricted areas on both slopes of the gorge; (3) fan-like over bank deposits on the Gendol-Tlogo interfluves from which flows were re-routed in the Tlogo secondary valley; (4) massive over bank lobes on the right bank from which flows devastated the village of Kaliadem 0.5 km from the main channel, a small part of this flow being re-channeled in the Opak secondary valley. The high-resolution IKONOS images also helped us to identify geomorphic obstacles that enabled flows to ramp and spill out from the sinuous channel, a process called flow avulsion. Importantly, the avulsion redirected flows to unexpected areas away from the main channel. In the case of Merapi we see that the presence of valley fill by previous deposits, bends and man-made dams influence the otherwise valley-guided course of the flows. Sadly, Sabo dams (built to ameliorate the effect of high sediment load streams) can actually cause block-and-ash flows to jump out of their containing channel and advance into sensitive areas. Very-high-spatial resolution satellite images are very useful for mapping and interpreting the distribution of freshly erupted volcanic deposits. IKONOS-type images with 1-m resolution provide opportunities to study and map the meter-scale detail of volcanic deposits. When such high-spatial-resolution satellite remote sensing data are combined with in situ field work, geomorphic analyses can be applied that allow us to more fully understand the dynamics and hazards of eruptions. In the case given here, IKONOS imagery allowed two qualitative hazard assessments for block-and-ash flow activity in drainages around Merapi. Firstly, the interpretation of IKONOS images provides insights in factors that control the propagation of secondary flows as the avulsion of the main flows is driven by longitudinal change in channel capacity due to increased sinuosity in the valley and decreased containment space. Secondly, the sinuosity and obstacles (including Sabo dams) may create over bank flows over adjacent low relief, allowing them to reach unexpectedly vulnerable areas distant from an active dome and away from the volcanically active valleys. Hazard assessment should therefore consider the geometry of secondary channels outside the principal valleys.

Tephra architecture, pyroclast texture and magma rheology of mafic, ash-dominated eruptions: the Violent Strombolian phase of the Pleistocene Croscat (NE Spain) eruption.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cimarelli, C.; Di Traglia, F.; Vona, A.,; Taddeucci, J.

2012-04-01

A broad range of low- to mid-intensity explosive activity is dominated by the emission of ash-sized pyroclasts. Among this activity, Violent Strombolian phases characterize the climax of many mafic explosive eruptions. Such phases last months to years, and produce ash-charged plumes several kilometers in height, posing severe threats to inhabited areas. To tackle the dominant processes leading to ash formation during Violent Strombolian eruptions, we investigated the magma rheology and the field and textural features of products from the 11 ka Croscat basaltic complex scoria cone in the Quaternary Garrotxa Volcanic Field (GVF). Field, grain-size, chemical (XRF, FE-SEM and electron microprobe) and textural analyses of the Croscat pyroclastic succession outlined the following eruption evolution: activity at Croscat began with fissural, Hawaiian-type fountaining that rapidly shifted towards Strombolian style from a central vent. Later, a Violent Strombolian explosion included several stages, with different emitted volumes and deposit features indicative of differences within the same eruptive style: at first, quasi-sustained fire-fountaining with ash jet and plume produced a massive, reverse to normal graded, scoria deposit; later, a long lasting series of ash-explosions produced a laminated scoria deposit. The eruption ended with a lava flow breaching the western-side of the volcano. Scoria clasts from the Croscat succession ubiquitously show micrometer- to centimeter-sized, microlite-rich domains (MRD) intermingled with volumetrically dominant, microlite-poor domains (MPD). MRD magmas resided longer in a relatively cooler, degassed zone lining the conduit walls, while MPD ones travelled faster along the central, hotter streamline, the two interminging along the interface between the two velocity zones. The preservation of two distinct domains in the short time-scale of the eruption was favoured by their rheological contrast related to the different microlite abundances. The proportion of MPD and MRD, in agreement with bubble-number density (BND), in different tephra layers reflects the extent of the fast- and slow-flowing zones, thus reflecting the ascent velocity profile of magma during the different phases. Recent works (Kueppers et al. 2006, "Explosive energy" during volcanic eruptions from fractal analysis of pyroclasts) indicate that fractal fragmentation theory may allow for quantifying fragmentation processes during explosive volcanic eruptions by calculating the fractal dimension (D) of the size distribution of pyroclasts. At Croscat, BND and MPD/MRD volume ratio decreased during the violent Strombolian activity while D increased, suggesting that the decrease in the magma flow rate was accompanied by the increase in fragmentation efficiency, i.e. by the increase in the ash production capability. This trend may be tentatively attributed to an increased rheological stiffness of the magma progressively enhancing its brittle, more efficient fragmentation.

Field Investigations of the July 2015 Pyroclastic Density Current Deposits of Volcán de Colima, Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atlas, Z. D.; Macorps, E.; Charbonnier, S. J.; Varley, N. R.

2016-12-01

Small-volume pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) occur relatively frequently and pose severe threats to surrounding populations and infrastructures at active explosive volcanoes. They are characterized by short duration and complex multiphase flow dynamics due to time and space variability in their properties, which include amongst others, particle concentration, granulometry, componentry, bulk rheology and velocity. Field investigations of the deposits emplaced by small-volume concentrated PDCs aim to improve our understanding of the transport and depositional processes of these flows: time and space variations in flow dynamics within a PDC moving downslope will reflect on the distribution, grainsize and component characteristics of its deposits. Our study focuses on the recent events of July 10th and 11th, 2015 at Volcán de Colima (Mexico) where the collapse of the recent lava dome complex and a portion of the southern crater rim led to the emplacement of successive pulses of small-volume concentrated PDCs on the southern flank, along the Montegrande and San Antonio ravines. A 3-dimensional field analysis of the PDCs' deposit architecture, total grain size distribution and component properties together with a geomorphic analysis of the affected ravines provide new insights on the lateral and vertical variations of flow dynamics for some of these small-volume concentrated PDCs. Preliminary results reveal three stratigraphic units with massive block, lapilli, ash facies within the valley confined and concentrated overbank deposits with increasing content in fines with distance from the summit, suggesting an increase in fragmentation processes within the PDCs. The middle unit is characterized by a finer grainsize, a higher accidental lithic content and a lower free crystal content. Moreover, direct correlations are found between rapid changes in channel morphology and generation of overbank (unconfined) flows that escaped valley confines, which could provide the basis for defining hazard zonations of key areas at risk from future eruptions at Colima.

Stratigraphy of the Grande Savane Ignimbrite Sequence, Dominica, Lesser Antilles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schneider, S.; Smith, A. L.; Deuerling, K.; Killingsworth, N.; Daly, G.

2007-12-01

The island of Dominica, located in the central part of the Lesser Antilles island arc has eight potentially active volcanoes. One of these, Morne Diablotins, is a composite stratovolcano with several superimposed stratigraphic sequences ranging in age from Pliocene (4-2 Ma) to "Younger" Pleistocene (<1.8 Ma). The most recent major eruptive activity from this volcano was a series of Plinian eruptions that produced ignimbrites that gave dates of >22,000 and >40,000 years B.P. The ignimbrite sequences form four flow fans that reached both the east and west coasts of the island. One of these flow fans, the Grande Savane, on the west coast of the island, also extends off-shore for a distance of at least 14 km as a distinctive submarine fan. Stratigraphical studies of the on- shore deposits that make up this fan indicate an older sequence of block and ash flow deposits, within which occurs a distinctive vulcanian fall deposit. These are overlain, with no evidence of an intervening paleosol, by a sequence of ignimbrites containing welded horizons (ranging in thickness from around 4 m to 16m). The lack of fall deposits beneath the ignimbrites suggest they may have been formed by instantaneous continuous collapse of the eruption column. This whole succession is overlain by a series of planar and dune bedded pumiceous surge deposits with interbedded pumiceous lapilli fall and ash fall deposits, that extend laterally outside of the main area of ignimbrite deposition. Beds within this upper sequence often contain accretionary lapilli and gas cavities suggesting magma-water interaction. The youngest deposits from Morne Diablotins appear to be valley- fill deposits of both ignimbrite and block and ash flow. A comparison of the of the Grande Savane pyroclastic sequence with the Pointe Ronde (west coast) and Londonderry (east coast) pyroclastic flow fans will provide information on the eruptive history of this major Plinian episode.

The effect of paleotopography on lithic distribution and facies associations of small volume ignimbrites: the WTT Cupa (Roccamonfina volcano, Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giordano, Guido

1998-12-01

The distribution of lithic clasts within two trachytic, small volume, pumiceous ignimbrites are described from the Quaternary `White Trachytic Tuff Cupa' formation of Roccamonfina volcano, Italy. The ignimbrites show a downslope grading of lithics, with a maximum size where there is a major break in the volcano's slope, rather than at proximal locations. This is also the location where ignimbrites are thickest and most massive. The break in slope is interpreted to have reduced flow capacity and velocity, increasing the sedimentation rate, so that massive ignimbrite formed by hindered settling sedimentation. Ignimbrite Cc, exhibits no vertical grading of lithics, though it does show downslope grading with maximum size at the major break in slope and a rapid decrease further downslope. Ignimbrite Cc thins away from the break in slope, and shows an upward fining of the grain size within the topmost few decimeters of the unit. The ignimbrite is stratified proximally, and grades to massive facies at the break in slope, and distally to stratified facies with numerous inverse-graded beds. The simplest mechanism accounting for these downslope variations is progressive aggradation from a quasi-steady, nonuniform pyroclastic density current. The changes in deposit thickness and facies are interpreted to record downcurrent changes in sedimentation rate. The upward fining reflects waning flow. Inversely graded, bedded depositional facies in distal areas is interpreted to reflect flow unsteadiness and a decrease in suspended sediment load. Ignimbrite Cd shows vertical, as well as downslope grading of lithics. This characteristic, coupled with the widespread massive facies of the deposit and the tabular unit geometry are features that can be reconciled with both the debris flow/plug analogy for pyroclastic flows ( Sparks, 1976) and the progressive aggradation model ( Branney and Kokelaar, 1992). However, none of them appears to satisfy completely the field evidences, implying that when dealing with massive ignimbrites, other evidence than lithic grading needs to be presented to better understand the related transport and depositional processes.

Stratigraphic reconstruction of two debris avalanche deposits at Colima Volcano (Mexico): Insights into pre-failure conditions and climate influence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roverato, M.; Capra, L.; Sulpizio, R.; Norini, G.

2011-10-01

Throughout its history, Colima Volcano has experienced numerous partial edifice collapses with associated emplacement of debris avalanche deposits of contrasting volume, morphology and texture. A detailed stratigraphic study in the south-eastern sector of the volcano allowed the recognition of two debris avalanche deposits, named San Marcos (> 28,000 cal yr BP, V = ~ 1.3 km 3) and Tonila (15,000-16,000 cal yr BP, V = ~ 1 km 3 ). This work sheds light on the pre-failure conditions of the volcano based primarily on a detailed textural study of debris avalanche deposits and their associated pyroclastic and volcaniclastic successions. Furthermore, we show how the climate at the time of the Tonila collapse influenced the failure mechanisms. The > 28,000 cal yr BP San Marcos collapse was promoted by edifice steep flanks and ongoing tectonic and volcanotectonic deformation, and was followed by a magmatic eruption that emplaced pyroclastic flow deposits. In contrast, the Tonila failure occurred just after the Last Glacial Maximum (22,000-18,000 cal BP) and, in addition to the typical debris avalanche textural characteristics (angular to sub-angular clasts, coarse matrix, jigsaw fit) it shows a hybrid facies characterized by debris avalanche blocks embedded in a finer, homogenous and partially cemented matrix, a texture more characteristic of debris flow deposits. The Tonila debris avalanche is directly overlain by a 7-m thick hydromagmatic pyroclastic succession. Massive debris flow deposits, often more than 10 m thick and containing large amounts of tree trunk logs, represent the top unit in the succession. Fluvial deposits also occur throughout all successions; these represent periods of highly localized stream reworking. All these lines of evidence point to the presence of water in the edifice prior to the Tonila failure, suggesting it may have been a weakening factor. The Tonila failure appears to represent an anomalous event related to the particular climatic conditions at the time of the collapse. The presence of extensive water at the onset of deglaciation modified the mobility of the debris avalanche, and led to the formation of a thick sequence of debris flows. The possibility that such a combination of events can occur, and that their probability is likely to increase during the rainy season, should be taken into consideration when evaluating hazards associated with future collapses at Colima volcano.

The contribution of air-fluidization to the mobility of rapid flowslides involving fine particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stilmant, Frédéric; Dewals, Benjamin; Archambeau, Pierre; Erpicum, Sébastien; Pirotton, Michel

2016-04-01

Air-fluidization can be the origin of the long runout of gravitational flows involving fine particles such as ash. An excessive air pore pressure dramatically reduces the friction angle of the material as long as this pressure has not been dissipated, which occurs during the flow. This phenomenon can be modelled thanks to the 2D depth-averaged equations of mass and momentum conservation and an additional transport equation for basal pore pressure evolution (Iverson and Denlinger, 2001). In this contribution, we discuss the application of this model in relation to recent experimental results on air-fluidized flows by Roche et al. (2008) and Roche (2012). The experimental results were used to set a priori the value of the diffusion coefficient in the model, taking into account the difference of scale between the experiments and real-world applications. We also compare the model predictions against detailed observations of a well-documented historical event, the collapse of a fly-ash heap in Belgium (Stilmant et al., 2015). In particular, we analyse the influence of the different components of the model on the results (pore pressure dissipation vs. pore pressure generation). The diffusion coefficient which characterizes the dissipation of air pore pressure is found sufficiently low for maintaining a fluidized flow over hundreds of meters. The study concludes that an air-fluidization theory is consistent with the field observations. These findings are particularly interesting as they seem not in line with the mainstream acceptation in landslide modelling that air generally plays a secondary role (e.g., Legros, 2002). References Iverson, R.M., Denlinger, R.P., 2001. Flow of variably fluidized granular masses across three-dimensional terrain - 1. Coulomb mixture theory. J. Geophys. Res. 106, 537 552. Legros, F., 2002. The mobility of long-runout landslides. Eng. Geol. 63, 301-331. Roche, O., 2012. Depositional processes and gas pore pressure in pyroclastic flows: an experimental perspective. Bull. Volcanol. 74, 1807-1820. Roche, O., Montserrat, S., Niño, Y., Tamburrino, A., 2008. Experimental observations of water-like behavior of initially fluidized, dam break granular flows and their relevance for the propagation of ash-rich pyroclastic flows. J. Geophys. Res. 113, B12203. Stilmant, F., Pirotton, M., Archambeau, P., Erpicum, S., & Dewals, B. (2015). Can the collapse of a fly ash heap develop into an air-fluidized flow? - Reanalysis of the Jupille accident (1961). Geomorphology, 228, 746-755.

Geology of the Side Crater of the Erebus volcano, Antarctica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panter, Kurt S.; Winter, Brian

2008-11-01

The summit cone of the Erebus volcano contains two craters. The Main crater is roughly circular (˜ 500 m diameter) and contains an active persistent phonolite lava lake ˜ 200 m below the summit rim. The Side Crater is adjacent to the southwestern rim of the Main Crater. It is a smaller spoon-shaped Crater (250-350 m diameter, 50-100 m deep) and is inactive. The floor of the Side Crater is covered by snow/ice, volcanic colluvium or weakly developed volcanic soil in geothermal areas (a.k.a. warm ground). But in several places the walls of the Side Crater provide extensive vertical exposure of rock which offers an insight into the recent eruptive history of Erebus. The deposits consist of lava flows with subordinate volcanoclastic lithologies. Four lithostratigraphic units are described: SC 1 is a compound lava with complex internal flow fabrics; SC 2 consists of interbedded vitric lavas, autoclastic and pyroclastic breccias; SC 3 is a thick sequence of thin lavas with minor autoclastic breccias; SC 4 is a pyroclastic fall deposit containing large scoriaceous lava bombs in a matrix composed primarily of juvenile lapilli-sized pyroclasts. Ash-sized pyroclasts from SC 4 consist of two morphologic types, spongy and blocky, indicating a mixed strombolian-phreatomagmatic origin. All of the deposits are phonolitic and contain anorthoclase feldspar. The stratigraphy and morphology of the Side Crater provides a record of recent volcanic activity at the Erebus volcano and is divided into four stages. Stage I is the building of the main summit cone and eruption of lavas (SC 1 and SC 3) from Main Crater vent(s). A secondary cone was built during Stage II by effusive and explosive activity (SC 2) from the Side Crater vent. A mixed strombolian and phreatomagmatic eruption (SC 4) delimits Stage III. The final stage (IV) represents a period of erosion and enlargement of the Side Crater.

Kulanaokuaiki Tephra (ca, A.D. 400-1000): Newly recognized evidence for highly explosive eruptions at Kilauea Volcano, Hawai'i

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fiske, R.S.; Rose, T.R.; Swanson, D.A.; Champion, D.E.; McGeehin, J.P.

2009-01-01

K??lauea may be one of the world's most intensively monitored volcanoes, but its eruptive history over the past several thousand years remains rather poorly known. Our study has revealed the vestiges of thin basaltic tephra deposits, overlooked by previous workers, that originally blanketed wide, near-summit areas and extended more than 17 km to the south coast of Hawai'i. These deposits, correlative with parts of tephra units at the summit and at sites farther north and northwest, show that K??lauea, commonly regarded as a gentle volcano, was the site of energetic pyroclastic eruptions and indicate the volcano is significantly more hazardous than previously realized. Seventeen new calibrated accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon ages suggest these deposits, here named the Kulanaokuaiki Tephra, were emplaced ca. A.D. 400-1000, a time of no previously known pyroclastic activity at the volcano. Tephra correlations are based chiefly on a marker unit that contains unusually high values of TiO2 and K2O and on paleomagnetic signatures of associated lava flows, which show that the Kulanaokuaiki deposits are the time-stratigraphic equivalent of the upper part of a newly exhumed section of the Uw??kahuna Ash in the volcano's northwest caldera wall. This section, thought to have been permanently buried by rockfalls in 1983, is thicker and more complete than the previously accepted type Uw??kahuna at the base of the caldera wall. Collectively, these findings justify the elevation of the Uw??kahuna Ash to formation status; the newly recognized Kulanaokuaiki Tephra to the south, the chief focus of this study, is defined as a member of the Uw??kahuna Ash. The Kulanaokuaiki Tephra is the product of energetic pyroclastic falls; no surge- or pyroclastic-flow deposits were identified with certainty, despite recent interpretations that Uw??kahuna surges extended 10-20 km from K??lauea's summit. ?? 2009 Geological Society of America.

PYFLOW_2.0: a computer program for calculating flow properties and impact parameters of past dilute pyroclastic density currents based on field data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dioguardi, Fabio; Mele, Daniela

2018-03-01

This paper presents PYFLOW_2.0, a hazard tool for the calculation of the impact parameters of dilute pyroclastic density currents (DPDCs). DPDCs represent the dilute turbulent type of gravity flows that occur during explosive volcanic eruptions; their hazard is the result of their mobility and the capability to laterally impact buildings and infrastructures and to transport variable amounts of volcanic ash along the path. Starting from data coming from the analysis of deposits formed by DPDCs, PYFLOW_2.0 calculates the flow properties (e.g., velocity, bulk density, thickness) and impact parameters (dynamic pressure, deposition time) at the location of the sampled outcrop. Given the inherent uncertainties related to sampling, laboratory analyses, and modeling assumptions, the program provides ranges of variations and probability density functions of the impact parameters rather than single specific values; from these functions, the user can interrogate the program to obtain the value of the computed impact parameter at any specified exceedance probability. In this paper, the sedimentological models implemented in PYFLOW_2.0 are presented, program functionalities are briefly introduced, and two application examples are discussed so as to show the capabilities of the software in quantifying the impact of the analyzed DPDCs in terms of dynamic pressure, volcanic ash concentration, and residence time in the atmosphere. The software and user's manual are made available as a downloadable electronic supplement.

Lethal Thermal Impact at Periphery of Pyroclastic Surges: Evidences at Pompeii

PubMed Central

Mastrolorenzo, Giuseppe; Petrone, Pierpaolo; Pappalardo, Lucia; Guarino, Fabio M.

2010-01-01

Background The evaluation of mortality of pyroclastic surges and flows (PDCs) produced by explosive eruptions is a major goal in risk assessment and mitigation, particularly in distal reaches of flows that are often heavily urbanized. Pompeii and the nearby archaeological sites preserve the most complete set of evidence of the 79 AD catastrophic eruption recording its effects on structures and people. Methodology/Principal Findings Here we investigate the causes of mortality in PDCs at Pompeii and surroundings on the bases of a multidisciplinary volcanological and bio-anthropological study. Field and laboratory study of the eruption products and victims merged with numerical simulations and experiments indicate that heat was the main cause of death of people, heretofore supposed to have died by ash suffocation. Our results show that exposure to at least 250°C hot surges at a distance of 10 kilometres from the vent was sufficient to cause instant death, even if people were sheltered within buildings. Despite the fact that impact force and exposure time to dusty gas declined toward PDCs periphery up to the survival conditions, lethal temperatures were maintained up to the PDCs extreme depositional limits. Conclusions/Significance This evidence indicates that the risk in flow marginal zones could be underestimated by simply assuming that very thin distal deposits, resulting from PDCs with poor total particle load, correspond to negligible effects. Therefore our findings are essential for hazard plans development and for actions aimed to risk mitigation at Vesuvius and other explosive volcanoes. PMID:20559555

Lethal thermal impact at periphery of pyroclastic surges: evidences at Pompeii.

PubMed

Mastrolorenzo, Giuseppe; Petrone, Pierpaolo; Pappalardo, Lucia; Guarino, Fabio M

2010-06-15

The evaluation of mortality of pyroclastic surges and flows (PDCs) produced by explosive eruptions is a major goal in risk assessment and mitigation, particularly in distal reaches of flows that are often heavily urbanized. Pompeii and the nearby archaeological sites preserve the most complete set of evidence of the 79 AD catastrophic eruption recording its effects on structures and people. Here we investigate the causes of mortality in PDCs at Pompeii and surroundings on the bases of a multidisciplinary volcanological and bio-anthropological study. Field and laboratory study of the eruption products and victims merged with numerical simulations and experiments indicate that heat was the main cause of death of people, heretofore supposed to have died by ash suffocation. Our results show that exposure to at least 250 degrees C hot surges at a distance of 10 kilometres from the vent was sufficient to cause instant death, even if people were sheltered within buildings. Despite the fact that impact force and exposure time to dusty gas declined toward PDCs periphery up to the survival conditions, lethal temperatures were maintained up to the PDCs extreme depositional limits. This evidence indicates that the risk in flow marginal zones could be underestimated by simply assuming that very thin distal deposits, resulting from PDCs with poor total particle load, correspond to negligible effects. Therefore our findings are essential for hazard plans development and for actions aimed to risk mitigation at Vesuvius and other explosive volcanoes.

Flow of variably fluidized granular masses across three-dimensional terrain 2. Numerical predictions and experimental tests

USGS Publications Warehouse

Denlinger, R.P.; Iverson, R.M.

2001-01-01

Numerical solutions of the equations describing flow of variably fluidized Coulomb mixtures predict key features of dry granular avalanches and water-saturated debris flows measured in physical experiments. These features include time-dependent speeds, depths, and widths of flows as well as the geometry of resulting deposits. Threedimensional (3-D) boundary surfaces strongly influence flow dynamics because transverse shearing and cross-stream momentum transport occur where topography obstructs or redirects motion. Consequent energy dissipation can cause local deceleration and deposition, even on steep slopes. Velocities of surge fronts and other discontinuities that develop as flows cross 3-D terrain are predicted accurately by using a Riemann solution algorithm. The algorithm employs a gravity wave speed that accounts for different intensities of lateral stress transfer in regions of extending and compressing flow and in regions with different degrees of fluidization. Field observations and experiments indicate that flows in which fluid plays a significant role typically have high-friction margins with weaker interiors partly fluidized by pore pressure. Interaction of the strong perimeter and weak interior produces relatively steep-sided, flat-topped deposits. To simulate these effects, we compute pore pressure distributions using an advection-diffusion model with enhanced diffusivity near flow margins. Although challenges remain in evaluating pore pressure distributions in diverse geophysical flows, Riemann solutions of the depthaveraged 3-D Coulomb mixture equations provide a powerful tool for interpreting and predicting flow behavior. They provide a means of modeling debris flows, rock avalanches, pyroclastic flows, and related phenomena without invoking and calibrating Theological parameters that have questionable physical significance.

Explosive Volcanic Eruptions from Linear Vents on Earth, Venus and Mars: Comparisons with Circular Vent Eruptions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glaze, Lori S.; Baloga, Stephen M.; Wimert, Jesse

2010-01-01

Conditions required to support buoyant convective plumes are investigated for explosive volcanic eruptions from circular and linear vents on Earth, Venus, and Mars. Vent geometry (linear versus circular) plays a significant role in the ability of an explosive eruption to sustain a buoyant plume. On Earth, linear and circular vent eruptions are both capable of driving buoyant plumes to equivalent maximum rise heights, however, linear vent plumes are more sensitive to vent size. For analogous mass eruption rates, linear vent plumes surpass circular vent plumes in entrainment efficiency approximately when L(sub o) > 3r(sub o) owing to the larger entrainment area relative to the control volume. Relative to circular vents, linear vents on Venus favor column collapse and the formation of pyroclastic flows because the range of conditions required to establish and sustain buoyancy is narrow. When buoyancy can be sustained, however, maximum plume heights exceed those from circular vents. For current atmospheric conditions on Mars, linear vent eruptions are capable of injecting volcanic material slightly higher than analogous circular vent eruptions. However, both geometries are more likely to produce pyroclastic fountains, as opposed to convective plumes, owing to the low density atmosphere. Due to the atmospheric density profile and water content on Earth, explosive eruptions enjoy favorable conditions for producing sustained buoyant columns, while pyroclastic flows would be relatively more prevalent on Venus and Mars. These results have implications for the injection and dispersal of particulates into the planetary atmosphere and the ability to interpret the geologic record of planetary volcanism.

Hydraulics of subaqueous ash flows as deduced from their deposits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doronzo, Domenico M.; Dellino, Pierfrancesco

2012-09-01

Subaqueous ash flows are gravity currents consisting of a mixture of sea water and ash particles. Also called volcaniclastic turbidity currents (VTCs), they can be generated because of remobilization of pyroclastic fall deposits, which are emplaced into the sea around a volcanic island, as well as far away, during an explosive eruption. The VTC upper part is the turbulent transport system for the flow, whereas the viscous basal one is the depositional system. Typical sequences of VTC deposits are characterized by cross-laminations, planar and convolute laminations, and massive beds, which reflect the stratified nature of the flow. Here, the analysis of some VTC hydraulic parameters is presented in order to depict flow behavior and sedimentation during deposition. A reverse engineering approach is proposed, which consists of calculating hydraulic parameters by starting from deposit features. The calculated values show that a VTC is homogeneously-turbulent for most of the thickness, but is viscous at its base. First, cross-laminations are directly acquired over the rough pre-existing seafloor, then planar or convolute laminations aggrade over the newly formed substrate. Finally, fine-grained suspended particles gently settle and cap the flow deposit.

Lobe-cleft instability in the buoyant gravity current generated by estuarine outflow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horner-Devine, Alexander R.; Chickadel, C. Chris

2017-05-01

Gravity currents represent a broad class of geophysical flows including turbidity currents, powder avalanches, pyroclastic flows, sea breeze fronts, haboobs, and river plumes. A defining feature in many gravity currents is the formation of three-dimensional lobes and clefts along the front and researchers have sought to understand these ubiquitous geophysical structures for decades. The prevailing explanation is based largely on early laboratory and numerical model experiments at much smaller scales, which concluded that lobes and clefts are generated due to hydrostatic instability exclusively in currents propagating over a nonslip boundary. Recent studies suggest that frontal dynamics change as the flow scale increases, but no measurements have been made that sufficiently resolve the flow structure in full-scale geophysical flows. Here we use thermal infrared and acoustic imaging of a river plume to reveal the three-dimensional structure of lobes and clefts formed in a geophysical gravity current front. The observed lobes and clefts are generated at the front in the absence of a nonslip boundary, contradicting the prevailing explanation. The observed flow structure is consistent with an alternative formation mechanism, which predicts that the lobe scale is inherited from subsurface vortex structures.

Posteruption arthropod succession on the Mount St. Helens volcano: the ground-dwelling beetle fauna (Coleoptera).

Treesearch

R.R. Parmenter; C.M. Crisafulli; N. Korbe; G. Parsons; M. Edgar; J.A. MacMahon

2005-01-01

The 1980 eruptions of Mount St. Helens created a complex mosaic of disturbance types over a 600 km2 area. From 1980 through 2000 we monitored beetle species relative abundance and faunal composition of assemblages at undisturbed reference sites and in areas subjected to tephra-fall, blowdown, and pyroclastic flow volcanic disturbance. We...

Effects of volcanic and hydrologic processes on forest vegetation: Chaitén Volcano, Chile

Treesearch

Frederick J. Swanson; Julia A. Jones; Charles M. Crisafulli; Antonio Lara

2013-01-01

The 2008-2009 eruption of Chaiten Volcano (Chile) involved a variety of volcanic and associated hydrologic processes that damaged nearby forests. These processes included coarse (gravel) and fine (silt to sand) tephra fall, a laterally directed blast, fluvial deposition of remobilized tephra, a variety of low-temperature mass-movement processes, and a pyroclastic flow...

Generation, ascent and eruption of magma on the Moon: New insights into source depths, magma supply, intrusions and effusive/explosive eruptions (Part 2: Predicted emplacement processes and observations)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Head, James W.; Wilson, Lionel

2017-02-01

We utilize a theoretical analysis of the generation, ascent, intrusion and eruption of basaltic magma on the Moon to develop new insights into magma source depths, supply processes, transport and emplacement mechanisms via dike intrusions, and effusive and explosive eruptions. We make predictions about the intrusion and eruption processes and compare these with the range of observed styles of mare volcanism, and related features and deposits. Density contrasts between the bulk mantle and regions with a greater abundance of heat sources will cause larger heated regions to rise as buoyant melt-rich diapirs that generate partial melts that can undergo collection into magma source regions; diapirs rise to the base of the anorthositic crustal density trap (when the crust is thicker than the elastic lithosphere) or, later in history, to the base of the lithospheric rheological trap (when the thickening lithosphere exceeds the thickness of the crust). Residual diapiric buoyancy, and continued production and arrival of diapiric material, enhances melt volume and overpressurizes the source regions, producing sufficient stress to cause brittle deformation of the elastic part of the overlying lithosphere; a magma-filled crack initiates and propagates toward the surface as a convex upward, blade-shaped dike. The volume of magma released in a single event is likely to lie in the range 102 km3 to 103 km3, corresponding to dikes with widths of 40-100 m and both vertical and horizontal extents of 60-100 km, favoring eruption on the lunar nearside. Shallower magma sources produce dikes that are continuous from the source region to the surface, but deeper sources will propagate dikes that detach from the source region and ascend as discrete penny-shaped structures. As the Moon cools with time, the lithosphere thickens, source regions become less abundant, and rheological traps become increasingly deep; the state of stress in the lithosphere becomes increasingly contractional, inhibiting dike emplacement and surface eruptions. In contrast to small dike volumes and low propagation velocities in terrestrial environments, lunar dike propagation velocities are typically sufficiently high that shallow sill formation is not favored; local low-density breccia zones beneath impact crater floors, however, may cause lateral magma migration to form laccoliths (e.g., Vitello Crater) and sills (e.g., Humboldt Crater) in floor-fractured craters. Dikes emplaced into the shallow crust may stall and produce crater chains due to active and passive gas venting (e.g., Mendeleev Crater Chain) or, if sufficiently shallow, may create a near-surface stress field that forms linear and arcuate graben, often with pyroclastic and small-scale effusive eruptions (e.g., Rima Parry V). Effusive eruptions are modulated by effusion rates, eruption durations, cooling and supply limitations to flow length, and pre-existing topography. Relatively low effusion rate, cooling-limited flows lead to small shield volcanoes (e.g., Tobias Mayer, Milicius); higher effusion rate, cooling-limited flows lead to compound flow fields (e.g., most mare basins) and even higher effusion rate, long-duration flows lead to thermal erosion of the vent, effusion rate enhancement, and thermal erosion of the substrate to produce sinuous rilles (e.g., Rimae Prinz). Extremely high effusion rate flows on slopes lead to volume-limited flow with lengths of many hundreds of kilometers (e.g., the young Imbrium basin flows). Explosive, pyroclastic eruptions are common on the Moon. The low pressure environment in propagating dike crack-tips can cause gas formation at great depths and throughout dike ascent; at shallow crustal depths both the smelting reaction and the recently documented abundant magmatic volatiles in mare basalt magmas contribute to significant shallow degassing and pyroclastic activity associated with the dike as it erupts at the surface. Dikes penetrating to the surface produce a wide range of explosive eruption types whose manifestations are modulated by lunar environmental conditions: (1) terrestrial strombolian-style eruptions map to cinder/spatter cone-like constructs (e.g., Isis and Osiris); (2) Hawaiian-style eruptions map to broad flat pyroclastic blankets (e.g., Taurus-Littrow Apollo 17 dark mantle deposits); (3) gas-rich ultraplinian-like venting can cause Moon-wide dispersal of gas and foam droplets (e.g., many isolated glass beads in lunar soils); (4) vulcanian-like eruptions caused by solidification of magma in the dike tip, buildup of gas pressure and explosive disruption, can form dark-halo craters with mixed country rock (e.g., Alphonsus Crater floor); (5) ionian-like eruptions can be caused by artificial gas buildup in wide dikes, energetic explosive eruption and formation of a dark pyroclastic ring (e.g., Orientale dark ring); (6) multiple eruptions from many gas-rich fissures can form regional dark mantle deposits (e.g., Rima Bode, Sinus Aestuum); and (7) long duration, relatively high effusion rate eruptions accompanied by continuing pyroclastic activity cause a central thermally eroded lava pond and channel, a broader pyroclastic 'spatter' edifice, an even broader pyroclastic glass deposit and, if the eruption lasts sufficiently long, an associated inner thermally eroded vent and sinuous rille channel (e.g., Cobra Head and Aristarchus Plateau dark mantle). The asymmetric nearside-farside distribution of mare basalt deposits is most plausibly explained by crustal thickness differences; intrusion is favored on the thicker farside crust and extrusion is favored on the thinner nearside crust. Second-order effects include regional and global thermal structure (areal variations in lithospheric thickness as a function of time) and broad geochemical anomalies (the Procellarum-KREEP Terrain). Differences in mare basalt titanium content as a function of space and time are testimony to a laterally and vertically heterogeneous mantle source region. The rapidly decreasing integrated flux of mare basalts is a result of the thermal evolution of the Moon; continued cooling decreased diapiric rise and mantle melting, thickened the lithosphere, and caused the global state of stress to be increasingly contractional, all factors progressively inhibiting the generation, ascent and eruption of basaltic magma. Late-stage volcanic eruptions are typically widely separated in time and characterized by high-volume, high-effusion rate eruptions producing extensive volume-limited flows, a predictable characteristic of deep source regions below a thick lithosphere late in lunar history. This improved paradigm for the generation, ascent, intrusion and eruption of basaltic magma provides the basis for the broader interpretation of the lunar volcanic record in terms of variations in eruption conditions in space and time, and their relation to mantle heterogeneity and a more detailed understanding of lunar thermal evolution.

Three-Dimensional Grain Shape-Fabric from Unconsolidated Pyroclastic Density Current Deposits: Implications for Extracting Flow Direction and Insights on Rheology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hawkins, T. T.; Brand, B. D.; Sarrochi, D.; Pollock, N.

2016-12-01

One of the greatest challenges volcanologists face is the ability to extrapolate information about eruption dynamics and emplacement conditions from deposits. Pyroclastic density current (PDC) deposits are particularly challenging given the wide range of initial current conditions, (e.g., granular, fluidized, concentrated, dilute), and rapid flow transformations due to interaction with evolving topography. Analysis of particle shape-fabric can be used to determine flow direction, and may help to understand the rheological characteristics of the flows. However, extracting shape-fabric information from outcrop (2D) apparent fabric is limited, especially when outcrop exposure is incomplete or lacks context. To better understand and quantify the complex flow dynamics reflected in PDC deposits, we study the complete shape-fabric data in 3D using oriented samples. In the field, the prospective sample is carved from the unconsolidated deposit in blocks, the dimensions of which depend on the average clast size in the sample. The sample is saturated in situ with a water-based sodium silicate solution, then wrapped in plaster-soaked gauze to form a protective cast. The orientation of the sample is recorded on the block faces. The samples dry for five days and are then extracted in intact blocks. In the lab, the sample is vacuum impregnated with sodium silicate and cured in an oven. The fully lithified sample is first cut along the plan view to identify orientations of the long axes of the grains (flow direction), and then cut in the two plains perpendicular to grain elongation. 3D fabric analysis is performed using high resolution images of the cut-faces using computer assisted image analysis software devoted to shape-fabric analysis. Here we present the results of samples taken from the 18 May 1980 PDC deposit facies, including massive, diffuse-stratified and cross-stratified lapilli tuff. We show a relationship between the strength of iso-orientation of the elongated particles and different facies architectures, which is used to interpret rheological conditions of the flow. We chose the 18 May PDC deposits because their well-exposed and well-studied outcrops provide context, which allow us to test the method and extract information useful for interpreting ancient deposits that lack context.

Pyroclastic flow transport dynamics for a Montserrat volcano eruption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cordoba, G.; Sparks, S.; del Risco, E.

2003-04-01

A two phase model of pyroclastic flows dynamics which account for the bed load and suspended load is shown. The model uses the compressible Navier-Stokes equations coupled with the convection-diffusion equation in order to take into account for the sedimentation. The skin friction is taken into account by using the wall functions. In despite of the complex mathematical formulation of the model, it has been implemented in a Personal Computer due to an assumption of two phase one velocity model which reduce the number of equations in the system. This non-linear equation system is solved numerically by using the Finite Element Method. This numerical method let us move the mesh in the direction of the deposition and then accounting for the shape of the bed and the thickness of the deposit The model is applied to the Montserrat's White River basin which extend from the dome to the sea, located about 4 Km away and then compared with the field data from the Boxing Day (26 December, 1997) eruption. Additionally some features as the temporary evolution of the dynamical pressure, particle concentration and temperature along the path at each time step is shown.

The grain-size distribution of pyroclasts: Primary fragmentation, conduit sorting or abrasion?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kueppers, U.; Schauroth, J.; Taddeucci, J.

2013-12-01

Explosive volcanic eruptions expel a mixture of pyroclasts and lithics. Pyroclasts, fragments of the juvenile magma, record the state of the magma at fragmentation in terms of porosity and crystallinity. The grain size distribution of pyroclasts is generally considered to be a direct consequence of the conditions at magma fragmentation that is mainly driven by gas overpressure in bubbles, high shear rates, contact with external water or a combination of these factors. Stress exerted by any of these processes will lead to brittle fragmentation by overcoming the magma's relaxation timescale. As a consequence, most pyroclasts exhibit angular shapes. Upon magma fragmentation, the gas pyroclast mixture is accelerated upwards and eventually ejected from the vent. The total grain size distribution deposited is a function of fragmentation conditions and transport related sorting. Porous pyroclasts are very susceptible to abrasion by particle-particle or particle-conduit wall interaction. Accordingly, pyroclastic fall deposits with angular clasts should proof a low particle abrasion upon contact to other surfaces. In an attempt to constrain the degree of particle interaction during conduit flow, monomodal batches of washed pyroclasts have been accelerated upwards by rapid decompression and subsequently investigated for their grain size distribution. In our set-up, we used a vertical cylindrical tube without surface roughness as conduit. We varied grain size (0.125-0.25; 0.5-1; 1-2 mm), porosity (0; 10; 30 %), gas-particle ratio (10 and 40%), conduit length (10 and 28 cm) and conduit diameter (2.5 and 6 cm). All ejected particles were collected after settling at the base of a 3.3 m high tank and sieved at one sieve size below starting size (half-Φ). Grain size reduction showed a positive correlation with starting grain size, porosity and overpressure at the vent. Although milling in a volcanic conduit may take place, porous pyroclasts are very likely to be a primary product of magma fragmentation at or close to the fragmentation level. Given the high abrasiveness of pumice, hemispherical clasts should be observed if clast break-up followed efficient clast abrasion. As a consequence, finer grained pyroclastic fall deposits do not necessarily proof efficient secondary fragmentation in the conduit but may rather reveal the influence of conduit length on 'What size of pyroclasts can be erupted'?

Flow-type landslides magnitude evaluation: the case study of the Campania Region (Southern Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santo, Antonio; De Falco, Melania; Di Crescenzo, Giuseppe

2015-04-01

In the last years studies concerning the triggering and the run-out susceptibility for different kind of landslides have become more and more precise. In the most of the cases the methodological approach involve the production of detailed thematic maps (at least 1:5000 scale) which represent a very useful tool for territorial planning, especially in urbanized areas. More recently these researches were accompanied by the growth of other studies dealing with landslide magnitude evaluation (especially in terms of volume and velocity estimate). In this paper the results of a flow-type landslides magnitude evaluation are presented. The study area is located in Southern Italy and is very wide (1,500 square kilometres) including all the Campania region. In this context flow type landslides represent the most frequent instabilities as shown by the large number of victims and the huge economic damage caused in the last few centuries. These shallow landslides involve thin cohesionless, unsaturated pyroclastic soils found over steep slopes around Somma-Vesuvio and Phlegrean district, affecting a wide area where over 100 towns are located. Since the potential volume of flow-type landslides is a measure of event magnitude we propose to estimate the potential volume at the scale of slope or basin for about 90 municipalities affecting 850 hierarchized drainage basins and 900 regular slopes. An empirical approach recently proposed in literature (De Falco et al., 2012), allows to estimate the volume of the pyroclastic cover that can be displaced along the slope. The method derives from the interpretation of numerous geological and geomorphological data gathered from a vast amount of case histories on landslides in volcanic and carbonatic contexts and it is based on determining the thickness of the pyroclastic cover and the width of the detachment and erosion-transport zone. Thickness can be evaluated with a good degree of approximation since, in these landslides, the failure surface is always very superficial (from 0.3 to 2 m) and positioned in pyroclastic covers resting on a generally rigid bedrock (calcareous rocks, lava or tuffs). The area of the detachment and erosion-transport zone (Af) is calculated by a mathematical function (statistical correlation) which link this factor with the difference in height (H) between a point on the slope with the highest susceptibility and a point, the first break at the foot of the slope, where the deposition starts to take place and the landslide loses velocity. Finally, potential volumes are calculated by using Af and a constant thickness of the pyroclastic cover for the whole slope. The volumes estimated were classified using the size classification proposed by Jacob (2005) to view the spatial distribution at regional and municipal scales. At the regional scale the study showed a variability of the volume potentially mobilized that ranging from 500 to 200,000 cubic meters; a non-random distribution of volumes mobilized that allows to show different macro-areas with several degrees of hazard. At the municipal scale the distribution of the volumes mobilized allows to identify the most dangerous landslides scenario. The result could represent a useful tool to define the most critical area in the Civil Protection and to detect the main areas where risk mitigation works are required.

The perfect ash-storm: large-scale Pyroclastic Density Current experiments reveal highly mobile, self-fluidising and air-cushioned flow transport regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lube, G.; Cronin, S. J.; Breard, E.; Valentine, G.; Bursik, M. I.; Hort, M. K.; Freundt, A.

2013-12-01

We report on the first systematic series of large-scale Pyroclastic Density Current (PDC) experiments using the New Zealand PDC Generator, a novel international research facility in Physical Volcanology recently commissioned at Massey University. Repeatable highly energetic and hot PDCs are synthesized by the controlled ';eruption column-collapse' of up to 3500 kg of homogenously aerated Taupo ignimbrite material from a 15 m-elevated hopper onto an instrumented inclined flume. At discharge rates between 250-1300 kg/s and low- to moderate gas injection rates (yielding initial solids concentration of 15-70 vol%) channelized gas-particle mixture flows life-scaled to dense PDCs can be generated. The flow fronts of the currents reach velocities of up to 9.5 m/s over their first 12 m of travel and rapidly develop strong vertical density stratification. The PDCs typically form a highly mobile, <60 cm-thick dense and channel-confined underflow, with an overriding dilute and turbulent ash cloud surge that also laterally escapes the flume boundaries. Depending on the PDC starting conditions underflows with 1-45 vol% solids concentration are formed, while the upper surge contains <<1 vol.% solids. A characteristic feature of the underflow is the occurrence of 'ignitive' front breakouts, producing jetted lobes that accelerate outward from the flow front, initially forming a lobe-cleft structure, followed by segregation downslope into multiple flow pulses. Depending on initial solids concentration and discharge rate, stratified, dune-bedded and inversely graded bedforms are created whose thicknesses are remarkably uniform along the medial to distal runout path characterising highly mobile flow runout. Along with high-speed video footage we present time-series data of basal arrays of load- and gas-pore pressure transducers to characterise the mobile dense underflows. Data shows that the PDCs are comprised of a turbulent coarse-grained and air-ingesting front with particle-solids concentrations of 1-5 vol%. The front shows a brief phase of negative pore pressure due to the entrainment and upward elutriation of ambient air inside this front. It is immediately followed by the fine-ash rich and highly impermeable main flow body. Passage of the flow body is accompanied by strongly increasing pore-pressures of 1-3 kPa that almost fully supports the weight of the entire underflow - depicting flow-induced fluidisation of the main flow part. The remainder of the flow body shows further increases in pore-pressure aside with strong reductions in flow mass. This suggests the occurrence of zones of air-cushions forming at the base of the underflow that largely aid its inviscid runout. This sequence is repeated during arrival and passage of up to three more flow pulses. The low-permeability deposits maintain high internal gas pore pressures for several minutes after emplacement, before sudden deaeration, settling and gas loss is caused by fracturing. Flow-induced fluidisation and basal air-cushioning provide key processes behind the enigmatic long runout behaviour of dense PDCs.

Unusual ice diamicts emplaced during the December 15, 1989 eruption of redoubt volcano, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Waitt, R.B.; Gardner, C.A.; Pierson, T.C.; Major, J.J.; Neal, C.A.

1994-01-01

Ice diamict comprising clasts of glacier ice and subordinate rock debris in a matrix of ice (snow) grains, coarse ash, and frozen pore water was deposited during the eruption of Redoubt Volcano on December 15, 1989. Rounded clasts of glacier ice and snowpack are as large as 2.5 m, clasts of Redoubt andesite and basement crystalline rocks reach 1 m, and tabular clasts of entrained snowpack are as long as 10 m. Ice diamict was deposited on both the north and south volcano flanks. On Redoubt's north flank along the east side of Drift piedmont glacier and outwash valley, ice diamict accumulated as at least 3 units, each 1-5 m thick. Two ice-diamict layers underlie a pumice-lithic fall tephra that accumulated on December 15 from 10:15 to 11:45 AST. A third ice diamict overlies the pumiceous tephra. Some of the ice diamicts have a basal 'ice-sandstone' layer. The north side icy flows reached as far as 14 km laterally over an altitude drop of 2.3 km and covered an area of about 5.7 km2. On Crescent Glacier on the south volcano flank, a composite ice diamict is locally as thick as 20 m. It travelled 4.3 km over an altitude drop of 1.7 km, covering about 1 km2. The much higher mobility of the northside flows was influenced by their much higher water contents than the southside flow(s). Erupting hot juvenile andesite triggered and turbulently mixed with snow avalanches at snow-covered glacier heads. These flows rapidly entrained more snow, firn, and ice blocks from the crevassed glacier. On the north flank, a trailing watery phase of each ice-diamict flow swept over and terraced the new icy deposits. The last (and perhaps each) flood reworked valley-floor snowpack and swept 35 km downvalley to the sea. Ice diamict did not form during eruptions after December 15 despite intervening snowfalls. These later pyroclastic flows swept mainly over glacier ice rather than snowpack and generated laharic floods rather than snowflows. Similar flows of mixed ice grains and pyroclastic debris resulted from the November 13, 1985 eruption of Nevado del Ruiz volcano and from eruptions of snowclad Mount St. Helens in 1982-1984. Such deposits at snowclad volcanoes are initially broad and geomorphically distinct, but they soon become extensively reworked and hard to recognize in the geologic record. ?? 1994.

Long-term contraction of pyroclastic flow deposits at Augustine Volcano using InSAR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McAlpin, D. B.; Meyer, F. J.; Lu, Z.; Beget, J. E.

2013-12-01

Augustine Island is a small, 8x11 km island in South Central Alaska's lower Cook Inlet. It is approximately 280 km southwest of Anchorage, and occupied entirely by its namesake Augustine Volcano. The volcano's nearly symmetrical central cone reaches an altitude of 1260 m, and the surrounding island is composed almost entirely of volcanic deposits. It is the youngest and most frequently active volcano in the lower Cook Inlet, with at least seven known eruptions since the beginning of written records in 1812. Its two most recent eruptions occurred during March-August 1986, and January-March 2006 The 1986 and 2006 Augustine eruptions produced significant pyroclastic flow deposits (PFDs) on the island, both which have been well mapped by previous studies. Subsidence of material deposited by these pyroclastic flows has been measured by InSAR data, and can be attributed to at least four processes: (1) initial, granular settling; (2) thermal contraction; (3) loading of 1986 PFDs from overlying 2006 deposits; and (4) continuing subsidence of 1986 PFDs buried beneath 2006 flows. For this paper, SAR data for PFDs from Augustine Volcano were obtained from 1992 through 2005, from 2006-2007, and from 2007-2011. These time frames provided InSAR data for long-term periods after both 1986 and 2006 eruptions. From time-series analysis of these datasets, deformation rates of 1986 PFDs and 2006 PFDs were determined, and corrections applied where newer deposits were emplaced over old deposits. The combination of data sets analyzed in this study enabled, for the first time, an analysis of long and short term subsidence rates of volcanic deposits emplaced by the two eruptive episodes. The generated deformation time series provides insight into the significance and duration of the initial settling period and allows us to study the thermal regime and heat loss of the PFDs. To extract quantitative information about thermal properties and composition of the PFDs, we measured the thickness of the PFDs using both multiple DEM comparison and InSAR time-series analysis. Together with the deformation measurements this thickness information will be used as input to a finite element model of a PFD and will allow us to investigate the PFD's thermo-elastic properties. The thickness information will be further used to understand whether the loading of 1986 PFDs from overlying 2006 deposits had a significant impact on the subsidence rate of buried 1986 deposits. Results from this investigation provide insight into post-emplacement behavior of PFDs and similar eruptive flows, and allow us to better understand the behavior of post emplacement volcanic deposits and their impacts on mapping magma-related deformation.

Geology, tectonics, and the 2002-2003 eruption of the Semeru volcano, Indonesia: Interpreted from high-spatial resolution satellite imagery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Solikhin, Akhmad; Thouret, Jean-Claude; Gupta, Avijit; Harris, Andy J. L.; Liew, Soo Chin

2012-02-01

The paper illustrates the application of high-spatial resolution satellite images in interpreting volcanic structures and eruption impacts in the Tengger-Semeru massif in east Java, Indonesia. We use high-spatial resolution images (IKONOS and SPOT 5) and aerial photos in order to analyze the structures of Semeru volcano and map the deposits. Geological and tectonic mapping is based on two DEMs and on the interpretation of aerial photos and four SPOT and IKONOS optical satellite images acquired between 1996 and 2002. We also compared two thermal Surface Kinetic Temperature ASTER images before and after the 2002-2003 eruption in order to delineate and evaluate the impacts of the pyroclastic density currents. Semeru's principal structural features are probably due to the tectonic setting of the volcano. A structural map of the Tengger-Semeru massif shows four groups of faults orientated N40, N160, N75, and N105 to N140. Conspicuous structures, such as the SE-trending horseshoe-shaped scar on Semeru's summit cone, coincide with the N160-trending faults. The direction of minor scars on the east flank parallels the first and second groups of faults. The Semeru composite cone hosts the currently active Jonggring-Seloko vent. This is located on, and buttressed against, the Mahameru edifice at the head of a large scar that may reflect a failure plane at shallow depth. Dipping 35° towards the SE, this failure plane may correspond to a weak basal layer of weathered volcaniclastic rocks of Tertiary age. We suggest that the deformation pattern of Semeru and its large scar may be induced by flank spreading over the weak basal layer of the volcano. It is therefore necessary to consider the potential for flank and summit collapse in the future. The last major eruption took place in December 2002-January 2003, and involved emplacement of block-and-ash flows. We have used the 2003 ASTER Surface Kinetic Temperature image to map the 2002-2003 pyroclastic density current deposits. We have also compared two 10 m-pixel images acquired before and after the event to describe the extent and impact of an estimated volume of 5.45 × 10 6 m 3 of block-and-ash flow deposits. An ash-rich pyroclastic surge escaped from one of the valley-confined block-and ash flows at 5 to 8 km distance from the crater and swept across the forest and tilled land on the SW side of the Bang River Valley. Downvalley, the temperature of the pyroclastic surge decreased and a mud-rich deposit coated the banks of the Bang River Valley. Thus, hazard mitigation at Semeru should combine: (1) continuous monitoring of the eruptive activity through an early-warning system, and (2) continuous remote sensing of the morphological changes in the drainage system due to the impact of frequent pyroclastic density currents and lahars.

Investigation on the water retention curve of loose pyroclastic ashes of Campania (Italy) and its potential implications on slope stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Comegna, Luca; Damiano, Emilia; Greco, Roberto; Olivares, Lucio; Piccolo, Marco; Picarelli, Luciano

2017-04-01

Loose pyroclastic soils in Campania cover a large amount of steep slopes in the area surrounding the volcanic complex of Somma-Vesuvius. The stability of such slopes is assured by the contribution of suction to soil shear strength, which decreases during rainy periods till the possible attainment of a failure condition. The resulting landslide may evolve in form of a fast flow, if at the onset of instability the soil is nearly saturated and undrained conditions establish, so that soil liquefaction arises. The attainment of instability near saturation is not uncommon, as it requires the slope to have an inclination close to the friction angle of the soil constituting the deposit. The pyroclastic ashes of Campania are typically silty sands with friction angle between 36° and 38°, and small or even null cohesion. Many of the flow-like landslides, occurred during the last decades, were indeed triggered along slopes with inclination around 40°, which are quite common in Campania. As a suction of few kPa may be enough to guarantee the stability of a slope, knowledge of the water retention curve of the soil constituting the deposit is mandatory to correctly predict soil conditions at failure. Several studies report that the pyroclastic ashes of Campania exhibit a quite complex water retention behavior, showing a bimodal porosity distribution and, in some cases, a marked hysteresis domain, possibly enhanced by air entrapment during the infiltration of steep wetting fronts. In this study, a series of vertical infiltration and evaporation cycles have been carried out over two reconstituted specimens, both 20cm high, of pyroclastic ashes collected at the slope of Cervinara. TDR probes and minitensiometers were buried at various depths to provide coupled measurements of soil water content and suction. In order to highlight the possible hysteretic effects due to air entrapment, different hydraulic boundary conditions were established at the base of the two specimens: in one case a pervious boundary was realized by means of a geogrid covered with a geotextile layer in free contact with atmosphere; in the other case, the impervious boundary was constituted by a plexiglass panel. The obtained results indicate that the water retention curves followed by the soil during the wetting and drying phases were different, and that such a difference is more pronounced in the specimen with impervious bottom, thus confirming that air entrapment may be significant, especially during fast transient infiltration. In the field, where the infiltration front penetrates at much larger depths, the effect of air entrapment is expected to be even higher, leading to infiltration processes evolving under smaller suction at a given water content, and approaching a smaller saturated water content. Hence, the establishment of slope instability in unsaturated conditions is favored, and the evolution of the landslide in form of a flow is more unlikely.

Giant Subaqueous Pyroclastic-Flow Deposits Revealed: Sedimentological Revision of the Holocene Outcrops of Izu-Oshima Island, Japan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hemmi, R.; Yoshida, S.; Nemoto, Y.; Kotake, N.

2010-12-01

The early-to-middle Holocene outcrops of Izu-Oshima island, 100 km SSW of Tokyo, comprise sand- to gravel-size pyroclasts, and exhibit undulating layered structures, with each wavelet typically measuring 5-10 m high. These outcrops were traditionally interpreted as exemplary subaerial "ash-fall" deposits in volcanology textbooks (e.g. Schmincke 2006). Our detailed sedimentological analyses, however, have revealed that it is of pyroclastic density-current origin, the majority of which formed in shallow-marine settings. The present study focuses on the outcrops along the western coast of the Island, where the three-dimensional architecture of the outcrops is superbly exposed, and the existing archaeological framework provides a reliable chronostratigraphic control. The outcrops contain abundant compound bedforms, where small bedforms (dunes/antidunes) occur within the larger bedforms. The compound bedforms exhibit four-fold hierarchy (ranks 1 to 4), and bedforms for each scale display dominantly upstream-accreting geometry. The largest scale (Rank 1) of these bedforms show wavy parallel-bedding geometry (each wavelet typically measuring 5-10 m high and 50-100 m wide). We interpreted the large-scale architecture as sediment waves (gigantic antidunes) similar to the one reported from the shallow-marine deposits associated with AD 79 Mt. Vesuvius eruptions (Milia et al. 2008). Moreover, we have identified crustacean burrows and other trace fossils indicative of a nearshore shallow-marine environment. The pervasive occurrence of these fossils throughout the outcrops and abundant water-escape structures also suggests their subaqueous origin. On the other hand, evidence of subaerial deposition (e.g., paleosols and rootlets) or subaerial reworking (e.g., lahar) is absent, except for some spots on several regional unconformities that divide 10’s-m-thick sediment-wave deposits. On some of these unconformities, ribbon- to fan-shaped lava and/or ancient human-dwelling sites (5.0-7.5 ka) are locally present. These observations suggest that the deposition of the pyroclastic and lava flow occurred near the coastline, with rapid fluctuations of relative sea level. Earlier workers suggested that these outcrops were “subaerial ash-fall” deposits, with each dm-thick layer representing a small eruption that occurred at about 150-year interval from 20 ka to 5 ka, with the total number of eruptions reaching or possibly exceeding 100 (Tazawa 1980). However, we suggest that these layers form several 10’s-m-thick unconformity-bounded units (sediment waves). Together with the abundant shallow-marine trace fossils, we believe that these outcrops are of subaqueous pyroclastic-flow origin, recording less frequent but much bigger catastrophic eruptions than previously thought. Without recognizing the stratal packaging patterns on the 2-D/3-D vertical cross-sections, these outcrops can easily be mistaken for ash-fall deposits, and the magnitude of eruptions can be vastly underestimated.

Continuous monitoring of Mount St. Helens Volcano

USGS Publications Warehouse

Spall, H.

1980-01-01

Day by day monitoring of the Mount St. Helens Volcano. These are four scenarios, very different scenarios, that can occur in a average week at Mount St. Helens. Ranging from eruptions of gas and to steam to eruptions of ash and pyroclastic flows to even calm days. This example of monitoring illustrates the differences from day to day volcanic activities at Mount St. Helens. 

In vitro toxicology of respirable Montserrat volcanic ash.

PubMed

Wilson, M R; Stone, V; Cullen, R T; Searl, A; Maynard, R L; Donaldson, K

2000-11-01

In July 1995 the Soufriere Hills volcano on the island of Montserrat began to erupt. Preliminary reports showed that the ash contained a substantial respirable component and a large percentage of the toxic silica polymorph, cristobalite. In this study the cytotoxicity of three respirable Montserrat volcanic ash (MVA) samples was investigated: M1 from a single explosive event, M2 accumulated ash predominantly derived from pyroclastic flows, and M3 from a single pyroclastic flow. These were compared with the relatively inert dust TiO(2) and the known toxic quartz dust, DQ12. Surface area of the particles was measured with the Brunauer, Emmet, and Teller (BET) adsorption method and cristobalite content of MVA was determined by x ray diffraction (XRD). After exposure to particles, the metabolic competence of the epithelial cell line A549 was assessed to determine cytotoxic effects. The ability of the particles to induce sheep blood erythrocyte haemolysis was used to assess surface reactivity. Treatment with either MVA, quartz, or titanium dioxide decreased A549 epithelial cell metabolic competence as measured by ability to reduce 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). On addition of mannitol, the cytotoxic effect was significantly less with M1, quartz, and TiO(2). All MVA samples induced a dose dependent increase in haemolysis, which, although less than the haemolysis induced by quartz, was significantly greater than that induced by TiO(2). Addition of mannitol and superoxide dismutase (SOD) significantly reduced the haemolytic activity only of M1, but not M2 or M3, the samples derived from predominantly pyroclastic flow events. Neither the cristobalite content nor the surface area of the MVA samples correlated with observed in vitro reactivity. A role for reactive oxygen species could only be shown in the cytotoxicity of M1, which was the only sample derived from a purely explosive event. These results suggest that in general the bioreactivity of MVA samples in vitro is low compared with pure quartz, but that the bioreactivity and mechanisms of biological interaction may vary according to the ash source.

Geology of the Ugashik-Mount Peulik Volcanic Center, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Miller, Thomas P.

2004-01-01

The Ugashik-Mount Peulik volcanic center, 550 km southwest of Anchorage on the Alaska Peninsula, consists of the late Quaternary 5-km-wide Ugashik caldera and the stratovolcano Mount Peulik built on the north flank of Ugashik. The center has been the site of explosive volcanism including a caldera-forming eruption and post-caldera dome-destructive activity. Mount Peulik has been formed entirely in Holocene time and erupted in 1814 and 1845. A large lava dome occupies the summit crater, which is breached to the west. A smaller dome is perched high on the southeast flank of the cone. Pyroclastic-flow deposits form aprons below both domes. One or more sector-collapse events occurred early in the formation of Mount Peulik volcano resulting in a large area of debris-avalanche deposits on the volcano's northwest flank. The Ugashik-Mount Peulik center is a calcalkaline suite of basalt, andesite, dacite, and rhyolite, ranging in SiO2 content from 51 to 72 percent. The Ugashik-Mount Peulik magmas appear to be co-genetic in a broad sense and their compositional variation has probably resulted from a combination of fractional crystallization and magma-mixing. The most likely scenario for a future eruption is that one or more of the summit domes on Mount Peulik are destroyed as new magma rises to the surface. Debris avalanches and pyroclastic flows may then move down the west and, less likely, east flanks of the volcano for distances of 10 km or more. A new lava dome or series of domes would be expected to form either during or within some few years after the explosive disruption of the previous dome. This cycle of dome disruption, pyroclastic flow generation, and new dome formation could be repeated several times in a single eruption. The volcano poses little direct threat to human population as the area is sparsely populated. The most serious hazard is the effect of airborne volcanic ash on aircraft since Mount Peulik sits astride heavily traveled air routes connecting the U.S. and Europe to Asia. Activity of the type described could produce eruption columns to heights of 15 km and result in significant amounts of ash 250-300 km downwind.

Rhyolitic components of the Michipicoten greenstone belt, Ontario: Evidence for late Archaen intracontinental rifts or convergent plate margins in the Canadian Shield?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sylvester, P. J.; Attoh, K.; Schulz, K. J.

1986-01-01

Rhyolitic rocks often are the dominant felsic end member of the biomodal volcanic suites that characterize many late Archean greenstone belts of the Canadian Shield. The rhyolites primarily are pyroclastic flows (ash flow tuffs) emplaced following plinian eruptions, although deposits formed by laval flows and phreatomagmatic eruptions also are presented. Based both on measured tectono-stratigraphic sections and provenance studies of greenstone belt sedimentary sequences, the rhyolites are believed to have been equal in abundance to associated basaltic rocks. In many recent discussions of the tectonic setting of late Archean Canadian greenstone belts, rhyolites have been interpreted as products of intracontinental rifting . A study of the tectono-stratigraphic relationships, rock associations and chemical characteristics of the particularly ell-exposed late Archean rhyolites of the Michipicoten greenstone belt, suggests that convergent plate margin models are more appropriate.

Frequent eruptions of Mount Rainier over the last ˜2,600 years

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sisson, T. W.; Vallance, J. W.

2009-08-01

Field, geochronologic, and geochemical evidence from proximal fine-grained tephras, and from limited exposures of Holocene lava flows and a small pyroclastic flow document ten-12 eruptions of Mount Rainier over the last 2,600 years, contrasting with previously published evidence for only 11-12 eruptions of the volcano for all of the Holocene. Except for the pumiceous subplinian C event of 2,200 cal year BP, the late-Holocene eruptions were weakly explosive, involving lava effusions and at least two block-and-ash pyroclastic flows. Eruptions were clustered from ˜2,600 to ˜2,200 cal year BP, an interval referred to as the Summerland eruptive period that includes the youngest lava effusion from the volcano. Thin, fine-grained tephras are the only known primary volcanic products from eruptions near 1,500 and 1,000 cal year BP, but these and earlier eruptions were penecontemporaneous with far-traveled lahars, probably created from newly erupted materials melting snow and glacial ice. The most recent magmatic eruption of Mount Rainier, documented geochemically, was the 1,000 cal year BP event. Products from a proposed eruption of Mount Rainier between AD 1820 and 1854 (X tephra of Mullineaux (US Geol Surv Bull 1326:1-83, 1974)) are redeposited C tephra, probably transported onto young moraines by snow avalanches, and do not record a nineteenth century eruption. We found no conclusive evidence for an eruption associated with the clay-rich Electron Mudflow of ˜500 cal year BP, and though rare, non-eruptive collapse of unstable edifice flanks remains as a potential hazard from Mount Rainier.

Quantifying volcanic hazard at Campi Flegrei caldera (Italy) with uncertainty assessment: 2. Pyroclastic density current invasion maps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neri, Augusto; Bevilacqua, Andrea; Esposti Ongaro, Tomaso; Isaia, Roberto; Aspinall, Willy P.; Bisson, Marina; Flandoli, Franco; Baxter, Peter J.; Bertagnini, Antonella; Iannuzzi, Enrico; Orsucci, Simone; Pistolesi, Marco; Rosi, Mauro; Vitale, Stefano

2015-04-01

Campi Flegrei (CF) is an example of an active caldera containing densely populated settlements at very high risk of pyroclastic density currents (PDCs). We present here an innovative method for assessing background spatial PDC hazard in a caldera setting with probabilistic invasion maps conditional on the occurrence of an explosive event. The method encompasses the probabilistic assessment of potential vent opening positions, derived in the companion paper, combined with inferences about the spatial density distribution of PDC invasion areas from a simplified flow model, informed by reconstruction of deposits from eruptions in the last 15 ka. The flow model describes the PDC kinematics and accounts for main effects of topography on flow propagation. Structured expert elicitation is used to incorporate certain sources of epistemic uncertainty, and a Monte Carlo approach is adopted to produce a set of probabilistic hazard maps for the whole CF area. Our findings show that, in case of eruption, almost the entire caldera is exposed to invasion with a mean probability of at least 5%, with peaks greater than 50% in some central areas. Some areas outside the caldera are also exposed to this danger, with mean probabilities of invasion of the order of 5-10%. Our analysis suggests that these probability estimates have location-specific uncertainties which can be substantial. The results prove to be robust with respect to alternative elicitation models and allow the influence on hazard mapping of different sources of uncertainty, and of theoretical and numerical assumptions, to be quantified.

Storage conditions of the mafic and silicic magmas at Cotopaxi, Ecuador

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martel, Caroline; Andújar, Joan; Mothes, Patricia; Scaillet, Bruno; Pichavant, Michel; Molina, Indira

2018-04-01

The 2015 reactivation of the Cotopaxi volcano urges us to understand the complex eruptive dynamics of Cotopaxi for better management of a potential major crisis in the near future. Cotopaxi has commonly transitioned from andesitic eruptions of strombolian style (lava flows and scoria ballistics) or nuées ardentes (pyroclastic flows and ash falls) to highly explosive rhyolitic ignimbrites (pumiceous pyroclastic flows), which entail drastically different risks. To better interpret geophysical and geochemical signals, Cotopaxi magma storage conditions were determined via existing phase-equilibrium experiments that used starting materials chemically close to the Cotopaxi andesites and rhyolites. The results suggest that Cotopaxi's most mafic andesites (last erupted products) can be stored over a large range of depth from 7 km to ≥16 km below the summit (pressure from 200 to ≥400 MPa), 1000 °C, NNO +2, and contain 4.5-6.0±0.7 wt% H2O dissolved in the melt in equilibrium with 30-40% phenocrysts of plagioclase, two pyroxenes, and Fe-Ti oxides. These mafic andesites sometimes evolve towards more silicic andesites by cooling to 950 °C. Rhyolitic magmas are stored at 200-300 MPa (i.e. 7-11 km below the summit), 750 °C, NNO +2, and contain 6-8 wt% H2O dissolved in a nearly aphyric melt (<5% phenocrysts of plagioclase, biotite, and Fe-Ti oxides). Although the andesites produce the rhyolitic magmas by fractional crystallization, the Cotopaxi eruptive history suggests reactivation of either reservoirs at distinct times, likely reflecting flux or time fluctuations during deep magma recharge.

A closer look at the pyroclastic density current deposits of the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mt St Helens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mackaman-Lofland, C. A.; Brand, B. D.; Dufek, J.

2010-12-01

Pyroclastic Density Currents (PDCs) are the most dangerous hazard associated with explosive volcanic eruptions. Due to the danger associated with observing these ground-hugging currents of searing hot gas, ash, and rock in real time, their processes are poorly understood. In order to understand flow dynamics, including what controls how far PDCs travel and how they interact with topography, it is necessary to study their deposits. The May 18th, 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens produced multiple PDCs, burying the area north of the volcano under 10s of meters of PDC deposits. Because the eruption is one of the best observed on record, individual flow units can be correlated to changes in eruptive intensity throughout the day (e.g., Criswell, 1987). Deep drainage erosion over the past 30 years has exposed the three-dimensional structure of the PDC deposits, making this intensive study possible. Up to six flow units have been identified along the large western drainage of the pumice plain. Each flow unit has intricate vertical and lateral facies changes and complex cross-cutting relationships away from source. The most proximal PDC deposits associated with the afternoon flows on May 18 are exposed 4 km from source in tributaries of the large drainage on the western side of the pumice plain. Hummocks from the debris avalanche are also exposed above and within these proximal drainages. It is apparent that the PDCs were often erosional, entraining large blocks from the hummocks and depositing them in close proximity downstream. The currents were also depositional, as thick sequences of PDC deposits are found in areas between hummocks, which thin to veneers above them. This indicates that the currents were interacting with complex topography early in their propagation, and is reflected by spatially variable bed conditions including rapid changes in bedding and granulometry characteristics within individual flow units. For example, within 20 lateral meters of a given flow unit, depositional features can vary from massive, diffusely-stratified to stratified, and cross stratified. We interpret this variability as a result of interaction with nearby topography, rapid sedimentation of large blocks, or a combination of the two; this implies rapid spatial and temporal instabilities in the current. For each flow unit we measure deposit thickness, bedding style, clast size, density and sorting, and degree of pumice rounding with distance from source. We use this data to better understand and interpret flow dynamics from depositional characteristics. The data we collect will be used to refine and validate numerical models of PDCs, ultimately providing a more accurate hazard assessment for explosive eruptions.

Magma fracturing and degassing associated with obsidian formation: The explosive–effusive transition

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cabrera, Agustin; Weinberg, Roberto; Wright, Heather M.

2015-01-01

This paper explores the role of melt fracturing in degassing rhyolitic volcanic systems. The Monte Pilato-Rocche Rosse eruptions in Italy evolved from explosive to effusive in style, and H2O content in quenched glasses changed over time from relatively H2O-rich (~ 0.90 wt.%) to H2O-poor dense obsidian (~ 0.10–0.20 wt.%). In addition, healed fractures have been recorded in all different eruptive materials, from the glass of early-erupted tube pumice and rinds of breadcrusted obsidian pyroclasts, to the glass of late-erupted dense obsidian pyroclasts, and throughout the final effusive Rocche Rosse lava flow. These rocks show multiple fault sets, some with crenulated fault planes indicating resumption of viscous flow after faulting, complex obsidian breccias with evidence for post-brecciation folding and stretching, and centimetre- to metre-thick tuffisite preserved in pyroclasts and lava, representing collapsed foam due to fracturing of vesicle walls. These microstructural observations indicate that multiple fracturing and healing events occurred during both explosive and effusive eruptions. H2O content in glass decreases by as much as 0.14 wt.% towards healed fractures/faults and decreases in stretched obsidian breccias towards regions of intense brecciation. A drop in pressure and/or increase in temperature along fractures caused diffusive H2O migration through melt towards fracture surfaces. Repetitive and pervasive fracturing and healing thereby create conditions for diffusive H2O loss into fractures and subsequent escape through permeable paths. This type of progressive magma degassing provides a potential mechanism to explain the formation of dense obsidian and the evolution from explosive to effusive eruption style.

Constraints for recently discovered ignimbrites in the Altiplano-Puna Volcanic Complex (APVC), northern Chile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Layana, S.; Aguilera, F.

2014-12-01

One of most voluminous ignimbrite provinces in the world (>30.000 km3) is located in the Central Andean Volcanic Zone (CAVZ), which has been continuously active since Upper Oligocene. Altiplano-Puna Volcanic Complex (APVC), located between 21 and 24ºS, is a volcano-tectonic province constituted by diverse caldera complexes and ignimbrite deposits (Upper Miocene - Lower Pleistocene) that covers an area ~50.000 km2. In this work, we present data from three new ignimbrites discovered in a portion of APVC (22°-22,4°S), with the objective to establish its origin and provenance. Were identified 3 new ignimbrites: 1) Cabana ignimbrite (>7.5 Ma), constituted by 3 pyroclastic flow and 1 pyroclastic surge units of crystal-glass rich dacitic tuffs, 80 m maximum thick, 0.18 km3 volume and 0.14 km3 DRE; 2) Inacaliri ignimbrite (7.5 Ma) constituted by two members, corresponding to glassy dacitic (basal member) and basaltic andesites (upper member) tuffs, the total thick reach up 20 m, 0.003 km3 volume and 0.002 km3 DRE; 3) Tolar ignimbrite (>1.3 Ma), constituted by a single pyroclastic flow and a basal fall glassy dacitic deposits, 50 m maximum thick, 0.04 km3 volume and 0.03 km3 DRE. Cabana ignimbrite seems to have been originated from a single caldera complex, whose cannot be recognized in the field. Inacaliri ignimbrite could be related to initial phases of building of Inacaliri and Apacheta-Aguilucho volcanic complexes, or originated to a buried caldera located below both volcanic complexes. Finally, Tolar ignimbrite corresponds to initial building stage of Toconce volcano, located 2 km at NE from these deposits.

Post-eruptive flooding of Santorini caldera and implications for tsunami generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nomikou, Paraskevi; Druitt, Tim; Hübscher, Christian; Mather, Tamsin; Paulatto, Michele; Kalnins, Lara; Kelfoun, Karim; Papanikolaou, Dimitris; Bejelou, Konstantina; Lampridou, Danai; Pyle, David; Carey, Steven; Watts, Anthony; Weiß, Benedikt; Parks, Michelle

2017-04-01

Caldera-forming eruptions of island volcanoes generate tsunamis by the interaction of different eruptive phenomena with the sea. Such tsunamis are a major hazard, but forward models of their impacts are limited by poor understanding of source mechanisms. The eruption of Santorini 3600 years ago was one of the largest of eruptions known worldwide from the past 10,000 years - and was at least 3 times larger than the catastrophic eruption of Krakatoa. This huge eruption evacuated large volumes of magma, causing collapse of the large caldera, which is now filled with seawater. Tsunamis from this eruption have been proposed to have played a role in the demise of the Minoan culture across the southern Aegean, through damage to coastal towns, harbors, shipping and maritime trade. Before the eruption, there was an older caldera in the northern part of Santorini, partly filled with a shallow lagoon. In our study, we present bathymetric and seismic evidence showing that the caldera was not open to the sea during the main phase of the eruption, but was flooded once the eruption had finished. Following subsidence of the caldera floor, rapid inflow of seawater and landslides cut a deep 2.0-2.5 km3 submarine channel into the northern flank of the caldera wall. Hydrodynamic modelling indicates that the caldera was flooded through this breach in less than a couple of days. It was previously proposed that collapse of the caldera could have led to the formation of a major tsunami; but this is ruled out by our new evidence. Any tsunami's generated were most likely caused by entry of pyroclastic flows into the sea, combined with slumping of submarine pyroclastic accumulations. This idea is consistent with previous assertions that pyroclastic flows were the main cause of tsunamis at Krakatau.

The drag forces exerted by lahar flows on a cylindrical pier: case study of post Mount Merapi eruptions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faizien Haza, Zainul

2018-03-01

Debris flows of lahar flows occurred in post mount eruption is a phenomenon in which large quantities of water, mud, and gravel flow down a stream at a high velocity. It is a second stage of danger after the first danger of lava flows, pyroclastic, and toxic gases. The debris flow of lahar flows has a high density and also high velocity; therefore it has potential detrimental consequences against homes, bridges, and infrastructures, as well as loss of life along its pathway. The collision event between lahar flows and pier of a bridge is observed. The condition is numerically simulated using commercial software of computational fluid dynamic (CFD). The work is also conducted in order to investigate drag force generated during collision. Rheological data of lahar is observed through laboratory test of lahar model as density and viscosity. These data were used as the input data of the CFD simulation. The numerical model is involving two types of fluid: mud and water, therefore multiphase model is adopted in the current CFD simulation. The problem formulation is referring to the constitutive equations of mass and momentum conservation for incompressible and viscous fluid, which in perspective of two dimension (2D). The simulation models describe the situation of the collision event between lahar flows and pier of a bridge. It provides sequential view images of lahar flow impaction and the propagation trend line of the drag force coefficient values. Lahar flow analysis used non-dimensional parameter of Reynolds number. According to the results of numerical simulations, the drag force coefficients are in range 1.23 to 1.48 those are generated by value of flow velocity in range 11.11 m/s to 16.67 m/s.

Estimation of a Stopping Criterion for Geophysical Granular Flows Based on Numerical Experimentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, B.; Dalbey, K.; Bursik, M.; Patra, A.; Pitman, E. B.

2004-12-01

Inundation area may be the most important factor for mitigation of natural hazards related to avalanches, debris flows, landslides and pyroclastic flows. Run-out distance is the key parameter for inundation because the front deposits define the leading edge of inundation. To define the run-out distance, it is necessary to know when a flow stops. Numerical experiments are presented for determining a stopping criterion and exploring the suitability of a Savage-Hutter granular model for computing inundation areas of granular flows. The TITAN2D model was employed to run numerical experiments based on the Savage-Hutter theory. A potentially reasonable stopping criterion was found as a function of dimensionless average velocity, aspect ratio of pile, internal friction angle, bed friction angle and bed slope in the flow direction. Slumping piles on a horizontal surface and geophysical flows over complex topography were simulated. Several mountainous areas, including Colima volcano (MX), Casita (Nic.), Little Tahoma Peak (WA, USA) and the San Bernardino Mountains (CA, USA) were used to simulate geophysical flows. Volcanic block and ash flows, debris avalanches and debris flows occurred in these areas and caused varying degrees of damage. The areas have complex topography, including locally steep open slopes, sinuous channels, and combinations of these. With different topography and physical scaling, slumping piles and geophysical flows have a somewhat different dependence of dimensionless stopping velocity on power-law constants associated with aspect ratio of pile, internal friction angle, bed friction angle and bed slope in the flow direction. Visual comparison of the details of the inundation area obtained from the TITAN2D model with models that contain some form of viscous dissipation point out weaknesses in the model that are not evident by investigation of the stopping criterion alone.

Decompression Induced Crystallization of Basaltic Andesite Magma: Constraints on the Eruption of Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szramek, L. A.; Gardner, J. E.; Larsen, J. F.

2004-12-01

Arenal Volcano is a small stratovolcano located 90 km NW of San Jose, Costa Rica. In 1968 current activity began with a Plinian phase, and has continued to erupt lava flows and pyroclastic flows intermittently since. Samples from the Plinian, pyroclastic flow, strombolian, and effusive phases have been studied texturally. Little variation in crystallinity occurs amongst the different phases. Number density of crystals, both 2D and 3D are 50-70 mm-2 and 30,000-50,000 mm-3 in the Plinian sample, compared to the lesser values in other eruptive types. Characteristic crystal size also increases as explosivity decreases. Two samples, both lava flows collected while warm, overlap with the Plinian sample. This suggests that the variations seen may be a result of cooling history. Plagioclase differs between the Plinian sample, in which they are only tabular in shape, and the other eruptive types, which contain both tabular and equant crystals. To link decompression paths of the Arenal magma to possible pre-eruptive conditions, we have carried out hydrothermal experiments. The experiments were preformed in TZM pressure vessels buffered at a fugacity of Ni-NiO and water saturation. Phase equilibria results in conjunction with mineral compositions and temperature estimates by previous workers from active lava flows and two-pyroxene geothermometry, constrain the likely pre-eruptive conditions for the Arenal magma to 950-1040° C with a water pressure of 50-80 MPa. Samples that started from conditions that bracket our estimated pre-eruptive conditions were decompressed in steps of 5-30 MPa and held for various times at each step until 20 MPa was reached, approximating average decompression rates of 0.25, 0.025, 0.0013 MPa/s. Comparison of textures found in the natural samples to the experimentally produced textures suggest that the Plinian eruption likely was fed by magma ascending at 0.05-1 m/s, whereas the less explosive phases were fed by magma ascending at 0.05 m/s or less.

Ignimbrites of Armenia - Paleomagnetic constraints on flow direction and stratigraphy of pyroclastic activity of Mount Aragats

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kirscher, Uwe; Meliksetian, Khachatur; Gevorgyan, Hripsime; Navasardyan, Gevorg; Bachtadse, Valerian

2017-04-01

The Aragats volcano is one of the largest stratovolcanoes within the Turkish-Armenian-Iranian orogenic plateau. It is located close to the Armenian capital Yerevan, and only 30 km from the only nuclear power plant within the country. Additional to numerous lava flows, Mount Aragats is thought to be the source of at least two large pyroclastic eruptions leading to a huge number of ignimbrite outcrops, which are located surrounding Mount Aragats with an evaluated eruption radius of 50 km. The age of several ignimbrite outcrops has recently been determined to be 0.65 Ma (Meliksetian et al., 2014). The different ignimbrite flows are characterized by huge diversity of colors, degree of welding and textures. Due to that reason some disagreement exist on how these outcrops can be linked and how the eruption process actually happened in terms of different eruption phases and mixing mechanism of magmas during the eruption. To add constraints to this debate we carried out an intensive paleomagnetic investigation on most of the ignimbrite outcrops (32 sites) in terms of directional and anisotropy measurements. Paleomagnetic directional measurements yield basically two polarities: (1) a well grouped normal polarity is present in the majority of the studied sites including 3 sites which have supposedly originated from a different vent located on Turkish territory in the west; (2) a reversed polarity of the remaining sites with a somewhat increased scatter. Based on secular variation arguments and considering the high quality of the data we suggest that at least all young outcrops represent a single eruption phase in the area at 0.65 Ma, which is in agreement with an occurrence during the Brunhes geomagnetic chron. Additional to that, at least one earlier phase of pyroclastic activity took place prior to the Brunhes-Matuyama boundary (0.781 Ma). Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) suggests initial radial flow directions, which shortly after the eruption become topographically controlled. Such explosive eruptions with VEI≥5 are usually considered among most hazardous volcanic phenomena, therefore detailed multidisciplinary studies of such events occurred in the past are significantly important to estimate recurrence rates of such eruptions, their magnitudes to probabilistically access potential volcanic hazards to populated places and critical infrastructure. Melisketian, K., Savov, I., Connor, C., Halama, R., Jrbashyan, R., Navasardyan, G., Ghukasyan, Y., Gevorgyan, H., Manucharyan, D., Ishizuka, O., Quidelleur, X., Germa, A., 2014. Aragats stratovolcano in Armenia - volcano-stratigraphy and petrology. EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts 16, 567.

Cape Wanbrow: A stack of Surtseyan-style volcanoes built over millions of years in the Waiareka-Deborah volcanic field, New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moorhouse, B. L.; White, J. D. L.; Scott, J. M.

2015-06-01

Volcanic fields typically include many small, monogenetic, volcanoes formed by single eruptions fed by short-lived magma plumbing systems that solidify after eruption. The Cape Wanbrow coastline of the northeast Otago region in the South Island of New Zealand exposes an Eocene-Oligocene intraplate basaltic field that erupted in Surtseyan style onto a submerged continental shelf, and the stratigraphy of Cape Wanbrow suggests that eruptions produced multiple volcanoes whose edifices overlapped within a small area, but separated by millions of years. The small Cape Wanbrow highland is shown to include the remains of 6 volcanoes that are distinguished by discordant to locally concordant inter-volcano contacts marked by biogenic accumulations or other slow-formed features. The 6 volcanoes contain several lithofacies associations: (a) the dominantly pyroclastic E1 comprising well-bedded tuff and lapilli-tuff, emplaced by traction-dominated unsteady, turbulent high-density currents; (b) E2, massive to diffusely laminated block-rich tuff deposited by grain-dominant cohesionless debris flows; (c) E3, broadly cross-stratified tuff with local lenses of low- to high-angle cross-stratification which was deposited by either subaerial pyroclastic currents or subaqueously by unstable antidune- and chute-and-pool-forming supercritical flows; (d) E4, very-fine- to medium-grained tuff deposited by turbidity currents; (e) E5, bedded bioclast-rich tuff with increasing glaucony content upward, emplaced by debris flows; (f) E6, pillow lava and inter-pillow bioclastic sediment; and (g) E7, hyaloclastite breccia. These lithofacies associations aid interpretation of the eruptive evolution of each separate volcano, which in turn grew and degraded during build-up of the overall volcanic pile. Sedimentary processes played a prominent role in the evolution of the volcanic pile with both syn- and post-eruptive re-mobilization of debris from the growing pile of primary pyroclastic deposits of multiple volcanoes separated by time. An increase in bioclastic detritus upsequence suggests that the stack of deposits from overlapping volcanoes built up into shallow enough waters for colonization to occur. This material was periodically shed from the top of the edifice to form bioclast-rich debris flow deposits of volcanoes 4, 5 and 6. Since the eruption of Surtsey (1963-1965) many studies have been made of the resulting island, but the pre-emergent base remains submarine, unincised and little studied. Eruption-fed density currents that formed deposits of the volcanoes of Cape Wanbrow are inferred to be typical products of submarine processes such as those that built Surtsey to the sea surface.

Volcanism at Hualca Hualca Volcano, Southern Peru

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burkett, B.

2005-12-01

Nevado Hualca Hualca (6025m), in southern Peru, is the northernmost edifice in a north-south trending chain of 3 volcanoes that includes Ampato and the active Sabancaya stratovolcano. The oldest in the chain and considered extinct, virtually no research exists about the history of this large volcano. The summit of the volcano shows deep incision by glaciation, which from aerial photographs appears unaffected by later volcanism. Its north slope, however, possesses numerous volcanic domes, extensive lava flows with distinct levees and transverse ridges, and pyroclastic flow deposits. Deposits on the northwestern slope of Hualca Hualca include breadcrust-rich block-and-ash flows (BAF), several dacite lava flows including one with an identifiable source dome about 15km from the summit, and a sequence of small pyroclastic flow deposits with minor associated tephra. Analyses of these deposits show a restricted range of compositions (63-68 wt% SiO2). The PF sequence has an upward decrease in SiO2 and basaltic andesite (56 wt% SiO2) inclusions occur in the uppermost PFs. Principal phenocrysts include plagioclase, biotite, hornblende, clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, Fe-Ti oxides, and sphene. Fine grained, angular to sub-rounded magmatic enclaves occur within the breadcrust-rich BAF deposits and the youngest lava flow. They are characterized by randomly oriented acicular hornblende, lack of chilled margins, and a few voids indicative of a quench texture. Plagioclase crystals with "dusty" rims or cores present in most of the deposits suggest resorption caused by magma recharge. These features imply a stratified magma chamber subject to magma recharge events and mingling to produce the quench texture enclaves. Chemical analyses indicate that the volcanic products result from magma mixing processes; the basaltic andesite inclusions may represent the mafic end-member of the mixing process. The physical characteristics of the deposits and chemical analyses were compared with data from the 1990-98 eruptive episode of Sabancaya volcano. Quench-texture enclaves and dusty-rimmed plagioclase exist in practically all of the Sabancaya deposits. The Sabancaya chemical analyses plot in line with those from the Hualca Hualca deposits; the Hualca Hualca samples are more evolved in almost every case except for the basaltic-andesite inclusions. This indicates a common formational history for the products of these two volcanoes and suggests a longer crustal storage time for the more evolved Hualca Hualca volcanics.

Digital Data for Volcano Hazards at Newberry Volcano, Oregon

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schilling, S.P.; Doelger, S.; Sherrod, D.R.; Mastin, L.G.; Scott, W.E.

2008-01-01

Newberry volcano is a broad shield volcano located in central Oregon, the product of thousands of eruptions, beginning about 600,000 years ago. At least 25 vents on the flanks and summit have been active during the past 10,000 years. The most recent eruption 1,300 years ago produced the Big Obsidian Flow. Thus, the volcano's long history and recent activity indicate that Newberry will erupt in the future. Newberry Crater, a volcanic depression or caldera has been the focus of Newberry's volcanic activity for at least the past 10,000 years. Newberry National Volcanic Monument, which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, includes the caldera and extends to the Deschutes River. Newberry volcano is quiet. Local earthquake activity (seismicity) has been trifling throughout historic time. Subterranean heat is still present, as indicated by hot springs in the caldera and high temperatures encountered during exploratory drilling for geothermal energy. The report USGS Open-File Report 97-513 (Sherrod and others, 1997) describes the kinds of hazardous geologic events that might occur in the future at Newberry volcano. A hazard-zonation map is included to show the areas that will most likely be affected by renewed eruptions. When Newberry volcano becomes restless, the eruptive scenarios described herein can inform planners, emergency response personnel, and citizens about the kinds and sizes of events to expect. The geographic information system (GIS) volcano hazard data layers used to produce the Newberry volcano hazard map in USGS Open-File Report 97-513 are included in this data set. Scientists at the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory created a GIS data layer to depict zones subject to the effects of an explosive pyroclastic eruption (tephra fallout, pyroclastic flows, and ballistics), lava flows, volcanic gasses, and lahars/floods in Paulina Creek. A separate GIS data layer depicts drill holes on the flanks of Newberry Volcano that were used to estimate the probability of coverage by future lava flows.

Pulmonary epithelial response in the rat lung to instilled Montserrat respirable dusts and their major mineral components.

PubMed

Housley, D G; Bérubé, K A; Jones, T P; Anderson, S; Pooley, F D; Richards, R J

2002-07-01

The Soufriere Hills, a stratovolcano on Montserrat, started erupting in July 1995, producing volcanic ash, both from dome collapse pyroclastic flows and phreatic explosions. The eruptions/ash resuspension result in high concentrations of suspended particulate matter in the atmosphere, which includes cristobalite, a mineral implicated in respiratory disorders. To conduct toxicological studies on characterised samples of ash, together with major components of the dust mixture (anorthite, cristobalite), and a bioreactive mineral control (DQ12 quartz). Rats were challenged with a single mass (1 mg) dose of particles via intratracheal instillation and groups sacrificed at one, three, and nine weeks. Acute bioreactivity of the particles was assessed by increases in lung permeability and inflammation, changes in epithelial cell markers, and increase in the size of bronchothoracic lymph nodes. Data indicated that respirable ash derived from pyroclastic flows (20.1% cristobalite) or phreatic explosion (8.6% cristobalite) had minimal bioreactivity in the lung. Anorthite showed low bioreactivity, in contrast to pure cristobalite, which showed progressive increases in lung damage. Results suggests that either the percentage mass of cristobalite particles present in Montserrat ash was not sufficient as a catalyst in the lung environment, or its surface reactivity was masked by the non-reactive volcanic glass components during the process of ash formation.

Marine tephrochronology of the Mt. Edgecumbe volcanic field, southeast Alaska, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Addison, Jason A.; Beget, James E.; Ager, Thomas A.; Finney, Bruce P.

2010-01-01

The Mt. Edgecumbe Volcanic Field (MEVF), located on Kruzof Island near Sitka Sound in southeast Alaska, experienced a large multiple-stage eruption during the last glacial maximum (LGM)-Holocene transition that generated a regionally extensive series of compositionally similar rhyolite tephra horizons and a single well-dated dacite (MEd) tephra. Marine sediment cores collected from adjacent basins to the MEVF contain both tephra-fall and pyroclastic flow deposits that consist primarily of rhyolitic tephra and a minor dacitic tephra unit. The recovered dacite tephra correlates with the MEd tephra, whereas many of the rhyolitic tephras correlate with published MEVF rhyolites. Correlations were based on age constraints and major oxide compositions of glass shards. In addition to LGM-Holocene macroscopic tephra units, four marine cryptotephras were also identified. Three of these units appear to be derived from mid-Holocene MEVF activity, while the youngest cryptotephra corresponds well with the White River Ash eruption at not, vert, similar 1147 cal yr BP. Furthermore, the sedimentology of the Sitka Sound marine core EW0408-40JC and high-resolution SWATH bathymetry both suggest that extensive pyroclastic flow deposits associated with the activity that generated the MEd tephra underlie Sitka Sound, and that any future MEVF activity may pose significant risk to local population centers.

Field characteristics of deposits from spatter-rich pyroclastic density currents at Summer Coon volcano, Colorado

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valentine, G. A.; Perry, F. V.; WoldeGabriel, G.

2000-12-01

The Oligocene, deeply eroded Summer Coon composite volcano contains mafic andesite deposits that are massive to poorly bedded, have abundant flattened and deformed spatter clasts, have varying proportions of dense lithic clasts, and are supported mostly by a coarse-ash matrix. Although superficially these deposits resemble typical facies from Strombolian eruptions (emplaced ballistically, by fallout, and by rolling and local grain-avalanches down steep cone slopes), there are several lines of evidence that lead to an interpretation that the deposits were emplaced by pyroclastic density currents. These include local coarse-tail grading, deformation of spatter clasts in a down-flow direction, incorporation of matrix ash and lapilli into flattened spatter clasts, imbrication of large clasts, plastering of spatter on stoss sides of large lithic blocks and lenses of lithic-rich material on lee sides, deposition on angles less than the angle of repose, and a paucity of clast shapes associated with Strombolian mechanisms. The deposit characteristics are consistent with rapid sedimentation from a low-particle-concentration, turbulent flow onto an aggrading bed. We infer two potential mechanisms for generating these density currents: (1) explosive magma-water interaction involving lithic debris and relatively unfragmented melt; and (2) collapse of oversteepened upper cone slopes due to rapid accumulation of spatter from voluminous Strombolian eruptions.

Modeling lahar behavior and hazards

USGS Publications Warehouse

Manville, Vernon; Major, Jon J.; Fagents, Sarah A.

2013-01-01

Lahars are highly mobile mixtures of water and sediment of volcanic origin that are capable of traveling tens to > 100 km at speeds exceeding tens of km hr-1. Such flows are among the most serious ground-based hazards at many volcanoes because of their sudden onset, rapid advance rates, long runout distances, high energy, ability to transport large volumes of material, and tendency to flow along existing river channels where populations and infrastructure are commonly concentrated. They can grow in volume and peak discharge through erosion and incorporation of external sediment and/or water, inundate broad areas, and leave deposits many meters thick. Furthermore, lahars can recur for many years to decades after an initial volcanic eruption, as fresh pyroclastic material is eroded and redeposited during rainfall events, resulting in a spatially and temporally evolving hazard. Improving understanding of the behavior of these complex, gravitationally driven, multi-phase flows is key to mitigating the threat to communities at lahar-prone volcanoes. However, their complexity and evolving nature pose significant challenges to developing the models of flow behavior required for delineating their hazards and hazard zones.

Field-trip guide to subaqueous volcaniclastic facies in the Ancestral Cascades arc in southern Washington State—The Ohanapecosh Formation and Wildcat Creek beds

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jutzeler, Martin; McPhie, Jocelyn

2017-06-27

Partly situated in the idyllic Mount Rainier National Park, this field trip visits exceptional examples of Oligocene subaqueous volcaniclastic successions in continental basins adjacent to the Ancestral Cascades arc. The >800-m-thick Ohanapecosh Formation (32–26 Ma) and the >300-m-thick Wildcat Creek (27 Ma) beds record similar sedimentation processes from various volcanic sources. Both show evidence of below-wave-base deposition, and voluminous accumulation of volcaniclastic facies from subaqueous density currents and suspension settling. Eruption-fed facies include deposits from pyroclastic flows that crossed the shoreline, from tephra fallout over water, and from probable Surtseyan eruptions, whereas re-sedimented facies comprise subaqueous density currents and debris flow deposits.

Source mechanisms of volcanic tsunamis.

PubMed

Paris, Raphaël

2015-10-28

Volcanic tsunamis are generated by a variety of mechanisms, including volcano-tectonic earthquakes, slope instabilities, pyroclastic flows, underwater explosions, shock waves and caldera collapse. In this review, we focus on the lessons that can be learnt from past events and address the influence of parameters such as volume flux of mass flows, explosion energy or duration of caldera collapse on tsunami generation. The diversity of waves in terms of amplitude, period, form, dispersion, etc. poses difficulties for integration and harmonization of sources to be used for numerical models and probabilistic tsunami hazard maps. In many cases, monitoring and warning of volcanic tsunamis remain challenging (further technical and scientific developments being necessary) and must be coupled with policies of population preparedness. © 2015 The Author(s).

Natural hazards and risk reduction in Hawai'i: Chapter 10 in Characteristics of Hawaiian volcanoes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kauahikaua, James P.; Tilling, Robert I.; Poland, Michael P.; Takahashi, T. Jane; Landowski, Claire M.

2014-01-01

Although HVO has been an important global player in advancing natural hazards studies during the past 100 years, it faces major challenges in the future, among which the following command special attention: (1) the preparation of an updated volcano hazards assessment and map for the Island of Hawai‘i, taking into account not only high-probability lava flow hazards, but also hazards posed by low-probability, high-risk events (for instance, pyroclastic flows, regional ashfalls, volcano flank collapse and associated megatsunamis), and (2) the continuation of timely and effective communications of hazards information to all stakeholders and the general public, using all available means (conventional print media, enhanced Web presence, public-education/outreach programs, and social-media approaches).

Hybrid Pyroclastic Deposits Accumulated From The Eruptive Transitional Regime of Plinian Eruptions.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

di Muro, Andrea; Rosi, Mauro

In the past 15 years sedimentological studies (Valentine and Giannetti, 1995; Wilson and Hildreth, 1997; Rosi et al., 2001), physical models (Neri et al., 1988; Veitch and Woods, 2000; Kaminski and Jaupart, 2001) and laboratory experiments (Carey et al., 1988) converge at defining a new eruptive regime transitional between the fully convective and the fully collapsing end -members. Buoyant columns and density currents are contemporaneously fed in the transitional dynamic regime and fall beds are intercalated with the density current deposits in the area invested by them. The sedimentological analysis of the well exposed 800yr B.P. plinian eruption of the volcano Quilotoa (Ecuador) enabled us to i) recognize a gradual evolution of the eruptive regime, ii) characterize the fall and density current deposits emplaced during the transitional regime. The eruptive activity began with at least two phreatic explosions and the effusion of a small volume lava dome. Eruptive behaviour then switched to explosive and fed a purely convective column that accumulated a reverse graded pumice fall while rising up to an height of 30 km. A small volume, diluted and slow density current (S1 current) was emplaced in the proximal SW sector just before the column reached its maximum height. Two group s of more voluminous and faster intra-plinian density currents (S2 and S3 currents) were subsequently emplaced contemporaneously with the accumulation of the lower and upper part respectively of a normal graded pumice fall bed. S2 and S3 currents were radially distributed around the crater and deposited bedded layers with facies of decreasing energy when moving away from the crater. Massive beds of small volume were emplaced only i) inside the proximal valley channel near the topography break in slope, ii) outside the valley channel in medial area where the currents impinged against relieves. A thick sequence of pyroclastic flow deposits (S4 currents) accumulated in the valley channels around the crater only in a post-plinian phase. During this phase, the convective plume was purely coignimbritic. The runout (from 4 to 11 km) and the degree of valley -confinement progressively increased from S1 to S4 currents. The eruption ended with the collapse of a 2.6 km summit caldera. During this last eruptive phase, coarse lithic-rich flow units with runout shorter than previously were emplaced. The parallel evolution of column height (grain-size), fountain height (size of ballistics) and flow properties (surges vs. flows) compares well with the numerical simulations of pyroclastic dispersion performed by Neri et al. (2002). In the whole dispersion area, the fall bed has a polymodal grain-size. The coarse modes of the fall appear related to the plinian column, while the fines ones have a co-ignimbrite fall origin. Sub-pop ulation analysis shows that the fine modes are related to ash aggregation that in transitional eruptions plays a significant role in the deposition of very fine sizzes also in very proximal areas. The fall deposit is totally eroded and reworked by the syn-plinian currents in the proximal areas and partially eroded in the medial areas. Grain-size and maximum clast analysis indicate that a significant fraction of the intraplinian beds is of primary fall origin. Strong similarities are found between the Quilot oa deposits and that accumulated during the transitional phase of the 1991 Pinatubo eruption (Rosi et al., 2001). These evidences should be carefully taken in account for risk assessment when analysing deposits accumulated in the transitional eruptive regi me with the aim at calculating the physical parameters characterizing the density currents ( Brissette and Lajoie, 1990). References : Brissette FP and Lajoie J (1990) Depositional mechanics of turbulent nuées ardentes (surges) from their grain-sizes. Bull Volcanol 53:60-66. Carey S, Sigurdsson H, Sparks RSJ (1988) Experimental studies of particle-laden plumes. J Geophys Res 93:15314-15328 Kaminski E and Jaupart C (2001) Marginal stability of atmospheric eruption columns and pyroclastic flow generation J Geophys Res 106: 21785-21798 Neri A, Papale P and Macedonio G (1998) The role of magma composition and water content in explosive eruptions: 2. Pyroclastic dispersion dynamics. J Volcanol Geotherm Res 87: 95-115 Neri A, Di Muro A, Rosi M (2002) Mass partition during collapsing and transitional columns by using numerical simulations. In press on J Volcanol Geotherm Res Rosi M., Paladio-Melosantos M.L., Di Muro A., Leoni R., Bacolcol T. (2001) Fall vs Flow Activity During the 1991 Climactic Eruption of Mt. Pinatubo (Philippines). Bull Volcanol 62: 549-566 Valentine G.A., Giannetti B. (1995) Single Pyroclastic beds deposited by simultaneous fallout and surge processes: Roccamonfina volcano, Italy. J Volcanol Geotherm Res 64:129-137. Veitch G and Woods A (2002) Particle recycling and oscillations of volcanic eruption columns. J of Geophys Res, 105: 2829-2842. Wilson C.J.N., Hildreth W. (1997) The Bishop Tuff: new insights from eruptive stratigraphy J of Geol. 105:407-439.

Topographic controls on pyroclastic density current dynamics: Insight from 18 May 1980 deposits at Mount St. Helens, Washington (USA)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brand, Brittany D.; Bendaña, Sylvana; Self, Stephen; Pollock, Nicholas

2016-07-01

Our ability to interpret the deposits of pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) is critical for understanding the transport and depositional processes that control PDC dynamics. This paper focuses on the influence of slope on flow dynamics and criticality as recorded in PDC deposits from the 18 May 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens (USA). PDC deposits are found along the steep flanks (10°-30°) and across the pumice plain ( 5°) up to 8 km north of the volcano. Granulometry, componentry and descriptions of depositional characteristics (e.g., bedform morphology) are recorded with distance from source. The pumice plain deposits are primarily thick (3-12 m), massive and poorly-sorted, and represent deposition from a series of concentrated PDCs. By contrast, the steep flank deposits are stratified to cross-stratified, suggesting deposition from PDCs where turbulence strongly influenced transport and depositional processes. We propose that acceleration of the concentrated PDCs along the steep flanks resulted in thinning of the concentrated, basal region of the current(s). Enhanced entrainment of ambient air, and autofluidization from upward fluxes of air from substrate interstices and plunging breakers across rugged, irregular topography further inflated the currents to the point that the overriding turbulent region strongly influenced transport and depositional mechanisms. Acceleration in combination with partial confinement in slot canyons and high surface roughness would also increase basal shear stress, further promoting shear and traction transport in the basal region of the current. Conditions along the steep flank resulted in supercritical flow, as recorded by regressive bedforms, which gradually transitioned to subcritical flow downstream as the concentrated basal region thickness increased as a function of decreasing slope and flow energy. We also find that (1) PDCs were erosive into the underlying granular substrate along high slopes (> 25°) where currents were partially confined in steep slot canyons, suggesting that basal shear stress is an important control on erosive capacity, and (2) bedform amplitude, wavelength and the presence of regressive bedforms increase with increasing slope and proximity to source along the steep flank, suggesting a link between bedform morphology, flow velocity, and flow criticality. While our results indicate that slope and irregular topography strongly influence PDC dynamics, criticality and erosive capacity, the influence of these conditions on ultimate flow runout distance is unclear. The work here also highlights the issue that relationships between the controls on bedform size and morphology in density stratified flows remain poorly constrained, limiting our ability to extract important information about the currents that produced them. These final two points warrant further exploration through the combination of field, experimental and numerical approaches.

A new U-Pb zircon age and a volcanogenic model for the early Permian Chemnitz Fossil Forest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luthardt, Ludwig; Hofmann, Mandy; Linnemann, Ulf; Gerdes, Axel; Marko, Linda; Rößler, Ronny

2018-04-01

The Chemnitz Fossil Forest depicts one of the most completely preserved forest ecosystems in late Paleozoic Northern Hemisphere of tropical Pangaea. Fossil biota was preserved as a T0 taphocoenosis resulting from the instantaneous entombment by volcanic ashes of the Zeisigwald Tuff. The eruption depicts one of the late magmatic events of post-variscan rhyolitic volcanism in Central Europe. This study represents a multi-method evaluation of the pyroclastic ejecta encompassing sedimentological and (isotope) geochemical approaches to shed light on magmatic and volcanic processes, and their role in preserving the fossil assemblage. The Zeisigwald Tuff pyroclastics (ZTP) reveal a radiometric age of 291 ± 2 Ma, pointing to a late Sakmarian/early Artinskian (early Permian) stratigraphic position for the Chemnitz Fossil Forest. The initial eruption was of phreatomagmatic style producing deposits of cool, wet ashes, which deposited from pyroclastic fall out and density currents. Culmination of the eruption is reflected by massive hot and dry ignimbrites. Whole-rock geochemistry and zircon grain analysis show that pyroclastic deposits originated from a felsic, highly specialised magma, which underwent advanced fractionation, and is probably related to post-Carboniferous magmatism in the Western Erzgebirge. The ascending magma recycled old cadomic crust of the Saxo-thuringian zone, likely induced by a mantle-derived heat flow during a phase of post-variscan crustal delamination. Geochemical trends within the succession of the basal pyroclastic horizons reflect inverse zonation of the magma chamber and provide evidence for the continuous eruption and thus a simultaneous burial of the diverse ecosystem.

Volcaniclastic stratigraphy of Gede volcano in West Java

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belousov, A.; Belousova, M.; Zaennudin, A.; Prambada, O.

2012-12-01

Gede volcano (2958 m a.s.l.) and the adjacent Pangrango volcano (3019 m a.s.l.) form large (base diameter 35 km) volcanic massif 60 km south of Jakarta. While Pangrango has no recorded eruptions, Gede is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia: eruptions were reported 26 times starting from 1747 (Petroeschevsky 1943; van Bemmelen 1949). Historic eruptions were mildly explosive (Vulcanian) with at least one lava flow. Modern activity of the volcano includes persistent solfataric activity in the summit crater and periodic seismic swarms - in 1990, 1991, 1992, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2010, and 2012 (CVGHM). Lands around the Gede-Pangrango massif are densely populated with villages up to 1500-2000 m a.s.l. Higher, the volcano is covered by rain forest of the Gede-Pangrango Natural Park, which is visited every day by numerous tourists who camp in the summit area. We report the results of the detailed reinvestigation of volcaniclastic stratigraphy of Gede volcano. This work has allowed us to obtain 24 new radiocarbon dates for the area. As a result the timing and character of activity of Gede in Holocene has been revealed. The edifice of Gede volcano consists of main stratocone (Gumuruh) with 1.8 km-wide summit caldera; intra-caldera lava cone (Gede proper) with a 900 m wide summit crater, having 2 breaches toward N-NE; and intra-crater infill (lava dome/flow capped with 3 small craters surrounded by pyroclastic aprons). The Gumuruh edifice, composed mostly of lava flows, comprises more than 90% of the total volume of the volcano. Deep weathering of rocks and thick (2-4 m) red laterite soil covering Gumuruh indicates its very old age. Attempts to get 14C dates in 4 different locations of Gumuruh (including a large debris avalanche deposit on its SE foot) provided ages older than 45,000 years - beyond the limit for 14C dating. Outside the summit caldera, notable volumes of fresh, 14C datable volcaniclastic deposits were found only in the NNE sector of the volcano where they form a fan below the breached summit crater. The fan is composed of pyroclastic flows (PFs) and lahars of Holocene age that were deposited in 4 major stages: ~ 10 000 BP - voluminous PF of black scoria; ~ 4000 BP - two PFs of mingled grey/black scoria; ~ 1200 BP - multiple voluminous PFs strongly enriched by accidental material; ~ 1000 BP - a small scale debris avalanche (breaching of the crater wall) followed by small scale PFs of black scoria. The intra-crater lava dome/flow was erupted in 1840 (Petroeschevsky, 1943). Three small craters on the top of the lava dome were formed by multiple post-1840 small-scale phreatomagmatic eruptions. Ejected pyroclasts are lithic hydrothermally altered material containing a few breadcrust bombs. The Holocene eruptive history of Gede indicates that the volcano can produce moderately strong (VEI 3-4) explosive eruptions and send PFs and lahars onto the NE foot of the volcano.

The relative effectiveness of empirical and physical models for simulating the dense undercurrent of pyroclastic flows under different emplacement conditions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ogburn, Sarah E.; Calder, Eliza S

2017-01-01

High concentration pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) are hot avalanches of volcanic rock and gas and are among the most destructive volcanic hazards due to their speed and mobility. Mitigating the risk associated with these flows depends upon accurate forecasting of possible impacted areas, often using empirical or physical models. TITAN2D, VolcFlow, LAHARZ, and ΔH/L or energy cone models each employ different rheologies or empirical relationships and therefore differ in appropriateness of application for different types of mass flows and topographic environments. This work seeks to test different statistically- and physically-based models against a range of PDCs of different volumes, emplaced under different conditions, over different topography in order to test the relative effectiveness, operational aspects, and ultimately, the utility of each model for use in hazard assessments. The purpose of this work is not to rank models, but rather to understand the extent to which the different modeling approaches can replicate reality in certain conditions, and to explore the dynamics of PDCs themselves. In this work, these models are used to recreate the inundation areas of the dense-basal undercurrent of all 13 mapped, land-confined, Soufrière Hills Volcano dome-collapse PDCs emplaced from 1996 to 2010 to test the relative effectiveness of different computational models. Best-fit model results and their input parameters are compared with results using observation- and deposit-derived input parameters. Additional comparison is made between best-fit model results and those using empirically-derived input parameters from the FlowDat global database, which represent “forward” modeling simulations as would be completed for hazard assessment purposes. Results indicate that TITAN2D is able to reproduce inundated areas well using flux sources, although velocities are often unrealistically high. VolcFlow is also able to replicate flow runout well, but does not capture the lateral spreading in distal regions of larger-volume flows. Both models are better at reproducing the inundated area of single-pulse, valley-confined, smaller-volume flows than sustained, highly unsteady, larger-volume flows, which are often partially unchannelized. The simple rheological models of TITAN2D and VolcFlow are not able to recreate all features of these more complex flows. LAHARZ is fast to run and can give a rough approximation of inundation, but may not be appropriate for all PDCs and the designation of starting locations is difficult. The ΔH/L cone model is also very quick to run and gives reasonable approximations of runout distance, but does not inherently model flow channelization or directionality and thus unrealistically covers all interfluves. Empirically-based models like LAHARZ and ΔH/L cones can be quick, first-approximations of flow runout, provided a database of similar flows, e.g., FlowDat, is available to properly calculate coefficients or ΔH/L. For hazard assessment purposes, geophysical models like TITAN2D and VolcFlow can be useful for producing both scenario-based or probabilistic hazard maps, but must be run many times with varying input parameters. LAHARZ and ΔH/L cones can be used to produce simple modeling-based hazard maps when run with a variety of input volumes, but do not explicitly consider the probability of occurrence of different volumes. For forward modeling purposes, the ability to derive potential input parameters from global or local databases is crucial, though important input parameters for VolcFlow cannot be empirically estimated. Not only does this work provide a useful comparison of the operational aspects and behavior of various models for hazard assessment, but it also enriches conceptual understanding of the dynamics of the PDCs themselves.

Pyroclastic density current hazard maps at Campi Flegrei caldera (Italy): the effects of event scale, vent location and time forecasts.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bevilacqua, Andrea; Neri, Augusto; Esposti Ongaro, Tomaso; Isaia, Roberto; Flandoli, Franco; Bisson, Marina

2016-04-01

Today hundreds of thousands people live inside the Campi Flegrei caldera (Italy) and in the adjacent part of the city of Naples making a future eruption of such volcano an event with huge consequences. Very high risks are associated with the occurrence of pyroclastic density currents (PDCs). Mapping of background or long-term PDC hazard in the area is a great challenge due to the unknown eruption time, scale and vent location of the next event as well as the complex dynamics of the flow over the caldera topography. This is additionally complicated by the remarkable epistemic uncertainty on the eruptive record, affecting the time of past events, the location of vents as well as the PDCs areal extent estimates. First probability maps of PDC invasion were produced combining a vent-opening probability map, statistical estimates concerning the eruptive scales and a Cox-type temporal model including self-excitement effects, based on the eruptive record of the last 15 kyr. Maps were produced by using a Monte Carlo approach and adopting a simplified inundation model based on the "box model" integral approximation tested with 2D transient numerical simulations of flow dynamics. In this presentation we illustrate the independent effects of eruption scale, vent location and time of forecast of the next event. Specific focus was given to the remarkable differences between the eastern and western sectors of the caldera and their effects on the hazard maps. The analysis allowed to identify areas with elevated probabilities of flow invasion as a function of the diverse assumptions made. With the quantification of some sources of uncertainty in relation to the system, we were also able to provide mean and percentile maps of PDC hazard levels.

Frequent eruptions of Mount Rainier over the last ∼2,600 years

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sisson, T.W.; Vallance, J.W.

2009-01-01

Field, geochronologic, and geochemical evidence from proximal fine-grained tephras, and from limited exposures of Holocene lava flows and a small pyroclastic flow document ten–12 eruptions of Mount Rainier over the last 2,600 years, contrasting with previously published evidence for only 11–12 eruptions of the volcano for all of the Holocene. Except for the pumiceous subplinian C event of 2,200 cal year BP, the late-Holocene eruptions were weakly explosive, involving lava effusions and at least two block-and-ash pyroclastic flows. Eruptions were clustered from ∼2,600 to ∼2,200 cal year BP, an interval referred to as the Summerland eruptive period that includes the youngest lava effusion from the volcano. Thin, fine-grained tephras are the only known primary volcanic products from eruptions near 1,500 and 1,000 cal year BP, but these and earlier eruptions were penecontemporaneous with far-traveled lahars, probably created from newly erupted materials melting snow and glacial ice. The most recent magmatic eruption of Mount Rainier, documented geochemically, was the 1,000 cal year BP event. Products from a proposed eruption of Mount Rainier between AD 1820 and 1854 (X tephra of Mullineaux (US Geol Surv Bull 1326:1–83, 1974)) are redeposited C tephra, probably transported onto young moraines by snow avalanches, and do not record a nineteenth century eruption. We found no conclusive evidence for an eruption associated with the clay-rich Electron Mudflow of ∼500 cal year BP, and though rare, non-eruptive collapse of unstable edifice flanks remains as a potential hazard from Mount Rainier.

Volcanic history and 40Ar/39Ar and 14C geochronology of Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal

USGS Publications Warehouse

Calvert, Andrew T.; Moore, Richard B.; McGeehin, John P.; Rodrigues da Silva, Antonio

2006-01-01

Seven new 40Ar/39Ar and 23 new radiocarbon ages of eruptive units, in support of new geologic mapping, improve the known chronology of Middle to Late Pleistocene and Holocene volcanic activity on the island of Terceira, Azores and define an east-to-west progression in stratovolcano growth. The argon ages indicate that Cinco Picos Volcano, the oldest on Terceira, completed its main subaerial cone building activity by about 370–380 ka. Collapse of the upper part of the stratovolcanic edifice to form a 7 × 9 km caldera occurred some time after 370 ka. Postcaldera eruptions of basalt from cinder cones on and near the caldera floor and trachytic pyroclastic flow and pumice fall deposits from younger volcanoes west of Cinco Picos have refilled much of the caldera. The southern portion of Guilherme Moniz Volcano, in the central part of the island, began erupting prior to 270 ka and produced trachyte domes, flows, and minor pyroclastic deposits until at least 111 ka. The northern part of Guilherme Moniz Caldera is less well exposed than the southern part, but reflects a similar age range. The northwest portion of the caldera was formed sometime after 44 ka. Several well-studied ignimbrites that blanket much of the island likely erupted from Guilherme Moniz Volcano. The Pico Alto Volcanic Center, a tightly spaced cluster of trachyte domes and short flows, is a younger part of Guilherme Moniz Volcano. Stratigraphic studies and our new radiocarbon ages suggest that most of the Pico Alto eruptions occurred during the period from about 9000 to 1000 years BP. Santa Barbara Volcano is the youngest stratovolcano on Terceira, began erupting prior to 29 ka, and has been active historically.

Influences of urban fabric on pyroclastic density currents at Pompeii (Italy): 1. Flow direction and deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gurioli, L.; Zanella, E.; Pareschi, M. T.; Lanza, R.

2007-05-01

To assess ways in which the products of explosive eruptions interact with human settlements, we performed volcanological and rock magnetic analyses on the deposits of the A.D. 79 eruption at the Pompeii excavations (Italy). During this eruption the Roman town of Pompeii was covered by 2.5 m of fallout pumice and then partially destroyed by pyroclastic density currents (PDCs). Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility measurements performed on the fine matrix of the deposits allowed the quantification of the variations in flow direction and emplacement mechanisms of the parental PDCs that entered the town. These results, integrated with volcanological field investigations, revealed that the presence of buildings, still protruding through the fallout deposits, strongly affected the distribution and accumulation of the erupted products. All of the PDCs that entered the town, even the most dilute ones, were density stratified currents in which interaction with the urban fabric occurred in the lower part of the current. The degree of interaction varied mainly as a function of obstacle height and density stratification within the current. For examples, the lower part of the EU4pf current left deposits up to 3 m thick and was able to interact with 2- to 4-m-high obstacles. However, a decrease in thickness and grain size of the deposits across the town indicates that even though the upper portion of the current was able to decouple from the lower portion, enabling it to flow over the town, it was not able to fully restore the sediment supply to the lower portion in order to maintain the deposition observed upon entry into the town.

Earth Observations taken by the Expedition 23 Crew

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-04-23

ISS023-E-027737 (23 April 2010) --- Nevado del Ruiz volcano in Colombia is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 23 crew member on the International Space Station. The large Nevado del Ruiz volcano (center) is located approximately 140 kilometers to the northwest of the capital city of Bogota and covers an area of over 200 square kilometers. Nevado del Ruiz is a stratovolcano – a type of volcano built from successive layers of lava, ash, and pyroclastic flow deposits – formed by magma generated above the boundary between the subducting Nazca and overriding South American tectonic plates. The historical record of eruptions extends back to 1570, but the most damaging eruption in recent times took place in 1985. On Nov. 13, 1985, an explosive eruption at the Arenas Crater (center) melted ice and snow at the summit of the volcano. This lead to the formation of mudflows (or lahars) that swept tens of kilometers down river valleys along the volcano’s flanks, resulting in the deaths of at least 23,000 people. Most of the fatalities occurred in the town of Armero which was completely inundated by lahars. Eruptive activity at Nevado del Ruiz may have occurred in 1994, but this is not confirmed. The volcano’s summit and upper flanks are covered by several glaciers that appear as a white mass surrounding the one-kilometer-wide Arenas Crater; meltwater from these glaciers has incised the gray to tan ash and pyroclastic flow deposits mantling the lower slopes. A well-defined lava flow is visible at lower right. This photograph was taken at approximately 7:45 a.m. local time when the sun was still fairly low above the horizon, leading to shadowing to the west of topographic high points.

Hydrological sensitivity of volcanically disturbed watersheds—a lesson reinforced at Pinatubo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Major, J. J.; Janda, R. J.

2016-12-01

The climactic June 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo devastated many surrounding catchments with thick pyroclastic fall and flow deposits, and subsequent hydrogeomorphic responses were dramatic and persisted for years. But in the 24 hours preceding the climactic eruption there was less devastating eruptive activity that had more subtle, yet significant, impact on catchment hydrology. Stratigraphic relations show damaging lahars swept all major channels east of the volcano, starting late on June 14 and continuing through (and in some instances after) midday on June 15, before the climactic phase of the eruption began and before Typhoon Yunya struck the region. These early lahars were preceded by relatively small explosions and pyroclastic surges that emplaced fine-grained ash in the upper catchments, locally damaged or destroyed vegetation, reduced hillside infiltration capacity, and smoothed surface roughness. Thus the lahars, likely triggered by typical afternoon monsoon storms perhaps enhanced by local thermal influences of fresh volcanic deposits, did not result from extraordinary tropical rainfall or exceptional volcaniclastic deposition. Instead, direct rainfall-runoff volume increased substantially as a consequence of vegetation damage and moderate deposition of fine ash. Rapid runoff from hillsides to channels initiated hillside and bank erosion as well as channel scour, producing debris flows and hyperconcentrated flows. Timing of some lahars varied across catchments as well as downstream within catchments with respect to climactic pumice fall, demonstrating complex interplay among volcanic processes, variations in catchment disturbance, and rainfall timing and intensity. Occurrence of these early lahars supports the hypothesis that eruptions that deposit fine ash in volcanic catchments can instigate major hydrogeomorphic responses even when volcanic disturbances are modest—an effect that can be masked by later eruption impacts.

Effusive silicic volcanism in the Paraná Magmatic Province, South Brazil: Evidence for locally-fed lava flows and domes from detailed field work

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polo, L. A.; Janasi, V. A.; Giordano, D.; Lima, E. F.; Cañon-Tapia, E.; Roverato, M.

2018-04-01

Lava flows and dome complexes of silicic composition were identified in the Lower Cretaceous Paraná Magmatic Province (PMP) at Rio Grande do Sul state, southern Brazil. Detailed mapping and image analysis reveals significant volumes of effusive deposits aligned according to main lineaments, likely representing the fissural systems that fed the three Palmas-type silicic units. Different structures indicative of effusive emplacement (lava domes, lobated flows, sheet flows and autobreccias) are very common in the study area, and are probably also more abundant than previously thought in whole PMP silicic magmatism. In fact, effusive deposits seem predominant in the three distinct silicic units identified in the area, since no remnants of pyroclastic components have been identified. The vitreous dacites that make up the upper flows of the basaltic andesite to dacite Barros Cassal sequence are clearly effusive, as indicated by their occurrence as thin sheet flows. The much thicker early Caxias do Sul dacites occur mostly as lava flow lobes and pancake-like, of low to moderate viscosity, and lava domes. The younger, high SiO2 Santa Maria rhyolite unit shows unequivocal examples of effusive deposits at its lower portion, as lobated flows formed by vesicle-rich obsidian. In spite of higher viscosities relative to the previous units ( 106 Pa·s), it is probable that the very low H2O contents 1 wt% of these rhyolite melts, associated with high discharge rates, resulted in an effusive nature in most to this unit.

Mud Flow - Slow and Fast

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mei, C. C.; Liu, K.-F.; Yuhi, M.

Heavy and persistent rainfalls in mountainous areas can loosen the hillslope and induce mud flows which can move stones, boulders and even trees, with destructive power on their path. In China where 70% of the land surface is covered by mountains, debris flows due to landslides or rainfalls affect over 18.6% of the nation. Over 10,000 debris flow ravines have been identified; hundreds of lives are lost every year [1]. While accurate assessment is still pending, mud flows caused by Hurr icane Mitch in 1998 have incurred devastating floods in Central America. In Honduras alone more than 6000 people perished. Half of the nation's infrastructures were damaged. Mud flows can also be the result of volcanic eruption. Near the volcano, lava and pyroclastic flows dominate. Further downstream solid particles become smaller and can mix with river or lake water, rainfall, melting snow or ice, or eroded soil, resulting in hyperconcentrated mud mixed with rocks. The muddy debris can travel at high speeds over tens of miles down the hill slopes and devastate entire communities. In 1985 the catastrophic eruption of Nevado del Ruiz in Colombia resulted in mud flows which took the life of 23,000 inhabitants in the town of Amero [2]. During the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in Phillipnes in 1991, one cubic mile of volcanic ash and rock fragments fell on the mountain slopes. Seasonal rain in the following months washed down much of the loose deposits, causing damage to 100,000 villages. These catastrophes have been vividly recorded in the film documentary by Lyons [3].

Imaging of volcanic activity on Jupiter's moon Io by Galileo during the Galileo Europa Mission and the Galileo Millennium Mission

USGS Publications Warehouse

Keszthelyi, L.; McEwen, A.S.; Phillips, C.B.; Milazzo, M.; Geissler, P.; Turtle, E.P.; Radebaugh, J.; Williams, D.A.; Simonelli, D.P.; Breneman, H.H.; Klaasen, K.P.; Levanas, G.; Denk, T.; Alexander, D.D.A.; Capraro, K.; Chang, S.-H.; Chen, A.C.; Clark, J.; Conner, D.L.; Culver, A.; Handley, T.H.; Jensen, D.N.; Knight, D.D.; LaVoie, S.K.; McAuley, M.; Mego, V.; Montoya, O.; Mortensen, H.B.; Noland, S.J.; Patel, R.R.; Pauro, T.M.; Stanley, C.L.; Steinwand, D.J.; Thaller, T.F.; Woncik, P.J.; Yagi, G.M.; Yoshimizu, J.R.; Alvarez, Del; Castillo, E.M.; Belton, M.J.S.; Beyer, R.; Branston, D.; Fishburn, M.B.; Mueller, B.; Ragan, R.; Samarasinha, N.; Anger, C.D.; Cunningham, C.; Little, B.; Arriola, S.; Carr, M.H.; Asphaug, E.; Moore, J.; Morrison, D.; Rages, K.; Banfield, D.; Bell, M.; Burns, J.A.; Carcich, B.; Clark, B.; Currier, N.; Dauber, I.; Gierasch, P.J.; Helfenstein, P.; Mann, M.; Othman, O.; Rossier, L.; Solomon, N.; Sullivan, R.; Thomas, P.C.; Veverka, J.; Becker, T.; Edwards, K.; Gaddis, L.; Kirk, R.; Lee, E.; Rosanova, T.; Sucharski, R.M.; Beebe, R.F.; Simon, A.; Bender, K.; Chuang, F.; Fagents, S.; Figueredo, P.; Greeley, R.; Homan, K.; Kadel, S.; Kerr, J.; Klemaszewski, J.; Lo, E.; Schwarz, W.; Williams, K.; Bierhaus, E.; Brooks, S.; Chapman, C.R.; Merline, B.; Keller, J.; Schenk, P.; Tamblyn, P.; Bouchez, A.; Dyundian, U.; Ingersoll, A.P.; Showman, A.; Spitale, J.; Stewart, S.; Vasavada, A.; Cunningham, W.F.; Johnson, T.V.; Jones, T.J.; Kaufman, J.M.; Magee, K.P.; Meredith, M.K.; Orton, G.S.; Senske, D.A.; West, A.; Winther, D.; Collins, G.; Fripp, W.J.; Head, J. W.; Pappalardo, R.; Pratt, S.; Procter, L.; Spaun, N.; Colvin, T.; Davies, M.; DeJong, E.M.; Hall, J.; Suzuki, S.; Gorjian, Z.; Giese, B.; Koehler, U.; Neukum, G.; Oberst, J.; Roatsch, T.; Tost, W.; Schuster, P.; Wagner, R.; Dieter, N.; Durda, D.; Greenberg, R.J.; Hoppa, G.; Jaeger, W.; Plassman, J.; Tufts, R.; Fanale, F.P.; Gran,

2001-01-01

The Solid-State Imaging (SSI) instrument provided the first high- and medium-resolution views of Io as the Galileo spacecraft closed in on the volcanic body in late 1999 and early 2000. While each volcanic center has many unique features, the majority can be placed into one of two broad categories. The "Promethean" eruptions, typified by the volcanic center Prometheus, are characterized by long-lived steady eruptions producing a compound flow field emplaced in an insulating manner over a period of years to decades. In contrast, "Pillanian" eruptions are characterized by large pyroclastic deposits and short-lived but high effusion rate eruptions from fissures feeding open-channel or open-sheet flows. Both types of eruptions commonly have ???100-km-tall, bright, SO2-rich plumes forming near the flow fronts and smaller deposits of red material that mark the vent for the silicate lavas. Copyright 2001 by the American Geophysical Union.

In vitro toxicology of respirable Montserrat volcanic ash

PubMed Central

Wilson, M.; Stone, V.; Cullen, R.; Searl, A.; Maynard, R.; Donaldson, K.

2000-01-01

OBJECTIVES—In July 1995 the Soufriere Hills volcano on the island of Montserrat began to erupt. Preliminary reports showed that the ash contained a substantial respirable component and a large percentage of the toxic silica polymorph, cristobalite. In this study the cytotoxicity of three respirable Montserrat volcanic ash (MVA) samples was investigated: M1 from a single explosive event, M2 accumulated ash predominantly derived from pyroclastic flows, and M3 from a single pyroclastic flow. These were compared with the relatively inert dust TiO2 and the known toxic quartz dust, DQ12.
METHODS—Surface area of the particles was measured with the Brunauer, Emmet, and Teller (BET) adsorption method and cristobalite content of MVA was determined by x ray diffraction (XRD). After exposure to particles, the metabolic competence of the epithelial cell line A549 was assessed to determine cytotoxic effects. The ability of the particles to induce sheep blood erythrocyte haemolysis was used to assess surface reactivity.
RESULTS—Treatment with either MVA, quartz, or titanium dioxide decreased A549 epithelial cell metabolic competence as measured by ability to reduce 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). On addition of mannitol, the cytotoxic effect was significantly less with M1, quartz, and TiO2. All MVA samples induced a dose dependent increase in haemolysis, which, although less than the haemolysis induced by quartz, was significantly greater than that induced by TiO2. Addition of mannitol and superoxide dismutase (SOD) significantly reduced the haemolytic activity only of M1, but not M2 or M3, the samples derived from predominantly pyroclastic flow events.
CONCLUSIONS—Neither the cristobalite content nor the surface area of the MVA samples correlated with observed in vitro reactivity. A role for reactive oxygen species could only be shown in the cytotoxicity of M1, which was the only sample derived from a purely explosive event. These results suggest that in general the bioreactivity of MVA samples in vitro is low compared with pure quartz, but that the bioreactivity and mechanisms of biological interaction may vary according to the ash source.


Keywords: volcanic ash; cristobalite; surface reactivity PMID:11024195

Burned and buried by the Siberian traps: tree trunks in volcaniclastics and lavas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polozov, Alexander G.; Planke, Sverre; Svensen, Henrik H.; Jerram, Dougal A.; Looy, Cindy

2017-04-01

Major Phanerozoic mass extinctions could be explained by intense volcanic activity related to the formation of Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs). The Siberian Traps LIP possibly caused the most severe mass extinction on the Earth, the end-Permian extinction. This event is documented by global data showing the extinction of floral and faunal species and by stable isotope excursions. Information about the direct impact of the Siberian Traps on the local flora and fauna is scarce. By our knowledge, no detailed description has been done on the faith of trees in Siberia. However, the story of Late Permian giant trees like Cordaites and wood ferns, could shed light on the impact of the onset of the LIP magmatism and the related mass extinction. For the first time we describe that Late Permian tree trunks were buried in volcaniclastic deposits and at the footwall contact of the oldest lava flows of the Siberian Traps, and despite that this phenomenon is known by local geologists it is not well described in the literature. Tree trunks in volcaniclastic deposits were compressed during consolidation of the volcaniclastic material originated from pyroclastic density currents from nearby volcanic centers. Tree petrification is presented by quartz with minor sulphides, zeolite, calcite and sulphates. Tree trunks at the footwall contact of the lava flows have a better preserved year rings structure and late permineralization presented by calcite with minor quartz and sulphides. Our results demonstrate that intensive magmatic activity related with LIP formation affects land vegetation at various grades. Lavas have had a local violent impact, but burned and buried tree trunks have a better preserved structure reflecting single dominated permineralization processes than the tree trunks buried by pyroclastics that have covered extensive areas and followed by trees compression and later multistage permineralization. In a global context, such type of volcanic activity has a variable influence on vegetation realms. Lava flows have had a harsh impact on land flora locally, but in some cases was favorable for preservation of tree remnants. Volcaniclastic deposits covered a wide area, but tree trunks were deformed due to compaction of the pyroclastic rocks. Late water circulation is reflected in multistage permineralization phenomena. Further ash expansion and settling could have a global impact and accelerate the mass extinction.

Intra-cone plumbing system and eruptive dynamics of small-volume basaltic volcanoes: A case study in the Calatrava Volcanic Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carracedo-Sánchez, M.; Sarrionandia, F.; Ábalos, B.; Errandonea-Martin, J.; Gil Ibarguchi, J. I.

2017-12-01

The Manoteras volcano (Tortonian to Pleistocene, Calatrava Volcanic Field, Spain) is composed of a scoria and spatter cone surrounded by a field of pahoehoe lava. The volcanic cone is made essentially of vitreous lapilli-tuffs with intercalations of vitreous tuffs and spatter deposits, without any intercalations of lava flows. Erosion has uncovered an intra-cone plumbing system formed by coherent dykes and pyroclastic dykes (mixed-type dykes). This dyke swarm reflects processes of intrusion at the end of the eruption or even post-eruption. All the volcanic products are nephelinitic in composition. The main dyke is up to 3.4 m thick and has an exposed length of 1000 m. It is composed mostly of coherent nephelinite with some pyroclastic sections at its northern extremity. This dyke is regarded as a feeder dyke of the volcano, although the upper parts of the dike have been eroded, which prevents the observation of the characteristics and nature of the possible overlying vent(s). Mixed-type dykes could also have acted as small linear vents and indicate that the magma fragmentation level during final waning stages of the eruption was located inside the volcanic cone. The pyroclastic deposits that make up the volcanic cone at the current exposure level were probably developed during a major phase of violent Strombolian style that formed the scoria cone, followed by a Hawaiian phase that formed the summital intracrater spatter deposit. Three central-type vents have been identified: one at the highest point of the remnant volcanic cone (summital vent), from where the earlier explosive eruptions took place, and the other two at the fringe of the cone base, from where emissions were only effusive. The lava flows were emitted from these boccas through the scoria cone feeding the lava field. The results obtained, based on careful field observations, add substantial complexity to the proposed eruptive models for small-volume basaltic volcanoes as it appears evident that there may exist and evolution through time from central conduit settings to fissure eruptions. Moreover, it is shown that intracone plumbing systems can integrate coherent and clastic dykes of variable thicknesses, which, in some cases could represent feeder dykes. Table 2. Petrographic characteristics of the coherent rocks (dykes and lava flows) from the Manoteras volcano. See Fig. 2 supplementary.

Geology and Conceptual Model of the Domuyo Geothermal Area, Patagonia, Argentina

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fragoso, A. S.; Ferrari, L.; Norini, G.

2017-12-01

Cerro Domuyo is the highest mountain in Patagonia and its western slope is characterized by thermal springs with boiling fluids as well as silicic domes and pyroclastic deposits that suggest the existence of a geothermal reservoir. Early studies proposed that the thermal springs were fault-controlled and the reservoir was located in a graben bounded by E-W normal faults. A recent geochemical study estimated a temperature of 220ºC for the fluid reservoir and a thermal energy release of 1.1 GW, one of the world largest advective heat flux from a continental volcanic center. We carried out a geologic survey and U-Pb and U-Th geochronologic study to elaborate an updated conceptual model for the Domuyo geothermal area. Our study indicates that the Domuyo Volcanic Complex (DVC) is a dome complex overlying an older, Middle Miocene to Pliocene volcanic sequence widely exposed to the southwest and to the north, which in turn covers: 1) the Jurassice-Early Creteacoeus Neuquen marine sedimentary succession, 2) silicic ignimbrites dated at 186.7 Ma and, 3) the Paleozoic metamorphic basement intruded by 288 Ma granite bodies. These pre-Cenozoic successions are involved in dominantly N-S trending folds and thrust faults later displaced by E-W striking normal faults with a right lateral component of motion that underlie the DVC. The volcanic cycle forming the DVC is distinctly bimodal with the emplacement of massive silicic domes but also less voluminous olivine basalts on its southern slope. The central dome underwent a major collapse that produced 0.35 km3 of ash and block flow and associated pyroclastic flows that filled the valley to the southwest up to 30 km from the source. This was followed by a voluminous effusive activity that formed silicic domes dated between 254-322 Ky, which is inferred to overlain a partially molten silicic magma chamber. Integrating the geologic model with magnetotelluric and gravity surveys we developed a conceptual model of the geothermal system in which the reservoir is inferred at a depth of less than 2 km in pre-Pliocene fractured rocks, bounded by E-W faults and sealed by the pyroclastic deposits and rhyolitic lavas of the DVC. The location of most thermal springs is not controlled by faults. Rather, they are lateral flows emerging at the contact between the fractured basement and the caprock.

Analysis of Geomorphic and Hydrologic Characteristics of Mount Jefferson Debris Flow, Oregon, November 6, 2006

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sobieszczyk, Steven; Uhrich, Mark A.; Piatt, David R.; Bragg, Heather M.

2008-01-01

On November 6, 2006, a rocky debris flow surged off the western slopes of Mount Jefferson into the drainage basins of Milk and Pamelia Creeks in Oregon. This debris flow was not a singular event, but rather a series of surges of both debris and flooding throughout the day. The event began during a severe storm that brought warm temperatures and heavy rainfall to the Pacific Northwest. Precipitation measurements near Mount Jefferson at Marion Forks and Santiam Junction showed that more than 16.1 centimeters of precipitation fell the week leading up to the event, including an additional 20.1 centimeters falling during the 2 days afterward. The flooding associated with the debris flow sent an estimated 15,500 to 21,000 metric tons, or 9,800 to 13,000 cubic meters, of suspended sediment downstream, increasing turbidity in the North Santiam River above Detroit Lake to an estimated 35,000 to 55,000 Formazin Nephelometric Units. The debris flow started small as rock and ice calved off an upper valley snowfield, but added volume as it eroded weakly consolidated deposits from previous debris flows, pyroclastic flows, and glacial moraines. Mud run-up markings on trees indicated that the flood stage of this event reached depths of at least 2.4 meters. Velocity calculations indicate that different surges of debris flow and flooding reached 3.9 meters per second. The debris flow reworked and deposited material ranging in size from sand to coarse boulders over a 0.1 square kilometer area, while flooding and scouring as much as 0.45 square kilometer. Based on cross-sectional transect measurements recreating pre-event topography and other field measurements, the total volume of the deposit ranged from 100,000 to 240,000 cubic meters.

Numerical simulation of tsunami generation by cold volcanic mass flows at Augustine Volcano, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Waythomas, C.F.; Watts, P.; Walder, J.S.

2006-01-01

Many of the world's active volcanoes are situated on or near coastlines. During eruptions, diverse geophysical mass flows, including pyroclastic flows, debris avalanches, and lahars, can deliver large volumes of unconsolidated debris to the ocean in a short period of time and thereby generate tsunamis. Deposits of both hot and cold volcanic mass flows produced by eruptions of Aleutian arc volcanoes are exposed at many locations along the coastlines of the Bering Sea, North Pacific Ocean, and Cook Inlet, indicating that the flows entered the sea and in some cases may have initiated tsunamis. We evaluate the process of tsunami generation by cold granular subaerial volcanic mass flows using examples from Augustine Volcano in southern Cook Inlet. Augustine Volcano is the most historically active volcano in the Cook Inlet region, and future eruptions, should they lead to debris-avalanche formation and tsunami generation, could be hazardous to some coastal areas. Geological investigations at Augustine Volcano suggest that as many as 12-14 debris avalanches have reached the sea in the last 2000 years, and a debris avalanche emplaced during an A.D. 1883 eruption may have initiated a tsunami that was observed about 80 km east of the volcano at the village of English Bay (Nanwalek) on the coast of the southern Kenai Peninsula. Numerical simulation of mass-flow motion, tsunami generation, propagation, and inundation for Augustine Volcano indicate only modest wave generation by volcanic mass flows and localized wave effects. However, for east-directed mass flows entering Cook Inlet, tsunamis are capable of reaching the more populated coastlines of the southwestern Kenai Peninsula, where maximum water amplitudes of several meters are possible.

Insights into lahar deposition processes in the Curah Lengkong (Semeru Volcano, Indonesia) using photogrammetry-based geospatial analysis, near-surface geophysics and CFD modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gomez, C.; Lavigne, F.; Sri Hadmoko, D.; Wassmer, P.

2018-03-01

Semeru Volcano is an active stratovolcano located in East Java (Indonesia), where historic lava flows, occasional pyroclastic flows and vulcanian explosions (on average every 5 min to 15 min) generate a stock of material that is remobilized by lahars, mostly occurring during the rainy season between October and March. Every year, several lahars flow down the Curah Lengkong Valley on the South-east flank of the volcano, where numerous lahar studies have been conducted. In the present contribution, the objective was to study the spatial distribution of boulder-size clasts and try to understand how this distribution relates to the valley morphology and to the dynamic and deposition dynamic of lahars. To achieve this objective, the method relies on a combination of (1) aerial photogrammetry-derived geospatial data on boulders' distribution, (2) ground penetrating radar data collected along a 2 km series of transects and (3) a CFD model of flow to analyse the results from the deposits. Results show that <1 m diameter boulders are evenly distributed along the channel, but that lava flow deposits visible at the surface of the river bed and SABO dams increase the concentration of clasts upstream of their position. Lateral input of boulders from collapsing lava-flow deposits can bring outsized clasts in the system that tend to become trapped at one location. Finally, the comparison between the CFD simulation and previous research using video imagery of lahars put the emphasis the fact that there is no direct link between the sedimentary units observed in the field and the flow that deposited them. Both grain size, flow orientation, matrix characteristics can be very different in a deposit for one single flow, even in confined channels like the Curah Lengkong.

Field-based description of rhyolite lava flows of the Calico Hills Formation, Nevada National Security Site, Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sweetkind, Donald S.; Bova, Shiera C.

2015-01-01

In the area south of the Rainier Mesa caldera, surface and subsurface geologic data are combined to interpret the overall thickness of the Calico Hills Formation and the proportion of lava flow lithology across the study area. The formation is at least 500 meters (m) thick and contains the greatest proportion of rhyolite lava flow to the northeast of Yucca Mountain in the lower part of Fortymile Canyon. The formation thins to the south and southwest where it is between 50 and 200 m thick beneath Yucca Mountain and contains no rhyolite lavas. Geologic mapping and field-based correlation of individual lava flows allow for the interpretation of the thickness and extent of specific flows and the location of their source areas. The most extensive flows have widths from 2 to 3 kilometers (km) and lengths of at least 5–6 km. Lava flow thickness varies from 150 to 250 m above interpreted source vents to between 30 and 80 m in more distal locations. Rhyolite lavas have length-to-height ratios of 10:1 or greater and, in one instance, a length-to-width ratio of 2:1 or greater, implying a tongue-shaped geometry instead of circular domes or tabular bodies. Although geologic mapping did not identify any physical feature that could be positively identified as a vent, lava flow thickness and the size of clasts in subjacent pyroclastic deposits suggest that primary vent areas for at least some of the flows in the study area are on the east side of Fortymile Canyon, to the northeast of Yucca Mountain.

The initial cooling of pahoehoe flow lobes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Keszthelyi, L.; Denlinger, R.

1996-01-01

In this paper we describe a new thermal model for the initial cooling of pahoehoe lava flows. The accurate modeling of this initial cooling is important for understanding the formation of the distinctive surface textures on pahoehoe lava flows as well as being the first step in modeling such key pahoehoe emplacement processes as lava flow inflation and lava tube formation. This model is constructed from the physical phenomena observed to control the initial cooling of pahoehoe flows and is not an empirical fit to field data. We find that the only significant processes are (a) heat loss by thermal radiation, (b) heat loss by atmospheric convection, (c) heat transport within the flow by conduction with temperature and porosity-dependent thermal properties, and (d) the release of latent heat during crystallization. The numerical model is better able to reproduce field measurements made in Hawai'i between 1989 and 1993 than other published thermal models. By adjusting one parameter at a time, the effect of each of the input parameters on the cooling rate was determined. We show that: (a) the surfaces of porous flows cool more quickly than the surfaces of dense flows, (b) the surface cooling is very sensitive to the efficiency of atmospheric convective cooling, and (c) changes in the glass forming tendency of the lava may have observable petrographic and thermal signatures. These model results provide a quantitative explanation for the recently observed relationship between the surface cooling rate of pahoehoe lobes and the porosity of those lobes (Jones 1992, 1993). The predicted sensitivity of cooling to atmospheric convection suggests a simple field experiment for verification, and the model provides a tool to begin studies of the dynamic crystallization of real lavas. Future versions of the model can also be made applicable to extraterrestrial, submarine, silicic, and pyroclastic flows.

Catastrophic volcanism

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lipman, Peter W.

1988-01-01

Since primitive times, catastrophes due to volcanic activity have been vivid in the mind of man, who knew that his activities in many parts of the world were threatened by lava flows, mudflows, and ash falls. Within the present century, increasingly complex interactions between volcanism and the environment, on scales not previously experienced historically, have been detected or suspected from geologic observations. These include enormous hot pyroclastic flows associated with collapse at source calderas and fed by eruption columns that reached the stratosphere, relations between huge flood basalt eruptions at hotspots and the rifting of continents, devastating laterally-directed volcanic blasts and pyroclastic surges, great volcanic-generated tsunamis, climate modification from volcanic release of ash and sulfur aerosols into the upper atmosphere, modification of ocean circulation by volcanic constructs and attendent climatic implications, global pulsations in intensity of volcanic activity, and perhaps triggering of some intense terrestrial volcanism by planetary impacts. Complex feedback between volcanic activity and additional seemingly unrelated terrestrial processes likely remains unrecognized. Only recently has it become possible to begin to evaluate the degree to which such large-scale volcanic processes may have been important in triggering or modulating the tempo of faunal extinctions and other evolutionary events. In this overview, such processes are examined from the viewpoint of a field volcanologist, rather than as a previous participant in controversies concerning the interrelations between extinctions, impacts, and volcanism.

Pulmonary epithelial response in the rat lung to instilled Montserrat respirable dusts and their major mineral components

PubMed Central

Housley, D; Berube, K; Jones, T; Anderson, S; Pooley, F; Richards, R

2002-01-01

Background: The Soufriere Hills, a stratovolcano on Montserrat, started erupting in July 1995, producing volcanic ash, both from dome collapse pyroclastic flows and phreatic explosions. The eruptions/ash resuspension result in high concentrations of suspended particulate matter in the atmosphere, which includes cristobalite, a mineral implicated in respiratory disorders. Aims: To conduct toxicological studies on characterised samples of ash, together with major components of the dust mixture (anorthite, cristobalite), and a bioreactive mineral control (DQ12 quartz). Methods: Rats were challenged with a single mass (1 mg) dose of particles via intratracheal instillation and groups sacrificed at one, three, and nine weeks. Acute bioreactivity of the particles was assessed by increases in lung permeability and inflammation, changes in epithelial cell markers, and increase in the size of bronchothoracic lymph nodes. Results: Data indicated that respirable ash derived from pyroclastic flows (20.1% cristobalite) or phreatic explosion (8.6% cristobalite) had minimal bioreactivity in the lung. Anorthite showed low bioreactivity, in contrast to pure cristobalite, which showed progressive increases in lung damage. Conclusion: Results suggests that either the percentage mass of cristobalite particles present in Montserrat ash was not sufficient as a catalyst in the lung environment, or its surface reactivity was masked by the non-reactive volcanic glass components during the process of ash formation. PMID:12107295

Pyroclastic density current dynamics and associated hazards at ice-covered volcanoes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dufek, J.; Cowlyn, J.; Kennedy, B.; McAdams, J.

2015-12-01

Understanding the processes by which pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) are emplaced is crucial for volcanic hazard prediction and assessment. Snow and ice can facilitate PDC generation by lowering the coefficient of friction and by causing secondary hydrovolcanic explosions, promoting remobilisation of proximally deposited material. Where PDCs travel over snow or ice, the reduction in surface roughness and addition of steam and meltwater signficantly changes the flow dynamics, affecting PDC velocities and runout distances. Additionally, meltwater generated during transit and after the flow has come to rest presents an immediate secondary lahar hazard that can impact areas many tens of kilometers beyond the intial PDC. This, together with the fact that deposits emplaced on ice are rarely preserved means that PDCs over ice have been little studied despite the prevalence of summit ice at many tall stratovolcanoes. At Ruapehu volcano in the North Island of New Zealand, a monolithologic welded PDC deposit with unusually rounded clasts provides textural evidence for having been transported over glacial ice. Here, we present the results of high-resolution multiphase numerical PDC modeling coupled with experimentaly determined rates of water and steam production for the Ruapehu deposits in order to assess the effect of ice on the Ruapehu PDC. The results suggest that the presence of ice significantly modified the PDC dynamics, with implications for assessing the PDC and associated lahar hazards at Ruapehu and other glaciated volcanoes worldwide.

Pyroclastic chronology of the Sancy stratovolcano (Mont-Dore, French Massif Central): New high-precision 40Ar/39Ar constraints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nomade, Sébastien; Scaillet, Stéphane; Pastre, Jean-François; Nehlig, Pierre

2012-05-01

The Sancy (16 km2) is the youngest of the two stratovolcanoes that constitute the Mont-Dore Massif (Massif Central, France). The restricted number of high precision radio-isotopic ages currently limits our knowledge of the pyroclastic chronology of this edifice which is the source of many tephra layers detected in middle Pleistocene sequences in southeast Europe. To improve our knowledge of the building phases of this stratovolcano, we collected thirteen pyroclastic units covering the entire proximal record. We present 40Ar/39Ar single grain laser dating performed in the facility hosted at the LSCE (Gif-sur-Yvette, France). The 40Ar/39Ar ages range from 1101 ± 11 ka to 392 ± 7 ka (1σ external). Four pyroclastic cycles lasting on average 100 ka were identified (C. I to C. IV). C. I corresponds to the earlier explosive phase between 1101 ka and 1000 ka and starts about 100 ka earlier than previously thought. The second pyroclastic cycle (C. II) is the main pyroclastic episode spanning from 818 to 685 ka. This cycle is constituted of a minimum of 8 major pyroclastic eruptions and includes a major event that corresponds to a large plinian eruption at 719 ± 10 ka (1σ external) and recorded as a 1.4 m thick layer 60 km south-east of the Sancy volcano. The link between this large eruption and formation of a caldera stays however, hypothetical. The third pyroclastic cycle (C. III) found in the northeastern part of the Sancy (Mont-Dore valley) spanned from 642 to 537 ka. Finally, the youngest pyroclastic cycle (C. IV) starts at 392 ka and probably ends around 280 ka. The age versus geographic location of each pyroclastic cycle indicates three preferential directions of channeling of the pyroclastic events and/or collapse of the volcanic edifice: northwest to west (C. I), southeast (C. II) and finally north to northeast (C. III and IV). The new high precision 40Ar/39Ar age for the Queureuilh bas pyroclastic unit (642 ± 9 ka) is identical within error with the U/Pb age obtained by Cocherie et al. (2009) [Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 73, 1095-1108] and suggests a short residence time of the magma in a shallow, short-lived, small magmatic chamber. Finally, the source of the t21d tephra layer found in the Piànico Séllere varved sequence (Northern Italy) is not the Rivaux pumice flow as proposed by Brauer et al. (2007) [Journal of Quaternary Science 22, 85-96] and neither one of the C. II pyroclastic units as suggested by Roulleau et al. (2009) [Quaternary International 204, 31-43]. Accordingly, the source for the t21d layer has yet to be found at Sancy or elsewhere.

Volcano monitoring using short wavelength infrared data from satellites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rothery, D. A.; Francis, P. W.; Wood, C. A.

1988-01-01

It is shown that Landsat TM and MSS data provide useful and sometimes unique information on magmatic and fumarolic events at poorly monitored active volcanoes. The digital number data recorded in each spectral band by TM and MSS can be converted into spectral radiance, measured in W/sq m per micron per sr, using calibration data such as those provided by Markham and Barker (1986) and can provide temperature information on the lava fountain, lava lakes, pahoehoe flows, blocky lava, pyroclastic flow, and fumarole. The examples of Landsat data documenting otherwise unobserved precursors and/or activity include the September 1986 eruption of Lascar volcano, Chile; the continued presence of lava lakes at Erta 'Ale, Ethiopia (in the absence of any ground-based observations); and minor eruptions at Mount Erebus, Antarctica.

Observation of infrasonic and gravity waves at Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ripepe, Maurizio; De Angelis, Silvio; Lacanna, Giorgio; Voight, Barry

2010-04-01

The sudden ejection of material during an explosive eruption generates a broad spectrum of pressure oscillations, from infrasonic to gravity waves. An infrasonic array, installed at 3.5 km from the Soufriere Hills Volcano has successfully detected and located, in real-time, the infrasound generated by several pyroclastic flows (PF) estimating mean flow speeds of 30-75 m/s. On July 29 and December 3, 2008, two differential pressure transducers, co-located with the array, recorded ultra long-period (ULP) oscillations at frequencies of 0.97 and 3.5 mHz, typical of atmospheric gravity waves, associated with explosive eruptions. The observation of gravity waves in the near-field (<6 km) at frequencies as low as about 1 mHz is unprecedented during volcanic eruptions.

Volcanic hazard map for Telica, Cerro Negro and El Hoyo volcanoes, Nicaragua

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asahina, T.; Navarro, M.; Strauch, W.

2007-05-01

A volcano hazard study was conducted for Telica, Cerro Negro and El Hoyo volcanoes, Nicaragua, based on geological and volcanological field investigations, air photo analyses, and numerical eruption simulation. These volcanoes are among the most active volcanoes of the country. This study was realized 2004-2006 through technical cooperation of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) with INETER, upon the request of the Government of Nicaragua. The resulting volcanic hazard map on 1:50,000 scale displays the hazards of lava flow, pyroclastic flows, lahars, tephra fall, volcanic bombs for an area of 1,300 square kilometers. The map and corresponding GIS coverage was handed out to Central, Departmental and Municipal authorities for their use and is included in a National GIS on Georisks developed and maintained by INETER.

The Rise and Fall of the Soufriere Hills Volcano Lava Dome, Montserrat, BWI, July 2001-July 2003: Science, Hazards, and Volatile Public Perceptions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dunkley, P.; Voight, B.; Edmonds, M.; Herd, R.; Strutt, M.; Thompson, G.; Bass, V.; Aspinall, W. P.; Neuberg, J.; Sparks, R.; Mattioli, G.; Hidayat, D.; Elsworth, D.; Widiwijayanti, C.

2003-12-01

Days after the major collapse (45 x 106 m3) of the eastern flank of the lava dome on 29 July 2001, new dome growth was observed within the 200-m deep collapse amphitheatre. accompanied by cyclic seismicity. By January 2002 the summit was broad with an altitude of 990m. A switch in dome activity occurred in April, but Growth nearly stagnated in June and part of July, with the top of the extrusion lobe at 1048m. but GPS monitoring suggested that the magma reservoir continued to inflate, and growth resumed in late July. In August, a lobe grew toward the north and buried the northern buttress and an important drainage channel that formerly led to the east. One of the regular six-monthly meetings of the Risk Assessment Panel (RAP) took place on 3-4 Sept 02 and concluded that if a NW switch in dome growth were to occur, the margins of the Belham Valley on the west could be at high risk; a flow and surge hazard line was provided to officials, crossing the populated area near Salem. Shortly after the RAP Report was finalized, a switch in growth direction toward the northwest in fact occurred. On 7 Oct, the RAP were asked to re-appraise Belham Valley risks given the altered but not unanticipated circumstances; they judged that a potential existed for a hazardous flow down Belham Valley, although RAP emphasized that their assessment did not predict that a large flow would occur soon, nor in that sector. On 8 Oct the Governor ordered an evacuation of an exclusion zone defined by the RAP's hazard line as adjusted to permit administrative control, and the boundary remained in force until Aug 03, with growing public discontent toward the Governor's exercise of Emergency Powers, and toward MVO, as expressed by a caustic vocal minority with provocative exacerbation by the local newspaper and some politicians. Meanwhile, dome growth continued with some switches in direction, a collapse of 5 x 106 m3 occurred eastward on 8 Dec to Spanish Point, and pyroclastic flows occurred in several drainages, mostly in Tar River to Tuitts Ghaut on the east, but also to Tyers Ghaut on the west, a tributary to Belham Valley. By late March the general summit area was at 1090m. In early June activity declined, but a hybrid earthquake swarm began on 9 July at a time of low SO2 emission and intensified generally in size and frequency to the morning of 12 July, when dome/talus collapses leading to pyroclastic flow activity began, building up during the day and peaking with larger flows in the evening. Mechanisms inducing collapse include a new pressurized growth pulse heralded by the hybrid events, and heavy morning rains. When the retrogressing collapse slices exposed conduit magma, explosions occurred, with the strongest (before midnight) causing a strong acoustic signal and an ash column to about 50,000 ft (VAAC). Heavy ash and lapilli fall (thickness to 15 cm) from these events affected all inhabited areas, and a hot pyroclastic surge destroyed monitoring equipment and killed many animals between Spanish Point and Tar River. The collapse volume greatly exceeded that of 2001, and the events were detected on MVO and CALIPSO monitoring systems, including three strainmeters. The exclusion zone restriction was lifted on 1 Aug 03.

Stratigraphy and Petrology of the Grande Soufriere Hills Volcano, Dominica, Lesser Antilles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daly, G.; Smith, A. L.; Garcia, R.; Killingsworth, N.

2007-12-01

The Grande Soufriere Hills volcanic center is located on the south east coast of the island of Dominica in the Lesser Antilles. Although the volcano is deeply dissected, a distinct circular crater that opens to the east can be observed. Within the crater is a lava dome and unconsolidated pyroclastic deposits mantle the southeast flanks of the volcano. These pyroclastic deposits are almost entirely matrix-supported block and ash flows and surges suggesting that Pelean-style eruptions have dominated its most recent activity. Within this sequence is a relatively thin (30-50 cm) clast-supported deposit that has been interpreted as a possible blast deposit. Two age dates from these younger deposits suggest that much of this activity occurred between l0,000 and 12,000 years ago. On the southeastern coast at Pointe Mulâtre and extending approximately 4 km north and at a maximum 2 km west, is a megabreccia of large (up to 3 m) flow-banded andesite clasts set in a semi-lithified medium grained ash matrix. At Pointe Mulâtre this megabreccia is overlain by unconsolidated block and ash flow deposits. To the north of the megabreccia, exposures in the sea cliffs reveal a consolidated sequence of well-bedded alternating coarse and fine deposits suggesting deltaic foreset beds; which in turn appears to be overlain by a yellow- colored relatively coarse flow deposit with an irregular upper surface. The uppermost deposits in the sea cliffs are a sequence of unconsolidated block and ash flow deposits and interbedded fluviatile conglomerates equivalent to the younger flow deposits logged inland. Volcanic rocks from the Grande Soufriere Hills are all porphyritic andesites often containing hypabyssal inclusions. Dominant phenocrysts are plagioclase often with inclusion-rich cores and well developed zoning. Mafic phenocrysts include hornblende, augite and hypersthene. Geochemically these andesites range from 58- 63% SiO2 and show trends of decreasing values for Al2O3, FeO, MgO, CaO, TiO2, Sr, V, and Sc and increasing values for Na2O, K2O, Ba, Rb, and Zr with increasing silica. Samples from the megabreccia can be chemically distinguished from the younger rocks of this center. Petrologic models suggest that the younger rocks from the Grand Soufriere Hills can be produced by fractional crystallization of basaltic magma such as those erupted from other centers (such as Morne Anglais to the west). Minor variations within this suite of andesites can be related to upper crustal fractionation of phenocryst phases.

Quantifying entrainment in pyroclastic density currents from the Tungurahua eruption, Ecuador: Integrating field proxies with numerical simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benage, M. C.; Dufek, J.; Mothes, P. A.

2016-07-01

The entrainment of air into pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) impacts the dynamics and thermal history of these highly mobile currents. However, direct measurement of entrainment in PDCs is hampered due to hazardous conditions and opaqueness of these flows. We combine three-dimensional multiphase Eulerian-Eulerian-Lagrangian calculations with proxies of thermal conditions preserved in deposits to quantify air entrainment in PDCs at Tungurahua volcano, Ecuador. We conclude that small-volume PDCs develop a particle concentration gradient that results in disparate thermal characteristics for the concentrated bed load (>600 to ~800 K) and the overlying dilute suspended load (~300-600 K). The dilute suspended load has effective entrainment coefficients 2-3 times larger than the bed load. This investigation reveals a dichotomy in entrainment and thermal history between two regions in the current and provides a mechanism to interpret the depositional thermal characteristics of small-volume but frequently occurring PDCs.

Enhanced Mobility in Concentrated Pyroclastic Density Currents: An Examination of a Self-Fluidization Mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Breard, Eric C. P.; Dufek, Josef; Lube, Gert

2018-01-01

Pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) are a significant volcanic hazard. However, their dominant transport mechanisms remain poorly understood, in part because of the large variability of PDC types and deposits. Here we combine field data with experimental and numerical simulations to illuminate the twofold fate of particles settling from an ash cloud to form the dense PDC basal flow. At solid fractions >1 vol %, heterogeneous drag leads to formation of mesoscale particle clusters that favor rapid particle settling and result in a mobile dense layer with significant bed weight support. Conversely, at lower concentrations the absence of particle clusters typically leads to formation of poorly mobile dense beds that deposit massive layers. Based on this transport dichotomy, we present a numerical dense-dilute parameter that allows a PDC's dominant transport mechanism to be determined directly from the deposit geometry and grainsize characteristics.

Erosional self-channelization of pyroclastic density currents - Evidence from ground-penetrating radar imaging at Mt. St. Helens, Washington (USA)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gase, A.; Brand, B. D.; Bradford, J.

2016-12-01

The causes and consequences of substrate erosion are among the least understood attributes of pyroclastic density current (PDC) dynamics. Field evidence of substrate erosion is often limited by the location and quality of exposed PDC deposits. Here we present evidence for one of the most spatially extensive cases of PDC erosion to date, found within the 18 May 1980 deposits of Mt. St. Helens, Washington (USA). An 8 m deep and 300 m wide PDC scour and fill feature, which extends into PDC deposits from earlier in the eruption, is exposed along a distal outcrop of the shallow-dipping (<15º) pumice plain. Near surface geophysical techniques allow us to investigate the nature, extent, and cause of this large scour. We used 50 MHz ground-penetrating radar to track the distal scour from outcrop toward its source. Beginning 700 m up-flow from the large scour and fill exposure, the feature progressively widens from 205 m to 280 m and deepens from 10 m to 13 m, suggesting the PDCs became more erosive along the length of the scour. We extended our transects across the pumice plain to locate additional scours and to establish the topography at the time of erosion. We found a second 420 m wide and 11 m deep scour that extends at least 500 m from its inception point. Apparent dips of the sides of both channels are asymmetrical, due to pronounced erosion on the up-slope side of the flow in cross-section. Our data show no evidence of subsurface topographic irregularities or high slope angles up-flow from either erosional feature. These features imply large PDCs from semi-sustained or fluctuating eruptions can self-channelize by erosional mechanisms. Our findings suggest that (1) concentrated PDCs are capable of producing large scours on shallow slopes with negligible surface roughness, analogous to the erosional channels of submarine turbidity currents, (2) substrate properties, including partial fluidization of fresh PDC deposits, may facilitate substrate erosion during semi-sustained eruptions, and (3) large PDCs can undergo self-channelization, whereby axial zones of high flow energy erode channels that confine subsequent flows. Erosion and self-channelization of this nature is not accounted for in models of concentrated PDCs, which may result in underestimates of run-out distance.

Lithic breccia and ignimbrite erupted during the collapse of Crater Lake Caldera, Oregon

USGS Publications Warehouse

Druitt, T.H.; Bacon, C.R.

1986-01-01

The climactic eruption of Mount Mazama (6845 y.B.P.) vented a total of ???50 km3 of compositionally zoned rhyodacitic to basaltic magma from: (a) a single vent as a Plinian pumice fall deposit and the overlying Wineglass Welded Tuff, and (b) ring vents as ignimbrite and coignimbrite lithic breccia accompanying the collapse of Crater Lake caldera. New field and grain-size data for the ring-vent products are presented in this report. The coarse-grained, poorly bedded, clast-supported lithic breccia extends as far as 18 km from the caldera center. Like the associated ignimbrite, the breccia is compositionally zoned both radially and vertically, and silicic, mixed, and mafic types can be recognized, based on the proportion of rhyodacitic pumice. Matrix fractions in silicic breccias are depleted of fines and are lithic- and crystal-enriched relative to silicic ignimbrite due to vigorous gas sorting during emplacement. Ignimbrite occurs as a proximal veneer deposit overlying the breccia, a medial (??? 8 to ??? 25 km from the caldera center), compositionally zoned valley fill as much as > 110 m thick, and an unzoned distal ({slanted equal to or greater-than} 20 km) facies which extends as far as 55 km from the caldera. Breccia within ??? 9 km of the caldera center is interpreted as a coignimbrite lag breccia formed within the deflation zone of the collapsing ring-vent eruption columns. Expanded pyroclastic flows of the deflation zone were probably vertically graded in both size and concentration of blocks, as recently postulated for some turbidity currents. An inflection in the rate of falloff of lithic-clast size within the lithic breccia at ??? 9 km may mark the outer edge of the deflation zone or may be an artifact of incomplete exposure. The onset of ring-vent activity at Mt. Mazama was accompanied by a marked increase in eruptive discharge. Pyroclastic flows were emplaced as a semicontinuous stream, as few ignimbrite flow-unit boundaries are evident. As eruption from the ring vents progressed, flow-runout distance and the extent of breccia deposition decreased due to (a) greater internal flow friction, and (b) decreasing eruption column heights. Effect (b) probably resulted from a progressive decrease in magmatic gas content and discharge rate. Waning discharge may have been promoted by the tapping of more viscous, crystal-rich magma, collapse of conduit walls, and declining caldera collapse rate. ?? 1986.

Basaltic ignimbrites in monogenetic volcanism: the example of La Garrotxa volcanic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martí, J.; Planagumà, L. l.; Geyer, A.; Aguirre-Díaz, G.; Pedrazzi, D.; Bolós, X.

2017-05-01

Ignimbrites are pyroclastic density current deposits common in explosive volcanism involving intermediate and silicic magmas and in less abundance in eruptions of basaltic central and shield volcanoes. However, they are not widely described in association with monogenetic volcanism, where typical products include lava flows, scoria and lapilli fall deposits, as well as various kinds of pyroclastic density current deposits and explosion breccias. In La Garrotxa basaltic monogenetic volcanic field, part of the Neogene-Quaternary European rift system located in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula, we have identified a particular group of pyroclastic density current deposits that show similar textural characteristics to silicic ignimbrites, indicating an overlap in transport and depositional processes. These deposits can be clearly distinguished from other pyroclastic density current deposits generated during phreatomagmatic phases that typically correspond to thinly laminated units with planar-to-cross-bedded stratification. The monogenetic ignimbrite deposits correspond to a few meters to several tens of meters thick units rich in lithic- and lapilli scoria fragments, with an abundant ash matrix, and internally massive structure, emplaced along valleys and gullies, with run-out distances up to 6 km and individual volumes ranging from 106 to 1.5 × 107 m3. The presence of flattened scoria and columnar jointing in some of these deposits suggests relatively high emplacement temperatures, coinciding with available paleomagnetic data that suggests an emplacement temperature around 450-500 °C. In this work, we describe the main characteristics of these pyroclastic deposits that were generated by a number of phreatomagmatic episodes. Comparison with similar deposits from silicic eruptions and previous examples of ignimbrites associated with basaltic volcanism allows us to classify them as `basaltic ignimbrites'. The recognition in monogenetic volcanism of such pyroclastic products, which may extend several kilometres from source, has an important consequence for hazard assessment in these volcanic fields, which previously have been considered to present only minor hazards and risks.

The Zamama-Thor region of Io: Insights from a synthesis of mapping, topography, and Galileo spacecraft data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Williams, D.A.; Keszthelyi, L.P.; Schenk, P.M.; Milazzo, M.P.; Lopes, R.M.C.; Rathbun, J.A.; Greeley, R.

2005-01-01

We have studied data from the Galileo spacecraft's three remote sensing instruments (Solid-State Imager (SSI), Near-Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (NIMS), and Photopolarimeter-Radiometer (PPR)) covering the Zamama - Thor region of Io's antijovian hemisphere, and produced a geomorphological map of this region. This is the third of three regional maps we are producing from the Galileo spacecraft data. Our goal is to assess the variety of volcanic and tectonic materials and their interrelationships on Io using planetary mapping techniques, supplemented with all available Galileo remote sensing data. Based on the Galileo data analysis and our mapping, we have determined that the most recent geologic activity in the Zamama - Thor region has been dominated by two sites of large-scale volcanic surface changes. The Zamama Eruptive Center is a site of both explosive and effusive eruptions, which emanate from two relatively steep edifices (Zamama Tholi A and B) that appear to be built by both silicate and sulfur volcanism. A ???100-km long flow field formed sometime after the 1979 Voyager flybys, which appears to be a site of promethean-style compound flows, flow-front SO2 plumes, and adjacent sulfur flows. Larger, possibly stealthy, plumes have on at least one occasion during the Galileo mission tapped a source that probably includes S and/or Cl to produce a red pyroclastic deposit from the same vent from which silicate lavas were erupted. The Thor Eruptive Center, which may have been active prior to Voyager, became active again during the Galileo mission between May and August 2001. A pillanian-style eruption at Thor included the tallest plume observed to date on Io (at least 500 km high) and new dark lava flows. The plume produced a central dark pyroclastic deposit (probably silicate-rich) and an outlying white diffuse ring that is SO2-rich. Mapping shows that several of th000e new dark lava flows around the plume vent have reoccupied sites of earlier flows. Unlike most of the other pillanian eruptions observed during the Galileo mission, the 2001 Thor eruption did not produce a large red ring deposit, indicating a relative lack of S and/or Cl gases interacting with the magma during that eruption. Between these two eruptive centers are two paterae, Thomagata and Reshef. Thomagata Patera is located on a large shield-like mesa and shows no signs of activity. In contrast, Reshef Patera is located on a large, irregular mesa that is apparently undergoing degradation through erosion (perhaps from SO2 -sapping or chemical decomposition of sulfur-rich material) from multiple secondary volcanic centers. ?? 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evolution of Channels Draining Mount St. Helens: Linking Non-Linear and Rapid, Threshold Responses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simon, A.

2010-12-01

The catastrophic eruption of Mount St. Helens buried the valley of the North Fork Toutle River (NFT) to a depth of up to 140 m. Initial integration of a new drainage network took place episodically by the “filling and spilling” (from precipitation and seepage) of depressions formed during emplacement of the debris avalanche deposit. Channel incision to depths of 20-30 m occurred in the debris avalanche and extensive pyroclastic flow deposits, and headward migration of the channel network followed, with complete integration taking place within 2.5 years. Downstream reaches were converted from gravel-cobble streams with step-pool sequences to smoothed, infilled channels dominated by sand-sized materials. Subsequent channel evolution was dominated by channel widening with the ratio of changes in channel width to changes in channel depth ranging from about 60 to 100. Widening resulted in significant adjustment of hydraulic variables that control sediment-transport rates. For a given discharge over time, flow depths were reduced, relative roughness increased and flow velocity and boundary shear stress decreased non-linearly. These changes, in combination with coarsening of the channel bed with time resulted in systematically reduced rates of degradation (in upstream reaches), aggradation (in downstream reaches) and sediment-transport rates through much of the 1990s. Vertical adjustments were, therefore, easy to characterize with non-linear decay functions with bed-elevation attenuating with time. An empirical model of bed-level response was then created by plotting the total dimensionless change in elevation against river kilometer for both initial and secondary vertical adjustments. High magnitude events generated from the generated from upper part of the mountain, however, can cause rapid (threshold) morphologic changes. For example, a rain-on-snow event in November 2006 caused up to 9 m of incision along a 6.5 km reach of Loowit Creek and the upper NFT. The event triggered a debris flow which cutoff tributary channels to Glacier Creek and redirected Step and Loowit Creeks thereby forcing enhanced flow volumes through the main channel. Very coarse, armored bed materials were mobilized allowing for deep incision into the substrate. Incision continues today at slower rates but it is again the lateral shifting and widening of the channels that is dominant. Low and moderate flows undercut the toe of 30 m-high pyroclastic flow deposits causing significant erosion. As the channel continues to widen incision will attenuate non-linearly. Channels such as the multiple Step Creek channels will coalesce as narrow ridges erode by undercutting and mass failure much as reaches of lower Loowit Creek did in the late 1980’s. The resulting enlarged and over-widened sections will then again (as in downstream reaches) have lowered transporting power.

The Summer 2006 Volcanic Crisis of Tungurahua, Ecuador: No Lessons Learned

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toulkeridis, T.

2007-05-01

More than 250 volcanoes are exposed in the Ecuadorian part of the Northern Andean Volcanic Zone of which the 5019 m a.s.l. high Tungurahua, is one of the seventeen considered active volcanoes in the country. The Tungurahua volcanic complex is located in the Eastern metamorphic belt and is made up of three different edifices. The actual active stratovolcano, Tungurahua III, is build up above debris-avalanche deposits of the last sector collapse and contains also series of lavas of either andesitic affinities, which reached in past VEI's of 3 while the occasionally dacitic lavas have been associated with eruptive phases reaching VEI's of up to 4. The growth of the steep-sided volcano is based on eruptive phases with the repeated generation of ash falls, lahars, lava and pyroclastic flows demonstrating a frequency of approximate once per century, lasting each up to a decade. The volcano remained relatively dormant until 1993 when seismic activity gradually increased, while in August of 1999 after some 80 years of rest, Tungurahua III entered into a new eruptive phase lasting up to date, now eight years of continuous activity. The new magmatic, andesitic activity was characterized mainly by strombolian types of explosions, gas, ash and tephra emissions covering usually the southwestern area of the volcano and occasionally minor lahars due to the accumulation of ash on the flanks of the volcano. Since the beginning of the new eruptive activity in late 1999, the volcano exhibited different eruptive cycles, usually every 12 to 18 months up to the spring-summer of 2006. Between the 10th to the 16th of May a new eruptive cycle started with the usual ash showers due to the high frequency of phreatic and strombolian explosions of which one reached a height of 19km. Shortly later after an apparent calmness, a 15 km high eruptive column produced the very first pyroclastic flows (and minor lava flows), which descended on the western volcanic flank reaching small villages. About a month later, the strongest eruption since the reactivation of Tungurahua in 1999, with a VEI of 3, produced some 20 pyroclastic flows, which covered a big part of the western volcanic flank, killing seven persons in a previously stated safe zone and devastating at least five small villages, destroying some 20,000 hectars of cultivated land. This eruption of the 16th to the 17th of August of 2006, which had a very high social and economic impact, covered a huge area of Ecuador of which ash and gas clouds reached a length of at least 800 km and a width of some 200 km mainly towards the western side of the volcano. Since 1999 as result of the volcanic activity, authorities changed frequently the alert levels between yellow, moderate orange and orange, which leaded to one evacuation of some 26,000 persons from the foothill-situated, but due natural barriers protected city of Banios and some other nearby minor villages in the volcano area in October 1999. Due to the failed prediction of a major event, people went back violently three months later despite the orders of the authorities. Later in 2006 due to the presence of the first pyroclastic flows, a few hundred people fled from their homes situated in the western flank of the volcano and after the eruption of the 16th to the 17th of August 2006, some 5,000 people of the same area fled or were evacuated into refuge camps in the surrounding of the volcano. Promised and assured financial assistance by different ministries for the relocation of the public, never reached the affected families. New previously unpublished photographic and video material as well as statistics of the interviewed, affected public will be shown within this presentation.

Stratigraphy, sedimentology and eruptive mechanism of the El Golfo phreatomagmatic edifice (Lanzarote, Canary Islands)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pedrazzi, D.; Marti, J.; Geyer, A.

2012-04-01

The El Golfo tuff cone is an example of phreatomagmatic edifice, developed in the western coast of Lanzarote (Canary Islands). El Golfo, together with other edifices of the same age, is aligned along a fracture oriented NEE-SWW coinciding with the main lineation of the historic volcanism in this part of the island. In this contribution we present a detailed stratigraphic study of the succession of deposits and we interpret them in terms of depositional processes and eruptive dynamics. The eruptive sequence is exclusively represented by a succession of pyroclastic deposits, and we infer it according to variations in flow regime and the magma-water interaction. Several pyroclastic units were identified according to facies variations based on sedimentary discontinuities, grain size, components, variations in primary laminations and bedforms following the facies model proposed by Chough and Sohn (1990). The growth of the El Golfo tuff cone involved several stages based on variations in depositional processes. The edifice was constructed very rapidly around the vent controlling the amount of water that got access to the eruption conduit. Although the invariable phreatomagmatic character of most of the pyroclastic sequence, it is possible to deduce variations in the explosive energy, with a general increment upwards, according to the increase in the degree of fragmentation of pyroclasts, The absence of hyaloclastites, the nature of the palagonite alteration and the observed sedimentary structures, demonstrate the subaereal character of most of the deposits

Peak flow responses to landscape disturbances caused by the cataclysmic 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, Washington

USGS Publications Warehouse

Major, Jon J.; Mark, Linda E.

2006-01-01

Years of discharge measurements that precede and follow the cataclysmic 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, Washington, provide an exceptional opportunity to examine the responses of peak flows to abrupt, widespread, devastating landscape disturbance. Multiple basins surrounding Mount St. Helens (300–1300 km2 drainage areas) were variously disturbed by: (1) a debris avalanche that buried 60 km2 of valley; (2) a lateral volcanic blast and associated pyroclastic flow that destroyed 550 km2 of mature forest and blanketed the landscape with silt-capped lithic tephra; (3) debris flows that reamed riparian corridors and deposited tens to hundreds of centimeters of gravelly sand on valley floors; and (4) a Plinian tephra fall that blanketed areas proximal to the volcano with up to tens of centimeters of pumiceous silt, sand, and gravel. The spatially complex disturbances produced a variety of potentially compensating effects that interacted with and influenced hydrological responses. Changes to water transfer on hillslopes and to flow storage and routing along channels both enhanced and retarded runoff. Rapid post-eruption modifications of hillslope surface textures, adjustments of channel networks, and vegetation recovery, in conjunction with the complex nature of the eruptive impacts and strong seasonal variability in regional climate hindered a consistent or persistent shift in peak discharges. Overall, we detected a short-lived (5–10 yr) increase in the magnitudes of autumn and winter peak flows. In general, peak flows were larger, and moderate to large flows (>Q2 yr) were more substantively affected than predicted by early modeling efforts. Proportional increases in the magnitudes of both small and large flows in basins subject to severe channel disturbances, but not in basins subject solely to hillslope disturbances, suggest that eruption-induced modifications to flow efficiency along alluvial channels that have very mobile beds differentially affected flows of various magnitudes and likely played a prominent, and additional, role affecting the nature of the hydrological response.

Geology of Tok Island, Korea: eruptive and depositional processes of a shoaling to emergent island volcano

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sohn, Y. K.

1995-02-01

Detailed mapping of Tok Island, located in the middle of the East Sea (Sea of Japan), along with lithofacies analysis and K-Ar age determinations reveal that the island is of early to late Pliocene age and comprises eight rock units: Trachyte I, Unit P-I, Unit P-II, Trachyandesite (2.7±0.1 Ma), Unit P-III, Trachyte II (2.7±0.1 Ma), Trachyte III (2.5±0.1 Ma) and dikes in ascending stratigraphic order. Trachyte I is a mixture of coherent trachytic lavas and breccias that are interpreted to be subaqueous lavas and related hyaloclastites. Unit P-I comprises massive and inversely graded basaltic breccias which resulted from subaerial gain flows and subaqueous debris flows. A basalt clast from the unit, derived from below Trachyte I, has an age of 4.6±0.4 Ma. Unit P-II is composed of graded and stratified lapilli tuffs with the characteristics of proximal pyroclastic surge deposits. The Trachyandesite is a massive subaerial lava ponded in a volcano-tectonic depression, probably a summit crater. A pyroclastic sequence containing flattened scoria clasts (Unit P-III) and a small volume subaerial lava (Trachyte II) occur above the Trachyandesite, suggesting resumption of pyroclastic activity and lava effusion. Afterwards, shallow intrusion of magma occurred, producing Trachyte III and trachyte dikes. The eight rock units provide an example of the changing eruptive and depositional processes and resultant succession of lithofacies as a seamount builds up above sea level to form an island volcano: Trachyte I represents a wholly subaqueous and effusive stage; Units P-I and P-II represent Surtseyan and Taalian eruptive phases during an explosive transitional (subaqueous to emergent) stage; and the other rock units represent later subaerial effusive and explosive stages. Reconstruction of volcano morphology suggests that the island is a remnant of the south-western crater rim of a volcano the vent of which lies several hundred meters to the north-east.

Morphological changes at Colima volcano caused the 2015 Hurricane Patricia investigated by repeated drone surveys and time lapse cameras

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walter, Thomas R.; Navarro, Carlos; Arambula, Raul; Salzer, Jackie; Reyes, Gabriel

2016-04-01

Colima is one of the most active volcanoes in Latin America, with frequent dome building eruptions and pyroclastic flow hazards. In July 2015 Colima had a new climax of eruptive activity, profoundly changing the summit morphology and redistributing volcanic ashes to the lower volcano apron. These unconsolidated ashes are prone to be mobilized by rainfall events, and therefore required close monitoring. A major hurricane then had landfall in western Mexico in October 2015, accumulating c. 450 mm of rainfall at a meteorological station at Nevado de Colima (3461 m) and immense lahar and ash deposit mobilization from Colima Volcano. Hurricane Patricia was the largest ever recorded category 5 storm, directly crossing the state of Colima. Due to the successful scientific advice and civil protection no human losses were directly associated to this lahar hazards. We have conducted drone overflight in profound valleys that directed the pyroclastic flows and lahars two days before and three days after the hurricane. Over 8,000 close range aerial photographs could be recorded, along with GPS locations of ground stations. Images were processed using the structure from motion methodology, and digital elevation models compared. Erosion locally exceeded 10 m vertically and caused significant landscape change. Mass mobilization unloaded the young pyroclastic deposits and led to significant underground heat loss and water boiling in the affected areas. We also firstly report the use of camera array set-ups along the same valley to monitor lahar deposition and erosion from different perspectives. Combining these photos using photogrammetric techniques allow time series of digital elevation change studies at the deepening erosional ravines, with large potential for future geomorphic monitoring. This study shows that photo monitoring is very useful for studying the link of volcano landscape evolution and hydrometerological extremes and for rapid assessment of indirect volcanic hazards.

An Integrative Approach for Defining Plinian and Sub-Plinian Eruptive Scenarios at Andesitic Volcanoes: Event-Lithostratigraphy, Eruptive Parameters and Pyroclast Textural Variations of the Largest Late-Holocene Eruptions of Mt. Taranaki, New Zealand.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torres-Orozco, R.; Cronin, S. J.; Damaschke, M.; Kosik, S.; Pardo, N.

2016-12-01

Three eruptive scenarios were determined based on the event-lithostratigraphic reconstruction of the largest late-Holocene eruptions of the andesitic Mt. Taranaki, New Zealand: a) sustained dome-effusion followed by sudden stepwise collapse and unroofing of gas-rich magma; b) repeated plug and burst events generated by transient open-/closed-vent conditions; and c) open-vent conditions of more mafic magmas erupting from a satellite vent. Pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) are the most frequent outcome in every scenario. They can be produced in any/every eruption phase by formation and either repetitive-partial or total gravity-driven collapse of lava domes in the summit crater (block-and-ash flows), frequently followed by sudden magma decompression and violent, highly unsteady to quasi-steady lateral expansion (blast-like PDCs); by collapse or single-pulse fall-back of unsteady eruption columns (pyroclastic flow- and surge-type currents); or during highly unsteady and explosive hydromagmatic phases (wet surges). Fall deposits are produced during the climatic phase of each eruptive scenario by the emplacement of (i) high, sustained and steady, (ii) sustained and height-oscillating, (iii) quasi-steady and pulsating, or (iv) unsteady and totally collapsing eruption columns. Volumes, column heights and mass- and volume-eruption rates indicate that these scenarios correspond to VEI 4-5 plinian and sub-plinian multi-phase and style-shifting episodes, similar or larger than the most recent 1655 AD activity, and comparable to plinian eruptions of e.g. Apoyeque, Colima, Merapi and Tarawera volcanoes. Whole-rock chemistry, textural reconstructions and density-porosity determinations suggest that the different eruptive scenarios are mainly driven by variations in the density structure of magma in the upper conduit. Assuming a simple single conduit model, the style transitions can be explained by differing proportions of alternating gas-poor/degassed and gas-rich magma.

Runout distance and dynamic pressure of pyroclastic density currents: Evidence from 18 May 1980 blast surge of Mount St. Helens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gardner, J. E.; Andrews, B. J.

2016-12-01

Pyroclastic density currents (flows and surges) are one of the most deadly hazards associated with volcanic eruptions. Understanding what controls how far such currents will travel, and how their dynamic pressure evolves, could help mitigate their hazards. The distance a ground hugging, pyroclastic density current travels is partly limited by when it reverses buoyancy and lifts off into the atmosphere. The 1980 blast surge of Mount St. Helens offers an example of a current seen to lift off. Before lofting, it had traveled up to 20 km and leveled more than 600 km3 of thick forest (the blowdown zone). The outer edge of the devastated area - where burned trees that were left standing (the singe zone) - is where the surge is thought to have lifted off. We recently examined deposits in the outer parts of the blowdown and in the singe zone at 32 sites. The important finding is that the laterally moving surge travelled into the singe zone, and hence the change in tree damage does not mark the run out distance of the ground hugging surge. Eyewitness accounts and impacts on trees and vehicles reveal that the surge consisted of a fast, dilute "overcurrent" and a slower "undercurrent", where most of the mass (and heat) was retained. Reasonable estimates for flow density and velocity show that dynamic pressure of the surge (i.e., its ability to topple trees) peaked near the base of the overcurrent. We propose that when the overcurrent began to lift off, the height of peak dynamic pressure rose above the trees and stopped toppling them. The slower undercurrent continued forward, burning trees but it lacked the dynamic pressure needed to topple them. Grain-size variations argue that it slowed from 30 m/s when it entered the singe zone to 3 m/s at the far end. Buoyancy reversal and liftoff are thus not preserved in the deposits where the surge lofted upwards.

Catastrophic eruptions of the directed-blast type at Mount St. Helens, bezymianny and Shiveluch volcanoes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bogoyavlenskaya, G.E.; Braitseva, O.A.; Melekestsev, I.V.; Kiriyanov, V. Yu; Dan, Miller C.

1985-01-01

This paper describes catastrophic eruptions of Mount St. Helens (1980), Bezymianny (1955-1956), and Shiveluch (1964) volcanoes. A detailed description of eruption stages and their products, as well as the quantitative characteristics of the eruptive process are given. The eruptions under study belong to the directed-blast type. This type is characterized by the catastrophic character of the climatic stage during which a directed blast, accompanied by edifice destruction, the profound ejection of juvenile pyroclastics and the formation of pyroclastic flows, occur. The climatic stage of all three eruptions has similar characteristics, such as duration, kinetic energy of blast (1017-1018 J), the initial velocity of debris ejection, morphology and size of newly-formed craters. But there are also certain differences. At Mount St. Helens the directed blast was preceeded by failure of the edifice and these events produced separable deposits, namely debris avalanche and directed blast deposits which are composed of different materials and have different volumes, thickness and distribution. At Bezymianny, failure did not precede the blast and the whole mass of debris of the old edifice was outburst only by blast. The resulting deposits, represented by the directed blast agglomerate and sand facies, have characteristics of both the debris avalanche and the blast deposit at Mount St. Helens. At Shiveluch directed-blast deposits are represented only by the directed-blast agglomerate; the directed-blast sand facies, or blast proper, seen at Mount St. Helens is absent. During the period of Plinian activity, the total volumes of juvenile material erupted at Mount St. Helens and at Besymianny were roughly comparable and exceeded the volume of juvenile material erupted at Shiveluch, However, the volume of pyroclastic-flow deposits erupted at Mount St. Helens was much less. The heat energy of all three eruptions is comparable: 1.3 ?? 1018, 3.8-4.8 ?? 1018 and 1 ?? 1017 J for Shiveluch, Bezymianny, and Mount St. Helens, respectively. ?? 1985.

The Taylor Creek Rhyolite of New Mexico: a rapidly emplaced field of lava domes and flows

USGS Publications Warehouse

Duffield, W.A.; Dalrymple, G.B.

1990-01-01

The Tertiary Taylor Creek Rhyolite of southwest New Mexico comprises at least 20 lava domes and flows. Each of the lavas was erupted from its own vent, and the vents are distributed throughout a 20 km by 50 km area. The volume of the rhyolite and genetically associated pyroclastic deposits is at least 100 km3 (denserock equivalent). The rhyolite contains 15%-35% quartz, sanidine, plagioclase, ??biotite, ??hornblende phenocrysts. Quartz and sanidine account for about 98% of the phenocrysts and are present in roughly equal amounts. With rare exceptions, the groundmass consists of intergrowths of fine-grained silica and alkali feldspar. Whole-rock major-element composition varies little, and the rhyolite is metaluminous to weakly peraluminous; mean SiO2 content is about 77.5??0.3%. Similarly, major-element compositions of the two feldsparphenocryst species also are nearly constant. However, whole-rock concentrations of some trace-elements vary as much as several hundred percent. Initial radiometric age determinations, all K-Ar and fission track, suggest that the rhyolite lava field grew during a period of at least 2 m.y. Subsequent 40Ar/39Ar ages indicate that the period of growth was no more than 100 000 years. The time-space-composition relations thus suggest that the Taylor Creek Rhyolite was erupted from a single magma reservoir whose average width was at least 30 km, comparable in size to several penecontemporaneous nearby calderas. However, this rhyolite apparently is not related to a caldera structure. Possibly, the Taylor Creek Phyolite magma body never became sufficiently volatile rich to produce a large-volume pyroclastic eruption and associated caldera collapse, but instead leaked repeatedly to feed many relatively small domes and flows. The new 40Ar/39Ar ages do not resolve preexisting unknown relative-age relations among the domes and flows of the lava field. Nonetheless, the indicated geologically brief period during which Taylor Creek Rhyolite magma was erupted imposes useful constraints for future evaluation of possible models for petrogenesis and the origin of trace-element characteristics of the system. ?? 1990 Springer-Verlag.

Relationships between lava and tephra volumes erupted during the 26 October 2013 lava fountaining episode from the New Southeast Crater of Etna

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andronico, Daniele; Behncke, Boris; Cristaldi, Antonio; De Beni, Emanuela; Lo Castro, Maria Deborah; Lopez, Manuela; Scollo, Simona

2014-05-01

Determining the volume of the various products of a volcanic eruption can be notoriously difficult, especially if the products encompass lava, distal tephra, and proximal pyroclastics mostly deposited on a growing volcanic cone. We evaluated, for the first time at Etna, the total masses and volumes of both lava flows and pyroclastic material emitted during the 26 October 2013 episode of lava fountaining at Etna's New Southeast Crater (NSEC), correlating them with mass eruption rate and total grain-size of the fallout deposit. The episode was heralded by Strombolian activity starting on early 25 October and gradually intensifying throughout the day, blending into a continuous lava fountain early on 26 October. An eruption column started to rise to ~4 km above Etna's summit before being bent toward WSW by the wind. Lava fountaining up to 500 m high continued until ~10:00 GMT, and then started to diminish significantly; by 13:00 GMT, the episode was over. 'A'¯a lava flows were emitted throughout the phase of lava fountaining, forming a three-lobed lava field toward south and a minor lava flow toward east. After the episode, we carried out field surveys to map both the fallout deposits and the lava flows. Distal tephra was deposited to at least 110 km distance from the vent and possibly beyond the south coast of Sicily. The dispersal area of the tephra deposit was quite narrow on the ground, the load per unit area declining very rapidly away from the main dispersal axis. In the very proximal area (~1.6 km from the NSEC), the fallout deposit formed a 3-cm thick bed of scoriaceous lapilli (peaked at -2 phi) amounting to 22.25 kg/m2. The tephra load dropped up to 0.4 kg/m2 in the town of Adrano (16 km), where we found a continuous, thin layer of medium-sized ash. Finally, the fallout consisted of fine ash (~99 % of clasts

The Widespread Distribution of Komatiitic Tuffs in the 3.3 Ga Weltevreden Formation, Barberton Greenstone Belt, South Africa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thompson, M. E.; Lowe, D. R.; Byerly, G. R.

2007-12-01

The 3.5-3.2 Ga Barberton greenstone belt is a heavily deformed, 10-15 km thick succession of volcanic and sedimentary rocks representing one of the best preserved Paleoarchean supracrustal sequences known. It consists of the basal volcanic-dominated Onverwacht Group and the overlying sedimentary-dominated Fig Tree and Moodies Groups. Major volcanic rocks in the BGB include komatiites, tholeiitic basalts, and dacites. Although flow rocks and fragmental deposits have been identified representing all extrusive magma types, the abundance of komatiitic volcaniclastic units is remarkable considering the mechanical difficulties in explosively erupting low viscosity ultramafic lava. In the Onverwacht Group, most komatiitic tuffs contain 85-95 wt% SiO2, due to early silicification, and very low concentrations of most other elements, making original compositions somewhat uncertain. However, in the northernmost part of the BGB, north of the Inyoka Fault, the ~ 3.3 Ga Weltevreden Formation is composed largely of komatiitic flow rocks, tuffs, layered ultramafic complexes, and subordinate black and banded cherts. Previous studies have established the extrusive nature of the komatiites, but there are also many thick interlayered slaty units, previously interpreted as sheared flow rocks, which show cross-bedding, soft-sediment deformation, and other features indicating an alternate derivation. These units range from 2 to 80 m thick and may represent 10% or more of the overall stratigraphy of the Weltevreden Formation. They are characterized by low-temperature serpentinization that has commonly preserved original elemental abundances, enabling a more precise determination of primary komatiitic liquid composition. These rocks are magnesium rich, with MgO ranging from 23 to 36 wt%, and high Ni (~1500 ppm) and Cr (~2600 ppm) contents typical of komatiites. Several possible mechanisms could have produced these rocks, including (1) erosion and transport of pre-existing komatiitic flow rock, (2) volcanic base surges, (3) current reworking of fall-deposited pyroclastic material, and (4) remobilization of hyaloclastitic debris. The abundance of fine-grained sediments and of flat- and cross-laminated beds, the paucity of cr-spinels, and komatiitic immobile element ratios suggest that most of these high-Mg beds formed by minor reworking of komatiitic pyroclastic ash in a subaqueous environment.

Hawaiian fissure fountains 1: decoding deposits-episode 1 of the 1969-1974 Mauna Ulu eruption

USGS Publications Warehouse

Parcheta, C.E.; Houghton, Bruce F.; Swanson, D.A.

2012-01-01

Deposits from episode 1 of the 1969–1974 Mauna Ulu eruption of Kīlauea provide an exceptional opportunity to study processes of low intensity Hawaiian fissure fountains. Episode 1 lava flows passed through dense forest that had little impact on flow dynamics; in contrast, the pattern of spatter preservation was strongly influenced by the forest (through the formation of tree molds) and the preexisting topography. A low, near-continuous spatter rampart is present upwind and upslope, on the north side of the fissure. Most of the pyroclastic products, however, fell downwind to the south of the fissure, but little was preserved due to two processes: (1) incorporation of proximal spatter in rheomorphic lava flows 10–20 m from the vents, and (2) the downslope transport of cooler spatter falling on top of these flows beyond 20 m from vent. The lava flow field itself shows a complex history. Initially, discharge from the fissure exceeded the transport capacity of the southern drainage pathways, and lava ponded dynamically to a maximum height of 4 m for 40–120 min, until fountains began to decline. During declining discharge, lava flowed both southward away from the fissure and increasingly back into the vents. There is a clear “lava-shed” or delineation between where lava drained northwards back into the fissure, and where it continued flowing to the south. The 1969 deposits suggest that care is needed when products of less well-documented eruptions are analyzed, as postdepositional transport of spatter may preclude the formation of classic paired (symmetrical) ramparts.

Pyroclastic Deposits on Venus as Indicators of the Youngest Volcanism

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campbell, B. A.; Morgan, G. A.; Whitten, J. L.; Carter, L. M.; Glaze, L. S.; Campbell, D. B.

2017-01-01

While most of the surface of Venus formed by effusive volcanic processes, deposits suggesting eruption styles that distribute airfall debris over large areas, or ground-hugging flows from plume collapse, are not common. Prior work notes radar-bright units with diffuse margins, generally consistent with a plume collapse emplacement model, in Eistla Regio, Dione Regio, and near Sappho Patera. We examine these deposits, and map additional occurrences, using Magellan data and Earth-based polarimetric radar maps from 1988, 2012, and 2015 observations.

Evaluation of Sulfur Flow Emplacement on Io from Galileo Data and Numerical Modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, David A.; Greeley, Ronald; Lopes, Rosaly M. C.; Davies, Ashley G.

2001-01-01

Galileo images of bright lava flows surrounding Emakong Patera have been analyzed and numerical modeling has been performed to assess whether these flows could have resulted from the emplacement of sulfur lavas on Io. Images from the solid-state imaging.(SSI) camera show that these bright, white to yellow Emakong flows are up to 370 km long and contain dark, sinuous features that are interpreted to be lava conduits, approx. 300-500 m wide and > 100 km long. Near-Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (NIMS) thermal emission data yield a color temperature estimate of 344 K +/- 60 K (less than or equal to 131 C) within the Emakong caldera. We suggest that these bright flows likely resulted from either sulfur lavas or silicate lavas that have undergone extensive cooling, pyroclastic mantling, and/or alteration with bright sulfurous materials. The Emakong bright flows have estimated volumes of approx. 250-350 cu km, similar to some of the smaller Columbia River Basalt flows. If the Emakong flows did result from effusive sulfur eruptions, then they are orders of magnitude greater in volume than any terrestrial sulfur flows. Our numerical modeling results show that sulfur lavas on Io could have been emplaced as turbulent flows, which were capable of traveling tens to hundreds of kilometers, consistent with the predictions of Sagan [ 19793 and Fink et al. [ 19831. Our modeled flow distances are also consistent with the measured lengths of the Emakong channels and bright flows. Modeled thermal erosion rates are approx. 1-4 m/d for flows erupted at approx. 140-180 C, which are consistent with the melting rates of Kieffer et al. [2000]. The Emakong channels could be thermal erosional in nature; however, the morphologic signatures of thermal erosion channels cannot be discerned from available images. There are planned Galileo flybys of Io in 2001 which provide excellent opportunities to obtain high-resolution morphologic and color data of Emakong Patera. Such observations could, along with further modeling, provide additional information to better constrain whether sulfur lavas produced the Emakong flows.

Overview of the 1997 2000 activity of Volcán de Colima, México

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zobin, V. M.; Luhr, J. F.; Taran, Y. A.; Bretón, M.; Cortés, A.; De La Cruz-Reyna, S.; Domínguez, T.; Galindo, I.; Gavilanes, J. C.; Muñíz, J. J.; Navarro, C.; Ramírez, J. J.; Reyes, G. A.; Ursúa, M.; Velasco, J.; Alatorre, E.; Santiago, H.

2002-09-01

This overview of the 1997-2000 activity of Volcán de Colima is designed to serve as an introduction to the Special Issue and a summary of the detailed studies that follow. New andesitic block lava was first sighted from a helicopter on the morning of 20 November 1998, forming a rapidly growing dome in the summit crater. Numerous antecedents to the appearance of the dome were recognized, starting more than a year in advance, including: (1) pronounced increases in S/Cl and δD values at summit fumaroles in mid-1997; (2) five earthquake swarms between November-December 1997 and October-November 1998, with hypocenters that ranged down to 8 km beneath the summit and became shallower as the eruption approached; (3) steady inflation of the volcano reflected in shortening of geodetic survey line lengths beginning in November-December 1997 and continuing until the start of the eruption; (4) air-borne correlation spectrometer measurements of SO 2 that increased from the background values of <30 tons/day recorded since 1995 to reach 400 tons/day on 30 October 1998 and 1600 tons/day on 18 November 1998; and (5) small ash emissions detected by satellite-borne sensors beginning on 22 November 1997. The seismic and other trends were the basis of a short-term forecast of an eruption, announced on 13 November 1998, with a forecast window of 16-18 November. Although the lava dome actually appeared on 20 November, this forecast is considered to have been a major success, and the first of its kind at Volcán de Colima. Based in part on this forecast, orderly evacuations of Yerbabuena, Juan Barragan, and other small proximal communities took place on 18 November. The lava dome grew rapidly (˜4.4 m 3/s) on 20 November, and was spilling over the SW rim of the crater by the morning of 21 November to feed block-and-ash flows (pyroclastic flows) ahead of an advancing lobe of andesitic block lava. The pyroclastic flows were initially generated at intervals of 3-5 min, reached speeds of 80-90 km/h, and extended out to 4.5 km from the crater. The block lava flow was already ˜150 m long by the afternoon of 21 November. It ultimately split into three lobes that flowed down the three branches of Barranca el Cordobán on the SSW flank of Volcán de Colima; the lava advanced atop previously emplaced pyroclastic-flow deposits from the same eruptive event, whose total volume is estimated as 24×10 5 m 3. The three lava lobes ultimately reached 2.8-3.8 km from the crater, had flow fronts ˜30 m high, and an estimated total volume of 39×10 6 m 3. By early February 1999 the lava flows were no longer being fed from the summit crater, but the flow fronts continued their slow advance driven by gravitational draining of their partially molten interiors. The 1998-1999 andesites continued a compositional trend toward relatively higher SiO 2 and lower MgO that began with the 1991 lava eruption, completing the reversal of an excursion to more mafic compositions (lower SiO 2 and higher MgO) that occurred during 1976-1982. Accordingly, the 1998-1999 andesites show no signs of a transition toward the more mafic magmas that have characterized the major explosive eruptions of Volcán de Colima, such as those of 1818 and 1913. A large explosion on 10 February 1999 blasted a crater through the 1998-1999 lava dome and marked the beginning of a new explosive stage of activity at Volcán de Colima. Incandescent blocks showered the flanks out to 5 km distance, forming impact craters and triggering numerous forest fires. Similar large explosions occurred on 10 May and 17 July 1999, interspersed with numerous smaller explosions of white steam or darker ash-bearing steam. Intermittent minor explosive activity continued through the year 2000, and another large explosion took place on 22 February, 2001.

Argon geochronology of late Pleistocene to Holocene Westdahl volcano, Unimak Island, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Calvert, Andrew T.; Moore, Richard B.; McGimsey, Robert G.

2005-01-01

High-precision 40Ar/39Ar geochronology of selected lavas from Westdahl Volcano places time constraints on several key prehistoric eruptive phases of this large active volcano. A dike cutting old pyroclastic-flow and associated lahar deposits from a precursor volcano yields an age of 1,654+/-11 k.y., dating this precursor volcano as older than early Pleistocene. A total of 11 geographically distributed lavas with ages ranging from 47+/-14 to 127+/-2 k.y. date construction of the Westdahl volcanic center. Lava flows cut by an apparent caldera-rim structure yielded ages of 81+/-5 and 121+/-8 k.y., placing a maximum date of 81 ka on caldera formation. Late Pleistocene and Holocene lavas fill the caldera, but most of them are obscured by the large summit icecap.

A proposed origin of the Olympus Mons escarpment. [Martian volcanic feature

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

King, J. S.; Riehle, J. R.

1974-01-01

Olympus Mons (Nix Olympica) on Mars is delimited by a unique steep, nearly circular scarp. A pyroclastic model is proposed for the construct's origin. It is postulated that the Olympus Mons plateau is constructed predominantly of numerous ash-flow tuffs which were erupted from central sources over an extended period of time. Lava flows may be intercalated with the tuffs. A schematic radial profile incorporating the inferred compaction zones for an ash sheet is proposed. Following emplacement, eolian (and possibly fluvial) erosion and abrasion during dust storms would act on the ash sheets. Interior portions of the sheets would spall and slump following eolian erosion, generating steep, relatively smooth boundary scarps. The scarp would be circular due to symmetrical distribution of compaction zones. The model implies further that the Olympus Mons plateau rests on a more resistant rock substrate.

The latest explosive eruptions of Ciomadul (Csomád) volcano, East Carpathians - A tephrostratigraphic approach for the 51-29 ka BP time interval

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karátson, D.; Wulf, S.; Veres, D.; Magyari, E. K.; Gertisser, R.; Timar-Gabor, A.; Novothny, Á.; Telbisz, T.; Szalai, Z.; Anechitei-Deacu, V.; Appelt, O.; Bormann, M.; Jánosi, Cs.; Hubay, K.; Schäbitz, F.

2016-06-01

The most recent, mainly explosive eruptions of Ciomadul, the youngest volcano in the Carpatho-Pannonian Region, have been constrained by detailed field volcanological studies, major element pumice glass geochemistry, luminescence and radiocarbon dating, and a critical evaluation of available geochronological data. These investigations were complemented by the first tephrostratigraphic studies of the lacustrine infill of Ciomadul's twin craters (St. Ana and Mohoş) that received tephra deposition during the last eruptions of the volcano. Our analysis shows that significant explosive activity, collectively called EPPA (Early Phreatomagmatic and Plinian Activity), started at Ciomadul in or around the present-day Mohoş, the older crater, at ≥ 51 ka BP. These eruptions resulted in a thick succession of pyroclastic-fall deposits found in both proximal and medial/distal localities around the volcano, characterized by highly silicic (rhyolitic) glass chemical compositions (ca. 75.2-79.8 wt.% SiO2). The EPPA stage was terminated by a subplinian/plinian eruption at ≥ 43 ka BP, producing pumiceous pyroclastic-fall and -flow deposits of similar glass composition, probably from a "Proto-St. Ana" vent located at or around the younger crater hosting the present-day Lake St. Ana. After a quiescent period with a proposed lava dome growth in the St. Ana crater, a new explosive stage began, defined as MPA (Middle Plinian Activity). In particular, a significant two-phase eruption occurred at 31.5 ka BP, producing pyroclastic flows from vulcanian explosions disrupting the preexisting lava dome of Sf. Ana, and followed by pumiceous fallout from a plinian eruption column. Related pyroclastic deposits show a characteristic, less evolved rhyolitic glass composition (ca. 70.2-74.5 wt.% SiO2) and occur both in proximal and medial/distal localities up to 21 km from source. The MPA eruptions, that may have pre-shaped a crater similar to, but possibly smaller than, the present-day St. Ana crater, was followed by a so far unknown, but likewise violent last eruptive stage from the same vent, creating the final morphology of the crater. This stage, referred to as LSPA (Latest St. Ana Phreatomagmatic Activity), produced pyroclastic-fall deposits of more evolved rhyolitic glass composition (ca. 72.8-78.8 wt.% SiO2) compared to that of the previous MPA stage. According to radiocarbon age constraints on bulk sediment, charcoal and organic matter from lacustrine sediments recovered from both craters, the last of these phreatomagmatic eruptions - that draped the landscape toward the east and southeast of the volcano - occurred at 29.6 ka BP, some 2000 years later than the previously suggested last eruption of Ciomadul.

Compound Antidunes: a Key to Detect Catastrophic Volcanic Eruptions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshida, S.; Nemoto, Y.

2008-12-01

Antidunes are common in pyroclastic flow and surge deposits. However, the compound or nested occurrence of antidunes, where smaller antidunes reside within a larger-scale antidune, has seldom been documented or discussed in both pyroclastic and siliciclastic depositional settings. Without realizing this complexity, the frequency and magnitude of volcanic eruptions estimated from pyroclastic deposits are severely unrealistic. We have documented the Holocene outcrops of the antidune-bearing pyroclastites in Niijima Island, 100 miles SSW of Tokyo, Japan. The pyroclastites were formed by the eruptions in 886 AD Along the Habushiura coast in the southeastern part of the island, these outcrops form up to 50 m high cliffs, and are laterally traceable over 5 km from the volcano crater that shed the pyroclastites in the northward (downcurrent) direction. These pyroclastites were previously interpreted as recording about 30 small eruptions, each forming a 0.5-2 meter thick subhorizontal couplet of pumice (inversely grading) and lithic (normal grading) debris, with cm-m thick antidunes. However, we postulate that each of these couplets does not record a single volcanic eruption, but a much shorter time. These couplets occur between concave-up vertical accretion surfaces, which have both upstream- and downstream-migration components, within a 5-15 meter thick compound antidune (our "rank-1" antidune). Three erosively stacked compound antidunes form the coastal cliffs in the Habushiura coast, and each compound antidune is about ten times thicker than antidunes reported by earlier workers (corresponding to our "rank-2 antidunes" that nest within a rank-1 antidune, and "rank-3 antidunes" that nest within a rank-2 antidune). Hence, the Habushiura cliffs represent only three eruption events (instead of 30 events), but each representing much larger magnitude of eruptions. The geometry of these antidunes is comparable to "sediment waves" or "cyclic steps" of siliciclastic deposits recently reported from the modern deep sea (continental slope) and jökulhlaup (glacial outburst flood on land), and from flume studies. The erosional surfaces that separate rank-1 antidunes and hence individual eruption events are subhorizontal to slightly inclined to the upstream direction, and appear to onlap to the volcano's slope. Similar compound antidunes and erosion surfaces, both in size and geometry, occur within the older (c. 10-20 ka) pyroclastic deposits in Niijima and nearby volcanic islands, even though the chemical, mineral and lithologic compositions of pyroclastites associated with each volcano and eruption are highly variable. The geometry and size of these compound antidunes are remarkably similar to large "dunes" within the subaqueous pyroclastic-flow deposits within the Bay of Naples, associated with the AD 79 Mt. Vesuvius eruptions, recently reported by Italian researchers.

Volcanic Tsunami Generation in the Aleutian Arc of Alaska

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waythomas, C. F.; Watts, P.

2003-12-01

Many of the worlds active volcanoes are situated on or near coastlines, and during eruptions the transfer of mass from volcano to sea is a potential source mechanism for tsunamis. Flows of granular material off of volcanoes, such as pyroclastic flow, debris avalanche, and lahar, often deliver large volumes of unconsolidated debris to the ocean that have a large potential tsunami hazard. The deposits of both hot and cold volcanic grain flows produced by eruptions of Aleutian arc volcanoes are exposed at many locations along the coastlines of the Bering Sea, North Pacific Ocean, and Cook Inlet indicating that the flows entered the sea and in some cases may have initiated tsunamis. We evaluate the process of tsunami generation by granular subaerial volcanic flows using examples from Aniakchak volcano in southwestern Alaska, and Augustine volcano in southern Cook Inlet. Evidence for far-field tsunami inundation coincident with a major caldera-forming eruption of Aniakchak volcano ca. 3.5 ka has been described and is the basis for one of our case studies. We perform a numerical simulation of the tsunami using a large volume pyroclastic flow as the source mechanism and compare our results to field measurements of tsunami deposits preserved along the north shore of Bristol Bay. Several attributes of the tsunami simulation, such as water flux and wave amplitude, are reasonable predictors of tsunami deposit thickness and generally agree with the field evidence for tsunami inundation. At Augustine volcano, geological investigations suggest that as many as 14 large volcanic-rock avalanches have reached the sea in the last 2000 years, and a debris avalanche emplaced during the 1883 eruption may have initiated a tsunami observed about 80 km east of the volcano at the village of English Bay (Nanwalek) on the coast of the southern Kenai Peninsula. By analogy with the 1883 event, previous studies concluded that tsunamis could have been generated many times in the past. If so, geological evidence of tsunamis, such as tsunami deposits on land, should be found in the area around Augustine Island. Paradoxically, unequivocal evidence for tsunami inundation has been found. Augustine Volcano is the most historically active volcano in the Cook Inlet region and a future tsunami from the volcano would have devastating consequences to villages, towns, oil-production facilities, and the fishing industry, especially if it occurred at high tide (the tidal range in this area is about 5 m). Numerical simulation experiments of tsunami generation, propagation and inundation using a subaerial debris avalanche source at Augustine volcano indicate only modest wave generation because of the shallow water surrounding the volcano (maximum water depth about 25 m). Lahar flows produced during eruptions at snow and ice clad volcanoes in the Aleutian arc also deliver copious amounts of sediment to the sea. These flows only rarely transform to subaqueous debris flows that may become tsunamigenic. However, the accumulation of loose, unconsolidated sediment on the continental shelf may lead to subaqueous debris flows and landslides if these deposits become mobilized by large earthquakes. Tsunamis produced by this mechanism could potentially reach coastlines all along the Pacific Rim. Finally, recent work in the western Aleutian Islands indicates that many of the island volcanoes in this area have experienced large-scale flank collapse. Because these volcanoes are surrounded by deep water, the tsunami hazard associated with a future sector collapse could be significant.

Volcano Modelling and Simulation gateway (VMSg): A new web-based framework for collaborative research in physical modelling and simulation of volcanic phenomena

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esposti Ongaro, T.; Barsotti, S.; de'Michieli Vitturi, M.; Favalli, M.; Longo, A.; Nannipieri, L.; Neri, A.; Papale, P.; Saccorotti, G.

2009-12-01

Physical and numerical modelling is becoming of increasing importance in volcanology and volcanic hazard assessment. However, new interdisciplinary problems arise when dealing with complex mathematical formulations, numerical algorithms and their implementations on modern computer architectures. Therefore new frameworks are needed for sharing knowledge, software codes, and datasets among scientists. Here we present the Volcano Modelling and Simulation gateway (VMSg, accessible at http://vmsg.pi.ingv.it), a new electronic infrastructure for promoting knowledge growth and transfer in the field of volcanological modelling and numerical simulation. The new web portal, developed in the framework of former and ongoing national and European projects, is based on a dynamic Content Manager System (CMS) and was developed to host and present numerical models of the main volcanic processes and relationships including magma properties, magma chamber dynamics, conduit flow, plume dynamics, pyroclastic flows, lava flows, etc. Model applications, numerical code documentation, simulation datasets as well as model validation and calibration test-cases are also part of the gateway material.

Emplacement of pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) in a deep-sea environment: The Val d'Aveto Formation case (Northern Apennines, Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di Capua, Andrea; Groppelli, Gianluca

2016-12-01

The occurrence of PDC deposits in a foredeep basin sequence, named Val d'Aveto Formation (32-29 Ma, Northern Apennines, Italy), provides new information on the behavior of pyroclastic density currents entering the water. In this work, stratigraphic, petrographic and mineralogical features that characterize three pyroclastic deposits have been described and analyzed in the field (facies and lithological analysis on the blocky-size fraction) and in the laboratory (image analyses on the blocky-size detritus, optical analyses of the microtextures, mineralogical analyses through X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray spectometry (SEM-EDS). The deposits are lapilli- to blocky-size, with a blocky-size fraction constituted of accidental detritus. In thin sections, their groundmass texture varies from porphyritic to eutaxitic where coarser particles become close each others. Growth rims have been also detected around plagioclase crystals. Pyrite habits and oxidation, and plagioclase albitization are consistent with hydrothermal temperature conditions of 200 °C. All these results have been compared with the information provided by modern examples of PDC deposits and laboratory experiments on the behavior of water/hot particles mixing. Grain-to-grain collision has been considered as the main flow mechanism that sustained and avoided the disaggregation of the PDCs entering the water.

Fluid dynamics of the 1997 Boxing Day volcanic blast on Montserrat, West Indies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esposti Ongaro, T.; Clarke, A. B.; Neri, A.; Voight, B.; Widiwijayanti, C.

2008-03-01

Directed volcanic blasts are powerful explosions with a significant laterally directed component, which can generate devastating, high-energy pyroclastic density currents (PDCs). Such blasts are an important class of eruptive phenomena, but quantified understanding of their dynamics and effects is still incomplete. Here we use 2-D and 3-D multiparticle thermofluid dynamic flow codes to examine a powerful volcanic blast that occurred on Montserrat in December 1997. On the basis of the simulations, we divide the blast into three phases: an initial burst phase that lasts roughly 5 s and involves rapid expansion of the gas-pyroclast mixture, a gravitational collapse phase that occurs when the erupted material fails to mix with sufficient air to form a buoyant column and thus collapses asymmetrically, and a PDC phase that is dominated by motion parallel to the ground surface and is influenced by topography. We vary key input parameters such as total gas energy and total solid mass to understand their influence on simulations, and we compare the simulations with independent field observations of damage and deposits, demonstrating that the models generally capture important large-scale features of the natural phenomenon. We also examine the 2-D and 3-D model results to estimate the flow Mach number and conclude that the range of damage sustained at villages on Montserrat can be reasonably explained by the spatial and temporal distribution of the dynamic pressure associated with subsonic PDCs.

Volcanic activity: a review for health professionals.

PubMed Central

Newhall, C G; Fruchter, J S

1986-01-01

Volcanoes erupt magma (molten rock containing variable amounts of solid crystals, dissolved volatiles, and gas bubbles) along with pulverized pre-existing rock (ripped from the walls of the vent and conduit). The resulting volcanic rocks vary in their physical and chemical characteristics, e.g., degree of fragmentation, sizes and shapes of fragments, minerals present, ratio of crystals to glass, and major and trace elements composition. Variability in the properties of magma, and in the relative roles of magmatic volatiles and groundwater in driving an eruption, determine to a great extent the type of an eruption; variability in the type of an eruption in turn influences the physical characteristics and distribution of the eruption products. The principal volcanic hazards are: ash and larger fragments that rain down from an explosion cloud (airfall tephra and ballistic fragments); flows of hot ash, blocks, and gases down the slopes of a volcano (pyroclastic flows); "mudflows" (debris flows); lava flows; and concentrations of volcanic gases in topographic depressions. Progress in volcanology is bringing improved long- and short-range forecasts of volcanic activity, and thus more options for mitigation of hazards. Collaboration between health professionals and volcanologists helps to mitigate health hazards of volcanic activity. Images FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2 FIGURE 6a-6e FIGURE 6a-6e FIGURE 8 FIGURE 9 FIGURE 10 FIGURE 11 PMID:3946726

The Tala Tuff, La Primavera caldera Mexico. Pre-eruptive conditions and magma processes before eruption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sosa-Ceballos, G.

2015-12-01

La Primavera caldera, Jalisco Mexico, is a Pleistocenic volcanic structure formed by dome complexes and multiple pyroclastic flows and fall deposits. It is located at the intersection of the Chapala, Colima, and Tepic grabens in western Mexico. The first volcanic activity associated to La Primavera started ~0.1 Ma with the emission of pre-caldera lavas. The caldera collapse occurred 95 ka and is associated to the eruption of ~20 km3of pumice flows known as the Tala tuff (Mahood 1980). The border of the caldera was replaced by a series of domes dated in 75-30 ky, which partially filled the inner depression of the caldera with pyroclastic flows and falls. For more than a decade the Federal Commission of Electricity in Mexico (CFE) has prospected and evaluated the geothermal potential of the Cerritos Colorados project at La Primavera caldera. In order to better understand the plumbing system that tapped the Tala tuff and to investigate its relation with the potential geothermal field at La Primavera we performed a series of hydrothermal experiments and studied melt inclusions hosted in quartz phenocrysts by Fourier Infra red stectroscopy (FTIR). Although some post caldera products at La Primavera contain fayalite and quartz (suggesting QFM conditions) the Tala tuff does not contain fayalite and we ran experiments under NNO conditions. The absence of titanomagnetite does not allowed us to calculate pre-eruptive temperature. However, the stability of quartz and plagioclase, which are natural phases, suggest that temperature should be less than 750 °C at a pressure of 200 MPa. The analyses of H2O and CO2 dissolved in melt inclusions yielded concentrations of 2-5 wt.% and 50-100 ppm respectively. This data confirm that the pre-eruptive pressure of the Tala tuff is ~200 MPa and in addition to major elements compositions suggest that the Tala tuff is either, compositionally zoned or mixed with other magma just prior to eruption.

Late Pleistocene and Holocene Geology and Hazards at Glacier Peak Volcano, Washington

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vallance, J. W.; Van Eaton, A. R.; Ramsey, D. W.

2015-12-01

Recent fieldwork, improved radiocarbon dating, and mapping on recently acquired LiDAR base have better delineated timing, frequency, and style of volcanism at Glacier Peak. The work shows that, after Mount St. Helens, Glacier Peak is one of the most frequently active Cascade volcanoes. The volcano has erupted multiple times 13-14 ka, 5­-7 ka, 1-2.5 ka, and perhaps as recently as a few hundred years ago. The plinian eruptions of ~13.5 ka were much more voluminous than those of Mount St. Helens in 1980 and show that Glacier Peak is among the most explosive of Cascade volcanoes. These eruptions dispersed ash fallout hundreds of kilometers downwind in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming; produced a partly welded ignimbrite and a small debris avalanche; and caused lahars and flooding far across Puget Sound lowland. Numerous more recent eruptions during the periods 5-7 ka and 1-2.5 ka extruded lava domes whose hot rock avalanched across snow and ice to produce pyroclastic flows and lahars. These eruptions dispersed ash tens of to a hundred or more kilometers downwind. Resulting lahars and floods inundated as far as Puget Sound lowland. Glacier Peak is remote and hidden from most areas of the densely populated Puget Sound lowland; hence, it gets less attention than other prominent Cascade volcanoes like Mounts Rainier, Baker, and St. Helens. Despite its remote location, Glacier Peak poses substantial hazard because even small eruptions on ice-clad volcanoes can have devastating consequences. Distal threats include hazard to air traffic owing to ash plumes. Lahars and potential long-term sedimentation and flooding downstream pose threats to communities near rivers along Skagit and Stillaguamish River drainages. Farther downstream, sedimentation is likely to decrease channel capacity, increasing likelihood of floods. Lava flows, pyroclastic flows, and debris avalanches will threaten hikers in the wilderness near Glacier Peak.

The activity of the Colima volcano and morphological changes in the summit between 2004 and 2013

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suarez-Plascencia, C.; Nunez-Cornu, F. J.; Camarena Garcia, M. A.

2013-05-01

Colima Volcano, located in the West of the Volcanic Mexican Belt (19° 30.696 N, 103° 37.026 W), has shown a new cycle of explosive activity beginning May 30 1999, and reaching its maximum in March-April of 2005 and January 2013. In the 2005 the explosive activity increased gradually, having the largest event on May 23, when a new dome was created. Hours later this dome was destroyed by a strong explosion, forming an ash column 5.6 km high with subsequent pyroclastic flows that reached a distance of 4.2 km flowing along the ravines of the South sector. On May 30 the most intense explosion in 1999 occurred, when the plume reached heights in excess of 4.4 km above the crater, and pyroclastic flows were created. On the same year in July two explosive events occurred of characteristics similar to those in May. These constant explosions caused continuous morphological changes in the summit, the most significant being the collapse of the North and South walls of the crater, in the first week of June of 2005, and the creation of a new crater in July. In 2006 the most significant explosive activity took place during April, May and July, when the eruptive columns reached heights of more than 1500 meters above the crater, occasionally forming small pyroclastic flows. In May of 2007 morphological changes were observed in the summit. Among them a crater explosion on the East side, a dome was formed on the West side, with 20 m in high and 50 m in diameter. Since the end of 2008 to December of 2012 the volcano remained calm, with a dome diameter of 220 m and height of 60 m, in January 2013 three explosions occurred, destroying the dome and throwing a volume of 1.5 million cubic meters. The eruptive column reached a height of 3000 above the crater. It reported light ashfall to the NE to 100 km away from the volcano. The explosive events continue to date, but they have diminished in size and intensity. This activity was similar to the one observed in 1902-1903 and reported by Severo Diaz and J.M. Arreola (1906), but without reaching the maximum levels of activity reported for 1903, where it had levels of three to five maximum explosive events per day. The photographs and the digital mapping have provided detailed information to quantify the dynamic evolution of the volcanic structures that developed on the summit of the volcano in the course of the last for years. The cartographic and database information obtained will be the basis for updating the Operational Plan of the Colima Volcano by the State Civil & Fire Protection Unit of Jalisco, Mexico, and the urban development plans of surrounding municipalities, in order to reduce their vulnerability to the hazards of the volcanic activity.

The volcano-sedimentary succession of Upper Permian in Wuli area, central Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau: Sedimentology, geochemistry and paleogeography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Shengqian; Jiang, Zaixing; Gao, Yi

2017-04-01

Detailed observations on cores and thin sections well documented a volcano-sedimentary succession from Well TK2, which is located in Wuli area, central Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The TK2 volcano-sedimentary succession reflects an active sedimentary-tectonic setting in the north margin of North Qiangtang-Chamdo terrane in the late Permian epoch. Based on the observation and recognition on lithology and mineralogy, the components of TK2 succession are mainly volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks and four main lithofacies are recognized, including massive volcanic lithofacies (LF1), pyroclastic tuff lithofacies (LF2), tuffaceous sandstone lithofacies (LF3) and mudstone lithofacies (LF4). LF1 is characterized by felsic components, massive structure and porphyrotopic structure with local flow structure, which indicates submarine intrusive domes or extrusion-fed lavas that formed by magma ascents via faults or dykes. Meanwhile, its eruption style may reflect a relative high pressure compensation level (PCL) that mainly determined by water depth, which implies a deep-water environment. LF2 is composed of volcanic lapilli or ash and featured with massive structure, parallel bedding and various deformed laminations including convolve structure, slide deformation, ball-and-pillow structure, etc.. LF2 indicates the sedimentation of initial or reworked explosive products not far away from volcano centers, reflecting the proximal accumulation of volcano eruption-fed clasts or their resedimentation as debris flows. In addition, the submarine volcano eruptions may induced earthquakes that facilitate the resedimentation of unconsolidated sediments. LF3 contains abundant pyroclastic components and is commonly massive with rip-up mudstone clasts or usually interbedded with LF4. In addition, typical flute casts, scour structures and graded beddings in thin-interbedded layers of sandstone and mudstone are commonly observed, which also represents the sedimentation of debris flows or turbidity flows in a relative deep-water environment. LF4 indicates suspension deposits of distal turbidity sediments in deeper-water setting, which is mainly tuffaceous and ordinary mudstone, commonly interbedded with thin pyroclastic layers. Geochemically, the felsic volcanic rocks belong to tholeiitic to calc-alkaline series, exhibiting characteristics of right-leaning rare earth element (REE) patterns with conspicuous Eu negative anomalies, enrichments in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and depletions in high field-strength elements (HFSEs), which reflect an island arc environment that corresponds to the late-Permian subduction of slabs. The TK2 volcanic-sedimentary succession reveals a submarine volcano-dominated depositional model and proves the existence of a deeper water environment, at least in a restricted zone of Wuli area. However, the traditional sedimentary and paleogeographic knowledges are mostly about coal-forming transitional facies in stable environment. Therefore, the proposing of a deep-water volcano-sedimentary model will provide a further comprehension of paleogeography in southern Qinghai at late-Permian, which will also supplement the previous cognition of stable ocean-land transitional environments and provide a new sight to the paleogeographic framework of late-Permian in North Qiangtang-Chamdo terrane.

Lateral blasts at Mount St. Helens and hazard zonation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Crandell, D.R.; Hoblitt, R.P.

1986-01-01

Lateral blasts at andesitic and dacitic volcanoes can produce a variety of direct hazards, including ballistic projectiles which can be thrown to distances of at least 10 km and pyroclastic density flows which can travel at high speed to distances of more than 30 km. Indirect effect that may accompany such explosions include wind-borne ash, pyroclastic flows formed by the remobilization of rock debris thrown onto sloping ground, and lahars. Two lateral blasts occurred at a lava dome on the north flank of Mount St. Helens about 1200 years ago; the more energetic of these threw rock debris northeastward across a sector of about 30?? to a distance of at least 10 km. The ballistic debris fell onto an area estimated to be 50 km2, and wind-transported ash and lapilli derived from the lateral-blast cloud fell on an additional lobate area of at least 200 km2. In contrast, the vastly larger lateral blast of May 18, 1980, created a devastating pyroclastic density flow that covered a sector of as much as 180??, reached a maximum distance of 28 km, and within a few minutes directly affected an area of about 550 km2. The May 18 lateral blast resulted from the sudden, landslide-induced depressurization of a dacite cryptodome and the hydrothermal system that surrounded it within the volcano. We propose that lateral-blast hazard assessments for lava domes include an adjoining hazard zone with a radius of at least 10 km. Although a lateral blast can occur on any side of a dome, the sector directly affected by any one blast probably will be less than 180??. Nevertheless, a circular hazard zone centered on the dome is suggested because of the difficulty of predicting the direction of a lateral blast. For the purpose of long-term land-use planning, a hazard assessment for lateral blasts caused by explosions of magma bodies or pressurized hydrothermal systems within a symmetrical volcano could designate a circular potential hazard area with a radius of 35 km centered on the volcano. For short-term hazard assessments, if seismicity and deformation indicate that magma is moving toward the flank of a volcano, it should be recognized that a landslide could lead to the sudden unloading of a magmatic or hydrothermal system and thereby cause a catastrophic lateral blast. A hazard assessment should assume that a lateral blast could directly affect an area at least 180?? wide to a distance of 35 km from the site of the explosion, irrespective of topography. ?? 1986 Springer-Verlag.

A Late Holocene explosive mafic eruption of Villarrica volcano, Southern Andes: The Chaimilla deposit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Costantini, L.; Pioli, L.; Bonadonna, C.; Clavero, J.; Longchamp, C.

2011-03-01

Villarrica (Chile) is one of the most active volcanoes in South America having erupted about 60 times in the last 460 years. Although its historical eruptive activity has been mainly effusive and weakly explosive, it had strong explosive behaviour in postglacial times. Chaimilla (< 3.1 ka) is one of the best exposed and widely dispersed pyroclastic deposits, related to both fall and flow activity. The deposit is dispersed over an area of 250 km 2 and consists of 8 units (A-H) which were grouped into four sequences. Stratigraphic data suggest that the eruption had a relatively short duration and evolved from i) an Opening phase, dispersing ash, lapilli clasts, accretionary lapilli, blocks and bombs, to ii) a Pulsatory phase, originating a series of magmatic explosions, to iii) a Collapsing phase, characterised by unstable plumes which emplaced a series of pyroclastic density currents intercalated with thin fallout layers and finally to iv) a Climactic phase forming a more sustained plume which eventually collapsed generating the final pyroclastic density currents. The deposit (fall and flow) has a minimum cumulative volume of 0.6 km 3, with the main sustained phase being associated with a VEI 4 and the flow units having a minimum estimated total volume of 0.04 km 3. The erupted material has a homogenous chemical composition but displays a remarkable variability in both textural and physical properties. The density distribution of juvenile products shows a clear bimodality characterised by two main populations: P1 and P2. Population P1 consists of highly vesicular clasts (modal density around 1000 kg m - 3 ) with mostly sub-spherical bubbles and moderately crystallised groundmass with large-sized microlites. Clasts from population P2 are poorly vesicular (modal density around 1600 kg m - 3 ) with irregular to collapsed bubbles and numerous smaller microlites. The variability of both vesicularity and microlite characteristics suggests the involvement of two magma batches with distinct pre-eruptive degassing and rising histories. Our eruption conceptual model implies the arrival of new magma (represented in the deposit by P1 clasts) into a small, outgassed magma body which was accumulated at shallow level (mainly represented by P2 clasts). A new Chaimilla-type eruption could significantly affect the communities that have recently developed around Villarrica volcano and subsist mainly on tourism and forestry. As a result, a better understanding of the dynamics and evolution of the Chaimilla eruption is necessary for the identification of potential hazard scenarios at Villarrica volcano and, ultimately, for the risk mitigation of this populated area of Southern Chile.

Definition of a mobilizing volume of sediment in a valley interested by volcanic eruption: Rio Blanco valley (Chile)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oss-Cazzador, Daniele; Iroumé, Andrés; Picco, Lorenzo

2016-04-01

Volcanic explosive activity can strongly affect the riverine environments. Deposition of tephra, pyroclastic and hyperconcentrated flows along both the valley bottom and hillslopes can radically change the environmental morphology. Accumulation and transport of pyroclastic material can increase hazards and risks for anthropic activities. The aims of this research are to evaluate and quantify the amount of erodible sediment that can be transported along a gravel bed river affected by a volcanic eruption. The Rio Blanco valley (Chile) was upset by the plinian-type eruption of Chaiten volcano in 2008. The great amount of tephra released in the initial phase and the subsequent pyroclastic flows, accumulated up to 8 m of sediment over a great portion of the Rio Blanco valley. Using aerial photographs was possible to define the extension of vegetated zones affected by the eruption. The area was interested by a high mortality of vegetation, as confirmed by field surveys. Dendrometric measurements permitted to quantify the volume of wood and observe that renewal and herbal layer are almost absent, determining low soil cohesion and easier erosion by superficial and river erosion processes. Analysis of sediment accumulation allowed quantifying the volume of sediment that can be transported downstream. The analyses were carried out considering 7 km-long a reach, from the river mouth to the confluence between Caldera creek and Rio Blanco. After the eruption, was possible to define as a total area of about 2.19 km2 was affected by tephra deposition, the 40% (0,87 km2) was eroded by flows, while 60% (1,32 km2) is still present and composed by tephra, buried large wood (LW) and dead standing trees. Considering an average high of 5 m, the potential erodible sediment is around 6,5 x 106 m3, moreover there is a potential amount of about 7,3 x 104 m3 of LW that can be transported towards mouth. These analyses can be useful to better define the management plan for the river delta. In fact, in this area there is the Chaiten port, a fundamental structure for the human activities. These results can permit to better define the dragging activities and sediment abstraction. This research is funded within the Department of TESAF, University of Padua (Italy), and Chilean research Project FONDECYT 1141064 "Effects of vegetation on channel morphodynamics: a multiscale investigation in Chilean gravel-bed rivers".

Experimental insights into pyroclast-ice heat transfer in water-drained, low-pressure cavities during subglacial explosive eruptions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woodcock, D. C.; Lane, S. J.; Gilbert, J. S.

2017-07-01

Subglacial explosive volcanism generates hazards that result from magma-ice interaction, including large flow rate meltwater flooding and fine-grained volcanic ash. We consider eruptions where subglacial cavities produced by ice melt during eruption establish a connection to the atmosphere along the base of the ice sheet that allows accumulated meltwater to drain. The resulting reduction of pressure initiates or enhances explosive phreatomagmatic volcanism within a steam-filled cavity with pyroclast impingement on the cavity roof. Heat transfer rates to melt ice in such a system have not, to our knowledge, been assessed previously. To study this system, we take an experimental approach to gain insight into the heat transfer processes and to quantify ice melt rates. We present the results of a series of analogue laboratory experiments in which a jet of steam, air, and sand at approximately 300°C impinged on the underside of an ice block. A key finding was that as the steam to sand ratio was increased, behavior ranged from predominantly horizontal ice melting to predominantly vertical melting by a mobile slurry of sand and water. For the steam to sand ratio that matches typical steam to pyroclast ratios during subglacial phreatomagmatic eruptions at 300°C, we observed predominantly vertical melting with upward ice melt rates of 1.5 mm s-1, which we argue is similar to that within the volcanic system. This makes pyroclast-ice heat transfer an important contributing ice melt mechanism under drained, low-pressure conditions that may precede subaerial explosive volcanism on sloping flanks of glaciated volcanoes.

Of Magic Carpets, Rolling Snowballs, and Sleeping Dragons: an Energetics-based Classification for Hillslope/channel Interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grant, G.; Cashman, K.; O'Connor, J.

2007-12-01

Interactions between hillslopes and channels can include a diverse range of geophysical processes, including debris flows, landslides, water floods, and volcanic flows. Each has its own characteristic time-energy trajectory. In some cases the energy of an event increases as it propagates through a landscape, primarily through the addition of mass and momentum; examples of these"rolling snowball" include the initiation and runout phases of volcanic lahars, avalanches, and debris flows. In other cases, loss of both mass and momentum from a moving body or fluid causes the energy of an event to dissipate with distance, similar to the unwinding of a rug; examples of these "magic carpets" include the depositional phases of lahars, pyroclastic flows, lava flows, and debris flows. Both snowballs and carpets leave distinctive imprints or tracks on the landscape that reflect the resultant mass flux from hill slope to channel. The efficiency of this mass transfer depends on the width and slope of the receiving channel and the rheological properties of the transported material. At one extreme, the channel easily accommodates mass flux from the slope, sometimes accompanied by fractionation into constituent phases. At the other extreme, mass from the hill slope can inundate and block the channel; these "sleeping dragons" modulate subsequent mass transfer down channel by changing the channel profile and bed properties. They also have the potential to "wake up" suddenly as mass failure and/or outbreak floods. Hazard prediction requires that the time-energy trajectory of each type of event be assessed; here we suggest some first order controls.

Bulbous head formation in bidisperse shallow granular flows over inclined planes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Denissen, I.; Thornton, A.; Weinhart, T.; Luding, S.

2017-12-01

Predicting the behaviour of hazardous natural granular flows (e.g. debris-flows and pyroclastic flows) is vital for an accurate assessment of the risks posed by such events. In these situations, an inversely graded vertical particle-size distribution develops, with larger particles on top of smaller particles. As the surface velocity of such flows is larger than the mean velocity, the larger material is then transported to the flow front. This creates a downstream size-segregation structure, resulting in a flow front composed purely of large particles, that are generally more frictional in geophysical flows. Thus, this segregation process reduces the mobility of the flow front, resulting in the formation of, a so-called, bulbous head. One of the main challenges of simulating these hazardous natural granular flows is the enormous number of particles they contain, which makes discrete particle simulations too computationally expensive to be practically useful. Continuum methods are able to simulate the bulk flow- and segregation behaviour of such flows, but have to make averaging approximations that reduce the huge number of degrees of freedom to a few continuum fields. Small-scale periodic discrete particle simulations can be used to determine the material parameters needed for the continuum model. In this presentation, we use a depth-averaged model to predict the flow profile for particulate chute flows, based on flow height, depth-averaged velocity and particle-size distribution [1], and show that the bulbous head structure naturally emerges from this model. The long-time behaviour of this solution of the depth-averaged continuum model converges to a novel travelling wave solution [2]. Furthermore, we validate this framework against computationally expensive 3D particle simulations, where we see surprisingly good agreement between both approaches, considering the approximations made in the continuum model. We conclude by showing that the travelling distance and height of a bidisperse granular avalanche can be well predicted by our continuum model. REFERENCES [1] M. J. Woodhouse, A. R. Thornton, C. G. Johnson, B. P. Kokelaar, J. M. N. T. Gray, J. Fluid Mech., 709, 543-580 (2012) [2] I.F.C. Denissen, T. Weinhart, A. Te Voortwis, S. Luding, J. M. N. T. Gray, A. R. Thornton, under review with J. Fluid Mech. (2017)

Deep pyroclastic deposits and evidence for explosive volcanism on the ultraslow spreading Gakkel Ridge at 85E

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pontbriand, C. W.; Soule, S. A.; Sohn, R. A.; Humphris, S. E.

2008-12-01

Seafloor surveys conducted during the 2007 Arctic Gakkel Vents (AGAVE) expedition provide evidence for widespread explosive volcanism within the axial valley of the ultraslow spreading Gakkel Ridge at 85°E. We have used high-definition video and high-resolution bathymetry to map out the extent of the deposits as well as lava flows. The video imagery reveals that unconsolidated pyroclastic material lightly blankets the axial valley at 85°E with thicknesses up to ~10cm over an area 10km2. The bathymetric data show that the axial valley contains ubiquitous cratered volcanoes, that we interpret as potential source vents for the clastic material. We collected detailed visual imagery from one of these volcanoes, and found that the crater center as well as the proximal portions of the rim and outer flanks are covered with talus, suggesting the possibility that Vulcanian explosions played a role in crater formation and pyroclast deposition. We collected samples of the pyroclasts from two locations within the axial valley. The pyroclasts are dominated by low vesicularity angular fragments, with a small weight fraction (~ 12%) of bubble-wall fragments (limu o Pele). Many bubble-wall fragments have fluidal morphologies and stretched vesicles. The morphology of the clasts help constrain multiple models of fragmentation that may have occurred. The distribution of clasts suggests explosive discharge from multiple source vents within the axial valley over a prolonged period of time (i.e, not a single eruption in 1999). In order to explain the generation of pyroclastic material in water depths of ~3800 m (well below the critical pressure for steam generation), we present a model wherein volatiles exsolve from ascending magmas and are sequestered and stored in a lithospheric reservoir before being explosively discharged during a volcanic eruption. The long inter-eruption interval (100s to 1000s of years) and strong spatial heterogeneity of melt delivery associated with ultra-slow spreading may be especially conducive to the build-up of lithospheric volatile reservoirs and explosive volcanic eruptions.

Post-eruptive flooding of Santorini caldera and implications for tsunami generation.

PubMed

Nomikou, P; Druitt, T H; Hübscher, C; Mather, T A; Paulatto, M; Kalnins, L M; Kelfoun, K; Papanikolaou, D; Bejelou, K; Lampridou, D; Pyle, D M; Carey, S; Watts, A B; Weiß, B; Parks, M M

2016-11-08

Caldera-forming eruptions of island volcanoes generate tsunamis by the interaction of different eruptive phenomena with the sea. Such tsunamis are a major hazard, but forward models of their impacts are limited by poor understanding of source mechanisms. The caldera-forming eruption of Santorini in the Late Bronze Age is known to have been tsunamigenic, and caldera collapse has been proposed as a mechanism. Here, we present bathymetric and seismic evidence showing that the caldera was not open to the sea during the main phase of the eruption, but was flooded once the eruption had finished. Inflow of water and associated landsliding cut a deep, 2.0-2.5 km 3 , submarine channel, thus filling the caldera in less than a couple of days. If, as at most such volcanoes, caldera collapse occurred syn-eruptively, then it cannot have generated tsunamis. Entry of pyroclastic flows into the sea, combined with slumping of submarine pyroclastic accumulations, were the main mechanisms of tsunami production.

Geochemistry of obsidian from Krasnoe Lake on the Chukchi Peninsula (Northeastern Siberia)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Popov, V. K.; Grebennikov, A. V.; Kuzmin, Ya. V.; Glascock, M. D.; Nozdrachev, E. A.; Budnitsky, S. Yu.; Vorobey, I. E.

2017-09-01

This report considers features of the geochemical composition of obsidian from beach sediments of Krasnoe Lake along the lower course of the Anadyr River, as well as from lava-pyroclastic rocks constituting the lake coastal outcrops and the surrounding branches of Rarytkin Ridge. The two geochemical types of obsidian, for the first time distinguished and researched, correspond in their chemical composition to lavas and ignimbrite-like tuffs of rhyolites from the Rarytkin area. The distinguished types represent the final stage of acidic volcanism in the West Kamchatkan-Koryak volcanic belt. It was assumed that the accumulation of obsidian in coastal pebble beds was caused by the erosion of extrusive domes and pyroclastic flows. The geochemical studies of obsidian artifacts from archeological sites of the regions of the Sea of Okhotsk, the Kolyma River, and the Chukchi Peninsula along with the correlation of geological and archeological samples show that Krasnoe Lake was an important source of "archeological" obsidian in Northeastern Siberia.

Post-eruptive flooding of Santorini caldera and implications for tsunami generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nomikou, P.; Druitt, T. H.; Hübscher, C.; Mather, T. A.; Paulatto, M.; Kalnins, L. M.; Kelfoun, K.; Papanikolaou, D.; Bejelou, K.; Lampridou, D.; Pyle, D. M.; Carey, S.; Watts, A. B.; Weiß, B.; Parks, M. M.

2016-11-01

Caldera-forming eruptions of island volcanoes generate tsunamis by the interaction of different eruptive phenomena with the sea. Such tsunamis are a major hazard, but forward models of their impacts are limited by poor understanding of source mechanisms. The caldera-forming eruption of Santorini in the Late Bronze Age is known to have been tsunamigenic, and caldera collapse has been proposed as a mechanism. Here, we present bathymetric and seismic evidence showing that the caldera was not open to the sea during the main phase of the eruption, but was flooded once the eruption had finished. Inflow of water and associated landsliding cut a deep, 2.0-2.5 km3, submarine channel, thus filling the caldera in less than a couple of days. If, as at most such volcanoes, caldera collapse occurred syn-eruptively, then it cannot have generated tsunamis. Entry of pyroclastic flows into the sea, combined with slumping of submarine pyroclastic accumulations, were the main mechanisms of tsunami production.

Post-eruptive flooding of Santorini caldera and implications for tsunami generation

PubMed Central

Nomikou, P.; Druitt, T. H.; Hübscher, C.; Mather, T. A.; Paulatto, M.; Kalnins, L. M.; Kelfoun, K.; Papanikolaou, D.; Bejelou, K.; Lampridou, D.; Pyle, D. M.; Carey, S.; Watts, A. B.; Weiß, B.; Parks, M. M.

2016-01-01

Caldera-forming eruptions of island volcanoes generate tsunamis by the interaction of different eruptive phenomena with the sea. Such tsunamis are a major hazard, but forward models of their impacts are limited by poor understanding of source mechanisms. The caldera-forming eruption of Santorini in the Late Bronze Age is known to have been tsunamigenic, and caldera collapse has been proposed as a mechanism. Here, we present bathymetric and seismic evidence showing that the caldera was not open to the sea during the main phase of the eruption, but was flooded once the eruption had finished. Inflow of water and associated landsliding cut a deep, 2.0–2.5 km3, submarine channel, thus filling the caldera in less than a couple of days. If, as at most such volcanoes, caldera collapse occurred syn-eruptively, then it cannot have generated tsunamis. Entry of pyroclastic flows into the sea, combined with slumping of submarine pyroclastic accumulations, were the main mechanisms of tsunami production. PMID:27824353

Models of volcanic eruption hazards

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wohletz, K.H.

1992-01-01

Volcanic eruptions pose an ever present but poorly constrained hazard to life and property for geothermal installations in volcanic areas. Because eruptions occur sporadically and may limit field access, quantitative and systematic field studies of eruptions are difficult to complete. Circumventing this difficulty, laboratory models and numerical simulations are pivotal in building our understanding of eruptions. For example, the results of fuel-coolant interaction experiments show that magma-water interaction controls many eruption styles. Applying these results, increasing numbers of field studies now document and interpret the role of external water eruptions. Similarly, numerical simulations solve the fundamental physics of high-speed fluidmore » flow and give quantitative predictions that elucidate the complexities of pyroclastic flows and surges. A primary goal of these models is to guide geologists in searching for critical field relationships and making their interpretations. Coupled with field work, modeling is beginning to allow more quantitative and predictive volcanic hazard assessments.« less

Models of volcanic eruption hazards

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wohletz, K. H.

Volcanic eruptions pose an ever present but poorly constrained hazard to life and property for geothermal installations in volcanic areas. Because eruptions occur sporadically and may limit field access, quantitative and systematic field studies of eruptions are difficult to complete. Circumventing this difficulty, laboratory models and numerical simulations are pivotal in building our understanding of eruptions. For example, the results of fuel-coolant interaction experiments show that magma-water interaction controls many eruption styles. Applying these results, increasing numbers of field studies now document and interpret the role of external water eruptions. Similarly, numerical simulations solve the fundamental physics of high-speed fluid flow and give quantitative predictions that elucidate the complexities of pyroclastic flows and surges. A primary goal of these models is to guide geologists in searching for critical field relationships and making their interpretations. Coupled with field work, modeling is beginning to allow more quantitative and predictive volcanic hazard assessments.

Earth Observations taken by the Expedition 21 Crew

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-10-16

ISS021-E-008371 (16 Oct. 2009) --- The city of Arequipa, Peru is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 21 crew member on the International Space Station. Several Latin American cities have grown up on the flanks of active volcanoes. The city center of Arequipa, Peru lies only 17 kilometers away from the summit of El Misti volcano (partially out of frame at left); the gray urban area is bordered by green agricultural fields. With almost one million residents in 2009, it is the second city of Peru in terms of population. Much of the building stone for Arequipa, known locally as sillar, is quarried from nearby pyroclastic flow deposits that are white in color. Arequipa is known as ?the White City? because of the prevalence of this building material. The Chili River extends northeastwards from the city center, and flows through a canyon (left) between El Misti volcano and Nevado Chachani to the north.

Petrophysical properties, mineralogy, fractures, and flow tests in 25 deep boreholes at Yucca Mountain, Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nelson, Philip H.; Kibler, Joyce E.

2014-01-01

As part of a site investigation for the disposal of radioactive waste, numerous boreholes were drilled into a sequence of Miocene pyroclastic flows and related deposits at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. This report contains displays of data from 25 boreholes drilled during 1979–1984, relatively early in the site investigation program. Geophysical logs and hydrological tests were conducted in the boreholes; core and cuttings analyses yielded data on mineralogy, fractures, and physical properties; and geologic descriptions provided lithology boundaries and the degree of welding of the rock units. Porosity and water content were computed from the geophysical logs, and porosity results were combined with mineralogy from x-ray diffraction to provide whole-rock volume fractions. These data were composited on plates and used by project personnel during the 1990s. Improvements in scanning and computer technology now make it possible to publish these displays.

Eruptive history, current activity and risk estimation using geospatial information in the Colima volcano, Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suarez-Plascencia, C.; Camarena-Garcia, M.; Nunez-Cornu, F. J.; Flores-Peña, S.

2013-12-01

Colima volcano, also known as Volcan de Fuego (19 30.696 N, 103 37.026 W), is located on the border between the states of Jalisco and Colima, and is the most active volcano in Mexico. In January 20, 1913, Colima had its biggest explosion of the twentieth century, with VEI 4, after the volcano had been dormant for almost 40 years. In 1961, a dome reached the northeastern edge of the crater and started a new lava flow, and from this date maintains constant activity. In February 10, 1999, a new explosion occurred at the summit dome. The activity during the 2001-2005 period was the most intense, but did not exceed VEI 3. The activity resulted in the formation of domes and their destruction after explosive events. The explosions originated eruptive columns, reaching altitudes between 4,500 and 9,000 masl, further pyroclastic flows reaching distances up to 3.5 km from the crater. During the explosive events, ash emissions were generated in all directions reaching distances up to 100 km, slightly affecting the nearby villages: Tuxpan, Tonila, Zapotlan, Cuauhtemoc, Comala, Zapotitlan de Vadillo and Toliman. During 2005 to July 2013, this volcano has had an intense effusive-explosive activity; similar to the one that took place during the period of 1890 through 1905. That was before the Plinian eruption of 1913, where pyroclastic flows reached a distance of 15 km from the crater. In this paper we estimate the risk of Colima volcano through the analysis of the vulnerability variables, hazard and exposure, for which we use: satellite imagery, recurring Fenix helicopter over flights of the state government of Jalisco, the use of the images of Google Earth and the population census 2010 INEGI. With this information and data identified changes in economic activities, development, and use of land. The expansion of the agricultural frontier in the lower sides of the volcano Colima, and with the advancement of traditional crops of sugar cane and corn, increased the growth of avocado orchards and fruits like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries within the radius of 15 km from the crater. The population dynamics in the Colima volcano area had a population of 552,954 inhabitants in 2010, and a growth at an annual rate of 1.6 percent of the total population. 60 percent of the populations live in 105 towns with a population less than 250 inhabitants. Also, the region showed an increase in vulnerability for the development of economic activities, supported by the highway, railway, natural gas pipelines and electrical infrastructure that connect to the Port of Manzanillo to Guadalajara city. With the use of geospatial information quantify the vulnerability, together with the hazard maps and exposure, enabled us to build the following volcanic risk maps: a) Exclusion areas and moderate hazard for explosive events (ballistic) and pyroclastic flows, b) Hazard map of lahars and debris flow, and c) Hazard map of ash-fall. The geospatial database, a GIS mapping and current volcano monitoring, are the basis of the Operational Plan Colima Volcano. Civil Protection by the state of Jalisco and the updating of urban development plans of municipalities converge on the volcano. These instruments of land planning will help reduce volcanic risk in the region.

Spatial variability of damage around faults in the Joe Lott Tuff Member of the Mount Belknap Volcanics, southwestern Utah: An analog to faulting in tuff on Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okubo, C. H.

2011-12-01

The equatorial layered deposits on Mars exhibit abundant evidence for the sustained presence of groundwater, and therefore insight into past water-related processes may be gained through the study of these deposits. Pyroclastic and evaporitic sediments are two broad lithologies that are known or inferred to comprise these deposits. Investigations into the effects of faulting on fluid flow potential through such Mars analog lithologies have been limited. Thus a study into the effects of faulting on fluid flow pathways through fine-grained pyroclastic sediments has been undertaken, and the results of this study are presented here. Faults and their damage zones can influence the trapping and migration of fluids by acting as either conduits or barriers to fluid flow. In clastic sedimentary rocks, the conductivity of fault damage zones is primarily a function of the microstructure of the host rock, stress history, phyllosilicate content, and cementation. The chemical composition of the host rock influences the mechanical strength of the grains, the susceptibility of the grains to alteration, and the availability of authigenic cements. The spatial distribution of fault-related damage is investigated within the Joe Lott Tuff Member of the Mount Belknap Volcanics, Utah. Damage is characterized by measuring fracture densities along the fault, and by mapping the gas permeability of the surrounding rock. The Joe Lott Tuff is a partially welded, crystal-poor, rhyolite ash-flow tuff of Miocene age. While the rhyolitic chemical composition of the Joe Lott Tuff is not analogous to the basaltic compositions expected for Mars, the mechanical behavior of a poorly indurated mixture of fine-grained glass and pumice is pertinent to understanding the fundamental mechanics of faulting in Martian pyroclastic sediments. Results of mapping around two faults are presented here. The first fault is entirely exposed in cross-section and has a down-dip height of ~10 m. The second fault is partially exposed, with ~21 m visible in cross-section. Both faults have a predominantly normal sense of offset and a minor dextral strike-slip component. The 10 m fault has a single well-defined surface, while the 21 m fault takes the form of a 5-10 cm wide fault core. Fracture density at the 10 m fault is highest near its upper and lower tips, forming distinct near-tip fracture damage zones. At the 21 m fault, fracture density is broadly consistent along the exposed height of the fault, with the highest fracture densities nearest to the fault core. Fracture density is higher in the hanging walls than in the footwalls of both faults, and the footwall of the 21 m fault exhibits m-scale areas of significant distributed cataclasis. Gas permeability has a marked decrease, several orders of magnitude relative to the non-deformed host rock, at 1.5 m on either side of the 10 m fault. Permeability is lowest outboard of the fault's near-tip fracture damage zones. A similar permeability drop occurs at 1-5 m from the center of the 21 m fault's core, with the permeability drop extending furthest from the fault core in the footwall. These findings will be used to improve existing numerical methods for predicting subsurface fluid flow patterns from observed fault geometries on Mars.

Earth observations taken during STS-83 mission

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-08-12

STS083-747-088 (4-8 April 1997)--- Mayon Volcano with a Plume, Luzon, the Philippines Mayon has the classic conical shape of a strato volcano. It is the most active volcano in the Philippines and continues to be active as demonstrated by the plume in the photo. Since 1616, Mayon has erupted 47 times. The most recent major eruption, in 1993, began unexpectedly with an explosion. The initial eruption lasted only 30 minutes but it generated pyroclastic flows that killed 68 people and prompted the evacuation of 60,000 others.

Earth observations taken by the Expedition Seven crew

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-08-24

ISS007-E-13327 (24 August 2003) --- This view featuring Java’s Merapi volcano was photographed by one of the Expedition 7 crewmembers onboard the International Space Station (ISS). At 2,911 meters, the summit of Merapi and its vigorous steam plume rises above a bank of stratus clouds. One of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, it has been almost continuously active for nearly ten years, including periodic pyroclastic flows and avalanches. The volcano is located less than 25 miles north of the city of Yogykarta in central Java.

Applying genetic algorithms for calibrating a hexagonal cellular automata model for the simulation of debris flows characterised by strong inertial effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iovine, G.; D'Ambrosio, D.; Di Gregorio, S.

2005-03-01

In modelling complex a-centric phenomena which evolve through local interactions within a discrete time-space, cellular automata (CA) represent a valid alternative to standard solution methods based on differential equations. Flow-type phenomena (such as lava flows, pyroclastic flows, earth flows, and debris flows) can be viewed as a-centric dynamical systems, and they can therefore be properly investigated in CA terms. SCIDDICA S 4a is the last release of a two-dimensional hexagonal CA model for simulating debris flows characterised by strong inertial effects. S 4a has been obtained by progressively enriching an initial simplified model, originally derived for simulating very simple cases of slow-moving flow-type landslides. Using an empirical strategy, in S 4a, the inertial character of the flowing mass is translated into CA terms by means of local rules. In particular, in the transition function of the model, the distribution of landslide debris among the cells is obtained through a double cycle of computation. In the first phase, the inertial character of the landslide debris is taken into account by considering indicators of momentum. In the second phase, any remaining debris in the central cell is distributed among the adjacent cells, according to the principle of maximum possible equilibrium. The complexities of the model and of the phenomena to be simulated suggested the need for an automated technique of evaluation for the determination of the best set of global parameters. Accordingly, the model is calibrated using a genetic algorithm and by considering the May 1998 Curti-Sarno (Southern Italy) debris flow. The boundaries of the area affected by the debris flow are simulated well with the model. Errors computed by comparing the simulations with the mapped areal extent of the actual landslide are smaller than those previously obtained without genetic algorithms. As the experiments have been realised in a sequential computing environment, they could be improved by adopting a parallel environment, which allows the performance of a great number of tests in reasonable times.

Lava flow hazard at the new South-East Crater of Etna volcano

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cappello, Annalisa; Ganci, Gaetana; Bilotta, Giuseppe; Hérault, Alexis; Zago, Vito; Del Negro, Ciro

2017-04-01

The summit area of Mount Etna has frequently undergone major morphological changes due to its persistent eruptive activity. Since its creation during the 1971 eruption, the Southeast Crater (SEC) has been the most active of the summit craters of Etna. At first, it was a degassing pit located close to the southeast base of the Central Crater cone. During the first 40 years of activity, SEC erupted quite frequently producing almost one hundred of lava flows. Between 2011 and 2016, more than 50 lava fountains occurred, leading to the formation of a new pyroclastic cone (NSEC) on the eastern flank of the SEC. All SEC eruptions are likely to give rise to lava flow, which is the greatest hazard presented to the tourist facilities on the south flank of Etna. For this reason, in 2011 we produced a lava flow hazard map for SEC eruptions using the 2005 DEM as topographic base, where the NSEC was not yet formed. Here we present the new 1-m DEM of Etna updated to 18 December 2015 obtained from high resolution stereo Pléiades images (0.5 m). Processing of Pléiades data was performed by using the DEM Extraction Module of ENVI through three steps: epipolar image creation, image matching, and DEM geocoding. This DEM was used as the new topographic base to produce the first hazard map from lava flow inundation in the NSEC area allowing key at-risk zones to be rapidly and appropriately identified.

A Stratigraphic, Granulometric, and Textural Comparison of recent pyroclastic density current deposits exposed at West Island and Burr Point, Augustine Volcano, Alaska

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rath, C. A.; Browne, B. L.

2011-12-01

Augustine Volcano (Alaska) is the most active volcano in the eastern Aleutian Islands, with 6 violent eruptions over the past 200 years and at least 12 catastrophic debris-avalanche deposits over the past ~2,000 years. The frequency and destructive nature of these eruptions combined with the proximity of Augustine Volcano to commercial ports and populated areas represents a significant hazard to the Cook Inlet region of Alaska. The focus of this study examines the relationship between debris-avalanche events and the subsequent emplacement of pyroclastic density currents by comparing the stratigraphic, granulometric, and petrographic characteristics of pyroclastic deposits emplaced following the 1883 A.D. Burr Point debris-avalanche and those emplaced following the ~370 14C yr B.P. West Island debris-avalanche. Data from this study combines grain size and componentry analysis of pyroclastic deposits with density, textural, and compositional analysis of juvenile clasts contained in the pyroclastic deposits. The 1883 A.D. Burr Point pyroclastic unit immediately overlies the 1883 debris avalanche deposit and underlies the 1912 Katmai ash. It ranges in thickness from 4 to 48 cm and consists of fine to medium sand-sized particles and coarser fragments of andesite. In places, this unit is normally graded and exhibits cross-bedding. Many of these samples are fines-enriched, with sorting coefficients ranging from -0.1 to 1.9 and median grain size ranging from 0.1 to 2.4 mm. The ~370 14C yr B.P. West Island pyroclastic unit is sandwiched between the underlying West Island debris-avalanche deposit and the overlying 1912 Katmai Ash deposit, and at times a fine-grained gray ash originating from the 1883 eruption. West Island pyroclastic deposit is sand to coarse-sand-sized and either normally graded or massive with sorting coefficients ranging from 0.9 to 2.8 and median grain sizes ranging from 0.4 to 2.6 mm. Some samples display a bimodal distribution of grain sizes, while most display a fines-depleted distribution. Juvenile andesite clasts exist as either subrounded to subangular fragments with abundant vesicles that range in color from white to brown or dense clasts characterized by their porphyritic and glassy texture. Samples from neither eruption correlate in sorting or grain size with distance from the vent. Stratigraphic and granulometric data suggest differences in the manner in which these two pyroclastic density currents traveled and groundmass textures are interpreted as recording differences in how the two magmas ascended and erupted, whereas juvenile Burr Point clasts resemble other lava flows erupted from Augustine Volcano, vesicular and glassy juvenile West Island clasts bear resemblance to clasts derived from so-called "blast-generated" pyroclastic density deposits at Mt. St. Helens in 1980 and Bezymianny in 1956.

Late Holocene Andesitic Eruptions at Mount Rainier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sisson, T. W.; Vallance, J. W.

2005-12-01

Holocene Mt. Rainier erupted much more frequently than is recorded by its 11 pumiceous tephras. In the 2.6-2.2 ka Summerland eruptive period, 6 groups of thin (1-5 mm) Sparsely Vesicular Glassy (SVG) ashes were deposited (S1-S6), followed by the 0.3 km3 C-tephra. Two groups of andesitic lava flows and one andesitic block-and-ash flow (2.45 ka) also erupted in the Summerland period (ice conceals any other products). Based on glass composition the pyroclastic flow correlates with S4 ashes that also contain pumiceous grains and rare pumice lapilli. The first of the lava groups, exposed in windows through the Emmons and Winthrop glaciers, is Sr-rich for Mt. Rainier eruptives and correlates with S5 & S6 ashes based on similar high-Sr plagioclase. The ensuing C-tephra formed by plinian eruption of mixed and mingled magma comprising 4 juvenile components: mixed porphyritic andesite pumice, crystal-poor andesite scoria, vesicular high-Sr dacite blebs in pumice and scoria, and poorly inflated crystal-rich high-Sr dacite. High-Sr components were probably entrained conduit linings and segregations from the preceding high-Sr eruptions. The youngest lava group, exposed at the summit, is normal-Sr andesite lacking mixing textures of the C-tephra, and represents eruption of another small batch of andesitic magma perhaps just after the C event. SVG ash grains have blocky-to-fluidal shapes, are rich in plagioclase microlites, and their glasses are high-SiO2 (66-78%) and low-Al2O3 (15-11%). Melting experiments yield apparent equilibration pressures <50MPa for SVG liquids. SVG ashes likely result from shallow hydromagmatic explosions as largely degassed magmas transited the upper-edifice hydrothermal system during effusive eruptions. Rare pumice lapilli codeposited with S1, S2, and S4 ashes have microlite-free dacitic glasses, one with nonreacted hbl phenocrysts. These pumice formed from magmas that ascended rapidly from reservoir depths, synchronous with or closely between effusive-hydromagmatic eruptions. Mt. Rainier's late Holocene activity was typified by repeated arrival and eruption of slightly different andesitic magmas. Most eruptions were effusions of largely degassed magma, accompanied by near-surface explosions that blanketed the proximal region with fine-grained glassy ash. Associated rapidly ascended magma led to sparse pumice, pyroclastic flows, or plinian tephra fall, depending on amount.

Preliminary volcano-hazard assessment for Mount Spurr Volcano, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Waythomas, Christopher F.; Nye, Christopher J.

2001-01-01

Mount Spurr volcano is an ice- and snow-covered stratovolcano complex located in the north-central Cook Inlet region about 100 kilometers west of Anchorage, Alaska. Mount Spurr volcano consists of a breached stratovolcano, a lava dome at the summit of Mount Spurr, and Crater Peak vent, a small stratocone on the south flank of Mount Spurr volcano. Historical eruptions of Crater Peak occurred in 1953 and 1992. These eruptions were relatively small but explosive, and they dispersed volcanic ash over areas of interior, south-central, and southeastern Alaska. Individual ash clouds produced by the 1992 eruption drifted east, north, and south. Within a few days of the eruption, the south-moving ash cloud was detected over the North Atlantic. Pyroclastic flows that descended the south flank of Crater Peak during both historical eruptions initiated volcanic-debris flows or lahars that formed temporary debris dams across the Chakachatna River, the principal drainage south of Crater Peak. Prehistoric eruptions of Crater Peak and Mount Spurr generated clouds of volcanic ash, pyroclastic flows, and lahars that extended to the volcano flanks and beyond. A flank collapse on the southeast side of Mount Spurr generated a large debris avalanche that flowed about 20 kilometers beyond the volcano into the Chakachatna River valley. The debris-avalanche deposit probably formed a large, temporary debris dam across the Chakachatna River. The distribution and thickness of volcanic-ash deposits from Mount Spurr volcano in the Cook Inlet region indicate that volcanic-ash clouds from most prehistoric eruptions were as voluminous as those produced by the 1953 and 1992 eruptions. Clouds of volcanic ash emitted from the active vent, Crater Peak, would be a major hazard to all aircraft using Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and other local airports and, depending on wind direction, could drift a considerable distance beyond the volcano. Ash fall from future eruptions could disrupt many types of economic and social activities, including oil and gas operations and shipping activities in the Cook Inlet area. Eruptions of Crater Peak could involve significant amounts of ice and snow that would lead to the formation of large lahars, formation of volcanic debris dams, and downstream flooding. The greatest hazards in order of importance are described below and shown on plate 1.

Volcanoes Behave as Composite Materials: Implications for Modeling Magma Chambers, Dikes, and Surface Deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leiss, B.; Gudmundsson, A.; Philipp, S. L.

2005-12-01

By definition, composite volcanoes are composed of numerous alternating material units or layers such as lavas, sediments, and pyroclastics. Commonly, these layers have widely different mechanical properties. In particular, some lava flows and welded pyroclastic flows may be stiff (with a high Young's modulus), whereas others, such as non-welded pyroclastic units and sediments, may be soft (with a low Young's modulus). As a consequence, even if the loading (tectonic stress, magmatic pressure, or displacement) is uniform, the stresses within the composite volcano will vary widely. In this sense, the behavior of composite volcanoes is similar to that of general composite materials. The deformation of the surface of a volcano during an unrest period results from stresses generated by processes and parameters such as fluid pressure in a geothermal field or a magma chamber, a regional tectonic event, and a dike injection. Here we present new numerical models on mechanics of magma chambers and dikes, and the associated surface deformation of composite volcanoes. The models show that the surface deformation during magma-chamber inflation and deflation depends much on the chamber geometry, the loading conditions, and the mechanical properties of the rock units that constitute the volcano. The models also indicate that the surface deformation induced by a propagating dike depends much on the mechanical properties of the layers between the dike tip and the surface. In particular, the numerical results show that soft layers and weak contacts between layers may suppress the dike-induced tensile stresses and the associated surface deformation. Many dikes may therefore become injected and arrested at shallow depths in a volcano while giving rise to little or no surface deformation. Traditional analytical surface-deformation models such as a point source (Mogi model) for a magma-chamber pressure change and a dislocation for a dike normally assume the volcano to behave as a homogeneous, isotropic half space. The present numerical results, combined with field studies, indicate that such analytical models may yield results that have little similarity with the actual structure being modeled.

Probabilistic-numerical assessment of pyroclastic current hazard at Campi Flegrei and Naples city: Multi-VEI scenarios as a tool for "full-scale" risk management.

PubMed

Mastrolorenzo, Giuseppe; Palladino, Danilo M; Pappalardo, Lucia; Rossano, Sergio

2017-01-01

The Campi Flegrei volcanic field (Italy) poses very high risk to the highly urbanized Neapolitan area. Eruptive history was dominated by explosive activity producing pyroclastic currents (hereon PCs; acronym for Pyroclastic Currents) ranging in scale from localized base surges to regional flows. Here we apply probabilistic numerical simulation approaches to produce PC hazard maps, based on a comprehensive spectrum of flow properties and vent locations. These maps are incorporated in a Geographic Information System (GIS) and provide all probable Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) scenarios from different source vents in the caldera, relevant for risk management planning. For each VEI scenario, we report the conditional probability for PCs (i.e., the probability for a given area to be affected by the passage of PCs in case of a PC-forming explosive event) and related dynamic pressure. Model results indicate that PCs from VEI<4 events would be confined within the Campi Flegrei caldera, PC propagation being impeded by the northern and eastern caldera walls. Conversely, PCs from VEI 4-5 events could invade a wide area beyond the northern caldera rim, as well as part of the Naples metropolitan area to the east. A major controlling factor of PC dispersal is represented by the location of the vent area. PCs from the potentially largest eruption scenarios (analogous to the ~15 ka, VEI 6 Neapolitan Yellow Tuff or even the ~39 ka, VEI 7 Campanian Ignimbrite extreme event) would affect a large part of the Campanian Plain to the north and the city of Naples to the east. Thus, in case of renewal of eruptive activity at Campi Flegrei, up to 3 million people will be potentially exposed to volcanic hazard, pointing out the urgency of an emergency plan. Considering the present level of uncertainty in forecasting the future eruption type, size and location (essentially based on statistical analysis of previous activity), we suggest that appropriate planning measures should face at least the VEI 5 reference scenario (at least 2 occurrences documented in the last 10 ka).

Experimental volcanic ash aggregation: Internal structuring of accretionary lapilli and the role of liquid bonding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mueller, Sebastian B.; Kueppers, Ulrich; Ayris, Paul M.; Jacob, Michael; Dingwell, Donald B.

2016-01-01

Explosive volcanic eruptions can release vast quantities of pyroclastic material into Earth's atmosphere, including volcanic ash, particles with diameters less than two millimeters. Ash particles can cluster together to form aggregates, in some cases reaching up to several centimeters in size. Aggregation alters ash transport and settling behavior compared to un-aggregated particles, influencing ash distribution and deposit stratigraphy. Accretionary lapilli, the most commonly preserved type of aggregates within the geologic record, can exhibit complex internal stratigraphy. The processes involved in the formation and preservation of these aggregates remain poorly constrained quantitatively. In this study, we simulate the variable gas-particle flow conditions which may be encountered within eruption plumes and pyroclastic density currents via laboratory experiments using the ProCell Lab System® of Glatt Ingenieurtechnik GmbH. In this apparatus, solid particles are set into motion in a fluidized bed over a range of well-controlled boundary conditions (particle concentration, air flow rate, gas temperature, humidity, liquid composition). Experiments were conducted with soda-lime glass beads and natural volcanic ash particles under a range of experimental conditions. Both glass beads and volcanic ash exhibited the capacity for aggregation, but stable aggregates could only be produced when materials were coated with high but volcanically-relevant concentrations of NaCl. The growth and structure of aggregates was dependent on the initial granulometry, while the rate of aggregate formation increased exponentially with increasing relative humidity (12-45% RH), before overwetting promoted mud droplet formation. Notably, by use of a broad granulometry, we generated spherical, internally structured aggregates similar to some accretionary pellets found in volcanic deposits. Adaptation of a powder-technology model offers an explanation for the origin of natural accretionary pellets, suggesting them to be the result of a particular granulometry and fast-acting selective aggregation processes. For such aggregates to survive deposition and be preserved in the deposits of eruption plumes and pyroclastic density currents likely requires a significant pre-existing salt load on ash surfaces, and rapid aggregate drying prior to deposition or interaction with a more energetic environment. Our results carry clear benefits for future efforts to parameterize models of ash transport and deposition in the field.

Volcanic ash: a potential hazard for aviation in Southeast Asia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Whelley, P. L.; Newhall, C. G.

2012-12-01

There are more than 400 volcanoes in Southeast Asia. Ash from eruptions of Volcanic Explosivity Index 3 (VEI 3) and larger pose local hazards and eruptions of VEI 4 or greater could disrupt trade, travel, and daily life in large parts of the region. To better manage and understand the risk volcanic ash poses to Southeast Asia, this study quantifies the long-term probability of a large eruption sending ash into the Singapore Flight Information Region (FIR), which is a 1,700 km long, quasi-rectangular zone from the Strait of Malacca to the South China Sea. Southeast Asian volcanoes are classified into 6 groups, using satellite data, by their morphology, and where known, their eruptive history. 'Laguna' type are fields of maars, cinder cones and spatter cones, named for the Laguna Volcanic Field, Philippines (13.204, 123.525). 'Kembar' type are broad, gently sloping shield volcanoes with extensive lava flows (Kembar Volcano, Indonesia: 3.850, 097.664). 'Mayon' type volcanoes are open-vent, frequently active, steep sided stratocones with small summit craters, spatter ramparts, small pyroclastic fans (typically < 3 km but up to 5 km) and lava flows (Mayon Volcano, Philippines: 13.257, 123.685). 'Kelut' type are semi-plugged composite cones with dome complexes, pyroclastic fans, and/or debris avalanche deposits (Kelut Volcano, Indonesia: -7.933, 112.308). 'Pinatubo' type are large plugged stratovolcanoes with extensive (tens of km) pyroclastic fans and large summit craters or calderas up to 5 km in diameter (Pinatubo Volcano, Philippines: 15.133, 120.350). 'Toba' type are calderas with long axes > 5 km and surrounded by ignimbrite sheets (Toba Caldera, Indonesia: 02.583, 098.833). In addition silicic dome complexes that might eventually produce large caldera-forming eruptions are also classified as Toba type. The eruptive histories of most volcanoes in Southeast Asia are poorly constrained. Assuming that volcanoes with similar morphologies have had similar eruption histories, we use eruption histories of well-studied examples of each morphologic category as proxy histories for all volcanoes in the class. Results from this work will be used to model volcanic ash contamination scenarios for the Singapore FIR.

Surficial Geologic Map of Mount Veniaminof Volcano, Alaska

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waythomas, C. F.; Miller, T. P.; Wallace, K.

2015-12-01

Mount Veniaminof volcano is a >300 km3 andesite to dacite stratovolcano, characterized by an 8 x 11 km diameter ice-filled summit caldera. Veniaminof is one of the most active volcanoes in the Aleutian arc and has erupted at least 15 times in the past 200 years. The volcano is located on the Alaska Peninsula (56.1979° N, 159.3931° W) about 780 km SW of Anchorage. Our geologic investigations have documented two large (>VEI 5) caldera-forming or -modifying eruptions (V1, V2) of Holocene age whose eruptive products make up most of the surficial deposits around the volcano. These deposits and other unconsolidated glacial, fluvial, and colluvial deposits are depicted on the accompanying map. The the V2 eruption occurred 4.1-4.4 ka (cal 2-sigma age range) and produced an extensive landscape-mantling sequence of pyroclastic deposits >50 km3 in volume that cover or partly obscure older unconsolidated eruptive products. The V1 eruption occurred 8-9 ka and its deposits lie stratigraphically below the pyroclastic deposits associated with the V2 eruption and a prominent, widespread tephra fall deposit erupted from nearby Black Peak volcano 4.4-4.6 ka. The V2 pyroclastic-flow deposits range from densely welded, columnar jointed units exposed along the main valley floors, to loose, unconsolidated, blanketing accumulations of scoriaceous (55-57% SiO2) and lithic material found as far as 75 km from the edifice. Large lahars also formed during the V2 eruption and flowed as far as 50 km from the volcano. The resulting deposits are present in all glacial valleys that head on the volcano and are 10-15 m thick in several locations. Lahar deposits cover an area of about 800-1000 km2, have an approximate volume of 1-2 km3, and record substantial inundation of the major valleys on all flanks of the edifice. Significant amounts of water are required to form lahars of this size, which suggests that an ice-filled summit caldera probably existed when the V2 eruption occurred.

Probabilistic-numerical assessment of pyroclastic current hazard at Campi Flegrei and Naples city: Multi-VEI scenarios as a tool for “full-scale” risk management

PubMed Central

Mastrolorenzo, Giuseppe; Palladino, Danilo M.; Pappalardo, Lucia; Rossano, Sergio

2017-01-01

The Campi Flegrei volcanic field (Italy) poses very high risk to the highly urbanized Neapolitan area. Eruptive history was dominated by explosive activity producing pyroclastic currents (hereon PCs; acronym for Pyroclastic Currents) ranging in scale from localized base surges to regional flows. Here we apply probabilistic numerical simulation approaches to produce PC hazard maps, based on a comprehensive spectrum of flow properties and vent locations. These maps are incorporated in a Geographic Information System (GIS) and provide all probable Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) scenarios from different source vents in the caldera, relevant for risk management planning. For each VEI scenario, we report the conditional probability for PCs (i.e., the probability for a given area to be affected by the passage of PCs in case of a PC-forming explosive event) and related dynamic pressure. Model results indicate that PCs from VEI<4 events would be confined within the Campi Flegrei caldera, PC propagation being impeded by the northern and eastern caldera walls. Conversely, PCs from VEI 4–5 events could invade a wide area beyond the northern caldera rim, as well as part of the Naples metropolitan area to the east. A major controlling factor of PC dispersal is represented by the location of the vent area. PCs from the potentially largest eruption scenarios (analogous to the ~15 ka, VEI 6 Neapolitan Yellow Tuff or even the ~39 ka, VEI 7 Campanian Ignimbrite extreme event) would affect a large part of the Campanian Plain to the north and the city of Naples to the east. Thus, in case of renewal of eruptive activity at Campi Flegrei, up to 3 million people will be potentially exposed to volcanic hazard, pointing out the urgency of an emergency plan. Considering the present level of uncertainty in forecasting the future eruption type, size and location (essentially based on statistical analysis of previous activity), we suggest that appropriate planning measures should face at least the VEI 5 reference scenario (at least 2 occurrences documented in the last 10 ka). PMID:29020018

Experimental constraints on the rheology and mechanical properties of lava erupted in the Holuhraun area during the 2014 rifting event at Bárðarbunga, Iceland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lavallee, Yan; Kendrick, Jackie; Wall, Richard; von Aulock, Felix; Kennedy, Ben; Sigmundsson, Freysteinn

2015-04-01

A fissure eruption began at Holuhraun on 16 August 2014, following magma drainage from the Bárðarbunga volcanic system (Iceland). Extrusion initiated as fire fountaining along a segment of the fracture and rapidly localised to a series of small, aligned cones containing a lava lake that over spilled at both ends, feeding a large lava field. The lava composition and flow behaviour put some constraints on its rheology and mechanical properties. The lava erupted is a nearly aphyric basalt containing approximately 2-3% plagioclase with traces of olivine and pyroxene in a quenched groundmass composed of glass and 20-25% microlites. The transition from fire fountaining to lava flow leads to lava with variable vesicularities; pyroclasts expelled during fire fountaining reach up to 80% vesicles whilst the lava contain up to 45% vesicles. Textures in the lava vary from a'a to slabby pahoehoe, and flow thicknesses from several meters to few centimetres. Tension gashes, crease structures and shear zones in the upper lava carapace reveal the importance of both compressive and tensional stresses. In addition, occasional frictional marks at the base of the lava flow as well as bulldozing of sediments along the flow hint at the importance of frictional properties of the rocks during lava flow. Flow properties, textures and failure modes are strongly dependent on the material properties as well as the local conditions of stress and temperature. Here we expand our field observation with preliminary high-temperature experimental data on the rheological and mechanical properties of the erupted lava. Dilatometric measurements are used to constrain the thermal expansion coefficient of the lava important to constrain the dynamics of cooling of the flow. Micropenetration is further employed to determine the viscosity of the melt at super-liquidus temperature, which is compared to the temperature-dependence of viscosity as constrained by geochemistry. Lastly, uniaxial compression and tension tests are presented to constrain the mechanical properties (strength and Young's modulus) of the rocks, forming the cooler carapace of the flow. This high-temperature experimental dataset will be integrated to field observations to constrain lava flow emplacement.

Naples between two fires: eruptive scenarios for the next eruptions by an integrated volcanological-probabilistic approach.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mastrolorenzo, G.; Pappalardo, L.; de Natale, G.; Troise, C.; Rossano, S.; Panizza, A.

2009-04-01

Probabilistic approaches based on available volcanological data from real eruptions of Campi Flegrei and Somma-Vesuvius, are assembled in a comprehensive assessment of volcanic hazards at the Neapolitan area. This allows to compare the volcanic hazards related to the different types of events, which can be used for evaluating the conditional probability of flows and falls hazard in case of a volcanic crisis. Hazard maps are presented, based on a rather complete set of numerical simulations, produced using field and laboratory data as input parameters relative to a large range (VEI 1 to 5) of fallout and pyroclastic-flow events and their relative occurrence. The results allow us to quantitatively evaluate and compare the hazard related to pyroclastic fallout and density currents (PDCs) at the Neapolitan volcanoes and their surroundings, including the city of Naples. Due to its position between the two volcanic areas, the city of Naples is particularly exposed to volcanic risk from VEI>2 eruptions, as recorded in the local volcanic succession. Because dominant wind directions, the area of Naples is particularly prone to fallout hazard from Campi Flegrei caldera eruptions in the VEI range 2-5. The hazard from PDCs decreases roughly radially with distance from the eruptive vents and is strongly controlled by the topographic heights. Campi Flegrei eruptions are particularly hazardous for Naples, although the Camaldoli and Posillipo hills produce an effective barrier to propagation to the very central part of Naples. PDCs from Vesuvius eruptions with VEI>4 can cover the city of Naples, whereas even VEI>3 eruptions have a moderate fallout hazard there.

Seismic monitoring of effusive-explosive activity and large lava dome collapses during 2013-2015 at Volcán de Colima, Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arámbula-Mendoza, Raúl; Reyes-Dávila, Gabriel; Vargas-Bracamontes Dulce, M.; González-Amezcua, Miguel; Navarro-Ochoa, Carlos; Martínez-Fierros, Alejandro; Ramírez-Vázquez, Ariel

2018-02-01

Volcán de Colima, the most active volcano in Mexico, started a new eruptive cycle in January 2013. Since this date, the volcano has presented effusive and explosive activity. The beginning of the cycle was marked by a moderate Vulcanian explosion which had hyperbolical behavior in its precursory seismicity, possibly related to a shallow rupture process. Then, during the whole eruptive stage, the effusive activity was accompanied by low to moderate explosions. The explosions had energies mainly of 106 joules and were located between 0 and 1600 m below the crater, whereas the locations of tremor sources were found to be deeper, reaching up to 3800 m beneath the crater. Very-long-period signals (VLPs) have been observed with Vulcanian explosions that produce pyroclastic flows. A few number of volcano-tectonic events (VTs) were recognized during the studied period (2013-2015), indicating that the volcano is an open system. This was particularly evidenced in July 2015, when a new batch of magma rose rapidly without large precursors, only an accelerated increase in the number of rockfalls and associated RSEM. This event generated two large lava dome collapses with several pulses of material and pyroclastic flows that travelled up to 10.3 km from the summit. The seismic monitoring of Volcán de Colima is currently the only tool in real-time employed to assess the state of the volcanic activity. It is thus necessary to integrate new seismic methods as well as other geophysical monitoring techniques able to detect precursory signals of an impending hazardous event.

Preliminary report on the July 10-11, 2015 eruption at Volcán de Colima: Pyroclastic density currents with exceptional runouts and volume

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Capra, L.; Macías, J. L.; Cortés, A.; Dávila, N.; Saucedo, R.; Osorio-Ocampo, S.; Arce, J. L.; Gavilanes-Ruiz, J. C.; Corona-Chávez, P.; García-Sánchez, L.; Sosa-Ceballos, G.; Vázquez, R.

2016-01-01

On July 10-11, 2015 an eruption occurred at Colima volcano produced 10.5 km long pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) along the Montegrande, and 6.5 km long along the San Antonio ravines. The summit dome was destroyed and a new crater excavated and breached to the south. This new breach connects to a narrow channel that descends along Colima's southern flank and was used by a subsequent lava flow. The Montegrande PDCs represent the longest and hottest flow of this type recorded during the past 30 years but are still smaller in comparison to the 15-km long PDCs produced during the 1913 Plinian eruption. Data obtained from field reconnaissance, lahar monitoring stations, and satellite imagery suggest that at least six PDCs occurred. The two largest PDCs (H/L 0.2) were able to surmount topographic barriers or bends. Based on field reconnaissance and digital elevation models extracted from SPOT satellite imageries we estimate a minimum volume for the valley-pond and distal fan deposits of 4.5 × 106 m3. After one week, the deposits were still hot with burning trees on the surface and millimeter-sized holes from which fumes were emanating. The juvenile components of the deposits consist of gray dense blocks and vesicular dark-gray blocks and bombs with bread-crust textures and cooling joints. The mineral association of these rocks consists of plagioclase + clinopyroxene + orthopyroxene + FeTi-oxides ± olivine and resorbed hornblende in a dark glassy matrix that corresponds to an andesitic composition.

Variable Sources and Differentiation of Lavas from the Copahue-Caviahue Eruptive Complex, Neuquen Argentina

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Todd, E.; Ort, M. H.

2012-12-01

Caldera collapse (˜180 km2) associated with a large Pliocene pyroclastic eruption and subsequent glacial erosion exposed an extensive and complex cross-section of pre-caldera volcanic history (at least 5 My) at the Copahue-Caviahue Eruptive Center (CCEC) in the Andean Southern Volcanic Zone (SVZ) of Argentina. Lava flows in wall exposures range from olivine-rich basaltic andesite to trachyte, are typically horizontal, vary in abundance and thickness at different wall exposures, and rarely correlate with flows in adjacent sections, although some lava and pyroclastic deposits from adjacent sections are similar in petrography, mineral assemblage, and geochemistry. Bulk-rock geochemical and isotopic data indicate at least two distinct primary melt types contributed to pre-caldera CCEC volcanism, and their differentiates produced a high-K and a low-K series. Incompatible element and isotope systematics suggest they are not related by differentiation of a common parental melt, and less-evolved examples of both types occur throughout the pre-caldera stratigraphic section, suggesting long-lived recharge of the local system by variably-sourced magmas. Petrographic and mineral chemistry evidence indicates that mixing of dissimilar magma types produced compositionally intermediate magmas. The location of the CCEC, rear of the volcanic front (VF), yet trenchward of regional backarc basin (BAB) volcanism, is reflected by the composition of CCEC lavas, which are transitional between local VF and BAB types. Thus, contrasting low- and high-K CCEC magmas in the SVZ rear-arc may reflect local focusing of VF-like (low-K) and BAB-like (high-K) melts.

Volcanic mercury in Pinus canariensis.

PubMed

Rodríguez Martín, José Antonio; Nanos, Nikos; Miranda, José Carlos; Carbonell, Gregoria; Gil, Luis

2013-08-01

Mercury (Hg) is a toxic element that is emitted to the atmosphere by both human activities and natural processes. Volcanic emissions are considered a natural source of mercury in the environment. In some cases, tree ring records taken close to volcanoes and their relation to volcanic activity over time are contradictory. In 1949, the Hoyo Negro volcano (La Palma-Canary Islands) produced significant pyroclastic flows that damaged the nearby stand of Pinus canariensis. Recently, 60 years after the eruption, we assessed mercury concentrations in the stem of a pine which survived volcano formation, located at a distance of 50 m from the crater. We show that Hg content in a wound caused by pyroclastic impacts (22.3 μg kg(-1)) is an order of magnitude higher than the Hg concentrations measured in the xylem before and after the eruption (2.3 μg kg(-1)). Thus, mercury emissions originating from the eruption remained only as a mark-in pyroclastic wounds-and can be considered a sporadic and very high mercury input that did not affect the overall Hg input in the xylem. In addition, mercury contents recorded in the phloem (9.5 μg kg(-1)) and bark (6.0 μg kg(-1)) suggest that mercury shifts towards non-living tissues of the pine, an aspect that can be related to detoxification in volcanism-adapted species.

Volcanic mercury in Pinus canariensis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodríguez Martín, José Antonio; Nanos, Nikos; Miranda, José Carlos; Carbonell, Gregoria; Gil, Luis

2013-08-01

Mercury (Hg) is a toxic element that is emitted to the atmosphere by both human activities and natural processes. Volcanic emissions are considered a natural source of mercury in the environment. In some cases, tree ring records taken close to volcanoes and their relation to volcanic activity over time are contradictory. In 1949, the Hoyo Negro volcano (La Palma-Canary Islands) produced significant pyroclastic flows that damaged the nearby stand of Pinus canariensis. Recently, 60 years after the eruption, we assessed mercury concentrations in the stem of a pine which survived volcano formation, located at a distance of 50 m from the crater. We show that Hg content in a wound caused by pyroclastic impacts (22.3 μg kg-1) is an order of magnitude higher than the Hg concentrations measured in the xylem before and after the eruption (2.3 μg kg-1). Thus, mercury emissions originating from the eruption remained only as a mark—in pyroclastic wounds—and can be considered a sporadic and very high mercury input that did not affect the overall Hg input in the xylem. In addition, mercury contents recorded in the phloem (9.5 μg kg-1) and bark (6.0 μg kg-1) suggest that mercury shifts towards non-living tissues of the pine, an aspect that can be related to detoxification in volcanism-adapted species.

Volcaniclastic dykes tell on fracturing, explosive eruption and lateral collapse at Stromboli volcano (Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vezzoli, Luigina; Corazzato, Claudia

2016-05-01

In the upper part of the Stromboli volcano, in the Le Croci and Bastimento areas, two dyke-like bodies of volcanic breccia up to two-metre thick crosscut and intrude the products of Vancori and Neostromboli volcanoes. We describe the lithofacies association of these unusual volcaniclastic dykes, interpret the setting of dyke-forming fractures and the emplacement mechanism of internal deposits, and discuss their probable relationships with the explosive eruption and major lateral collapse events that occurred at the end of the Neostromboli period. The dyke volcaniclastic deposits contain juvenile magmatic fragments (pyroclasts) suggesting a primary volcanic origin. Their petrographic characteristics are coincident with the Neostromboli products. The architecture of the infilling deposits comprises symmetrically-nested volcaniclastic units, separated by sub-vertical boundaries, which are parallel to the dyke margins. The volcanic units are composed of distinctive lithofacies. The more external facies is composed of fine and coarse ash showing sub-vertical laminations, parallel to the contact wall. The central facies comprises stratified, lithic-rich breccia and lapilli-tuff, whose stratification is sub-horizontal and convolute, discordant to the dyke margins. Only at Le Croci dyke, the final unit shows a massive tuff-breccia facies. The volcaniclastic dykes experienced a polyphasic geological evolution comprising three stages. The first phase consisted in fracturing, explosive intrusion related to magma rising and upward injection of magmatic fluids and pyroclasts. The second phase recorded the dilation of fractures and their role as pyroclastic conduits in an explosive eruption possibly coeval with the lateral collapse of the Neostromboli lava cone. Finally, in the third phase, the immediately post-eruption mass-flow remobilization of pyroclastic deposits took place on the volcano slopes.

The Utilization of Remotely Sensed Data to Analyze the Estimated Volume of Pyroclastic Deposits and Morphological Changes Caused by the 2010-2015 Eruption of Sinabung Volcano, North Sumatra, Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yulianto, Fajar; Suwarsono; Sofan, Parwati

2016-08-01

In this research, remotely sensed data has been used to estimate the volume of pyroclastic deposits and analyze morphological changes that have resulted from the eruption of Sinabung volcano. Topographic information was obtained from these data and used for rapid mapping to assist in the emergency response. Topographic information and change analyses (pre- and syn- eruption) were conducted using digital elevation models (DEMs) for the period 2010-2015. Advanced spaceborne thermal emission and reflection radiometer (ASTER) global digital elevation model (GDEM) data from 2009 were used to generate the initial DEMs for the condition prior to the eruption of 2010. Satellite pour l'observation de la terre 6 (SPOT 6) stereo images acquired on 21 June 2015 and were used to make a DEM for that time. The results show that the estimated total volume of lava and pyroclastic deposits, produced during the period 2010 to mid-2015 is approximately 2.8 × 108 m3. This estimated volume of pyroclastic deposits can be used to predict the magnitude of future secondary lahar hazards, which are also related to the capacity of rivers in the area. Morphological changes are illustrated using cross-sectional analysis of the deposits, which are currently deposited to the east, southeast and south of the volcano. Such analyses can also help in forecasting the direction of the future flow hazards. The remote sensing and analysis methods used at Sinabung can also be applied at other volcanoes and to assess the threats of other types of hazards such as landslides and land subsidence.

Volcanic Debris Flows of the Latest Paleozoic Arbasay Formation: Geomorphological Characters and Paleoenvironment Reconstruction of Northern Tian Shan, NW China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, W.; Liu, D.; Guo, Z.

2015-12-01

Texturally well-preserved volcanic debris flows (also called lahars) are exposed in the Latest Paleozoic Arbasay Formation, Northern Tian Shan. LA-ICP-MS zircon dating of the intercalated fallout tuff sample provided an age of 314.4±3.4 Ma (MSWD=1.6), suggesting they were deposited at Latest Carboniferous. The lahars consist primarily of two lithofacies: massive, poorly lithified diamictites and stratified, moderately lithified gravelly sandstones. The diamictites can be generally divided into two subfacies, i.e., the matrix-supported and the clast-supported diamictites. Most diamictites are structureless and nongraded. They are thick in beds and contain large clasts up to 3 m in dimension. The gravelly sandstones display much finer particle size and have wedge or lenticular geometries. Large clasts are absent within them and the sorting characters are much better than the diamictites. Despite the different size grading, the matrix and the clasts of the two lithofacies appear to be homogeneous. The matrix is generally sandy mudstone. The clasts comprise rhyolites, dacites, andesites, andesitic basalts and basalts, same to the co-existing volcanic rocks, suggesting they originate from the cognate volcanics. The disorganized diamictites are supposed to deposit from a turbulent flood or pyroclastic surge. The gravelly sandstone lithofacies are interpreted as sand-rich flood flows or hyperconcentrated flood flows during the waning stage of a mass-flow event. The overall characteristics of the deposits suggest a mass-flow dominated alluvial fan environment. It's noteable that several syn- sedimentary normal faults occurred within these lahar deposits, indicating that the Southern Junggar Basin was in an extensional regime during the lahars' deposition. Structure is dominated by normal faulting, allowing the existence of relatively small, highly compartmentalized depocenters. This is also supported by geochemistry and detrital zircon studies.

Titan2D simulations of dome-collapse pyroclastic flows for crisis assessments on Montserrat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Widiwijayanti, C.; Voight, B.; Hidayat, D.; Patra, A.; Pitman, E.

2010-12-01

The Soufriere Hills Volcano (SHV), Montserrat, has experienced numerous episodes of lava dome collapses since 1995. Collapse volumes range from small rockfalls to major dome collapses (as much as ~200 M m3). Problems arise in hazards mitigation, particularly in zoning for populated areas. Determining the likely extent of flowage deposits in various scenarios is important for hazards zonation, provision of advice by scientists, and decision making by public officials. Towards resolution of this issue we have tested the TITAN2D code, calibrated parameters for an SHV database, and using updated topography have provided flowage maps for various scenarios and volume classes from SHV, for use in hazards assessments. TITAN2D is a map plane (depth averaged) simulator of granular flow and yields mass distributions over a DEM. Two Coulomb frictional parameters (basal and internal frictions) and initial source conditions (volume, source location, and source geometry) of single or multiple pulses in a dome-collapse type event control behavior of the flow. Flow kinematics are captured, so that the dynamics of flow can be examined spatially from frame to frame, or as a movie. Our hazard maps include not only the final deposit, but also areas inundated by moving debris prior to deposition. Simulations from TITAN2D were important for analysis of crises in the period 2007-2010. They showed that any very large mass released on the north slope would be strongly partitioned by local topography, and thus it was doubtful that flows of very large size (>20 M m3) could be generated in the Belham River drainage. This partitioning effect limited runout toward populated areas. These effects were interpreted to greatly reduce the down-valley risk of ash-cloud surges.

From pumice to obsidian: eruptive behaviors that produce tephra-flow dyads. II- The 114ka trachyte eruption at Pu'u Wa'awa'a (Hawai'i).

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shea, T.; Leonhardi, T. C.; Giachetti, T.; Larsen, J. F.; Lindoo, A. N.

2014-12-01

Associations of tephra and lava flow/domes produced by eruptions involving evolved magmas are a common occurrence in various types of volcanic settings (e.g. Pu'u Wa'awa'a ~114ka, Hawaii; South Mono ~AD625, California; Newberry Big Obsidian flow ~AD700, Oregon; Big Glass Mountain ~AD1100, California; Inyo ~AD1350, California, Chaitén AD2008-2009, Chile; Cordón Caulle AD2011-2012, Chile), ejecting up to a few cubic km of material (tephra+flow/dome). Most, if not all, of these eruptions have in common the paradoxical coexistence of (1) eruptive styles which are inferred to be sustained in nature (subplinian and plinian), with (2) a pulsatory behavior displayed by the resulting fall deposits, and (3) the coeval ejection of vesicular tephra and pyroclastic obsidian. Through two case studies, we explore this apparent set of paradoxes, and their significance in understanding transitions from explosive to effusive behavior. In this second case study (also cf. Shea et al., same session), we present new field, textural and geochemical data pertaining to the 114ka Pu'u Wa'awa'a trachyte eruption in Hawai'i. This large volume (>5 km3) event produced both a tephra cone (~1.6 km in diameter) and a thick (>250 m) lava flow, which have been largely covered by the more recent basaltic Mauna Loa and Hualalai lava flows. The trachyte tephra contains juvenile material displaying a large textural variety (pumice, scoria, obsidian, microcrystalline trachyte and banded-clasts), which can be linked with the extent of degassing and the formation of feldspar microlites. Notably, the abundance of microlites can be used to reconstruct an ascent and devolatilization history that accounts for all the seemingly contradictory observations.

Santa Maria Volcano, Guatemala

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

The eruption of Santa Maria volcano in 1902 was one of the largest eruptions of the 20th century, forming a large crater on the mountain's southwest flank. Since 1922, a lava-dome complex, Santiaguito, has been forming in the 1902 crater. Growth of the dome has produced pyroclastic flows as recently as the 2001-they can be identified in this image. The city of Quezaltenango (approximately 90,000 people in 1989) sits below the 3772 m summit. The volcano is considered dangerous because of the possibility of a dome collapse such as one that occurred in 1929, which killed about 5000 people. A second hazard results from the flow of volcanic debris into rivers south of Santiaguito, which can lead to catastrophic flooding and mud flows. More information on this volcano can be found at web sites maintained by the Smithsonian Institution, Volcano World, and Michigan Tech University. ISS004-ESC-7999 was taken 17 February 2002 from the International Space Station using a digital camera. The image is provided by the Earth Sciences and Image Analysis Laboratory at Johnson Space Center. Searching and viewing of additional images taken by astronauts and cosmonauts is available at the NASA-JSC Gateway to

Unusual Volcanic Products From the 2008 Eruption at Volcan Llaima, Chile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sweeney, D. C.; Hughes, M.; Calder, E. S.; Cortes, J.; Valentine, G.; Whelley, P.; Lara, L.

2009-05-01

Volcan Llaima, a snow-covered basaltic andesite stratocone in southern Chile (38 41' S, 71 44' W, 3179 m a.s.l.), erupted on 1 January 2008 with a fire fountain display lasting 14 hours. Elevated activity continues to date with mild to moderate strombolian activity occurring from two nested scoria cones in the summit crater and with occasional lava flows from crater overflow. The eruption displayed contrasting styles of activity emanating from different parts of the edifice that may provide some unique insight into the upper level plumbing system. Furthermore, the activity has provided an excellent chance to study the transition of a normally passive degassing system into a violent eruptive cycle. A field study of the eruptive products from this eruption was completed in January 2009, where sampling was carried out from the tephra fall, lava flows, lahar deposits and even small pyroclastic flow deposits. The scoria samples collected suggest a mixture of two magmas involved in the initial violent, fire fountaining activity from the summit. Additionally, they exhibit a variety of unusual textures, including rapidly-quenched, dense lava 'balls' - generated at the front of the lava flows traveling through ice, as well as cauliflower-textured tephra from explosive eruptions though ice. This presentation comprises our observations and preliminary interpretations concerning the processes that occurred during this unique eruption.

Fracture development within a stratovolcano: The Karaha-Telaga Bodas geothermal field, Java volcanic arc

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nemcok, M.; Moore, J.N.; Allis, R.; McCulloch, J.

2004-01-01

Karaha-Telaga Bodas, a vapour-dominated geothermal system located in an active volcano in western Java, is penetrated by more than two dozen deep geothermal wells reaching depths of 3 km. Detailed paragenetic and fluid-inclusion studies from over 1000 natural fractures define the liquid-dominated, transitional and vapour-dominated stages in the evolution of this system. The liquid-dominated stage was initiated by ashallow magma intrusion into the base of the volcanic cone. Lava and pyroclastic flows capped a geothermal system. The uppermost andesite flows were only weakly fractured due to the insulating effect of the intervening altered pyroclastics, which absorbed the deformation. Shear and tensile fractures that developed were filled with carbonates at shallow depths, and by quartz, epidote and actinolite at depths and temperatures over 1 km and 300??C. The system underwent numerous cycles of overpressuring, documented by subhorizontal tensile fractures, anastomosing tensile fracture patterns and implosion breccias. The development of the liquidsystem was interrupted by a catastrophic drop in fluid pressures. As the fluids boiled in response to this pressure drop, chalcedony and quartz were selectively deposited in fractures that had the largest apertures and steep dips. The orientations of these fractures indicate that the escaping overpressured fluids used the shortest possible paths to the surface. Vapour-dominated conditions were initiated at this time within a vertical chimney overlying the still hot intrusion. As pressures declined, these conditions spread outward to form the marginal vapour-dominated region encountered in the drill holes. Downward migration of the chimney, accompanied by growth of the marginal vapour-dominated regime, occurred as the intrusion cooled and the brittle-ductile transition migrated to greater depths. As the liquids boiled off, condensate that formed at the top of the vapour-dominated zone percolated downward and low-salinity meteoric water entered the marginal parts of the system. Calcite, anhydrite and fluorite precipitated in fractures on heating. Progressive sealing of the fractures resulted in the downward migration of the cap rock. In response to decreased pore pressure in the expanding vapour zone, walls of the fracture system within the vapour-dominated reservoir progressively collapsed. It left only residual permeability in the remaining fracture volume, with apertures supported only by asperities or propping breccia. In places where normal stresses acting on the fracture walls exceeded the compressive strength of the wall rock, the fractures have completely collapsed. Fractures within the present-day cap rock include strike- and oblique-slip faults, normal faults and tensile fractures, all controlled by a strike-slip stress regime. The reservoir is characterized by normal faults and tensile fractures controlled by a normal-fault stress regime. The fractures show no evidence that the orientation of the stress field has changed since fracture propagation began. Fluid migration in the lava and pyroclastic flows is controlled by fractures. Matrix permeability controls fluid flow in the sedimentary sections of the reservoir. Productive fractures are typically roughly perpendicular to the minimum compressive stress, ??3, and are prone to slip and dilation within the modern stress regime. ?? The Geological Society of London 2004.

Volcanism on differentiated asteroids (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, L.

2013-12-01

The Dawn spacecraft's investigation of 4 Vesta, best-preserved of the early-forming differentiated asteroids, prompts a reappraisal of factors controlling igneous activity on such bodies. Analogy with melt transfer in zones of partial melting on Earth implies that silicate melts moved efficiently within asteroid mantles in complex networks of veins and dikes, so that only a few percent of the mantle consisted of melt at any one time. Thus even in cases where large amounts of mantle melting occurred, the melts did not remain in the mantle to form "magma oceans", but instead migrated to shallow depths. The link between magma flow rate and the stresses needed to keep fractures open and allow flow fast enough to avoid excessive cooling implies that only within asteroids with radii more than ~190-250 km would continuous magma flow from mantle to surface be possible. In all smaller asteroids (including Vesta) magma must have accumulated in sills at the base of the lithosphere (the conductively controlled ~10 km thick thermal boundary layer) or in crustal magma reservoirs near its base. Magma would then have erupted intermittently to the surface from these steadily replenished reservoirs. The average rates of eruption to the surface (or shallow intrusion) should balance the magma production rate, but since magma could accumulate and erupt intermittently from these reservoirs, the instantaneous eruption rates could be hundreds to thousands of cubic m/s, comparable to historic basaltic eruption rates on Earth and very much greater than the average mantle melting rate. The absence of asteroid atmospheres makes explosive eruptions likely even if magmas are volatile-poor. On asteroids with radii less than ~100 km, gases and sub-mm pyroclastic melt droplets would have had speeds exceeding the escape speed assuming a few hundred ppm volatiles, and only cm sized or larger clasts would have been retained. On larger bodies almost all pyroclasts will have returned to the surface after passing through optically dense fire fountains. At low eruption rates and high volatile contents many clasts cooled to form spatter or cinder deposits, but at high eruption rates and low volatile contents most clasts landed hot and coalesced into lava ponds to feed lava flows. Lava flow thickness varies with surface slope, acceleration due to gravity, and lava yield strength induced by cooling. Low gravity on asteroids caused flows to be relatively thick which reduced the effects of cooling, and many flows probably attained lengths of tens of km and stopped as a result of cessation of magma supply from the reservoir rather than cooling. On most asteroids larger than 100 km radius experiencing more than ~30% mantle melting, the erupted volcanic deposits will have buried the original chondritic surface layers of the asteroid to such great depths that they were melted, or at least heavily thermally metamorphosed, leaving no present-day meteoritical evidence of their prior existence. Tidal stresses from close encounters between asteroids and proto-planets may have very briefly increased melting and melt migration speeds in asteroid interiors but only gross structural disruption would have greatly have changed volcanic histories.

Ash-flow tuffs: Their origin, geologic relations, and identification

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ross, Clarence S.; Smith, Robert L.

1961-01-01

Pyroclastic materials, which are interpreted as having been deposited by flowage as a suspension of ash in volcanic gas, are becoming widely recognized as major geologic episodes. These may be unconsolidated, indurated by partial welding, or welded into a compact rock. Many students are working on these materials and the interest in them is so widespread that need for a coordinated treatise on them has developed. This report deals with the history of the concept of their origin; gives detailed descriptions of their character and mode of occurrence; gives criteria for their recognition; and considers their distribution and consolidation.

Impact of the AD 79 explosive eruption on Pompeii, II. Causes of death of the inhabitants inferred by stratigraphic analysis and areal distribution of the human casualties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luongo, Giuseppe; Perrotta, Annamaria; Scarpati, Claudio; De Carolis, Ernesto; Patricelli, Giovanni; Ciarallo, Annamaria

2003-08-01

Detailed descriptions of the effects of explosive eruptions on urban settlements available to volcanologists are relatively rare. Apart from disease and starvation, the largest number of human deaths caused by explosive eruptions in the twentieth century are due to pyroclastic flows. The relationship between the number of victims related to a specific hazard and the presence of urban settlements in the area covered by the eruption has been shown. However, pyroclastic falls are also extremely dangerous under certain conditions. These conclusions are based on archaeological and volcanological studies carried out on the victims of the well-known AD 79 eruption of Vesuvius that destroyed and buried the Roman city of Pompeii. The stratigraphic level in the pyroclastic deposit and the location of all the casualties found are described and discussed. The total number of victims recovered during the archaeological excavations amounts to 1150. Of these, 1044 well recognisable bodies plus an additional group of 100 individuals were identified based on the analysis of several groups of scattered bones. Of the former, 394 were found in the lower pumice lapilli fall deposit and 650 in the upper stratified ash and pumice lapilli pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) deposits. In addition, a tentative evaluation suggests that 464 corpses may still be buried in the unexcavated part of the city. According to the reconstruction presented in this paper, during the first phase of the eruption (August 24, AD 79) a huge quantity of pumice lapilli fell on Pompeii burying the city under 3 m of pyroclastic material. During this eruptive phase, most of the inhabitants managed to leave the city. However, 38% of the known victims were killed during this phase mainly as a consequence of roofs and walls collapsing under the increasing weight of the pumice lapilli deposit. During the second phase of the eruption (August 25, AD 79) 49% of the total victims were on the roadways and 51% inside buildings. All of these inhabitants, regardless of their location, were killed by the unanticipated PDCs overrunning the city. New data concerning the stratigraphic level of the victims in the pyroclastic succession allow us to discriminate between the sequential events responsible for their deaths. In fact, casts of some recently excavated corpses lay well above the lower PDCs deposit, testifying that some of the inhabitants survived the first pyroclastic current. Finally, during the PDCs phase the victims died quite rapidly by ash asphyxiation. From the attitude of some casts, it seems that some people survived the initial impact of the second pyroclastic current and tried to support head and bust during the progressive aggradation of the deposit at the base of the current.

Axisymmetric collapses of granular columns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lube, Gert; Huppert, Herbert E.; Sparks, R. Stephen J.; Hallworth, Mark A.

2004-06-01

Experimental observations of the collapse of initially vertical columns of small grains are presented. The experiments were performed mainly with dry grains of salt or sand, with some additional experiments using couscous, sugar or rice. Some of the experimental flows were analysed using high-speed video. There are three different flow regimes, dependent on the value of the aspect ratio a {=} h_i/r_i, where h_i and r_i are the initial height and radius of the granular column respectively. The differing forms of flow behaviour are described for each regime. In all cases a central, conically sided region of angle approximately 59(°) , corresponding to an aspect ratio of 1.7, remains undisturbed throughout the motion. The main experimental results for the final extent of the deposit and the time for emplacement are systematically collapsed in a quantitative way independent of any friction coefficients. Along with the kinematic data for the rate of spread of the front of the collapsing column, this is interpreted as indicating that frictional effects between individual grains in the bulk of the moving flow only play a role in the last instant of the flow, as it comes to an abrupt halt. For a {<} 1.7, the measured final runout radius, r_infty, is related to the initial radius by r_infty {=} r_i(1 {+} 1.24a); while for 1.7 {<} a the corresponding relationship is r_infty {=} r_i(1 {+} 1.6a(1/2) ). The time, t_infty, taken for the grains to reach r_infty is given by t_infty {=} 3(h_i/g)(1/2} {=} 3(r_i/g)({1/2}a^{1/2)) , where g is the gravitational acceleration. The insights and conclusions gained from these experiments can be applied to a wide range of industrial and natural flows of concentrated particles. For example, the observation of the rapid deposition of the grains can help explain details of the emplacement of pyroclastic flows resulting from the explosive eruption of volcanoes.

White Mars: A New Model for Mars' Surface and Atmosphere Based on CO 2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoffman, Nick

2000-08-01

A new model is presented for the Amazonian outburst floods on Mars. Rather than the working fluid being water, with the associated difficulties in achieving warm and wet conditions on Mars and on collecting and removing the water before and after the floods, instead this model suggests that CO 2 is the active agent in the "floods." The flow is not a conventional liquid flood but is instead a gas-supported density flow akin to terrestrial volcanic pyroclastic flows and surges and at cryogenic temperatures with support from degassing of CO 2-bearing ices. The flows are not sourced from volcanic vents, but from the collapse of thick layered regolith containing liquid CO 2 to form zones of chaotic terrain, as shown by R. St. J. Lambert and V. E. Chamberlain (1978, Icarus34, 568-580; 1992, Workshop on the Evolution of the Martian Atmosphere). Submarine turbidites are also analagous in the flow mechanism, but the martian cryogenic flows were both dry and subaerial, so there is no need for a warm and wet epoch nor an ocean on Mars. Armed with this new model for the floods we review the activity of volatiles on the surface of Mars in the context of a cold ice world—"White Mars." We find that many of the recognized paradoxes about Mars' surface and atmosphere are resolved. In particular, the lack of carbonates on Mars is due to the lack of liquid water. The CO 2 of the primordial atmosphere and the H 2O inventory remain largely sequestered in subsurface ices. The distribution of water ice on modern Mars is also reevaluated, with important potential consequences for future Mars exploration. The model for collapse of terrain due to ices that show decompression melting, and the generation of nonaqueous flows in these circumstances may also be applicable to outer Solar System bodies, where CO 2, SO 2, N 2, and other ices are stable.

Summary of the Oahu, Hawaii, Regional Aquifer-System Analysis

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nichols, William D.; Shade, Patricia J.; Hunt, Charles D.

1996-01-01

Oahu, the third largest of the Hawaiian islands, is formed by the eroded remnants of two elongated shield volcanoes with broad, low profiles. Weathering and erosion have modified the original domed surfaces of the volcanoes, leaving a landscape of deep valleys and steep interfluvial ridges in the interior highlands. The Koolau Range in eastern Oahu and the Waianae Range in western Oahu are the eroded remnants of the Koolau and Waianae Volcanoes. The origin, mode of emplacement, texture, and composition of the rocks of Oahu affect their ability to store and transmit water. The volcanic rocks are divided into four groups: (1) lava flows, (2) dikes, (3) pyroclastic deposits, and (4) saprolite and weathered basalt. Stratified sequences of thin-bedded lava flows form the most productive aquifers in Hawaii. Dikes are near-vertical sheets of massive intrusive rock that typically contain only fracture permeability. Pyroclastic deposits include ash, cinder, and spatter; they are essentially granular, with porosity and permeability similar to those of granular sediments. Weathering of basaltic rocks in the humid, subtropical climate of Oahu alters igneous minerals to clays and oxides, reducing the permeability of the parent rock. Saprolite is weathered material that has retained textural features of the parent rock. Estimates of hydraulic conductivity along the plane of dike-free lava flows tend to fall within about one order of magnitude, from about 500 to about 5,000 feet per day. Estimates of specific yield range from about 1 to 20 percent; most of the values lie within a narrow range of about 5 to 10 percent. The occurrence of ground water on Oahu is determined by the type and character of the rocks and by the presence of geohydrologic barriers. The primary modes of freshwater occurrence on Oahu are as a basal lens of fresh ground water floating on saltwater, as dike-impounded ground water, and as perched ground water. Saltwater occurs at depth throughout much of the island. A regional aquifer system composed of the Waianae aquifer in the Waianae Volcanics and the Koolau aquifer in the Koolau Basalt is subdivided into well-defined areas by geohydrologic barriers. The aquifers are separated by the Waianae confining unit formed by weathering along the Waianae-Koolau unconformity. In some coastal areas, a caprock of sedimentary deposits overlies and confines the aquifers. The island of Oahu has been divided into seven major ground-water areas delineated by deep-seated structural geohydrologic barriers; these areas are further subdivided by shallower internal barriers to ground-water flow. The Koolau rift zone along the eastern (windward) side of the island and the Waianae rift zone to the west (Waianae area) constitute two of the major ground-water areas. North-central Oahu is divided into three smaller ground-water areas, Mokuleia, Waialua, and Kawailoa. The Schofield ground-water area encompasses much of the Schofield Plateau of central Oahu. Southern Oahu is divided into six areas, Ewa, Pearl Harbor, Moanalua, Kalihi, Beretania, and Kaimuki. Southeastern Oahu is divided into the Waialae and Wailupe-Hawaii Kai areas. Along the northeast coast of windward Oahu is the Kahuku ground-water area. The aquifers of Oahu contain shallow freshwater and deeper saltwater flow systems. There are five fresh ground-water flow systems: meteoric freshwater flow diverges from ground-water divides that lie somewhere within the Waianae and Koolau rift zones, forming an interior flow system in central Oahu (which is divided into the northern and southern Oahu flow systems) and exterior flow systems in western (Waianae area) Oahu, eastern (windward) Oahu, and southeastern Oahu. Development of the ground-water resources on Oahu began when the first well was drilled near Honouliuli in the summer of 1879. By 1890, 86 wells had been drilled on the island. From about 1891 to about 1910, development increased rapidly with the drilling of a

Granular collumn collapse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lube, G.; Sparks, R. S. J.; Huppert, H. E.; Hallworth, M. A.

2003-04-01

Through a series of analogue experiments we developed and tested a model in order to understand the fundamental problem of the collapse of granular columns. The study was motivated by the need to understand granular flows in the environment, such as pyroclastic flows and rock avalanches. Granular columns were prepared in containers that rest on a flat surface, before an unhindered axisymmetric flow was suddenly released by lifting the container. The aspect ratio a of the column (defined by its ratio of initial height h_i to radius r_i) was varied by over 3 orders of magnitude. Some experiments started with a cylinder raised at height H above the ground. We observed two flow regimes dependent on the aspect ratio. For atan α the entire free surface is in motion. The subdivision is supported by the kinematics of the flow front. For flows with atan α the front moves at constant velocity between its initial acceleration and final deceleration. Our theory is based on dimensional arguments and that the maximum runout r∞, maximum deposit height h∞ and total flow duration t∞ are functions only of h_i, r_i and g. Hence, no other internal parameters (e.g. friction between grains) play an essential role in the flow dynamics. The theory leads to different expressions in the two flow regimes: For atan α: r∞= r_i(1+c_3a1/2); h∞= c_4r_ia1/6; t∞ = c_5(r_i/g)1/2a2/3, which is in good agreement with our experimental data for c_1=1.3, c_2=3.9; c_3=1.6, c_4=0.88, c_5=2.6. The results of our preliminary study have lead us to extend the set-up in order to create flow situations more similar to nature. They can be used as a test for computational and theoretical models.

Parametric analysis of lava dome-collapse events and pyroclastic deposits at Shiveluch volcano, Kamchatka, using visible and infrared satellite data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krippner, Janine B.; Belousov, Alexander B.; Belousova, Marina G.; Ramsey, Michael S.

2018-04-01

For the years 2001 to 2013 of the ongoing eruption of Shiveluch volcano, a combination of different satellite remote sensing data are used to investigate the dome-collapse events and the resulting pyroclastic deposits. Shiveluch volcano in Kamchatka, Russia, is one of the world's most active dome-building volcanoes, which has produced some of the largest known historical block-and-ash flows (BAFs). Globally, quantitative data for deposits resulting from such large and long-lived dome-forming eruptions, especially like those at Shiveluch, are scarce. We use Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) thermal infrared (TIR), shortwave infrared (SWIR), and visible-near infrared (VNIR) data to analyze the dome-collapse scars and BAF deposits that were formed during eruptions and collapse events in 2001, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, and two events in 2013. These events produced flows with runout distances of as far as 19 km from the dome, and with aerial extents of as much as 22.3 km2. Over the 12 years of this period of investigation, there is no trend in deposit area or runout distances of the flows through time. However, two potentially predictive features are apparent in our data set: 1) the largest dome-collapse events occurred when the dome exceeded a relative height (from dome base to top) of 500 m; 2) collapses were preceded by thermal anomalies in six of the cases in which ASTER data were available, although the areal extent of these precursory thermal areas did not generally match the size of the collapse events as indicated by scar area (volumes are available for three collapse events). Linking the deposit distribution to the area, location, and temperature profiles of the dome-collapse scars provides a basis for determining similar future hazards at Shiveluch and at other dome-forming volcanoes. Because of these factors, we suggest that volcanic hazard analysis and mitigation at volcanoes with similar BAF emplacement behavior may be improved with detailed, synoptic studies, especially when it is possible to access and interpret appropriate remote sensing data in near-real time.

Structures and lithofacies of inferred silicic conduits in the Paraná-Etendeka LIP, southernmost Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simões, M. S.; Lima, E. F.; Sommer, C. A.; Rossetti, L. M. M.

2018-04-01

Extensive silicic units in the Paraná-Etendeka LIP have been long interpreted as pyroclastic density currents (rheomorphic ignimbrites) derived from the Messum Complex in Namibia. In recent literature, however, they have been characterized as effusive lava flows and domes. In this paper we describe structures and lithofacies related to postulated silicic lava feeder conduits at Mato Perso, São Marcos and Jaquirana-Cambará do Sul areas in southern Brazil. Inferred conduits are at least 15-25 m in width and the lithofacies include variably vesicular monomictic welded and non-welded breccias in the margins to poorly vesicular, banded, spherulitic and microfractured vitrophyres in the central parts. Flat-lying coherent vitrophyres and massive obsidian are considered to be the subaerial equivalents of the conduits. Large-scale, regional tectonic structures in southern Brazil include the NE-SW aligned Porto Alegre Suture, Leão and Açotea faults besides the Antas Lineament, a curved tectonic feature accompanying the bed of Antas river. South of the Antas Lineament smaller-scale, NW-SE lineaments limit the exposure areas of the inferred conduits. NE-SW and subordinate NW-SE structures within this smaller-scale lineaments are represented by the main postulated conduit outcrops and are parallel to the dominant sub-vertical banding in the widespread banded vitrophyre lithofacies. Upper lava flows display flat-lying foliation, pipe-like and spherical vesicles and have better developed microlites. Petrographic characteristics of the silicic vitrophyres indicate that crystal-poor magmas underwent distinct cooling paths for each inferred conduit area. The vitrophyre chemical composition is defined by the evolution of trachydacitic/dacitic vitrophyres with 62-65 wt% SiO2 to rhyodacite and rhyolite with 66-68 wt% SiO2. The more evolved rocks are assigned to the latest intrusive grey vitrophyre outcropping in the center of the conduits. Degassing pathways formed during fragmentation and fracturing episodes within the conduits may have helped to inhibit the explosivity of the eruptions. Based on the documented lithofacies architecture, we attribute the source of the silicic lava flows in the studied localities to tectonic-controlled, local conduits, rather than pyroclastic density currents from distant vent areas.

Pyroclastic density currents at Etna volcano, Italy: The 11 February 2014 case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andronico, Daniele; Di Roberto, Alessio; De Beni, Emanuela; Behncke, Boris; Bertagnini, Antonella; Del Carlo, Paola; Pompilio, Massimo

2018-05-01

On 11 February 2014, a considerable volume (0.82 to 1.29 × 106 m3) of unstable and hot rocks detached from the lower-eastern flank of the New Southeast Crater (NSEC) at Mt. Etna, producing a pyroclastic density current (PDC). This event was by far the most extensive ever recorded at Mt. Etna since 1999 and has attracted the attention of the scientific community and civil protection to this type of volcanic phenomena, usually occurring without any clear volcanological precursor and especially toward the mechanisms which led to the crater collapse, the PDC flow dynamics and the related volcanic hazard. We present here the results of the investigation carried out on the 11 February 2014 collapse and PDC events; data were obtained through a multidisciplinary approach which includes the analysis of photograph, images from visible and thermal surveillance cameras, and the detailed stratigraphic, textural and petrographic investigations of the PDC deposits. Results suggest that the collapse and consequent PDC was the result of a progressive thermal and mechanical weakening of the cone by repeated surges of magma passing through it during the eruptive activity prior to the 11 February 2014 events, as well as pervasive heating and corrosion by volcanic gas. The collapse of the lower portion of the NSEC was followed by the formation of a relatively hot (up to 750 °C) dense flow which travelled about 2.3 km from the source, stopping shortly after the break of the slope and emplacing the main body of the deposit which ranges between 0.39 and 0.92 × 106 m3. This flow was accompanied a relatively hot cloud of fine ash that dispersed over a wider area. The results presented may contribute to the understanding of this very complex type of volcanic phenomena at Mt. Etna and in similar volcanic settings of the world. In addition, results will lay the basis for the modeling of crater collapse and relative PDC events and consequently for the planning of hazard assessment strategies aimed at reducing the potential risks to scientists and tens of thousands of tourists visiting Etna's summit areas every year.

Young Lunar Volcanic Features: How Did They Form?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elder, Catherine; Hayne, Paul O.; Donaldson Hanna, Kerri; Bandfield, Joshua; Ghent, Rebecca; Williams, Jean-Pierre; Paige, David A.

2016-10-01

Irregular mare patches (IMPs) on the Moon are younger than 100 Myr [1, 2], but their formation mechanism is unknown. Previous work has suggested caldera collapse [3], explosive outgassing [2], pyroclastic eruptions [4], basaltic lava flows [1, 5], and regolith drainage into graben [6]. Here we present observations from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Diviner thermal radiometer of the four largest IMPs. These observations suggest that the surfaces of the IMPs are on average only slightly rockier than the surrounding regolith. The nighttime cooling curves of the IMPs and the surrounding regolith do not intersect, which suggests that there is no layering in the top 5-10 cm of the IMPs. We also measure the thermal inertia (parameterized through the "H-parameter" [7]) of the IMPs. We find that the thermal inertia of Sosigenes is higher than that of the surrounding regolith (probably due to mass wasting), the thermal inertia of Cauchy-5 and Maskelyne is not significantly different from the surrounding regolith, and the thermal inertia of the largest smooth mound in Ina is significantly lower than the surrounding regolith. Only some IMPs are in topographic depressions or associated with graben, so neither caldera collapse nor drainage into graben can explain the formation of all IMPs. It is unlikely that basaltic lava flows would lead to a thermal inertia lower than that of lunar regolith. Therefore, of the formation mechanisms proposed to date, pyroclastic eruptions or another type of explosive outgassing [e.g. 2] possibly accompanied by basaltic lava flows or drainage into graben best explain the available observations of IMPs.[1] Braden, S. et al. (2014) Nature Geo 7, 787-791. [2] Schultz, P. H. et al. (2006) Nature 444, 184-186. [3] El-Baz, F. (1973) Apollo 17: Preliminary Science Report 330, 30-13. [4] Carter, L. B. et al. (2013) LPSC 44, 2146. [5] Garry, W. B. et al. (2012) JGR 117, E00H31. [6] Qiao, L. et al. (2002) LPSC 47, 2002. [7] Vasavada, A. R. et al. (2012) JGR 117, E00H18.Part of this work was performed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology under contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Spatio-temporal Evolution of Velocity Structure, Concentration and Grain-size Stratification within Experimental Particulate Gravity Flows: Potential Input Parameters for Numerical Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCaffrey, W.; Choux, C.; Baas, J.; Haughton, P.

2001-12-01

Little is known about the combined spatio-temporal evolution of velocity structure, concentration and grain size stratification within particulate gravity currents. Yet these data are of primary importance for numerical model validation, prior to application to natural flows, such as pyroclastic density currents and turbidity currents. A comprehensive study was carried out on a series of experimental particulate gravity flows of 5% by volume initial concentration. The sediment analogue was polydisperse silica flour (mean grain size ~8 microns). A uniform 30 liter suspension was prepared in an overhead reservoir, then allowed to drain (in about one minute) into an flume 10 m long and 0.3 m wide, water-filled to a depth of 0.3 m. Each flow was siphoned continuously for 52 s at 5 different heights (spaced evenly from 0.6 to 4.6 cm) with samples collected at a frequency of 0.25Hz, generating 325 samples for grain-size and concentration analysis. Simultaneously, six 4-MHz UDVP (Ultrasonic Doppler Velocity Profiling) probes recorded the horizontal component of flow velocity. All but the highest probe were positioned at the same height as the siphons. The sampling location was shifted 1.32m down-current for each of five nominally identical flows, yielding sample locations at 1.32, 2.64, 3.96, 5.28 and 6.60m from the inlet point. These data can be combined to give both the temporal and spatial evolution of a single idealised flow. The concentration data can be used to defined the structure of the flow. The flow first propagated as a jet, then became stratified. The length of the head increased with increasing distance from the reservoir (although the head propagation velocity was uniform). The maximum concentration was located at the base of the flow towards the rear of the head. Grain-size analysis showed that the head was enriched in coarse particles even at the most distal sampling location. Distinct flow stratification developed at a distance between 1.3 m and 2.6 m from the reservoir. In the body of the current, the suspended sediment was normally graded, whereas the tail exhibited inverse grading. This inverse grading may be linked to coarse particles in the head being swept upwards and backwards, then falling back into the body of the current. Alternatively, body turbulence may inhibit the settling of coarse particles. Turbulence may also explain the presence of coarse particles in the flow's head, with turbulence intensity apparently correlated with the flow competence.

Venus volcanism - Initial analysis from Magellan data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Head, J. W.; Campbell, D. B.; Elachi, C.; Guest, J. E.; McKenzie, D. P.; Saunders, R. S.; Schaber, G. G.; Schubert, G.

1991-04-01

Magellan images confirm that volcanism is widespread and has been fundamentally important in the formation and evolution of the crust of Venus. High-resolution imaging data reveal evidence for intrusion (dike formation and cryptodomes) and extrusion (a wide range of lava flows). Also observed are thousands of small shield volcanoes, larger edifices up to several hundred kilometers in diameter, massive outpourings of lavas, and local pyroclastic deposits. Although most features are consistent with basaltic compositions, a number of large pancake-like domes are morphologically similar to rhyolite-dacite domes on earth. Flows and sinuous channels with lengths of many hundreds of kilometers suggest that extremely high effusion rates or very fluid magmas (perhaps komantiites) may be present. Volcanism is evident in various tectonic settings (coronae, linear extensional and compressional zones, mountain belts, upland rises, highland plateaus, and tesserae). Volcanic resurfacing rates appear to be low (less than 2 cu km/yr) but the significance of dike formation and intrusions, and the mode of crustal formation and loss remain to be established.

Venus volcanism: Initial analysis from Magellan data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Head, J.W.; Campbell, D.B.; Elachi, C.; Guest, J.E.; Mckenzie, D.P.; Saunders, R.S.; Schaber, G.G.; Schubert, G.

1991-01-01

Magellan images confirm that volcanism is widespread and has been fundamentally important in the formation and evolution of the crust of Venus. High-resolution imaging data reveal evidence for intrusion (dike formation and cryptodomes) and extrusion (a wide range of lava flows). Also observed are thousands of small shield volcanoes, larger edifices up to several hundred kilometers in diameter, massive outpourings of lavas, and local pyroclastic deposits. Although most features are consistent with basaltic compositions, a number of large pancake-like domes are morphologically similar to rhyolite-dacite domes on Earth. Flows and sinuous channels with lengths of many hundreds of kilometers suggest that extremely high effusion rates or very fluid magmas (perhaps komatiites) may be present. Volcanism is evident in various tectonic settings (coronae, linear extensional and compressional zones, mountain belts, upland rises, highland plateaus, and tesserae). Volcanic resurfacing rates appear to be low (less than 2 km3/yr) but the significance of dike formation and intrusions, and the mode of crustal formation and loss remain to be established.

Guatemala Volcanic Eruption Captured in NASA Spacecraft Image

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-02-19

Guatemala's Fuego volcano continued its frequent moderate eruptions in early February 2015. Pyroclastic flows from the eruptions descended multiple drainages, and the eruptions sent ash plumes spewing over Guatemala City 22 miles (35 kilometers) away, and forced closure of the international airport. The Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) instrument onboard NASA's Terra spacecraft captured a new image of the region on February 17. Fuego is on the left side of the image. The thermal infrared inset image shows the summit crater activity (white equals hot), and remnant heat in the flows on the flank. Other active volcanoes shown in the image are Acatenango close by to the north, Volcano de Agua in the middle of the image, and Pacaya volcano to the east. The image covers an area of 19 by 31 miles (30 by 49.5 kilometers), and is located at 14.5 degrees north, 90.9 degrees west. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA19297

Catastrophic debris avalanche deposit of Socompa volcano, northern Chile

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Francis, P. W.; Gardeweg, M.; Ramirez, C. F.; Rothery, D. A.

1985-01-01

Between 10,000 and 500 yr ago the Socompa volcano in northern Chile experienced a catastrophic collapse of a 70 deg sector of the original cone, causing a debris avalanche that descended nearly 3000 m vertically and traveled more than 35 km from the volcano. The deposits cover some 490 sq km and have a minimum volume of 15 cu km. Parts of the original cone slumped in a nearly coherent form and are now preserved as large blocks more than 400 m high. The primary avalanche traveled northwestward over sloping ground before coming to rest transiently, forming a prominent marginal ridge, and then slid away northeastward to form a secondary flow, overriding much of the primary avalanche deposit. Abundant, prismatic, jointed dacite blocks within the debris avalanche deposit and a thin, fine-grained pumiceous deposit beneath it suggest that the collapse was triggered by magmatic activity and may have been accompanied by a violent lateral blast. Collapse was followed by eruption of pumiceous pyroclastic flows and extrusion of voluminous dacite domes.

Post-depositional fracturing and subsidence of pumice flow deposits: Lascar Volcano, Chile.

PubMed

Whelley, Patrick L; Jay, J; Calder, E S; Pritchard, M E; Cassidy, N J; Alcaraz, S; Pavez, A

Unconsolidated pyroclastic flow deposits of the 1993 eruption of Lascar Volcano, Chile, have, with time, become increasingly dissected by a network of deeply penetrating fractures. The fracture network comprises orthogonal sets of decimeter-wide linear voids that form a pseudo-polygonal grid visible on the deposit surface. In this work, we combine shallow surface geophysical imaging tools with remote sensing observations and direct field measurements of the deposit to investigate these fractures and their underlying causal mechanisms. Based on ground penetrating radar images, the fractures are observed to have propagated to depths of up to 10 m. In addition, orbiting radar interferometry shows that deposit subsidence of up to 1 cm/year -1 occurred between 1993 and 1996 with continued subsidence occurring at a slower rate thereafter. In situ measurements show that 1 m below the surface, the 1993 deposits remain 5°C to 15°C hotter, 18 years after emplacement, than adjacent deposits. Based on the observed subsidence as well as estimated cooling rates, the fractures are inferred to be the combined result of deaeration, thermal contraction, and sedimentary compaction in the months to years following deposition. Significant environmental factors, including regional earthquakes in 1995 and 2007, accelerated settling at punctuated moments in time. The spatially variable fracture pattern relates to surface slope and lithofacies variations as well as substrate lithology. Similar fractures have been reported in other ignimbrites but are generally exposed only in cross section and are often attributed to formation by external forces. Here we suggest that such interpretations should be invoked with caution, and deformation including post-emplacement subsidence and fracturing of loosely packed ash-rich deposits in the months to years post-emplacement is a process inherent in the settling of pyroclastic material.

Thickness distribution of a cooling pyroclastic flow deposit on Augustine Volcano, Alaska: Optimization using InSAR, FEMs, and an adaptive mesh algorithm

USGS Publications Warehouse

Masterlark, Timothy; Lu, Zhong; Rykhus, Russell P.

2006-01-01

Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) imagery documents the consistent subsidence, during the interval 1992–1999, of a pyroclastic flow deposit (PFD) emplaced during the 1986 eruption of Augustine Volcano, Alaska. We construct finite element models (FEMs) that simulate thermoelastic contraction of the PFD to account for the observed subsidence. Three-dimensional problem domains of the FEMs include a thermoelastic PFD embedded in an elastic substrate. The thickness of the PFD is initially determined from the difference between post- and pre-eruption digital elevation models (DEMs). The initial excess temperature of the PFD at the time of deposition, 640 °C, is estimated from FEM predictions and an InSAR image via standard least-squares inverse methods. Although the FEM predicts the major features of the observed transient deformation, systematic prediction errors (RMSE = 2.2 cm) are most likely associated with errors in the a priori PFD thickness distribution estimated from the DEM differences. We combine an InSAR image, FEMs, and an adaptive mesh algorithm to iteratively optimize the geometry of the PFD with respect to a minimized misfit between the predicted thermoelastic deformation and observed deformation. Prediction errors from an FEM, which includes an optimized PFD geometry and the initial excess PFD temperature estimated from the least-squares analysis, are sub-millimeter (RMSE = 0.3 mm). The average thickness (9.3 m), maximum thickness (126 m), and volume (2.1 × 107m3) of the PFD, estimated using the adaptive mesh algorithm, are about twice as large as the respective estimations for the a priori PFD geometry. Sensitivity analyses suggest unrealistic PFD thickness distributions are required for initial excess PFD temperatures outside of the range 500–800 °C.

North Qorveh volcanic field, western Iran: eruption styles, petrology and geological setting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asiabanha, Abbas; Bardintzeff, Jacques-Marie; Veysi, Sara

2017-11-01

In the metamorphic Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone of western Iran, the "North Qorveh Volcanic Field" is constituted by Pleistocene scoria cones and associated deposits. Most scoria cones in the area display a simple structure resulted by Strombolian eruptions. Some of them are more complex, such as the Kuh-e Qarineh cone in where basaltic scoriaceous falls are underlain by felsic pyroclastic density-current deposits due to gas streaming at the base of eruption columns and are overlain by basaltic lava flows linked to basaltic fire fountains. Thus, it seems that the latter cones have been likely constructed by more or less violent Strombolian and then Hawaiian activities. Two types of enclaves have been found: gneissic xenoliths scavenged from the metamorphic basement and ultramafic-mafic (37-47 wt% SiO2) cumulates with the same paragenesis as the basaltic scoriaceous falls and lava flows. Three classes of cumulates were identified: (1) apatite mica hornblendite; (2) apatite hornblendite; and (3) olivine biotitite. Moreover, the mineral assemblage of basaltic rocks in the area (olivine (Fo79 - 83) + diopside + pargasite + phlogopite + Fe-Ti oxides ± plagioclase ± apatite) is very similar to lamprophyric facies. So, it seems that the parental magma was originated by mantle metasomatism. Although the felsic pyroclastic density-current deposits show a calcalkaline trend, the whole-rock and mineral chemistry of the basaltic rocks in the area imply an alkaline affinity. Also, the samples show subduction and continental collision signatures. Thus, the alkaline composition of this young volcanic centre in a metamorphic terrain could be explained by descending slab-break off and reactivation of small-scale convection at the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary.

Magnetic mineralogy and rock magnetic properties of silicate and carbonatite rocks from Oldoinyo Lengai volcano (Tanzania)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mattsson, H. B.; Balashova, A.; Almqvist, B. S. G.; Bosshard-Stadlin, S. A.; Weidendorfer, D.

2018-06-01

Oldoinyo Lengai, a stratovolcano in northern Tanzania, is most famous for being the only currently active carbonatite volcano on Earth. The bulk of the volcanic edifice is dominated by eruptive products produced by silica-undersaturated, peralkaline, silicate magmas (effusive, explosive and/or as cumulates at depth). The recent (2007-2008) explosive eruption produced the first ever recorded pyroclastic flows at this volcano and the accidental lithics incorporated into the pyroclastic flows represent a broad variety of different rock types, comprising both extrusive and intrusive varieties, in addition to various types of cumulates. This mix of different accidental lithics provides a unique insight into the inner workings of the world's only active carbonatite volcano. Here, we focus on the magnetic mineralogy and the rock magnetic properties of a wide selection of samples spanning the spectrum of Oldoinyo Lengai rock types compositionally, as well from a textural point of view. Here we show that the magnetic properties of most extrusive silicate rocks are dominated by magnetite-ulvöspinel solid solutions, and that pyrrhotite plays a larger role in the magnetic properties of the intrusive silicate rocks. The natrocarbonatitic lavas, for which the volcano is best known for, show distinctly different magnetic properties in comparison with the silicate rocks. This discrepancy may be explained by abundant alabandite crystals/blebs in the groundmass of the natrocarbonatitic lavas. A detailed combination of petrological/mineralogical studies with geophysical investigations is an absolute necessity in order to understand, and to better constrain, the overall architecture and inner workings of the subvolcanic plumbing system. The results presented here may also have implications for the quest in order to explain the genesis of the uniquely natrocarbonatitic magmas characteristic of Oldoinyo Lengai.

Effects of volcanic deposit disaggregation on exposed water composition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Back, W. E.; Genareau, K. D.

2016-12-01

Explosive volcanic eruptions produce a variety of hazards. Pyroclastic material can be introduced to water through ash fallout, pyroclastic flows entering water bodies, and/or lahars. Remobilization of tephras can occur soon after eruption or centuries later, introducing additional pyroclastic material into the environment. Introduction of pyroclastic material may alter the dissolved element concentration and pH of exposed waters, potentially impacting drinking water supplies, agriculture, and ecology. This study focuses on the long-term impacts of volcanic deposits on water composition due to the mechanical breakup of volcanic deposits over time. Preliminary work has shown that mechanical milling of volcanic deposits will cause significant increases in dissolved element concentrations, conductivity, and pH of aqueous solutions. Pyroclastic material from seven eruptions sites was collected, mechanically milled to produce grain sizes <32 microns, and a standard ash leachate protocol was performed. Milled tephras were analyzed using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and water leachates were analyzed with Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical-Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Mechanical disaggregation increases the surface area of the material as well as the amount of active surface sites for leaching. The samples tested consist of felsic (Taupo and Valles Caldera), intermediate (Kelud, Soufriere Hills, Ruapehu), mafic (Lathrop Wells) and ultramafic (mantle xenoliths) volcanic deposits. Lathrop Wells has an average bulk concentration of 49.15 wt.% SiO2, 6.11 wt. % MgO, and 8.39 wt. % CaO and produces leachate concentrations of 85.69 mg/kg for Ca and 37.22 mg/kg for Mg. Taupo and Valles Caldera samples have a bulk concentration of 72.9 wt.% SiO2, 0.59 wt. % MgO, and 1.48 wt. % CaO, and produces leachate concentrations of 4.08 mg/kg for Ca and 1.56 mg/kg for Mg. Similar testing will be conducted on the intermediate and ultramafic samples to test the hypothesis that bulk magma composition and mineralogy will directly relate to the increased dissolved element concentration of exposed waters. The measured effects on aqueous solutions will aid in evaluation of impacts to marine and freshwater systems exposed to volcanic deposits.

Pyroclastic deposits as a guide for reconstructing the multi-stage evolution of the Somma-Vesuvius Caldera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cioni, Raffaello; Santacroce, Roberto; Sbrana, Alessandro

The evolution of the Somma-Vesuvius caldera has been reconstructed based on geomorphic observations, detailed stratigraphic studies, and the distribution and facies variations of pyroclastic and epiclastic deposits produced by the past 20,000years of volcanic activity. The present caldera is a multicyclic, nested structure related to the emptying of large, shallow reservoirs during Plinian eruptions. The caldera cuts a stratovolcano whose original summit was at 1600-1900m elevation, approximately 500m north of the present crater. Four caldera-forming events have been recognized, each occurring during major Plinian eruptions (18,300 BP "Pomici di Base", 8000 BP "Mercato Pumice", 3400 BP "Avellino Pumice" and AD 79 "Pompeii Pumice"). The timing of each caldera collapse is defined by peculiar "collapse-marking" deposits, characterized by large amounts of lithic clasts from the outer margins of the magma chamber and its apophysis as well as from the shallow volcanic and sedimentary units. In proximal sites the deposits consist of coarse breccias resulting from emplacement of either dense pyroclastic flows (Pomici di Base and Pompeii eruptions) or fall layers (Avellino eruption). During each caldera collapse, the destabilization of the shallow magmatic system induced decompression of hydrothermal-magmatic and hydrothermal fluids hosted in the wall rocks. This process, and the magma-ground water interaction triggered by the fracturing of the thick Mesozoic carbonate basement hosting the aquifer system, strongly enhanced the explosivity of the eruptions.

Volcanology and eruptive styles of Barren Island: an active mafic stratovolcano in the Andaman Sea, NE Indian Ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheth, Hetu C.; Ray, Jyotiranjan S.; Bhutani, Rajneesh; Kumar, Alok; Smitha, R. S.

2009-11-01

Barren Island (India) is a relatively little studied, little known active volcano in the Andaman Sea, and the northernmost active volcano of the great Indonesian arc. The volcano is built of prehistoric (possibly late Pleistocene) lava flows (dominantly basalt and basaltic andesite, with minor andesite) intercalated with volcaniclastic deposits (tuff breccias, and ash beds deposited by pyroclastic falls and surges), which are exposed along a roughly circular caldera wall. There are indications of a complete phreatomagmatic tephra ring around the exposed base of the volcano. A polygenetic cinder cone has existed at the centre of the caldera and produced basalt-basaltic andesite aa and blocky aa lava flows, as well as tephra, during historic eruptions (1787-1832) and three recent eruptions (1991, 1994-95, 2005-06). The recent aa flows include a toothpaste aa flow, with tilted and overturned crustal slabs carried atop an aa core, as well as locally developed tumuli-like elliptical uplifts having corrugated crusts. Based on various evidence we infer that it belongs to either the 1991 or the 1994-95 eruptions. The volcano has recently (2008) begun yet another eruption, so far only of tephra. We make significantly different interpretations of several features of the volcano than previous workers. This study of the volcanology and eruptive styles of the Barren Island volcano lays the ground for detailed geochemical-isotopic and petrogenetic work, and provides clues to what the volcano can be expected to do in the future.

Transport and deposition processes of the hydrothermal blast of the 6 August 2012 Te Maari eruption, Mt. Tongariro

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Breard, E. C. P.; Lube, G.; Cronin, S. J.; Valentine, G. A.

2015-11-01

The 2012 eruption of Tongariro volcano (New Zealand) produced highly mobile, low-temperature, blast-derived pyroclastic density currents after partial collapse of the western flank of the Upper Te Maari crater. Despite a low volume (340,000 m3), the flows traveled up to 2.5 km from source, covering a total area of 6.1 km2. Along one of the blast axes, freshly exposed, proximal-to-distal sedimentary structures and grain-size data suggest emplacement of the fining upward tripartite depositional sequence (massive, stratified, and laminated) under a dilute and strongly longitudinally zoned turbulent density current. While the zoning formed in the deposit in the first 1500 m of runout, the current progressively waned to the extent where it transported a nearly homogenous grain-size mixture at the liftoff position. Our data indicate that after the passage of an erosive flow front, massive unit A was deposited under a rapid-suspension sedimentation regime. Unit B was deposited under a traction-dominated regime generated by a subsequent portion of the flow moving at lower velocities and with lower sediment transport capacity than the portion depositing unit A. The final and slowest flow zone deposited the finest particles under weakly tractive conditions. Transport and emplacement dynamics inferred in this study show strong similarities between hydrothermal explosions, magmatic blasts, and high-energy dilute PDCs. The common occurrence of hydrothermal fields on volcanic flanks points to this hazard being an under-appreciated one at stratovolcanoes worldwide.

Raman spectroscopy of volcanic lavas and inclusions of relevance to astrobiological exploration.

PubMed

Jorge-Villar, Susana E; Edwards, Howell G M

2010-07-13

Volcanic eruptions and lava flows comprise one of the most highly stressed terrestrial environments for the survival of biological organisms; the destruction of botanical and biological colonies by molten lava, pyroclastic flows, lahars, poisonous gas emissions and the deposition of highly toxic materials from fumaroles is the normal expectation from such events. However, the role of lichens and cyanobacteria in the earlier colonization of volcanic lava outcrops has now been recognized. In this paper, we build upon earlier Raman spectroscopic studies on extremophilic colonies in old lava flows to assess the potential of finding evidence of biological colonization in more recent lava deposits that would inform, first, the new colonization of these rocks and also provide evidence for the relict presence of biological colonies that existed before the volcanism occurred and were engulfed by the lava. In this research, samples were collected from a recent expedition to the active volcano at Kilauea, Hawaii, which comprises very recent lava flows, active fumaroles and volcanic rocks that had broken through to the ocean and had engulfed a coral reef. The Raman spectra indicated that biological and geobiological signatures could be identified in the presence of geological matrices, which is encouraging for the planned exploration of Mars, where it is believed that there is evidence of an active volcanism that perhaps could have preserved traces of biological activity that once existed on the planet's surface, especially in sites near the old Martian oceans.

Flow of variably fluidized granular masses across three-dimensional terrain I. Coulomb mixture theory

USGS Publications Warehouse

Iverson, R.M.; Denlinger, R.P.

2001-01-01

Rock avalanches, debris flows, and related phenomena consist of grain-fluid mixtures that move across three-dimensional terrain. In all these phenomena the same basic forces, govern motion, but differing mixture compositions, initial conditions, and boundary conditions yield varied dynamics and deposits. To predict motion of diverse grain-fluid masses from initiation to deposition, we develop a depth-averaged, threedimensional mathematical model that accounts explicitly for solid- and fluid-phase forces and interactions. Model input consists of initial conditions, path topography, basal and internal friction angles of solid grains, viscosity of pore fluid, mixture density, and a mixture diffusivity that controls pore pressure dissipation. Because these properties are constrained by independent measurements, the model requires little or no calibration and yields readily testable predictions. In the limit of vanishing Coulomb friction due to persistent high fluid pressure the model equations describe motion of viscous floods, and in the limit of vanishing fluid stress they describe one-phase granular avalanches. Analysis of intermediate phenomena such as debris flows and pyroclastic flows requires use of the full mixture equations, which can simulate interaction of high-friction surge fronts with more-fluid debris that follows. Special numerical methods (described in the companion paper) are necessary to solve the full equations, but exact analytical solutions of simplified equations provide critical insight. An analytical solution for translational motion of a Coulomb mixture accelerating from rest and descending a uniform slope demonstrates that steady flow can occur only asymptotically. A solution for the asymptotic limit of steady flow in a rectangular channel explains why shear may be concentrated in narrow marginal bands that border a plug of translating debris. Solutions for static equilibrium of source areas describe conditions of incipient slope instability, and other static solutions show that nonuniform distributions of pore fluid pressure produce bluntly tapered vertical profiles at the margins of deposits. Simplified equations and solutions may apply in additional situations identified by a scaling analysis. Assessment of dimensionless scaling parameters also reveals that miniature laboratory experiments poorly simulate the dynamics of full-scale flows in which fluid effects are significant. Therefore large geophysical flows can exhibit dynamics not evident at laboratory scales.

High-resolution DEM Effects on Geophysical Flow Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, M. R.; Bursik, M. I.; Stefanescu, R. E. R.; Patra, A. K.

2014-12-01

Geophysical mass flow models are numerical models that approximate pyroclastic flow events and can be used to assess the volcanic hazards certain areas may face. One such model, TITAN2D, approximates granular-flow physics based on a depth-averaged analytical model using inputs of basal and internal friction, material volume at a coordinate point, and a GIS in the form of a digital elevation model (DEM). The volume of modeled material propagates over the DEM in a way that is governed by the slope and curvature of the DEM surface and the basal and internal friction angles. Results from TITAN2D are highly dependent upon the inputs to the model. Here we focus on a single input: the DEM, which can vary in resolution. High resolution DEMs are advantageous in that they contain more surface details than lower-resolution models, presumably allowing modeled flows to propagate in a way more true to the real surface. However, very high resolution DEMs can create undesirable artifacts in the slope and curvature that corrupt flow calculations. With high-resolution DEMs becoming more widely available and preferable for use, determining the point at which high resolution data is less advantageous compared to lower resolution data becomes important. We find that in cases of high resolution, integer-valued DEMs, very high-resolution is detrimental to good model outputs when moderate-to-low (<10-15°) slope angles are involved. At these slope angles, multiple adjacent DEM cell elevation values are equal due to the need for the DEM to approximate the low slope with a limited set of integer values for elevation. The first derivative of the elevation surface thus becomes zero. In these cases, flow propagation is inhibited by these spurious zero-slope conditions. Here we present evidence for this "terracing effect" from 1) a mathematically defined simulated elevation model, to demonstrate the terracing effects of integer valued data, and 2) a real-world DEM where terracing must be addressed. We discuss the effect on the flow model output and present possible solutions for rectification of the problem.

Nuées ardentes of 22 November 1994 at Merapi volcano, Java, Indonesia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Abdurachman, E.K.; Bourdier, J.-L.; Voight, B.

2000-01-01

Nuées ardentes associated with dome collapse on 22 November 1994, at Merapi volcano traveled to the south–southwest as far as 6.5 km, and collectively accumulated roughly 2.5–3 million cubic meters of deposits. The damaged area comprises 9.5 km2 and is covered by two nuée ardente facies, a conventional “Merapi-type”, valley-fill block-and-ash flow facies and a pyroclastic surge facies. The proximal deposits reflect the accumulation of dozens of nuées ardentes, with many subsidiary flow units. The distal deposits are more simply organized, as only a few individual events reached to distances >3.5 km. The stratigraphic relationships north of Turgo hill indicate that the surge deposits are a facies of particularly mobile nuées ardentes that also deposited channeled block-and-ash flow facies. They further suggest that the surge facies beyond the channel margins correlate laterally with a finer-grained sublayer locally developed at the base of the block-and-ash flow facies. Eyewitness reports suggest that the emplacement of the block-and-ash flow facies in the distal part of the Boyong river may have followed, by a short time interval, the destruction and deposition of the surge facies at Turgo village. The stratigraphy is in accord with the eyewitness reports. The surge facies was emplaced by a dilute surge current, detached from the same dome-collapse nuée ardente that, as a separate flow unit, subsequently emplaced the distal block-and-ash deposit in the Boyong valley. The detachment occurred at higher elevations, likely at or above the slope break at about 2000 m elevation. This flow separation enabled the surge current to shortcut over the landscape and to emplace its deposit even as the block-and-ash flow continued its tortuous southward movement in the Boyong channel. Dome-collapse nuée ardente activity formed the bulk of the eruption, which was accompanied by virtually no significant vertical summit explosive activity.

Flow of variably fluidized granular masses across three-dimensional terrain: 1. Coulomb mixture theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iverson, Richard M.; Denlinger, Roger P.

2001-01-01

Rock avalanches, debris flows, and related phenomena consist of grain-fluid mixtures that move across three-dimensional terrain. In all these phenomena the same basic forces govern motion, but differing mixture compositions, initial conditions, and boundary conditions yield varied dynamics and deposits. To predict motion of diverse grain-fluid masses from initiation to deposition, we develop a depth-averaged, three-dimensional mathematical model that accounts explicitly for solid- and fluid-phase forces and interactions. Model input consists of initial conditions, path topography, basal and internal friction angles of solid grains, viscosity of pore fluid, mixture density, and a mixture diffusivity that controls pore pressure dissipation. Because these properties are constrained by independent measurements, the model requires little or no calibration and yields readily testable predictions. In the limit of vanishing Coulomb friction due to persistent high fluid pressure the model equations describe motion of viscous floods, and in the limit of vanishing fluid stress they describe one-phase granular avalanches. Analysis of intermediate phenomena such as debris flows and pyroclastic flows requires use of the full mixture equations, which can simulate interaction of high-friction surge fronts with more-fluid debris that follows. Special numerical methods (described in the companion paper) are necessary to solve the full equations, but exact analytical solutions of simplified equations provide critical insight. An analytical solution for translational motion of a Coulomb mixture accelerating from rest and descending a uniform slope demonstrates that steady flow can occur only asymptotically. A solution for the asymptotic limit of steady flow in a rectangular channel explains why shear may be concentrated in narrow marginal bands that border a plug of translating debris. Solutions for static equilibrium of source areas describe conditions of incipient slope instability, and other static solutions show that nonuniform distributions of pore fluid pressure produce bluntly tapered vertical profiles at the margins of deposits. Simplified equations and solutions may apply in additional situations identified by a scaling analysis. Assessment of dimensionless scaling parameters also reveals that miniature laboratory experiments poorly simulate the dynamics of full-scale flows in which fluid effects are significant. Therefore large geophysical flows can exhibit dynamics not evident at laboratory scales.

Geophysical image of the hydrothermal system of Merapi volcano

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Byrdina, S.; Friedel, S.; Vandemeulebrouck, J.; Budi-Santoso, A.; Suhari; Suryanto, W.; Rizal, M. H.; Winata, E.; Kusdaryanto

2017-01-01

We present an image of the hydrothermal system of Merapi volcano based on results from electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), self-potential, and CO2 flux mappings. The ERT models identify two distinct low-resistivity bodies interpreted as two parts of a probably interconnected hydrothermal system: at the base of the south flank and in the summit area. In the summit area, a sharp resistivity contrast at ancient crater rim Pasar-Bubar separates a conductive hydrothermal system (20-50 Ω m) from the resistive andesite lava flows and pyroclastic deposits (2000-50,000 Ω m). The existence of preferential fluid circulation along this ancient crater rim is also evidenced by self-potential data. The significative diffuse CO2 degassing (with a median value of 400 g m-2 d-1) is observed in a narrow vicinity of the active crater rim and close to the ancient rim of Pasar-Bubar. The total CO2 degassing across the accessible summital area with a surface of 1.4 ṡ 105 m2 is around 20 t d-1. Before the 2010 eruption, Toutain et al. (2009) estimated a higher value of the total diffuse degassing from the summit area (about 200-230 t d-1). This drop in the diffuse degassing from the summit area can be related to the decrease in the magmatic activity, to the change of the summit morphology, to the approximations used by Toutain et al. (2009), or, more likely, to a combination of these factors. On the south flank of Merapi, the resistivity model shows spectacular stratification. While surficial recent andesite lava flows are characterized by resistivity exceeding 100,000 Ω m, resistivity as low as 10 Ω m has been encountered at a depth of 200 m at the base of the south flank and was interpreted as a presence of the hydrothermal system. No evidence of the hydrothermal system is found on the basis of the north flank at the same depth. This asymmetry might be caused by the asymmetry of the heat supply source of Merapi whose activity is moving south or/and to the asymmetry in topography caused by the presence of Merbabu volcano in the north. On the basis of our results we suggest that stratified pyroclastic deposits on the south flank of Merapi screen and separate the flow of hydrothermal fluids with the gaseous part rising through the crater rims, while the liquid part is flowing downwards to the base of the edifice.

Internal wave deposits in Jurassic Kermanshah pelagic carbonates and radiolarites (Kermanshah area, West Iran)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdi, Asad; Gharaie, Mohamad Hosein Mahmudy; Bádenas, Beatriz

2014-12-01

We report eventites generated by turbulence events triggered by breaking internal waves in Jurassic pelagic muds deposited in a graben area located between the Arabian and Bisotoun carbonate platforms, at the Kermanshah basin (West Iran). The 43 m-thick studied Pliensbachian-Aalenian succession at Kermanshah includes sponge spicule-radiolarian limestones and cherts with cm- to dm-thick intercalations of pyroclastic beds and coarse-grained deposits formed by neritic-derived grains and reworked pelagic material. Breaking of internal waves in localized areas reworked the available sediment on sea floor, including the erosion of cohesive pelagic muds and the resuspension of neritic-derived grains, which were resedimented from the Bisotoun platform most probably by storms or turbidity currents. The generated internal wave deposits include: flat- and round pebble limestone conglomerates, formed by deposition of pelagic clasts and neritic-derived grains near the breaker zone; laminated packstone-grainstones deposited by high-energy, upslope (swash) and downslope (backswash) flows; cm-thick packstone-grainstones with asymmetrical starved ripples and hummocy crossstratification, generated downdip by waning of backwash flows and internal wave oscillatory flows. These internal wave deposits predominate in the Pliensbachian-early Toarcian, and were related to internal waves developed along a thermocline linked to climate warming and excited by submarine volcanic eruptions, storms or tectonic shaking.

Volcano-tectonic evolution of the Castle Mountains: 22 to 14 MA

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Capps, R.C.

1993-04-01

The alkali-calcic Castle Mountains Volcanic rocks (CMV) are host to major gold mineralization. They are located about 100 km south of Las Vegas, Nevada and are on the boundary between the Basin and Range Province and Colorado River extensional corridor (35[degree]18 minutes 45 seconds N, 115[degree]05 minutes 10 seconds W). New data show the following chronology. 22 Ma. A regional rhyolite ash-flow tuff, the Castle Mountain Tuff member, was deposited on a Proterozoic-Paleozoic basement of low relief. <22 Ma - > 17 Ma. Normal faulting (N30--60[degree]W, 60--65[degree]NE) formed half-grabens. Latite and basalt flows, minor ash-flow tuffs, lahars and sediments (Jacksmore » Well member - JW) were deposited unconformably. JW magmas are enriched in light REE compared to the younger CMV. <17 Ma to 15.5 Ma. Oxidizing upper portions (796 C) of a shallowly emplaced silicic melt erupted to form the high-silica rhyolite dome complexes and intrusives (Linder Peak member - LP) of the NNE-striking Castle Mountains. NW-striking transverse structures caused discontinuities in strike direction of the subvolcanic intrusive and domes and helped form a synvolcanic depression. During a hiatus in volcanism, early Hart Peak member (HP) sediments were deposited marginal to the Castle Mountains. Major gold mineralization and widespread hydrothermal alteration occurred at about 15.5 Ma. 16 Ma to 14 Ma. Early HP volcaniclastic sediments, rhyolite pyroclastic-surge tuff, and basaltic flows, were deposited during late hydrothermal alteration and then fractured and displaced by NNE-striking normal faults, especially in the eastern and northeastern CMV. < 14 Ma. Tectonically significant flat-lying boulder conglomerate and unconformably overlying, largely andesitic flows fill depressions in the Castle Mountains and the Piute Range to the east.« less

Genesis of the post-caldera eastern Upper Basin Member rhyolites, Yellowstone, WY: from volcanic stratigraphy, geochemistry, and radiogenic isotope modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pritchard, Chad J.; Larson, Peter B.

2012-08-01

An array of samples from the eastern Upper Basin Member of the Plateau Rhyolite (EUBM) in the Yellowstone Plateau, Wyoming, were collected and analyzed to evaluate styles of deposition, geochemical variation, and plausible sources for low δ18O rhyolites. Similar depositional styles and geochemistry suggest that the Tuff of Sulphur Creek and Tuff of Uncle Tom's Trail were both deposited from pyroclastic density currents and are most likely part of the same unit. The middle unit of the EUBM, the Canyon flow, may be composed of multiple flows based on a wide range of Pb isotopic ratios (e.g., 206Pb/204Pb ranges from 17.54 to 17.86). The youngest EUBM, the Dunraven Road flow, appears to be a ring fracture dome and contains isotopic ratios and sparse phenocrysts that are similar to extra-caldera rhyolites of the younger Roaring Mountain Member. Petrologic textures, more radiogenic 87Sr/86Sr in plagioclase phenocrysts (0.7134-0.7185) than groundmass and whole-rock ratios (0.7099-0.7161), and δ18O depletions on the order of 5‰ found in the Tuff of Sulphur Creek and Canyon flow indicate at least a two-stage petrogenesis involving an initial source rock formed by assimilation and fractional crystallization processes, which cooled and was hydrothermally altered. The source rock was then lowered to melting depth by caldera collapse and remelted and erupted. The presence of a low δ18O extra-caldera rhyolite indicates that country rock may have been hydrothermally altered at depth and then assimilated to form the Dunraven Road flow.

Preliminary observations of voluminous ice-rich and water-rich lahars generated during the 2009 eruption of Redoubt, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Waythomas, Christopher F.; Pierson, Thomas C.; Major, Jon J.; Scott, William E.

2012-01-01

Redoubt Volcano in south-central Alaska began erupting on March 15, 2009, and by April 4, 2009, had produced at least 20 explosive events that generated plumes of ash and lahars. The 3,108-m high, snow- and -ice-clad stratovolcano has an ice-filled summit crater that is breached to the north. The volcano supports about 4 km3 of ice and snow and about 1 km3 of this makes up the Drift glacier on the northern side of the volcano. Explosive eruptions between March 22 and April 4, which included the destruction of at least two lava domes, triggered significant lahars in the Drift River valley on March 23 and April 4 and several smaller lahars between March 24 and March 31. High-flow marks, character of deposits, areas of inundation, and estimates of flow velocity revealed that the lahars on March 23 and April 4 were the largest of the eruption. In the 2-km-wide upper Drift River valley, average flow depths were about 3–5 m. Average peak-flow velocities were likely between 10 and 15 ms-1, and peak discharges were on the order of 104–105 m3s-1. The area inundated by lahars on March 23 was at least 100 km2 and on April 4 about 125 km2. The lahars emplaced on March 23 and April 4 had volumes on the order of 107–108 m3 and were similar in size to the largest lahar of the 1989–90 eruption. The March 23 lahars were primarily flowing slurries of snow and ice entrained from the Drift glacier and seasonal snow and tabular blocks of river ice from the Drift River valley. Only a single, undifferentiated deposit up to 5 m thick was found and contained about 80–95 percent of poorly sorted, massive to imbricate assemblages of snow and ice. The deposit was frozen soon after it was emplaced and later eroded and buried by the April 4 lahar. The lahar of April 4, in contrast, was primarily a hyperconcentrated flow, as interpreted from 1- to 6-m thick deposits of massive to horizontally stratified sand-to-fine-gravel. Rock material in the April 4 lahar deposit is predominantly juvenile andesite. We infer that the lahars generated on March 23 were initiated by a rapid succession of vent-clearing explosions that blasted through about 50–100 m of crater-filling glacier ice and snow, producing a voluminous release of meltwater from the Drift glacier. The resulting flood eroded and entrained snow, fragments of glacier and river ice, and liquid water along its flow path. Small-volume pyroclastic flows, possibly associated with destruction of a small dome or minor eruption-column collapses, may have contributed additional meltwater to the lahar. Meltwater generated by subglacial hydrothermal activity and stored beneath the Drift glacier may have been ejected or released rapidly as well. The April 4 lahar was initiated when hot dome-collapse pyroclastic flows entrained and swiftly melted snow and ice, and incorporated additional rock debris from the Drift glacier. The peak discharge of the April 4 lahar was in the range of 60,000–160,000 m3s-1. For comparison, the largest lahar of the 1989–90 eruption had a peak discharge of about 80,000 m3s-1. Lahars generated by the 2009 eruption led to significant channel aggradation in the lower Drift River valley and caused extensive inundation at an oil storage and transfer facility located there. The April 4, 2009, lahar was 6–30 times larger than the largest meteorological floods known or estimated in the Drift River drainage.

Thematic mapper studies of Andean volcanoes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Francis, P. W.

1986-01-01

The primary objective was to identify all the active volcanoes in the Andean region of Bolivia. Morphological features of the Tata Sabaya volcano, Bolivia, were studied with the thematic mapper. Details include marginal levees on lava and pyroclastic flows, and summit crater structure. Valley glacier moraine deposits, not easily identified on the multispectral band scanner, were also unambiguous, and provide useful marker horizons on large volcanic edifices which were built up in preglacial times but which were active subsequently. With such high resolution imagery, it is not only possible to identify potentially active volcanoes, but also to use standard photogeological interpretation to outline the history of individual volcanoes.

Volcaniclastic stratigraphy of Gede Volcano, West Java, Indonesia: How it erupted and when

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belousov, A.; Belousova, M.; Krimer, D.; Costa, F.; Prambada, O.; Zaennudin, A.

2015-08-01

Gede Volcano, West Java (Indonesia), is located 60 km south of Jakarta within one of the regions with highest population density in the world. Therefore, knowledge of its eruption history is necessary for hazard evaluation, because even a small eruption would have major societal and economic consequences. Here we report the results of the investigation of the stratigraphy of Gede (with the focus on its volcaniclastic deposits of Holocene age) and include 23 new radiocarbon dates. We have found that a major part of the volcanic edifice was formed in the Pleistocene when effusions of lavas of high-silica basalt dominated. During this period the volcano experienced large-scale lateral gravitational failure followed by complete reconstruction of the edifice, formation of the summit subsidence caldera and its partial refilling. After a repose period of > 30,000 years the volcanic activity resumed at the Pleistocene/Holocene boundary. In the Holocene the eruptions were dominantly explosive with magma compositions ranging from basaltic andesite to rhyodacite; many deposits show heterogeneity at the macroscopic hand specimen scale and also in the minerals, which indicates interactions between mafic (basaltic andesite) and silicic (rhyodacite) magmas. Significant eruptions of the volcano were relatively rare and of moderate violence (the highest VEI was 3-4; the largest volume of erupted pyroclasts 0.15 km3). There were 4 major Holocene eruptive episodes ca. 10,000, 4000, 1200, and 1000 yr BP. The volcanic plumes of these eruptions were not buoyant and most of the erupted products were transported in the form of highly concentrated valley-channelized pyroclastic flows. Voluminous lahars were common in the periods between the eruptions. The recent eruptive period of the volcano started approximately 800 years ago. It is characterized by frequent and weak VEI 1-2 explosive eruptions of Vulcanian type and rare small-volume extrusions of viscous lava. We estimate that during last 10,000 years, Gede erupted less than 0.3 km3 DRE (Dense Rock Equivalent) of magma. Such small productivity suggests that the likelihood of future large-volume (VEI ≥ 5) eruptions of the volcano is low, although moderately strong (VEI 3-4) explosive eruptions capable of depositing pyroclastic flows and lahars onto the NE foot of the volcano are more likely.

Volcanic hazard at Vesuvius: An analysis for the revision of the current emergency plan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rolandi, G.

2010-01-01

Mt Somma-Vesuvius is a composite volcano on the southern margin of the Campanian Plain which has been active since 39 ka BP and which poses a hazard and risk for the people living around its base. The volcano last erupted in 1944, and since this date has been in repose. As the level of volcanic risk perception is very high in the scientific community, in 1995 a hazard and risk evaluation, and evacuation plan, was published by the Italian Department of Civil Protection ( Dipartimento della Protezione Civile) . The plan considered the response to a worst-case scenario, taken to be a subplinian eruption on the scale of the 1631 AD eruption, and based on a volcanological reconstruction of this eruption, assumes that a future eruption will be preceded by about two weeks of ground uplift at the volcano's summit, and about one week of locally perceptible seismic activity. Moreover, by analogy with the 1631 events, the plan assumes that ash fall and pyroclastic flow should be recognized as the primary volcanic hazard. To design the response to this subplinian eruption, the emergency plan divided the Somma-Vesuvius region into three hazard zones affected by pyroclastic flows (Red Zone), tephra fall (Yellow and Green Zone), and floods (Blue Zone). The plan at present is the subject of much controversy, and, in our opinion, several assumptions need to be modified according to the following arguments: a) For the precursory unrest problem, recent scientific studies show that at present neither forecast capability is realistic, so that the assumption that a future eruption will be preceded by about two weeks of forecasts need to be modified; b) Regarding the exposure of the Vesuvius region to flow phenomena, the Red Zone presents much inconsistency near the outer border as it has been defined by the administrative limits of the eighteen municipality area lying on the volcano. As this outer limit shows no uniformity, a pressing need exists to define appropriately the flow hazard zone, since there are some important public structures not considered in the current Red Zone that could be exposed to flow risk; c) Modern wind records clearly indicate that at the time of a future eruption winds could blow not only from the west, but also from the east, so that the Yellow Zone (the area with the potential to be affected by significant tephra fall deposits) must be redefined. As a result the relationship between the Yellow Zone and Green Zone (the area within and beyond which the impact of tephra fall is expected to be insignificant) must be reconsidered mainly in the Naples area; d) The May 1998 landslide, caused in the Apennine region east of the volcano by continuous rain fall, led to the definition of a zone affected by re-mobilisation of tephra (Blue Zone), confined in the Nola valley. However, as described in the 1631 chronicles of the eruption, if generation of debris flows occurs during and after a future eruption, a much wider region east of the Somma-Vesuvius must be affected by events of this type.

October 2005 Debris Flows at Panabaj, Guatemala:Hazard Assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheridan, M. F.; Connor, C.; Connor, L.; Stinton, A.; Galacia, O. R.; Barrios, G.

2007-05-01

In October, 2005, tropical storm Stan caused heavy precipitation throughout much of Guatemala. In the community of Panabaj, Santiago Atitlán, a landslide of pyroclastic material originating high on the slopes of Tolimán volcano buried much of the community, leaving approximately 400 people dead. Current estimates by the Coordinadora Nacional para la Reducción de Desastres (CONRED) suggest that at least 2,600 people from the community of Panabaj, Santiago Atitlán have been displaced by the debris flows. Because the temporary housing for people displaced by the debris flows is located in an area that is geologically and morphologically similar to the area inundated by flows in October, 2005, this area may be potentially inundated by debris flows as well. In addition to the thousands of people living in temporary shelters, many hundreds of people are currently reoccupying land adjacent to or on the October, 2005 debris flows. Thus a large fraction of the surviving Panabaj community appears to remain at risk from future debris flows. We used differential GPS (Global Positioning System) to outline the boundaries of the debris flows, to estimate variation in flow thicknesses, and to determine their volumes. Mass movement on Tolimán volcano resulted in the generation of a moderate size debris flow (360,000 m3 of sediment plus water) that descended the volcano rapidly, bifurcated into two stream valleys high on the flanks of the volcano, and continued to descend both channels until these flows reached the alluvial fan near the shores of Lago de Atitlán. After bifurcating into two flows high on the flanks of the volcano, about 65% of the flow (by volume) descended the western channel, forming the Western flow. Approximately one kilometer above the alluvial fan, this channel descends steep topography, with a slope of 11.5°. This average slope gradually decreases down the channel, reaching only 5.3° just above the alluvial fan. In contrast, average slopes on the Eastern channel are up to 16.7°. Also, this channel thalweg steepens dramatically to 12.8° just above the alluvial fan. Flow velocities in channelized sections were estimated by superelevation at bends at two locations for each of the two flow branches. In measured cross sectional areas between 144 and 160 m2 the calculated velocities ranged from 8.3-10.6 ms-1 yielding fluxes between 1280 and 1680 m3s- 1. The fluxes for the two flows are surprisingly similar. The planimetric area inundated by the Western flow is approximately 180,000 m2 and the area inundated by the Eastern debris flow is 77,000 m2. On reaching the gently-sloping (2.8°) depositional fan where the village of Panabaj is located, the flows thinned to 0.5-3.0 m and spread laterally as a broad sheet flow bounded by distinct flow fronts of 0.30-0.6 m height. Although thin, the flows had sufficient power to sweep away most of the concrete block houses in their paths. Based on observations of high water marks preserved on buildings, up to 40% of the flow by volume consisted of water and fine grained sediments that have been dewatered from the deposit during and since deposition.

Stratigraphy, sedimentology and inferred flow dynamics from the July 2015 block-and-ash flow deposits at Volcán de Colima, Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Macorps, Elodie; Charbonnier, Sylvain J.; Varley, Nick R.; Capra, Lucia; Atlas, Zachary; Cabré, Josep

2018-01-01

The July 2015 block-and-ash flow (BAF) events represent the first documented series of large-volume and long-runout BAFs generated from sustained dome collapses at Volcán de Colima. This eruption is particularly exceptional at this volcano due to (1) the large volume of BAF material emplaced (0.0077 ± 0.001 km3), (2) the long runout reached by the associated BAFs (max. 10 km), and (3) the short period ( 18 h) over which two main long-sustained dome collapse events occurred (on 10 and 11 July, respectively). Stratigraphy and sedimentology of the 2015 BAF deposits exposed in the southern flank of the volcano based on lithofacies description, grain size measurements and clast componentry allowed the recognition of three main deposit facies (i.e., valley-confined, overbank and ash-cloud surge deposits). Correlations and lithofacies variations inside three main flow units from both the valley-confined and overbank deposits left from the emplacement of the second series of BAFs on 11 July provide detailed information about: (1) the distribution, volumes and sedimentological characteristics of the different units; (2) flow parameters (i.e., velocity and dynamic pressure) and mobility metrics as inferred from associated deposits; and (3) changes in the dynamics of the different flows and their material during emplacement. These data were coupled with geomorphic analyses to assess the role of the topography in controlling the behaviour and impacts of the successive BAF pulses on the volcano flanks. Finally, these findings are used to propose a conceptual model for transport and deposition mechanisms of the July 2015 BAFs at Volcán de Colima. In this model, deposition occurs by rapid stepwise aggradation of successive BAF pulses. Flow confinement in a narrow and sinuous channel enhance the mobility and runout of individual channelized BAF pulses. When these conditions occur, the progressive valley infilling from successive sustained dome-collapse events promote the overspill and lateral spreading of the upper and marginal regions of the main flow body, generating highly mobile overbank flows that travel outside of the main valley. Volume- and distance-dependent critical channel capacities for the generation of overbank flows are used to better estimate the inundation area of these hazardous unconfined pyroclastic flows. These results highlight the importance of including and correctly assessing the hazards posed by large volume and long runout BAFs associated with frequent, small VEI, sustained dome-collapse eruptions.

Hydrogeomorphic responses to explosive volcanic eruptions-what have we learned?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Major, J. J.

2011-12-01

Explosive eruptions can greatly alter landscape hydrology and geomorphology. Analyses of hydrogeomorphic responses to four major eruptions, spanning two orders of magnitude in eruption volume, reveal patterns in the timing, pace, and style of landscape response to explosive eruptions. Tephra fall can blanket broad swaths of landscape with sediment having a low-permeability surface, and can cause significant tree damage. Volcanic blasts can also deposit many tens of cm of fines-capped sediment across the landscape, and can raze or completely remove vast tracts of forest. Debris avalanches, pyroclastic flows, and lahars can fill channels and valley floors with meters to tens of meters of gravelly sand for tens of kilometers from source; straighten, smooth or obliterate channel planforms; and remove, bury, or smother riparian vegetation. Such disturbances can radically alter runoff regimes and the manner in which water is routed along channels. Surface-infiltration capacities of landscapes denuded by volcanic blast and pyroclastic flows following eruptions of Mount St. Helens (MSH) and Unzen were reduced 1-2 orders of magnitude (from >100 mm/hr to as little as 2-5 mm/hr). Altered hydrologic processes promoted substantial overland flow in basins normally dominated by subsurface flow; measurements at Unzen showed overland flow 3-5 times greater from barren, tephra-covered ground compared to vegetated ground. Hydrological analysis at MSH showed that post-eruption wet-season peakflow discharges increased by a few to tens of percent in eruption-affected basins. Changes in hydrological processes alter sediment erosion and transport; extensive hillslope and channel erosion can lead to sediment yields that exceed preeruption yields by orders of magnitude. Indeed, sediment yields from volcanically disturbed watersheds rival those of great sediment-producing rivers worldwide. Short-term landscape-denudation rates following explosive eruptions are typically 10-104 times greater than estimated long-term denudation rates, reflecting great mobility of highly erodible sediment delivered by eruptions. Despite sometimes cataclysmic eruption-induced disturbance, landscapes are resilient. Owing to erosional, biogenic, and cryogenic modifications of tephra surfaces, eruption-induced changes in runoff and river discharge commonly relax substantially within a decade. Elevated sediment transport, however, can persist for decades. Observations following eruption of MSH show that magnitude and duration of enhanced sediment transport varied chiefly with the nature of disturbance-high yields from basins bearing significant channel disturbance persist far longer than those from basins bearing only hillslope disturbance. Observations from MSH and Mount Pinatubo show that excessive sediment yields from severely disturbed landscapes decay considerably within a decade of eruption, but appear to plateau at levels that can exceed preeruption yields by tens of percent for at least a few decades. Studies at Mount Hood show that distal aggraded channels can take up to a century to return to preeruption base level. Prolonged excessive sediment transport following eruptions can cause environmental and socioeconomic harm that equals or exceeds that caused directly by eruptions.

Morphology and Composition of Localized Lunar Dark Mantle Deposits With LROC Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gustafson, O.; Bell, J. F.; Gaddis, L. R.; Hawke, B. R.; Robinson, M. S.; LROC Science Team

2010-12-01

Clementine color (ultraviolet, visible or UVVIS) and Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Wide Angle (WAC) and Narrow Angle (NAC) camera data provide the means to investigate localized lunar dark-mantle deposits (DMDs) of potential pyroclastic origin. Our goals are to (1) examine the morphology and physical characteristics of these deposits with LROC WAC and NAC data; (2) extend methods used in earlier studies of lunar DMDs with Clementine spectral reflectance (CSR) data; (3) use LRO WAC multispectral data to complement and extend the CSR data for compositional analyses; and (4) apply these results to identify the likely mode of emplacement and study the diversity of compositions among these deposits. Pyroclastic deposits have been recognized all across the Moon, identified by their low albedo, smooth texture, and mantling relationship to underlying features. Gaddis et al. (2003) presented a compositional analysis of 75 potential lunar pyroclastic deposits (LPDs) based on CSR measurements. New LRO camera (LROC) data permit more extensive analyses of such deposits than previously possible. Our study began with six sites on the southeastern limb of the Moon that contain nine of the cataloged 75 potential pyroclastic deposits: Humboldt (4 deposits), Petavius, Barnard, Abel B, Abel C, and Titius. Our analysis found that some of the DMDs exhibit qualities characteristic of fluid emplacement, such as flat surfaces, sharp margins, embaying relationships, and flow textures. We conclude that the localized DMDs are a complex class of features, many of which may have formed by a combination of effusive and pyroclastic emplacement mechanisms. We have extended this analysis to include additional localized DMDs from the catalog of 75 potential pyroclastic deposits. We have examined high resolution (up to 0.5 m/p) NAC images as they become available to assess the mode of emplacement of the deposits, locate potential volcanic vents, and assess physical characteristics of the DMDs such as thickness, roughness, and rock abundance. Within and around each DMD, the Clementine UVVIS multispectral mosaic (100 m/p, 5 bands at 415, 750, 900, 950, and 1000 nm) and LROC WAC multispectral image cubes (75 to 400 m/p, 7 bands at 320, 360, 415, 565, 605, 645, and 690 nm) have been used to extract spectral reflectance data. Spectral ratio plots were prepared to compare deposits and draw conclusions regarding compositional differences, such as mafic mineral or titanium content and distribution, both within and between DMDs. The result of the study will be an improved classification of these deposits in terms of emplacement mechanisms and composition, including identifying compositional affinities among DMDs and between DMDs and other volcanic deposits.

Influences of urban fabric on pyroclastic density currents at Pompeii (Italy): 2. Temperature of the deposits and hazard implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zanella, E.; Gurioli, L.; Pareschi, M. T.; Lanza, R.

2007-05-01

During the A.D. 79 eruption of Vesuvius, Italy, the Roman town of Pompeii was covered by 2.5 m of pyroclastic fall pumice and then partially destroyed by pyroclastic density currents (PDCs). Thermal remanent magnetization measurements performed on the lithic and roof tile fragments embedded in the PDC deposits allow us to quantify the variations in the temperature (Tdep) of the deposits within and around Pompeii. These results reveal that the presence of buildings strongly influenced the deposition temperature of the erupted products. The first two currents, which entered Pompeii at a temperature around 300-360°C, show drastic decreases in the Tdep, with minima of 100-140°C, found in the deposits within the town. We interpret these decreases in temperature as being the result of localized interactions between the PDCs and the city structures, which were only able to affect the lower part of the currents. Down flow of Pompeii, the lowermost portion of the PDCs regained its original physical characteristics, emplacing hot deposits once more. The final, dilute PDCs entered a town that was already partially destroyed by the previous currents. These PDCs left thin ash deposits, which mantled the previous ones. The lack of interaction with the urban fabric is indicated by their uniform temperature everywhere. However, the relatively high temperature of the deposits, between 140 and 300°C, indicates that even these distal, thin ash layers, capped by their accretionary lapilli bed, were associated with PDCs that were still hot enough to cause problems for unsheltered people.

Pyroclastic flow deposits on Venus as indicators of renewed magmatic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campbell, Bruce A.; Morgan, Gareth A.; Whitten, Jennifer L.; Carter, Lynn M.; Glaze, Lori S.; Campbell, Donald B.

2017-07-01

Radar bright deposits on Venus that have diffuse margins suggest eruptions that distribute debris over large areas due to ground-hugging flows from plume collapse. We examine deposits in eastern Eistla, western Eistla, Phoebe, and Dione Regiones using Magellan data and Earth-based radar maps. The radar bright units have no marginal lobes or other features consistent with viscous flow. Their morphology, radar echo strength, polarization properties, and microwave emissivity are consistent with mantling deposits composed of few centimeters or larger clasts. This debris traveled downhill up to 100 km on modest slopes and blanketed lava flows and tectonic features to depths of tens of centimeters to a few meters over areas up to 40 × 103 km2. There is evidence for ongoing removal and exhumation of previously buried terrain. A newly identified occurrence is associated with a ridge belt south of Ushas Mons. We also note radar bright streaks of coarse material west of Rona Chasma that reflect the last traces of a deposit mobilized by winds from the formation of Mirabeau crater. If the radar bright units originate by the collapse of eruption columns, with coarse fragmental material entrained and fluidized by hot gases, then their extent suggests large erupted volatile (CO2 or H2O) amounts. We propose that these deposits reflect the early stage of renewed magmatic activity, with volatile-rich, disrupted magma escaping through vents in fractured regions of the upper crust. Rapidly eroding under Venus surface conditions or buried by subsequent eruptions, these markers of recently renewed activity have disappeared from older regions.

Subsurface architecture of Las Bombas volcano circular structure (Southern Mendoza, Argentina) from geophysical studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prezzi, Claudia; Risso, Corina; Orgeira, María Julia; Nullo, Francisco; Sigismondi, Mario E.; Margonari, Liliana

2017-08-01

The Plio-Pleistocene Llancanelo volcanic field is located in the south-eastern region of the province of Mendoza, Argentina. This wide back-arc lava plateau, with hundreds of monogenetic pyroclastic cones, covers a large area behind the active Andean volcanic arc. Here we focus on the northern Llancanelo volcanic field, particularly in Las Bombas volcano. Las Bombas volcano is an eroded, but still recognizable, scoria cone located in a circular depression surrounded by a basaltic lava flow, suggesting that Las Bombas volcano was there when the lava flow field formed and, therefore, the lava flow engulfed it completely. While this explanation seems reasonable, the common presence of similar landforms in this part of the field justifies the need to establish correctly the stratigraphic relationship between lava flow fields and these circular depressions. The main purpose of this research is to investigate Las Bombas volcano 3D subsurface architecture by means of geophysical methods. We carried out a paleomagnetic study and detailed topographic, magnetic and gravimetric land surveys. Magnetic anomalies of normal and reverse polarity and paleomagnetic results point to the occurrence of two different volcanic episodes. A circular low Bouguer anomaly was detected beneath Las Bombas scoria cone indicating the existence of a mass deficit. A 3D forward gravity model was constructed, which suggests that the mass deficit would be related to the presence of fracture zones below Las Bombas volcano cone, due to sudden degassing of younger magma beneath it, or to a single phreatomagmatic explosion. Our results provide new and detailed information about Las Bombas volcano subsurface architecture.

Gigantic self-confined pahoehoe inflated lava flows in Argentina

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pasquare', G.; Bistacchi, A.

2007-05-01

The largest lava flows on Earth are pahoehoe basalts emplaced by inflation, a process which can change lava lobes initially a few decimetres thick into large lava sheets several metres thick. Inflation involves the initial formation of a thin, solidified, viscoelastic crust, under which liquid lava is continually added. This thermally efficient endogenous growth process explains the spread of huge volumes of lava over large, almost flat areas, as in the sheet flows which characterise the distal portions of Hawaiian volcanoes or some continental flood basalt provinces. Long, narrow, inflated pahoehoe flows have occasionally been described, either emplaced along pre-existing river channels or confined within topographic barriers. In this contribution we present previously unknown inflated pahoehoe lava flows following very long, narrow pathways over an almost flat surface, with no topographic confinement. Lava, which erupted in Late Quaternary times from the eastern tip of a 60 km long volcanic fissure in Argentina, formed several discrete flows extending as far as 180 km from the source. This fissure was characterized by a long-lasting and complex activity. Alkali-basaltic lava flows were emitted at the two extremities of the fissure system. In the intermediate section of the fissure, the Payun Matru, a great trachitic composite volcano, developed, giving rise to a large caldera which produced large pyroclastic flows. Alkali-basalts predate and postdate the trachitic activity, in fact at the end of the trachitic activity, new basaltic lava flows (mainly aa) were emitted from both ends of the fissure. We studied in details the youngest of the gigantic flows (Pampas Onduladas lava flow), which progressively develops through differing thermally-efficient flow mechanisms. The flow created a large shield volcanic structure at the eastern tip of the E-W fissure and spread to the E forming a very large and thick inflated pahoehoe sheet flow. Leaving the flanks of the volcano, the flow spreads all over a large tectonic depression, forming a large inflated pahoehoe sheet flow. The flow continues downstream, always showing typical inflation features, forming a very long and narrow tongue, developed over the nearly flat Pampa plain (gradient 0.5%) with an average width of 3 km and a length of 120 km. A peculiar feature of this portion of the flow, apart from its exceptional length, is the very low width-to-length ratio. This is even more surprising if we consider that no pre-existing topographic feature (e.g. river channel, etc.) is responsible for this behaviour, which appears to be only the result of some kind of self-confinement mechanism. The structural, morphological and eruptive complexities of this volcanic structure are exceptional by themselves since there are no similar features both in the Andes calcalkaline volcanism or in the Patagonian basaltic plateaus and they pose problems even in the nomenclatural definition of the Payun Matru as an individual volcanic construct. Moreover, understanding the mechanisms responsible for the exceptional behaviour of this lava flow may provide new constraints on the physics of inflated pahoehoe flow emplacement. Results in this direction may also offer useful proxies for interpreting volcanic processes on terrestrial planets such as Mars and Venus, on which individual lava flows of similar shape and dimensions have been observed.

Dendrogeomorphic reconstruction of lahar activity and triggers: Shiveluch volcano, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salaorni, E.; Stoffel, M.; Tutubalina, O.; Chernomorets, S.; Seynova, I.; Sorg, A.

2017-01-01

Lahars are highly concentrated, water-saturated volcanic hyperconcentrated flows or debris flows containing pyroclastic material and are a characteristic mass movement process on volcanic slopes. On Kamchatka Peninsula (Russian Federation), lahars are widespread and may affect remote settlements. Historical records of past lahar occurrences are generally sparse and mostly limited to events which damaged infrastructure on the slopes or at the foot of volcanoes. In this study, we present a tree-ring-based reconstruction of spatiotemporal patterns of past lahar activity at Shiveluch volcano. Using increment cores and cross sections from 126 Larix cajanderi trees, we document 34 events covering the period AD 1729-2012. Analyses of the seasonality of damage in trees reveal that 95% of all lahars occurred between October and May and thus point to the predominant role of the sudden melt of the snow cover by volcanic material. These observations suggest that most lahars were likely syn-eruptive and that lahar activity is largely restricted to periods of volcanic activity. By contrast, rainfall events do not seem to play a significant role in lahar triggering.

Perturbation and melting of snow and ice by the 13 November 1985 eruption of Nevado del Ruiz, Colombia, and consequent mobilization, flow and deposition of lahars

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pierson, T.C.; Janda, R.J.; Thouret, J.-C.; Borrero, C.A.

1990-01-01

A complex sequence of pyroclastic flows and surges erupted by Nevado del Ruiz volcano on 13 November 1985 interacted with snow and ice on the summit ice cap to trigger catastrophic lahars (volcanic debris flows), which killed more than 23,000 people living at or beyond the base of the volcano. The rapid transfer of heat from the hot eruptive products to about 10 km2 of the snowpack, combined with seismic shaking, produced large volumes of meltwater that flowed downslope, liquefied some of the new volcanic deposits, and generated avalanches of saturated snow, ice and rock debris within minutes of the 21:08 (local time) eruption. About 2 ?? 107 m3 of water was discharged into the upper reaches of the Molinos, Nereidas, Guali, Azufrado and Lagunillas valleys, where rapid entrainment of valley-fill sediment transformed the dilute flows and avalanches to debris flows. Computed mean velocities of the lahars at peak flow ranged up to 17 m s-1. Flows were rapid in the steep, narrow upper canyons and slowed with distance away from the volcano as flow depth and channel slope diminished. Computed peak discharges ranged up to 48,000 m3 s-1 and were greatest in reaches 10 to 20 km downstream from the summit. A total of about 9 ?? 107 m3 of lahar slurry was transported to depositional areas up to 104 km from the source area. Initial volumes of individual lahars increased up to 4 times with distance away from the summit. The sedimentology and stratigraphy of the lahar deposits provide compelling evidence that: (1) multiple initial meltwater pulses tended to coalesce into single flood waves; (2) lahars remained fully developed debris flows until they reached confluences with major rivers; and (3) debris-flow slurry composition and rheology varied to produce gradationally density-stratified flows. Key lessons and reminders from the 1985 Nevado del Ruiz volcanic eruption are: (1) catastrophic lahars can be generated on ice- and snow-capped volcanoes by relatively small eruptions; (2) the surface area of snow on an ice cap can be more critical than total ice volume when considering lahar potential; (3) placement of hot rock debris on snow is insufficient to generate lahars; the two materials must be mechanically mixed together for sufficiently rapid head transfer; (4) lahars can increase their volumes significantly by entrainment of water and eroded sediment; and (5) valley-confined lahars can maintain relatively high velocities and can have catastrophic impacts as far as 100 km downstream. ?? 1990.

Geologic Map of the MTM -30262 and -30267 Quadrangles, Hadriaca Patera Region of Mars

USGS Publications Warehouse

Crown, David A.; Greeley, Ronald

2007-01-01

Introduction Mars Transverse Mercator (MTM) -30262 and -30267 quadrangles cover the summit region and east margin of Hadriaca Patera, one of the Martian volcanoes designated highland paterae. MTM -30262 quadrangle includes volcanic deposits from Hadriaca Patera and Tyrrhena Patera (summit northeast of map area) and floor deposits associated with the Dao and Niger Valles canyon systems (south of map area). MTM -30267 quadrangle is centered on the caldera of Hadriaca Patera. The highland paterae are among the oldest, central-vent volcanoes on Mars and exhibit evidence for explosive eruptions, which make a detailed study of their geology an important component in understanding the evolution of Martian volcanism. Photogeologic mapping at 1:500,000-scale from analysis of Viking Orbiter images complements volcanological studies of Hadriaca Patera, geologic investigations of the other highland paterae, and an analysis of the styles and evolution of volcanic activity east of Hellas Planitia in the ancient, cratered highlands of Mars. This photogeologic study is an extension of regional geologic mapping east of Hellas Planitia. The Martian highland paterae are low-relief, areally extensive volcanoes exhibiting central calderas and radial channels and ridges. Four of these volcanoes, Hadriaca, Tyrrhena, Amphitrites, and Peneus Paterae, are located in the ancient cratered terrains surrounding Hellas Planitia and are thought to be located on inferred impact basin rings or related fractures. Based on analyses of Mariner 9 images, Potter (1976), Peterson (1977), and King (1978) suggested that the highland paterae were shield volcanoes formed by eruptions of fluid lavas. Later studies noted morphologic similarities between the paterae and terrestrial ash shields and the lack of primary lava flow features on the flanks of the volcanoes. The degraded appearances of Hadriaca and Tyrrhena Paterae and the apparently easily eroded materials composing their low, broad shields further suggest that the highland paterae are composed predominantly of pyroclastic deposits. Analyses of eruption and flow processes indicate that the distribution of units at Hadriaca and Tyrrhena Paterae is consistent with emplacement by gravity-driven pyroclastic flows. Detailed geologic study of the summit caldera and flanks of Hadriaca Patera is essential to determine the types of volcanic materials exposed, the nature of the processes forming these deposits, and the role of volcanism in the evolution of the cratered highlands that are characteristic of the southern hemisphere of Mars.

Non-equilibrium processes in ash-laden volcanic plumes: new insights from 3D multiphase flow simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esposti Ongaro, Tomaso; Cerminara, Matteo

2016-10-01

In the framework of the IAVCEI (International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth Interior) initiative on volcanic plume models intercomparison, we discuss three-dimensional numerical simulations performed with the multiphase flow model PDAC (Pyroclastic Dispersal Analysis Code). The model describes the dynamics of volcanic and atmospheric gases (in absence of wind) and two pyroclastic phases by adopting a non-equilibrium Eulerian-Eulerian formulation. Accordingly, gas and particulate phases are treated as interpenetrating fluids, interacting with each other through momentum (drag) and heat exchange. Numerical results describe the time-wise and spatial evolution of weak (mass eruption rate: 1.5 × 106 kg/s) and strong (mass eruption rate: 1.5 × 109 kg/s) plumes. The two tested cases display a remarkably different phenomenology, associated with the different roles of atmospheric stratification, compressibility and mechanism of buoyancy reversal, reflecting in a different structure of the plume, of the turbulent eddies and of the atmospheric circulation. This also brings about different rates of turbulent mixing and atmospheric air entrainment. The adopted multiphase flow model allows to quantify temperature and velocity differences between the gas and particles, including settling, preferential concentration by turbulence and thermal non-equilibrium, as a function of their Stokes number, i.e., the ratio between their kinetic equilibrium time and the characteristic large-eddy turnover time of the turbulent plume. As a result, the spatial and temporal distribution of coarse ash in the atmosphere significantly differs from that of the fine ash, leading to a modification of the plume shape. Finally, three-dimensional numerical results have been averaged in time and across horizontal slices in order to obtain a one-dimensional picture of the plume in a stationary regime. For the weak plume, the results are consistent with one-dimensional models, at least in the buoyant plume region, and allow to reckon a variable, effective entrainment coefficient with a mean value around 0.1 (consistently with laboratory experiments). For the strong plume, analysis of the results reveals that the two most critical assumptions of one-dimensional integral models are the self-similarity and the pressure equilibrium. In such a case, the plume appears to be controlled by the dynamics in the jet stage (below the buoyancy reversal) and by mesoscale vorticity associated with the development of the umbrella.

Earth Girl Volcano: An Interactive Casual Game about Complex Volcanic Hazards

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kerlow, I.

2017-12-01

Earth Girl Volcano is an interactive casual strategy game for disaster preparedness. The project is designed for mainstream audiences, particularly for children, as an engaging and fun way to learn about volcano hazards, monitoring, and mitigation strategies. The game is deceptively simple but it provides a toolbox to address practically all volcanic hazards ranging from gas and ash fall to pyroclastic flows, lava and lahars. This presentation shows the basic dynamic to explore the area, assess the risk, choose the best-suited tools and execute a mitigation strategy within the available budget. This game is a real-time simulation of a crowd evacuation that allows players to intervene before and during the disaster.

Cristobalite in volcanic ash of the soufriere hills volcano, montserrat, british west indies

PubMed

Baxter; Bonadonna; Dupree; Hards; Kohn; Murphy; Nichols; Nicholson; Norton; Searl; Sparks; Vickers

1999-02-19

Crystalline silica (mostly cristobalite) was produced by vapor-phase crystallization and devitrification in the andesite lava dome of the Soufriere Hills volcano, Montserrat. The sub-10-micrometer fraction of ash generated by pyroclastic flows formed by lava dome collapse contains 10 to 24 weight percent crystalline silica, an enrichment of 2 to 5 relative to the magma caused by selective crushing of the groundmass. The sub-10-micrometer fraction of ash generated by explosive eruptions has much lower contents (3 to 6 percent) of crystalline silica. High levels of cristobalite in respirable ash raise concerns about adverse health effects of long-term human exposure to ash from lava dome eruptions.

Erosional origin of drumlins and megaridges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eyles, Nick; Putkinen, Niko; Sookhan, Shane; Arbelaez-Moreno, Lina

2016-06-01

The erodent layer hypothesis (ELH) proposes that drumlinization leaves no substantial stratigraphic record because it is primarily an erosional process that cuts an unconformity across pre-existing bed materials. Drumlins most commonly have autochthonous cores of antecedent till(s), other stiff and coarse-grained sediment and rock or any combination thereof, and are also found closely juxtaposed with rock drumlins within the same flow sets ('mixed beds'). This is at odds with the suggested growth of drumlins by vertical accretion ('emergence') from deforming subglacial till ('soft beds'). ELH argues that drumlins 'grow down' by erosional carving of pre-existing stiff till, sediment and/or rock by a thin (< 1 m) layer of deforming subglacial debris which abrades its substrate. This process is well known to the science of tribology (the study of wearing surfaces) where remnant micro-drumlins, ridges and grooves comparable to drumlins and megaridges are cut by debris ('erodent layers') between surfaces in relative motion. In the subglacial setting the erodent layer comprises deforming diamict containing harder 'erodents' such as boulders, clast-rich zones or frozen rafts. Similar, till-like erodent layers (cataclasites) cut streamlined surfaces below gravity-driven mass flows such as rock avalanches, landslides and slumps, pyroclastic flows and debris flows; streamlined surfaces including drumlin-like 'ellipsoidal bumps' and ridges are also common on the surfaces of faults. Megadrumlins, drumlins and megaridges comprise an erosional continuum in many flow sets. This records the progressive dissection of large streamlined bedforms to form successively more elongate daughter drumlins and megaridges ('clones') as the bed is lowered to create a low-slip surface that allows fast ice flow and ice streaming. Clones are the 'missing links' in the continuum. ELH predicts preservation within drumlins of antecedent remnant tills and stratigraphies deposited earlier in the glacial cycle under sluggish or steady-state ice flows that were then streamlined by erosion under streaming ice flows. The erodent layer may be preserved as a relatively thin, loosely-consolidated surficial till that drapes the streamlined bedform (the 'upper till', 'cap till', 'till veneer', 'till mantle', 'retreat till', or 'englacial debris' of many previous reports). ELH suggests that there is a fundamental commonality of all forms of erosional wear and streamlining on sliding interfaces from the microscopic scale to the macroscopic scale of ice sheet beds.

Observing changes at Santiaguito Volcano, Guatemala with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Angelis, S.; von Aulock, F.; Lavallée, Y.; Hornby, A. J.; Kennedy, B.; Lamb, O. D.; Kendrick, J. E.

2016-12-01

Santiaguito Volcano (Guatemala) is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America, producing several ash venting explosions per day for almost 100 years. Lahars, lava flows and dome and flank collapses that produce major pyroclastic density currents also present a major hazard to nearby farms and communities. Optical observations of both the vent as well as the lava flow fronts can provide scientists and local monitoring staff with important information on the current state of volcanic activity and hazard. Due to the strong activity, and difficult terrain, unmanned aerial vehicles can help to provide valuable data on the activities of the volcano at a safe distance. We collected a series of images and video footage of the active vent of Caliente and the flow front of the active lava flow and its associated lahar channels, both in May 2015 and in December 2015- January 2016. Images of the crater and the lava flows were used for the reconstruction of 3D terrain models using structure-from-motion. These models can be used to constrain topographical changes and distribution of ballistics via cloud comparisons. The preliminary data of aerial images and videos of the summit crater (during two separate ash venting episodes) and the lava flow fronts indicate the following differences in activity during those two field campaigns: - A recorded explosive event in December 2015 initiates at subparallel linear faults near the centre of the dome, with a later, separate, and more ash-laden burst occurring from an off-centre fracture. - A comparison of the point clouds before and after a degassing explosion shows minor subsidence of the dome surface and the formation of several small craters at the main venting locations. - The lava flow fronts did not advance more than a few meters between May and December 2015. - Damming of river valleys by the lava flows has established new stream channels that have modified established pathways for the recurring lahars, one of the major hazards of Santiaguito volcano. The preliminary results of this study from two fieldtrips to Santiaguito Volcano are exemplary for the plethora of applications of UAVs in the field of volcano monitoring, and we urge funding agencies and legislative bodies to consider the value of these scientific instruments in future decisions and allocation of funding.

Erosive events in dilute pyroclastic density currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Douillet, G.; Kueppers, U.; Rasmussen, K.; Merrison, J. P.; Dingwell, D. B.

2011-12-01

Our understanding of the dynamics of pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) is largely based on the study of their deposits. However, sedimentological structures reflect only the low energy, depositional phases of a flow. To enlarge the source of information on PDC behaviour, we provided wind-tunnel experiments to measure the minimal velocity necessary to erode dry, volcanic ash. Our results permit to link erosive surfaces that are often found in PDC deposits to the minimum velocity that must have acted to produce them. We apply the method to field examples and discuss the occurrence of hydraulic-jumps in dilute PDCs. We measured the threshold of surface friction-velocity for erosion of two types of volcanic ash: 1) a mixture of fragments of vesiculated scoria containing also lithics and crystals and 2) pumice clasts from the Plinian Laacher See eruption. Both were sampled in quarries from the East Eifel volcanic field (Germany). For each type, we measured the threshold for particles from 63 μm to 2 mm in 1 phi-size steps. Static threshold friction-velocities have been measured experimentally in an open, 6 m-long wind-tunnel at Aarhus University. In order to quickly guarantee the downwind equilibrium-dynamics of the saltating sand-surface, we produced roughness-carpets upstream of the study area. The roughness-carpets consist of particles of the measured sample fixed onto the bed in order to create an appropriate static roughness. The measuring section (1 m in length) is located at the downwind end of the wind-tunnel and covered with 10 mm of sample. The wind velocity in the wind-tunnel was progressively increased until a small but continuous number of grains left the surface. This wind velocity was taken as the threshold, and the associated surface friction-velocity was deduced by calibration from wind-profiles data taken over the fixed surface of material of the same characteristics. We apply our results to sedimentary features found in natural deposits and usually interpreted as "chute and pool" structures. These are characterized by erosional events producing a steep side facing the flow, and lensoidal layers deposited on the stoss face of the un-eroded, remaining strata. Our experimental results allow for quantifying the minimum current-velocity required for the observed erosion. Based on this, we discuss the interpretation of such erosional features as "chute and pool" structures, which are the sedimentary record of hydraulic-jumps. There is no clear evidence of the presence of internal hydraulic-jumps in the sedimentary record of PDCs. Moreover, such flows can decelerate drastically and eventually stop without leaving the supercritical flow regime due to their highly depositional nature. Accordingly, they would not experience a hydraulic-jump.

Field-trip guide for exploring pyroclastic density current deposits from the May 18, 1980, eruption of Mount St. Helens, Washington

USGS Publications Warehouse

Brand, Brittany D.; Pollock, Nicholas; Sarocchi, Damiano; Dufek, Josef; Clynne, Michael A.

2017-07-05

Pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) are one of the most dangerous phenomena associated with explosive volcanism. To help constrain damage potential, a combination of field studies, laboratory experiments, and numerical modeling are used to establish conditions that influence PDC dynamics and depositional processes, including runout distance. The objective of this field trip is to explore field relations that may constrain PDCs at the time of emplacement.The PDC deposits from the May 18, 1980, eruption of Mount St. Helens are well exposed along the steep flanks (10–30° slopes) and across the pumice plain (5–12° slopes) as far as 8 km north of the volcano. The pumice plain deposits represent deposition from a series of concentrated PDCs and are primarily thick (3–12 m), massive, and poorly sorted. In contrast, the steep east-flank deposits are stratified to cross-stratified, suggesting deposition from PDCs where turbulence strongly influenced transport and depositional processes.The PDCs that descended the west flank were largely nondepositional; they maintained a higher flow energy and carrying capacity than PDCs funneled through the main breach, as evidenced by the higher concentration of large blocks in their deposits. The PDC from the west flank collided with PDCs funneled through the breach at various points along the pumice plain. Evidence for flow collision will be explored and debated throughout the field trip.Evidence for substrate erosion and entrainment is found (1) along the steep eastern flank of the volcano, which has a higher degree of rough, irregular topography relative to the west flanks where PDCs were likely nonerosive, (2) where PDCs encountered debris-avalanche hummocks across the pumice plain, and (3) where PDCs eroded and entrained material deposited by PDCs produced during earlier phases of the eruption. Two features interpreted as large-scale (tens of meters wide) levees and a large (~200 m wide) channel scour-and-fill feature provide the first evidence of self-channelization within PDCs sustained for minutes to tens of minutes (total volume of deposits is ~0.12 km3; area covered is ~15.5 km2; Rowley and others, 1981).Our ability to interpret the deposits of PDCs is critical for understanding transport and depositional processes that control PDC dynamics. The results of extensive work on the May 18, 1980, PDC deposits show that slope and irregular topography strongly influence PDC flow path, dynamics, criticality (for example, supercritical versus subcritical), carrying capacity, and erosive capacity. However, the influence of these conditions on ultimate flow runout and damage potential warrants further exploration through the combination of field, experimental, and numerical approaches.

Lahar Hazards at Casita and San Cristóbal Volcanoes, Nicaragua

USGS Publications Warehouse

Vallance, J.W.; Schilling, S.P.; Devoli, G.; Reid, M.E.; Howell, M.M.; Brien, D.L.

2004-01-01

Casita and San Cristóbal volcanoes are part of a volcano complex situated at the eastern end of the Cordillera de los Maribios. Other centers of volcanism in the complex include El Chonco, Cerro Moyotepe, and La Pelona. At 1745 m, San Cristóbal is the highest and only historically active volcano of the complex. The volcano’s crater is 500 to 600 m across and elongate east to west; its western rim is more than 100 m higher than its eastern rim. The conical volcano is both steep and symmetrical. El Chonco, which lies west of San Cristóbal, is crudely conical but has been deeply dissected by streams. Cerro Moyotepe to the northeast of San Cristóbal is even more deeply incised by erosion than El Chonco, and its crater is breached by erosion. Casita volcano, about 5 km east of San Cristóbal volcano, comprises a broad ridge like form, elongate along an eastwest axis, that is deeply dissected. Nested along the ridge are two craters. The younger one, La Ollada crater, truncates an older smaller crater to the east near Casita’s summit (1430 m). La Ollada crater is about 1 km across and 100 m deep. Numerous small fumarole fields occur near the summit of Casita and on nearby slopes outside of the craters. Casita volcano overlaps the 3-km-wide crater of La Pelona to the east. Stream erosion has deeply incised the slopes of La Pelona, and it is likely the oldest center of the Casita-San Cristóbal volcano complex. In late October and early November 1998, torrential rains of Hurricane Mitch caused numerous slope failures in Central America. The most catastrophic occurred at Casita volcano, on October 30, 1998. At Casita, five days of heavy rain triggered a 1.6-million-cubic-meter rock and debris avalanche that generated an 2- to 4- million-cubic-meter debris flow that swept down the steep slopes of the volcano. The debris flow spread out across the volcano’s apron, destroyed two towns, and killed more than 2500 people. In prehistoric time, Casita erupted explosively to form ash-fall deposits (tephra), debris avalanches, lava flows, and hot flowing mixtures of ash and rock (called pyroclastic flows). The chronology of activity at Casita is rather poorly known. Its last documented eruption occurred 8300 years ago, and included a pyroclastic flow. Tephra deposits exposed in the east crater suggest the possibility of subsequent eruptions. Work prior to Hurricane Mitch suggested that a part of the volcano’s apron that included the area inundated during the 1998 event south of Casita was a lahar pathway. Erosion during Hurricane Mitch revealed that at least three large lahars descended this pathway to distances of up to 10 km. This report describes the hazards of landslides and lahars in general, and discusses potential hazards from future landslides and lahars at San Cristóbal and Casita volcanoes in particular. The report also shows, in the accompanying lahar hazard-zonation maps, which areas are likely to be at risk from future landslides and lahars at Casita and San Cristóbal.

Simultaneous pyroclastic and effusive venting at rhyolite volcanoes: the cases of Puyehue-Cordón Caulle and Chaitén

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castro, J. M.; Schipper, C. I.; Tuffen, H.

2012-04-01

The recent silicic eruptions at volcán Chaiten and Puyehue-Cordón Caulle (PCC) demonstrate that ash and pyroclast production characterizes not only the vigorous initial stages of these eruptions, but can continue on for months, even during the effusive phases of activity. As we observed at PCC in January, 2012 and at Chaitén in 2008-2009, pyroclastic venting taking the form of ash jetting and punctuated Vulcanian blasts (Schipper et al. this session) occurs simultaneously with lava effusion (Tuffen et al., this session) and does so from what appears to be a common vent. This close spatial and temporal correlation implies a genetic and/or causal relation between two very different eruption styles. In this paper, we explore the chemical and physical signatures of this pyroclastic-effusive bridge, and discuss mechanisms by which silicic magma degasses to produce simultaneous, but apparently disparate eruption styles. Geochemical and textural analyses are underway on a range of eruption products from PCC and Chaitén, including early air-fall pyroclastic obsidian and pumice lapilli, ballistic bombs collected within 2 km of the vents, and glassy lavas. Ballistic bombs display a variety of textures ranging from homogeneous glassy obsidian through breadcrusted and highly brecciated bombs with re-annealing textures (e.g., collapsed foams and rewelded obsidian fragments). Bombs from Chaitén contain abundant tuffisites, comprising planar to anastomising veins filled with variably welded juvenile ash. At Chaiten, ballistic bomb water contents (~0.3-1.2 wt.% H2O) and H2O/OH speciation suggest that bombs are shallowly sourced (<<1 km) in the conduit and experienced similar pre-ejection cooling paths to magma that would become obsidian lava. These preliminary observations suggest that bombs are aliquots of magma attempting to become obsidian lava but this development was arrested by the build up of overpressure in the conduit followed by explosive evacuation. The build up of pressure depends on the permeability of the ascending magma, which is likely a function of the density of fractures and vesicularity of magma bodies. Thus factors that affect permeable flow through fractures and interconnected bubble pathways, such as magma deformation, ascent rate and rheology (relating to degassing path and cooling), likely control the cycling of explosive episodes during effusive activity. We are currently exploring how rheological and dynamical parameters inferred from samples can be related back to eruption observations at PCC, including the frequency of explosions and effusion and degassing rates, in order to evaluate the role of pyroclastic venting on the production of dense degassed rhyolite magma (lava). That explosive activity has persisted at PCC for several months suggests that a balance is maintained between the overpressure driving magma supply and the cycles of mechanical failure that typify pyroclastic and effusive activity at the PCC vent.

Stratigraphy, sedimentology and eruptive mechanisms in the tuff cone of El Golfo (Lanzarote, Canary Islands)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pedrazzi, Dario; Martí, Joan; Geyer, Adelina

2013-07-01

The tuff cone of El Golfo on the western coast of Lanzarote (Canary Islands) is a typical hydrovolcanic edifice. Along with other edifices of the same age, it was constructed along a fracture oriented NEE-SWW that coincides with the main structural trend of recent volcanism in this part of the island. We conducted a detailed stratigraphic study of the succession of deposits present in this tuff cone and here interpret them in light of the depositional processes and eruptive dynamics that we were able to infer. The eruptive sequence is represented by a succession of pyroclastic deposits, most of which were emplaced by flow, plus a number of air-fall deposits and ballistic blocks and bombs. We distinguished five different eruptive/depositional stages on the basis of differences in inferred current flow regimes and fragmentation efficiencies represented by the resulting deposits; the different stages may be related to variations in the explosive energy. Eight lithofacies were identified based on sedimentary discontinuities, grain size, components, variations in primary laminations and bedforms. The volcanic edifice was constructed very rapidly around the vent, and this is inferred to have controlled the amount of water that was able to enter the eruption conduit. The sedimentological characteristics of the deposits and the nature and distribution of palagonitic alteration suggest that most of the pyroclastic succession in El Golfo was deposited in a subaerial environment. This type of hydrovolcanic explosive activity is common in the coastal zones of Lanzarote and the other Canary Islands and is one of the main potential hazards that could threaten the human population of this archipelago. Detailed studies of these hydrovolcanic eruptions such as the one we present here can help volcanologists understand the hazards that this type of eruption can generate and provide essential information for undertaking risk assessment in similar volcanic environments.

Managing Long-term Risks from Natural Hazards in a Dynamic Volcanic and Institutional Environment: The Spirit Lake Story

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grant, G.; Major, J. J.; Lewis, S.

2016-12-01

The 18 May 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, Washington, spawned a massive (109 m3) debris avalanche, a violent and extensive pyroclastic density current, lahars, pyroclastic flows, and ashfall. It fundamentally transformed the proximal landscape, and created potential secondary hazards that remain legacies of the eruption over 35 years later. The debris avalanche raised the level of Spirit Lake—a picturesque lake at the foot of the volcano—by 60 m and blocked its outlet. Abruptly, the lake went from charming to menacing, capable of releasing a potentially catastrophic outburst flood (108 m3) that could transform into a massive (109 m3) debris flow if rising lake water breached the blockage. To reduce risk of an uncontrolled breach, and under Presidential emergency declaration, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) bored a 2,590-m-long outlet tunnel through bedrock within the U.S. Forest Service (USFS)-administered Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Drainage through the tunnel maintains a safe lake level below a geologic contact in the blockage where seepage erosion could result in failure. Although the tunnel has performed its mission for over 30 years, episodic deformation has reduced its outlet capacity, necessitating expensive (>$1 million) repairs and closures which temporarily caused precarious lake rises, and prompted re-examination of the strategy to maintain a safe lake level. Here we discuss how federal researchers (USFS and U.S. Geological Survey) interact with Monument and USFS land managers, USACE, the National Academy of Sciences, and the public at large to develop and evaluate, under Congressional mandate, alternative strategies for reducing the risk of catastrophic flooding. Amidst this nexus of institutions, agendas, and perspectives, set against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving landscape subject to a trio of hazards (eruptions, earthquakes, floods), competing interests, costs, and natural risks must be balanced and managed.

2014 Mount Ontake eruption: characteristics of the phreatic eruption as inferred from aerial observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaneko, Takayuki; Maeno, Fukashi; Nakada, Setsuya

2016-05-01

The sudden eruption of Mount Ontake on September 27, 2014, led to a tragedy that caused more than 60 fatalities including missing persons. In order to mitigate the potential risks posed by similar volcano-related disasters, it is vital to have a clear understanding of the activity status and progression of eruptions. Because the erupted material was largely disturbed while access was strictly prohibited for a month, we analyzed the aerial photographs taken on September 28. The results showed that there were three large vents in the bottom of the Jigokudani valley on September 28. The vent in the center was considered to have been the main vent involved in the eruption, and the vents on either side were considered to have been formed by non-explosive processes. The pyroclastic flows extended approximately 2.5 km along the valley at an average speed of 32 km/h. The absence of burned or fallen trees in this area indicated that the temperatures and destructive forces associated with the pyroclastic flow were both low. The distribution of ballistics was categorized into four zones based on the number of impact craters per unit area, and the furthest impact crater was located 950 m from the vents. Based on ballistic models, the maximum initial velocity of the ejecta was estimated to be 111 m/s. Just after the beginning of the eruption, very few ballistic ejecta had arrived at the summit, even though the eruption plume had risen above the summit, which suggested that a large amount of ballistic ejecta was expelled from the volcano several tens-of-seconds after the beginning of the eruption. This initial period was characterized by the escape of a vapor phase from the vents, which then caused the explosive eruption phase that generated large amounts of ballistic ejecta via sudden decompression of a hydrothermal reservoir.

The monogenetic Bayuda Volcanic Field, Sudan - New insights into geology and volcanic morphology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lenhardt, Nils; Borah, Suranjana B.; Lenhardt, Sukanya Z.; Bumby, Adam J.; Ibinoof, Montasir A.; Salih, Salih A.

2018-05-01

The small monogenetic Bayuda Volcanic Field (BVF; 480 km2), comprising at least 53 cinder cones and 15 maar volcanoes in the Bayuda desert of northern Sudan is one of a few barely studied volcanic occurrences of Quaternary age in Sudan. The exact age of the BVF and the duration of volcanic activity has not yet been determined. Furthermore, not much is known about the eruptional mechanisms and the related magmatic and tectonic processes that led to the formation of the volcanic field. In the framework of a larger project focusing on these points it is the purpose of this contribution to provide a first account of the general geology of the BVF volcanoes as well as a first description of a general stratigraphy, including a first description of their morphological characteristics. This was done by means of fieldwork, including detailed rock descriptions, as well as the analysis of satellite images (SRTM dataset at 30 m spatial resolution). The BVF cinder cones are dominated by scoracious lapilli tephra units, emplaced mainly by pyroclastic fallout from Strombolian eruptions. Many cones are breached and are associated with lava flows. The subordinate phreatomagmatism represented by maar volcanoes suggests the presence of ground and/or shallow surface water during some of the eruptions. The deposits constituting the rims around the maar volcanoes are interpreted as having mostly formed due to pyroclastic surges. Many of the tephra rings around the maars are underlain by thick older lava flows. These are inferred to be the horizons where rising magma interacted with groundwater. The existence of phreatomagmatic deposits may point to a time of eruptive activity during a phase with wetter conditions and therefore higher groundwater levels than those encountered historically. This is supported by field observations as well as the morphological analysis, providing evidence for relatively high degrees of alteration of the BVF volcanoes and therefore older eruption ages as suggested by some researchers. A Lower Holocene to Upper Pleistocene age is proposed.

Post Eruption Hazards at Mt. Pinatubo, Philippines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mouginis-Mark, Peter J.

2004-01-01

Our project focused on the investigation of the post-eruption hazards at Mt. Pinatubo (Philippines) using remote sensing data, and field observations of the 1991 eruption deposits. Through the use of multiple satellite images, field work, and the 1996/2000 PacRim data sets, we conducted studies of the co- and post-eruption hazards of the volcano due to erosion and re-deposition of the extensive pyroclastic flow deposits. A major part of this project was the assembly and analysis of a database of over 50 high resolution (1 - 50 m/pixel) images that will facilitate this study. We collected Ikonos, SPOT, SIR-C/X-SAR, Landsat, ERS, RADARSAT, and ASTER images of the area around Mt. Pinatubo. An example of the changes that could be seen in these data is shown. Our investigation focused on a retrospective analysis of the erosion, redeposition, and re-vegetation of the 1991 pyroclastic flow deposits of Mt. Pinatubo. The primary geologic goal of our work was the analysis of the spatial distribution and volume change of the sources and sinks of materials associated with mudflow ('lahar') events. This included the measurement of river valley gradients and cross-sections using TOPSAR digital elevation data, as we are participating in the PacRim 2000 deployment to the Philippines specifically so that we can collect a second set of TOPSAR data that can then be used to create a topographic difference image of the volcano. The main results from this multi-sensor study have been published as Torres et al.. A discussion of the methodology that we used to assemble an appropriate database was included in Mouginis-Mark and Domergue-Schmidt. As part of an educational outreach effort, we also helped the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) in the Philippines to use NASA data to study Mt. Pinatubo and other Filipino volcanoes.

Emplacement temperature estimation of the 2015 dome collapse of Volcán de Colima as key proxy for flow dynamics of confined and unconfined pyroclastic density currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pensa, Alessandra; Capra, Lucia; Giordano, Guido; Corrado, Sveva

2018-05-01

The recent 10th-11th of July 2015 Volcán de Colima eruption involved the collapse of the summit dome that breached to the south generating pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) along the Montegrande ravine on the southern flank of the volcano. Trees within the valley were buried, uprooted and variably transported by the PDCs, while the trees on the edges of the valley and on the overbanks, were mainly burned and folded. The emplacement temperature of valley confined and overbank PDC deposits were reconstructed using Partial Thermal Remanent Magnetization (pTRM) analysis of lithic clasts and Charcoal Reflectance analysis (Ro %) applied to the charred wood. A total of 13 sites were sampled for the pTRM study and 39 charcoaled wood fragments were collected for the charcoal optical analysis along the entire deposit length in order to detect temperature variation from proximal to distal zone. The result overlap from both data sets display a T max from ≃345°-385 °C in valley-confined area (from 3.5 to 8.5 km from the vent) and ≃170°-220 °C (from 8.0 to 10.5 km from the vent) in unconfined distal area. The emplacement temperature pattern along the 10.5 km long deposit appears related to the degree of topography confinement: valley confined and unconfined. In particular the valley confined setting is very conservative in terms of temperature, while the major drop occurs in a very narrow space where the PDC expanded over unconfined flat topography just at the exit of the main valley. This study represents the first attempt in determining the relationship between PDCs flow dynamics variation and topographic confining using deposit emplacement temperature as key proxy.

Young Lunar Volcanic Features: Thermophysical Properties and Formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elder, C. M.; Hayne, P. O.; Donaldson Hanna, K. L.; Bandfield, J.; Ghent, R. R.; Williams, J. P.; Paige, D. A.

2016-12-01

Irregular Mare Patches (IMPs) are small features (100 - 5000 m) on the lunar nearside characterized by uneven terrain interspersed with topographically higher smooth terrain. Crater counting suggests that they are less than 100 Myr old [1, 2]. Several formation hypotheses have been proposed for IMPs, including: caldera collapse [3], explosive outgassing [2], lava flow inflation [4], pyroclastic eruption [5], and regolith drainage [6]. In this study, we use thermal infrared data from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Diviner radiometer to investigate the thermophysical properties of the IMPs. We find that their average rock abundance is approximately a factor of two higher than the surrounding terrain. Comparison of Diviner data with thermal models rules out extensive competent rocks within 5-10 cm of the surface at the IMPs. We also derive the regolith thermal inertia [7] of the four largest IMPs. Sosigenes, Maskelyne, and Cauchy-5 have thermal inertias slightly higher than their surrounding terrain, likely due to the presence of small rocks surrounding nearby craters. Ina has an average thermal inertia lower than the surrounding terrain, and the only resolved smooth mound in Ina has an even lower thermal inertia which implies material that is less consolidated than typical regolith and/or contains fewer small rocks. Formation by lava flows or regolith drainage is not expected to result in material with a lower thermal inertia than pre-existing regolith, so in the case of at least Ina, some other process such as explosive outgassing or pyroclastic eruptions must have occurred. [1] Braden, S. et al. (2014) Nature Geo 7, 787-791. [2] Schultz, P. H. et al. (2006) Nature 444, 184-186. [3] El-Baz, F. (1973) Apollo 17: Preliminary Science Report 330, 30-13. [4] Garry, W. B. et al. (2012) JGR 117, E00H31. [5] Carter, L. B. et al. (2013) LPSC 44, 2146. [6] Qiao, L. et al. (2002) LPSC 47, 2002. [7] Vasavada, A. R. et al. (2012) JGR 117, E00H18.

Identifying glacial influences on sedimentation in tectonically-active, mass flow dominated arc basins with reference to the Neoproterozoic Gaskiers glaciation (c. 580 Ma) of the Avalonian-Cadomian Orogenic Belt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carto, Shannon L.; Eyles, Nick

2012-06-01

Neoproterozoic 'Avalonian-Cadomian' volcanic arc basins once lay peripheral to Gondwana and are now found around the North Atlantic Ocean in New England, Atlantic Canada and northwestern Europe as 'peri-Gondwanan terranes.' Their thick (up to 9 km) marine fills are dominated by turbidites, debrites (diamictites and variably graded conglomerates), slumps and olistostromes recording the dominance of mass flow processes in arc basins oversupplied with volcaniclastic sediment. Several diamictite horizons in these basins were identified as glacial tillites more than one hundred years ago on the basis of poor textural sorting, and the lack of any understanding of mass flow processes. An association with thin-bedded turbidite facies, then interpreted as glaciolacustrine varvites, was seen as evidence for widespread glacial conditions which is still the basis today of a near global 'Gaskiers glaciation' at c. 580 Ma, despite classic sedimentological work which shows that the 'tillites' and 'varvites' of these basins are deep marine sediment gravity flow deposits. Only in two basins (Gaskiers Formation, Avalon Peninsula in Newfoundland, and the Konnarock Formation of Virginia) is a distal and regionally-restricted glacial influence on marine sedimentation identified from ice-rafted, striated dropstones in turbidites but terrestrial 'ice-contact' facies are absent. As revealed in this study, terrestrial glacial facies may not have survived frequent volcanic activity such as seen today on glaciated active plate margin volcanoes such as Mount Rainier in Washington USA, and Cotopaxi Volcano in Ecuador where primary glacial sediment is frequently reworked by lahars, pyroclastic flows, debris avalanches and outburst floods. The weight of evidence presented in this study indicates that ice covers during the Gaskiers glaciation were not widespread across the Avalonian-Cadomian back arc basins; the deep marine Grenada Basin (Caribbean Sea) filled with turbidites, debrites (lahars) and debris avalanches from the adjacent Lesser Antilles Arc is identified here as a modern analogue for these ancient basins.

Particle size segregation in granular avalanches: A brief review of recent progress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gray, J. M. N. T.

2010-05-01

Hazardous natural flows such as snow avalanches, debris-flows, lahars and pyroclastic flows are part of a much wider class of granular avalanches, that frequently occur in industrial processes and in our kitchens! Granular avalanches are very efficient at sorting particles by size, with the smaller ones percolating down towards the base and squeezing the larger grains up towards the free-surface, to create inversely-graded layers. This paper provides a short introduction and review of recent theoretical advances in describing segregation and remixing with relatively simple hyperbolic and parabolic models. The derivation from two phase mixture theory is briefly summarized and links are drawn to earlier models of Savage & Lun and Dolgunin & Ukolov. The more complex parabolic version of the theory has a diffusive force that competes against segregation and yields S-shaped steady-state concentration profiles through the avalanche depth, that are able to reproduce results obtained from particle dynamics simulations. Time-dependent exact solutions can be constructed by using the Cole-Hopf transformation to linearize the segregation-remixing equation and the nonlinear surface and basal boundary conditions. In the limit of no diffusion, the theory is hyperbolic and the grains tend to separate out into completely segregated inversely graded layers. A series of elementary problems are used to demonstrate how concentration shocks, expansion fans, breaking waves and the large and small particles paths can be computed exactly using the model. The theory is able to capture the key features of the size distribution observed in stratification experiments, and explains how a large particle rich front is connected to an inversely graded avalanche in the interior. The theory is simple enough to couple it to the bulk flow field to investigate segregation-mobility feedback effects that spontaneously generate self-channelizing leveed avalanches, which can significantly enhance the total run-out distance of geophysical mass flows.

Eruption-related lahars and sedimentation response downstream of Mount Hood: Field guide to volcaniclastic deposits along the Sandy River, Oregon

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pierson, Tom C.; Scott, William E.; Vallance, James W.; Pringle, Patrick T.; O'Connor, Jim; Dorsey, Rebecca; Madin, Ian

2009-01-01

Late Holocene dome-building eruptions at Mount Hood during the Timberline and Old Maid eruptive periods resulted in numerous dome-collapse pyroclastic flows and lahars that moved large volumes of volcaniclastic sediment into temporary storage in headwater canyons of the Sandy River. During each eruptive period, accelerated sediment loading to the river through erosion and remobilization of volcanic fragmental debris resulted in very high sediment-transport rates in the Sandy River during rain- and snowmelt-induced floods. Large sediment loads in excess of the river's transport capacity led to channel aggradation, channel widening, and change to a braided channel form in the lowermost reach of the river, between 61 and 87 km downstream from the volcano. The post-eruption sediment load moved as a broad bed-material wave, which in the case of the Old Maid eruption took ~2 decades to crest 83 km downstream. Maximum post-eruption aggradation levels of at least 28 and 23 m were achieved in response to Timberline and Old Maid eruptions. In each case, downstream aggradation cycles were initiated by lahars, but the bulk of the aggradation was achieved by fluvial sediment transport and deposition. When the high rates of sediment supply began to diminish, the river degraded, incising the channel fills and forming progressively lower sets of degradational terraces. A variety of debris-flow, hyperconcentrated-flow, and fluvial (upper and lower flow regime) deposits record the downstream passage of the sediment waves that were initiated by these eruptions. The deposits also presage a hazard that may be faced by communities along the Sandy River when volcanic activity at Mount Hood resumes.

Current and future use of TOPSAR digital topographic data for volcanological research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mouginis-Mark, Peter J.; Rowland, Scott K.; Garbeil, Harold

1993-01-01

In several investigations of volcanoes, high quality digital elevation models (DEM's) are required to study either the geometry of the volcano or to investigate temporal changes in relief due to eruptions. Examples include the analysis of volume changes of a volcanic dome, the prediction of flow paths for pyroclastic flows, and the quantitative investigation of the geometry of valleys carved by volcanic mudflows. Additionally, to provide input data for models of lava flow emplacement, accurate measurements are needed of the thickness of lava flows as a function of distance from the vent and local slope. Visualization of volcano morphology is also aided by the ability to view a DEM from oblique perspectives. Until recently, the generation of these DEM's has required either high resolution stereo air photographs or extensive field surveying using the Global Positioning System (GPS) and other field techniques. Through the use of data collected by the NASA/JPL TOPSAR system, it is now possible to remotely measure the topography of volcanoes using airborne radar interferometry. TOPSAR data can be collected day or night under any weather conditions, thereby avoiding the problems associated with the derivation of DEM's from air photographs that may often contain clouds. Here we describe some of our initial work on volcanoes using TOPSAR data for Mt. Hekla (Iceland) and Vesuvius (Italy). We also outline various TOPSAR topographic studies of volcanoes in the Galapagos and Hawaii that will be conducted in the near future, describe how TOPSAR complements the volcanology investigations to be conducted with orbital radars (SIR-C/X-SAR, JERS-1 and ERS-1), and place these studies into the broader context of NASA's Global Change Program.

Subterranean fragmentation of magma during conduit initiation and evolution in the shallow plumbing system of the small-volume Jagged Rocks volcanoes (Hopi Buttes Volcanic Field, Arizona, USA)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Re, Giuseppe; White, James D. L.; Muirhead, James D.; Ort, Michael H.

2016-08-01

Monogenetic volcanoes have limited magma supply and lack long-lived sustained magma plumbing systems. They erupt once, often from multiple vents and sometimes over several years, and are rarely or never re-activated. Eruptive behavior is very sensitive to physical processes (e.g., volatile exsolution, magma-water interaction) occurring in the later stages of magma ascent at shallow crustal depths (<1 km), which yield a spectrum of eruptive styles including weak to moderate explosive activity, violent phreatomagmatism, and lava effusion. Jagged Rocks Complex in the late Miocene Hopi Buttes Volcanic field (Arizona, USA) exposes the frozen remnants of the feeding systems for one or a few monogenetic volcanoes. It provides information on how a shallow magmatic plumbing system evolved within a stable non-marine sedimentary basin, and the processes by which magma flowing through dikes fragmented and conduits were formed. We have identified three main types of fragmental deposits, (1) buds (which emerge from dikes), (2) pyroclastic massifs, and (3) diatremes; these represent three different styles and intensities of shallow-depth magma fragmentation. They may develop successively and at different sites during the evolution of a monogenetic volcano. The deposits consist of a mixture of pyroclasts with varying degrees of welding and country-rock debris in various proportions. Pyroclasts are commonly welded together, but also reveal in places features consistent with phreatomagmatism, such as blocky shapes, dense groundmasses, and composite clasts (loaded and cored). The extent of fragmentation and the formation of subterranean open space controlled the nature of the particles and the architecture and geometry of these conduit structures and their deposits.

Comparing Volcanic Terrains on Venus and Earth: How Prevalent are Pyroclastic Deposits on Venus?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carter, Lynn M.; Campbell, B. A.; Glaze, L. S.

2012-01-01

In the last several years, astronomers have discovered several exoplanets with masses less than 10 times that of the Earth [1]. Despite the likely abundance of Earth-sized planets, little is known about the pathways through which these planets evolve to become habitable or uninhabitable. Venus and Earth have similar planetary radii and solar orbital distance, and therefore offer a chance to study in detail the divergent evolution of two objects that now have radically different climates. Understanding the extent, duration, and types of volcanism present on Venus is an important step towards understanding how volatiles released from the interior of Venus have influenced the development of the atmosphere. Placing constraints on the extent of explosive volcanism on Venus can provide boundary conditions for timing, volumes, and altitudes for atmospheric injection of volatiles. In addition, atmospheric properties such as near-surface temperature and density affect how interior heat and volatiles are released. Radar image data for Venus can be used to determine the physical properties of volcanic deposits, and in particular, they can be used to search for evidence of pyroclastic deposits that may result from explosive outgassing of volatiles. For explosive volcanism to occur with the current high atmospheric pressure, magma volatile contents must be higher than is typical on Earth (at least 2-4% by weight) [2,3]. In, addition, pyroclastic flows should be more prevalent on Venus than convective plumes and material may not travel as far from the vent source as it would on Earth [3]. Areas of high radar backscatter with wispy margins that occur near concentric fractures on Sapho Patera [4] and several coronae in Eastern Eistla Regio [5] have been attributed to collapse of eruption columns and runout of rough materials.

Understanding and modeling volcanotectonic processes that generate surface deformation on active stratovolcanoes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gudmundsson, A.

2005-05-01

Surface deformation on stratovolcanoes is the result of local stresses generated by various volcanotectonic processes. These processes include changes in fluid pressure in the associated geothermal fields and magma chambers, regional seismic or tectonic events, fault development, and dike injections. Here the focus is on magma-chamber pressure changes and dike injections. Surface deformation associated with magma-chamber pressure changes is normally referred to as inflation when the pressure increases, and as deflation when the pressure decreases. The processes that lead to inflation are primarily addition of new magma to the chamber and rapid exsolution of gas from the magma in the chamber. The processes that lead to deflation are primarily cooling (and contraction) of magma in the chamber, regional tectonic extension of the crust holding the chamber, and eruption and/or dike injection. Injection of dikes (including inclined sheets) is common in most active stratovolcanoes. However, no dike-fed eruptions can take place unless the local stress field within the volcano is favorable to feeder-dike formation. By contrast, if at any location - in any layer - in the stratovolcano the stress field is unfavorable to dike propagation, the dike becomes arrested and no eruption occurs. Detailed studies of dikes in stratovolcanoes worldwide indicate that most dikes become arrested and never reach the surface. However, arrested dikes may give rise to surface deformation, such as is commonly monitored during volcanic unrest periods. By definition, stratovolcanoes are composed of numerous alternating strata (layers) of pyroclastic material and lava flows. Commonly, these layers have widely different mechanical properties. In particular, some layers such as lava flows and welded pyroclastic flows may be stiff (with a high Young's modulus), whereas other layers, such as non-welded pyroclastic units, may be soft (with a low Young's modulus). Here I present new numerical models on the surface deformation on typical stratovolcanoes. The models show, first, that the surface deformation during magma-chamber inflation and deflation depends much on the chamber geometry, the loading conditions, and the mechanical properties of the rock units that constitute the volcano. Second, the models show that dike-induced stresses and surface deformation depend much on the mechanical properties of the layers between the dike tip and the surface. In particular, the models indicate that soft layers and weak contacts between layers may suppress the dike-induced tensile stresses and the associated surface deformation. Thus, many dikes may become injected and arrested with little or no surface deformation. Generally, the numerical models suggest that standard analytical surface-deformation models such as point sources (nuclei of strain) for magma-chamber pressure changes and dislocations for dikes should be used with great caution. These models normally assume the volcanoes and rift zones to behave as homogeneous, isotropic half spaces or semi-infinite plates. When applied to stratovolcanoes composed of layers of contrasting mechanical properties and, particularly at shallow depths, weak or open contacts, inversions using these analytical models may yield results that, at best, are unreliable.

The ~ 2500 yr B.P. Chicoral non-cohesive debris flow from Cerro Machín Volcano, Colombia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murcia, H. F.; Hurtado, B. O.; Cortés, G. P.; Macías, J. L.; Cepeda, H.

2008-04-01

Cerro Machín Volcano (CMV) is located in the central part of the Colombian Andes (2750 m asl), 150 km southwest of Bogotá. It is considered the most dangerous active volcano of Colombia. CMV has experienced at least six major explosive eruptions during the last 5000 years. These eruptions have emplaced many types of pyroclastic deposits with associated lahars that have traveled more than 100 km. One of these lahars is called Chicoral Debris Flow Deposit (DFD2). This deposit is exposed as discontinuous terraces (3-20 m thick) along the Coello and Magdalena rivers up to 109 km from the source. The DFD2 covers a minimum area of 62 km 2 and has a minimum volume of 0.57 km 3. It comprises two dacite-rich volcaniclastic units. Grain-size analysis reveals that the matrix content and sorting increase with distance while the average grain size decreases. The clay content of the DFD2 matrix is approximately 1%, thus categorizing it as a non-cohesive debris flow. Radiocarbon dates obtained from underlying and overlying paleosols yielded ages of 2505 + 65 and 1640 + 45 yr B.P., respectively. These dates suggest that DFD2 is related to the ~ 2600 yr B.P. El Guaico eruption of CMV. This eruption produced a block-and-ash flow that filled and blocked the Toche River up to 5 km from the volcano. Subsequent remobilization of this loose material by runoff water generated a massive debris flow that traveled 91 km along the Toche and Coello rivers and continued across the Espinal Alluvial Fan debouching into the Magdalena River where it continued another 18 km prior to its transformation into a sediment-laden flow. Because the last eruption of the volcano occurred ca. 900 years ago, no historic activity of CMV is known among inhabitants of the region. Hence the region has developed without awareness of volcanic hazards. Therefore an assessment of volcanic hazards is essential for understanding and evaluating the vulnerability and risk to which people are exposed in case of a future eruption. Such assessment is critical for urban planning, development, contingency, emergency and education planning.

The geohydrologic setting of Yucca Mountain, Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stuckless, J.S.; Dudley, W.W.

2002-01-01

This paper provides a geologic and hydrologic framework of the Yucca Mountain region for the geochemical papers in this volume. The regional geologic units, which range in age from late Precambrian through Holocene, are briefly described. Yucca Mountain is composed of dominantly pyroclastic units that range in age from 11.4 to 15.2 Ma. The principal focus of study has been on the Paintbrush Group, which includes two major zoned and welded ash-flow tuffs separated by an important hydrogeologic unit referred to as the Paintbrush non-welded (PTn). The regional structural setting is currently one of extension, and the major local tectonic domains are presented together with a tectonic model that is consistent with the known structures at Yucca Mountain. Streamflow in this arid to semi-arid region occurs principally in intermittent or ephemeral channels. Near Yucca Mountain, the channels of Fortymile Wash and Amargosa River collect infrequent runoff from tributary basins, ultimately draining to Death Valley. Beneath the surface, large-scale interbasin flow of groundwater from one valley to another occurs commonly in the region. Regional groundwater flow beneath Yucca Mountain originates in the high mesas to the north and returns to the surface either in southern Amargosa Desert or in Death Valley, where it is consumed by evapotranspiration. The water table is very deep beneath the upland areas such as Yucca Mountain, where it is 500-750 m below the land surface, providing a large thickness of unsaturated rocks that are potentially suitable to host a nuclear-waste repository. The nature of unsaturated flow processes, which are important for assessing radionuclide migration, are inferred mainly from hydrochemical or isotopic evidence, from pneumatic tests of the fracture systems, and from the results of in situ experiments. Water seeping down through the unsaturated zone flows rapidly through fractures and more slowly through the pores of the rock matrix. Although capillary forces are expected to divert much of the flow around repository openings, some may drip onto waste packages, ultimately causing release of radionuclides, followed by transport down to the water table. ?? 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Shallow marine event sedimentation in a volcanic arc-related setting: The Ordovician Suri Formation, Famatina range, northwest Argentina

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mangano, M.G.; Buatois, L.A.

1996-01-01

The Loma del Kilome??tro Member of the Lower Ordovician Suri Formation records arc-related shelf sedimentation in the Famatina Basin of northwest Argentina. Nine facies, grouped into three facies assemblages, are recognized. Facies assemblage 1 [massive and parallel-laminated mudstones (facies A) locally punctuated by normally graded or parallel-laminated silty sandstones (facies B] records deposition from suspension fall-out and episodic storm-induced turbidity currents in an outer shelf setting. Facies assemblage 2 [massive and parallel-laminated mudstones (facies A) interbedded with rippled-top very fine-grained sandstones (facies D)] is interpreted as the product of background sedimentation alternating with distal storm events in a middle shelf environment. Facies assemblage 3 [normally graded coarse to fine-grained sandstones (facies C); parallel-laminated to low angle cross-stratified sandstones (facies E); hummocky cross-stratified sandstones and siltstones (facies F); interstratified fine-grained sandstones and mudstones (facies G); massive muddy siltstones and sandstones (facies H); tuffaceous sandstones (facies I); and interbedded thin units of massive and parallel-laminated mudstones (facies A)] is thought to represent volcaniclastic mass flow and storm deposition coupled with subordinated suspension fall-out in an inner-shelf to lower-shoreface setting. The Loma del Kilo??metro Member records regressive-transgressive sedimentation in a storm- and mass flow-dominated high-gradient shelf. Volcano-tectonic activity was the important control on shelf morphology, while relative sea-level change influenced sedimentation. The lower part of the succession is attributed to mud blanketing during high stand and volcanic quiescence. Progradation of the inner shelf to lower shoreface facies assemblage in the middle part represents an abrupt basinward shoreline migration. An erosive-based, non-volcaniclastic, turbidite unit at the base of this package suggests a sea level fall. Pyroclastic detritus, andesites, and a non-volcanic terrain were eroded and their detritus was transported basinward and redeposited by sediment gravity flows during the low stand. The local coexistence of juvenile pyroclastic detritus and fossils suggests reworking of rare ash-falls. The upper part of the Loma del Kilo??metre Member records a transgression with no evidence of contemporaneous volcanism. Biostratinomic, paleoecologic, and ichnologic analyses support this paleoenvironmental interpretations and provide independent evidence for the dominance of episodic sedimentation in an arc-related shallow marine setting. Fossil concentrations were mainly formed by event processes, such as storms and volcaniclastic mass flows. High depositional rates inhibited formation of sediment-starved biogenic concentrations. Collectively, trace fossils belong to the Cruziana ichnofacies. Low diversity, scarcity, and presence of relatively simple forms indicate benthic activity under stressful conditions, most probably linked to high sedimentation rates. Contrasting sedimentary dynamics between 'normal shelves' and their volcaniclastic counterparts produce distinct and particular signatures in the stratigraphic record. Arc-related shelves are typified by event deposition with significant participation of sediment gravity flows, relatively high sedimentation rates, textural and mineralogical immaturity of sediments, scarcity and low diversity of trace fossils, and dominance of transported and reworked faunal assemblages genetically related to episodic processes.

A New Two-phase Flow Model Applied to the 2007 Crater Lake Break-out Lahar, Mt. Ruapehu, New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheridan, M. F.; Cordoba, G.; Pitman, E.; Cronin, S. J.; Procter, J.

2010-12-01

The 2007 Crater Lake break-out lahar, Mt. Ruapehu, New Zealand, is a complex but well-characterized natural debris flow that follows an intricate course over an array of topographic features (see Manville et al., this conference). Detailed digital terrain data (DEM) and accurate flow characterization allow us to test our computational model with an unusually high level of control for such a large natural flood wave. The new two-phase flow code is imbedded within the TITAN2D framework (Patra et al. 2005) that is widely used in hazard assessment for both dry (granular) and wet (debris flow) flows (Murcia et al., 2010). Because TITAN2D is actually valid for dry flows (avalanches) we developed a new two-phase model based on balance laws for mass and momentum for each phase. The granular material is assumed to obey a Coulomb constitutive relation and the fluid is assumed to be inviscid. The Darcy-Weisbach formulation is used to account for bed friction, and a phenomenological drag coefficient mediates the momentum exchange between phases. The resulting system of 6 partial differential equations are depth averaged and correspond to the Savage and Hutter model in the limit of no fluid, and to the typical shallow water solutions (Ortiz, et al., 2005) for pure water. This model is capable of simulating particle volumetric fractions as dilute as 0.001 and as concentrated as 0.55. To confirm the usefulness of the new code for complex flows we used data from four observation stations at Ruapehu located at runout distances of 2 km, 5 km, 7 km and 9 km. The specific flow data that we compare with the model outcomes include: 1) arrival time of the flood front, 2) maximum flood depth, and 3) flow velocity. The computed values for these flow characteristics are all within about ± 10% of the observed figures. References: Manville, V., et al., 2010, Anatomy of a basin break-out flood: The 2007 Crater Lake break-out lahar, Mt. Ruapehu, New Zealand, this conference. Murcia, H.F., Sheridan, M.F., Macías, J.L. and Cortés, G.P., 2010, TITAN2D simulations of pyroclastic flows at Cerro Machín Volcano, Colombia: Hazard implications, Journal of South American Earth Sciences, 29(2): 161-170. Patra, A.K., Bauer, A.C., Nichita, C., Pitman, E. B., Sheridan, M.F, and Bursik, M.I, Rupp, B., Weber, A., Stinton, A.J., Namikawa, L.M., and Renschler, C.S., 2005, Parallel adaptive simulation of dry avalanches over natural terrain. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 139(1-2):1-21. Ortiz, P., Shallow water problems. in Zienkiewicz, O.C., Taylor, R.L., and Nithiarasu, P., The finite element method for fluid dynamics, 2005, Elsevier, 6th Edition, 400 pp.

Long-term volcanic hazard forecasts based on Somma-Vesuvio past eruptive activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lirer, Lucio; Petrosino, Paola; Alberico, Ines; Postiglione, Immacolata

2001-02-01

Distributions of pyroclastic deposits from the main explosive events at Somma-Vesuvio during the 8,000-year B.P.-A.D. 1906 time-span have been analysed to provide maps of volcanic hazard for long-term eruption forecasting. In order to define hazard ratings, the spatial distributions and loads (kg/m2) exerted by the fall deposits on the roofs of buildings have been considered. A load higher than 300 kg/m2 is defined as destructive. The relationship load/frequency (the latter defined as the number of times that an area has been impacted by the deposition of fall deposits) is considered to be a suitable parameter for differentiating among areas according to hazard rating. Using past fall deposit distributions as the basis for future eruptive scenarios, the total area that could be affected by the products of a future Vesuvio explosive eruption is 1,500 km2. The perivolcanic area (274 km2) has the greatest hazard rating because it could be buried by pyroclastic flow deposits thicker than 0.5 m and up to several tens of metres in thickness. Currently, the perivolcanic area also has the highest risk because of the high exposed value, mainly arising from the high population density.

Multiple Origins of Pyroclastic Obsidian and Implications for Changes in the Dynamics of the 1300 BP eruption of Newberry Volcano, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rust, A. C.; Cashman, K. V.

2005-12-01

Like many rhyolite tephras, the pyroclastic deposits of the 1300 B.P. eruption of Newberry Volcano, USA, contain minor amounts of obsidian. The H2O and CO2 contents and textures of these clasts vary considerably and provide information on eruption history and dynamics. Early in the eruption, obsidian probably derived from veins of vanguard magma or tuffisite that, together with wall rock fragments, were eroded and incorporated into the eruption column as the vent widened. Later, following a temporary cessation of activity, the proportion of obsidian to lithic fragments increased and new types of obsidian dominated, types that represent remnants of a shallow conduit plug and welded fallback material. Analysis of bubble geometries provide flow parameters and time scales operative for deformation within the shallow conduit. Furthermore, spatial variations in CO2 help constrain welding and wall rock assimilation time scales. Comparison of obsidian characteristics from the Newberry eruption with those of the well-studied Mono Craters eruption shows intriguing differences in obsidian formation that may relate to the nature of the conduit feeding the two events. From this comparison we conclude that obsidian is less likely to provide information on magmatic fragmentation than on time scales and mechanisms of pre-fragmentation magma ascent.

Multiphase-flow numerical modeling of the 18 May 1980 lateral blast at Mount St. Helens, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ongaro, T.E.; Widiwijayanti, C.; Clarke, A.B.; Voight, B.; Neri, A.

2011-01-01

Volcanic lateral blasts are among the most spectacular and devastating of natural phenomena, but their dynamics are still poorly understood. Here we investigate the best documented and most controversial blast at Mount St. Helens (Washington State, United States), on 18 May 1980. By means of three-dimensional multiphase numerical simulations we demonstrate that the blast front propagation, fi nal runout, and damage can be explained by the emplacement of an unsteady, stratifi ed pyroclastic density current, controlled by gravity and terrain morphology. Such an interpretation is quantitatively supported by large-scale observations at Mount St. Helens and will infl uence the defi nition and predictive mapping of hazards on blast-dangerous volcanoes worldwide. ?? 2011 Geological Society of America.

[Paleobiology in the population of Herculaneum (79 A.D].

PubMed

Capasso, L; Capasso, L; Caramiello, S; D'Anastasio, R; Di Domenicantonio, L; Di Fabrizio, A; Di Nardo, F; La Verghetta, M

2000-06-01

The anthropologic examination of the human skeletal remains recovered on the ancient beach of Herculaneum provides a unique opportunity for gaining paleobiological data on a Roman population. The eruption caught the people on the ancient beach as they were trying to escape; the volcanic surges and pyroclastic flows had different effects on them depending upon where they were on the beach. Those caught in the open suffered immediate dehydratation, with cranial explosion and complete burning of bones, whereas those trapped in the boat sheds suffered slower dehydration. Histological analysis of the bone remains reveals an exposure to temperatures of 350-400 degrees C; the slower dehydratation of those in the sheds resulted in the preservation of some soft tissues, which are exceptional findings.

Geomorphological classification of post-caldera volcanoes in the Buyan-Bratan caldera, North Bali, Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okuno, Mitsuru; Harijoko, Agung; Wayan Warmada, I.; Watanabe, Koichiro; Nakamura, Toshio; Taguchi, Sachihiro; Kobayashi, Tetsuo

2017-12-01

A landform of the post-caldera volcanoes (Lesung, Tapak, Sengayang, Pohen, and Adeng) in the Buyan-Bratan caldera on the island of Bali, Indonesia can be classified by topographic interpretation. The Tapak volcano has three craters, aligned from north to south. Lava effused from the central crater has flowed downward to the northwest, separating the Tamblingan and Buyan Lakes. This lava also covers the tip of the lava flow from the Lesung volcano. Therefore, it is a product of the latest post-caldera volcano eruption. The Lesung volcano also has two craters, with a gully developing on the pyroclastic cone from the northern slope to the western slope. Lava from the south crater has flowed down the western flank, beyond the caldera rim. Lava distributed on the eastern side from the south also surrounds the Sengayang volcano. The Adeng volcano is surrounded by debris avalanche deposits from the Pohen volcano. Based on these topographic relationships, Sengayang volcano appears to be the oldest of the post-caldera volcanoes, followed by the Adeng, Pohen, Lesung, and Tapak volcanoes. Coarse-grained scoria falls around this area are intercalated with two foreign tephras: the Samalas tephra (1257 A.D.) from Lombok Island and the Penelokan tephra (ca. 5.5 kBP) from the Batur caldera. The source of these scoria falls is estimated to be either the Tapak or Lesung volcano, implying that at least two volcanoes have erupted during the Holocene period.

Improved Discrimination of Volcanic Complexes, Tectonic Features, and Regolith Properties in Mare Serenitatis from Earth-Based Radar Mapping

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campbell, Bruce A.; Hawke, B. Ray; Morgan, Gareth A.; Carter, Lynn M.; Campbell, Donald B.; Nolan, Michael

2014-01-01

Radar images at 70 cm wavelength show 4-5 dB variations in backscatter strength within regions of relatively uniform spectral reflectance properties in central and northern Mare Serenitatis, delineating features suggesting lava flow margins, channels, and superposition relationships. These backscatter differences are much less pronounced at 12.6 cm wavelength, consistent with a large component of the 70 cm echo arising from the rough or blocky transition zone between the mare regolith and the intact bedrock. Such deep probing is possible because the ilmenite content, which modulates microwave losses, of central Mare Serenitatis is generally low (2-3% by weight). Modeling of the radar returns from a buried interface shows that an average regolith thickness of 10m could lead to the observed shifts in 70 cm echo power with a change in TiO2 content from 2% to 3%. This thickness is consistent with estimates of regolith depth (10-15m) based on the smallest diameter for which fresh craters have obvious blocky ejecta. The 70 cm backscatter differences provide a view of mare flow-unit boundaries, channels, and lobes unseen by other remote sensing methods. A localized pyroclastic deposit associated with Rima Calippus is identified based on its low radar echo strength. Radar mapping also improves delineation of units for crater age dating and highlights a 250 km long, east-west trending feature in northern Mare Serenitatis that we suggest is a large graben flooded by late-stage mare flows.

A facies model for a quaternary andesitic composite volcano: Ruapehu, New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hackett, W. R.; Houghton, B. F.

1989-01-01

Ruapehu composite volcano is a dynamic volcanic-sedimentary system, characterised by high accumulation rates and by rapid lateral and vertical change in facies. Four major cone-building episodes have occurred over 250 Ka, from a variety of summit, flank and satellite vents. Eruptive styles include subplinian, strombolian, phreatomagmatic, vulcanian and dome-related explosive eruptions, and extrusion of lava flows and domes. The volcano can be divided into two parts: a composite cone of volume 110 km3, surrounded by an equally voluminous ring plain. Complementary portions of Ruapehu's history are preserved in cone-forming and ring plain environments. Cone-forming sequences are dominated by sheet- and autobrecciated-lava flows, which seldom reach the ring plain. The ring plain is built predominantly from the products of explosive volcanism, both the distal primary pyroclastic deposits and the reworked material eroded from the cone. Much of the material entering the ring plain is transported by lahars either generated directly by eruptions or triggered by the high intensity rain storms which characterise the region. Ring plain detritus is reworked rapidly by concentrated and hyperconcentrated streams in pulses of rapid aggradation immediately following eruptions and more gradually in the longer intervals between eruptions.

System for ranking relative threats of U.S. volcanoes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ewert, J.W.

2007-01-01

A methodology to systematically rank volcanic threat was developed as the basis for prioritizing volcanoes for long-term hazards evaluations, monitoring, and mitigation activities. A ranking of 169 volcanoes in the United States and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (U.S. volcanoes) is presented based on scores assigned for various hazard and exposure factors. Fifteen factors define the hazard: Volcano type, maximum known eruptive explosivity, magnitude of recent explosivity within the past 500 and 5,000 years, average eruption-recurrence interval, presence or potential for a suite of hazardous phenomena (pyroclastic flows, lahars, lava flows, tsunami, flank collapse, hydrothermal explosion, primary lahar), and deformation, seismic, or degassing unrest. Nine factors define exposure: a measure of ground-based human population in hazard zones, past fatalities and evacuations, a measure of airport exposure, a measure of human population on aircraft, the presence of power, transportation, and developed infrastructure, and whether or not the volcano forms a significant part of a populated island. The hazard score and exposure score for each volcano are multiplied to give its overall threat score. Once scored, the ordered list of volcanoes is divided into five overall threat categories from very high to very low. ?? 2007 ASCE.

Preliminary volcano-hazard assessment for Augustine Volcano, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Waythomas, Christopher F.; Waitt, Richard B.

1998-01-01

Augustine Volcano is a 1250-meter high stratovolcano in southwestern Cook Inlet about 280 kilometers southwest of Anchorage and within about 300 kilometers of more than half of the population of Alaska. Explosive eruptions have occurred six times since the early 1800s (1812, 1883, 1935, 1964-65, 1976, and 1986). The 1976 and 1986 eruptions began with an initial series of vent-clearing explosions and high vertical plumes of volcanic ash followed by pyroclastic flows, surges, and lahars on the volcano flanks. Unlike some prehistoric eruptions, a summit edifice collapse and debris avalanche did not occur in 1812, 1935, 1964-65, 1976, or 1986. However, early in the 1883 eruption, a portion of the volcano summit broke loose forming a debris avalanche that flowed to the sea. The avalanche initiated a small tsunami reported on the Kenai Peninsula at English Bay, 90 kilometers east of the volcano. Plumes of volcanic ash are a major hazard to jet aircraft using Anchorage International and other local airports. Ashfall from future eruptions could disrupt oil and gas operations and shipping activities in Cook Inlet. Eruptions similar to the historical and prehistoric eruptions are likely in Augustine's future.

Recent SO2 camera and OP-FTIR field measurements in Mexico and Guatemala

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

La Spina, Alessandro; Salerno, Giuseppe; Burton, Michael

2013-04-01

Between 22 and 30 November 2012 a field campaign was carried out at Mexico and Guatemala with the objectives of state the volcanic gas composition and flux fingerprints of Popocatepetl, Santiaguito, Fuego and Pacaya by exploiting simultaneously UV-camera and FTIR measurements. Gases were measured remotely using instruments sensitive to ultraviolet and infrared radiation (UV spectrometer, SO2-camera and OP-FTIR). Data collection depended on the requirements of the methodology, weather condition and eruptive stage of the volcanoes. OP-FTIR measurements were carried out using the MIDAC interferometer with 0.5 cm-1 resolution. Spectra were collected in solar occultation mode in which the Sun acts as an infrared source and the volcanic plume is interposed between the Sun and the spectrometer. At Santiaguito spectra were also collected in passive mode using the lava flow as a radiation source. The SO2-camera used for this study was a dual camera system consisting of two QS Imaging 640s cameras. Each of the two cameras was outfitted with two quartz 25mm lens, coupled with two band-pass filters centred at 310nm and at 330nm. The imaging system was managed by a custom-made software developed in LabView. The UV-camera system was coupled with a USB2000+ spectrometer connected to a QP1000-2-SR 1000 micron optical fiber with a 74-UV collimating lens. For calibration of plume imagery, images of five quartz cells containing known concentration path-lengths of SO2 were taken at the end of each sampling. Between 22 and 23 November 2012 UV-camera and FTIR observations were carried out at Popocatepetl. During the time of our observation, the volcano was characterised by pulsing degassing from the summit crater forming a whitish plume that dispersed rapidly in the atmosphere according to wind direction and speed. Data were collected from the Observatorio Atmosférico Altzomoni (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México) at 4000 metre a.s.l. and at a distance of ~12 km from the volcano summit. SO2 camera observations were made for ~30 and 130 minutes on the 22 and 23 November, respectively, with a sampling rate of ~7 seconds. FTIR measurements were carried out for 20 and 15 minutes on 22 and 23 November. At Santiaguito volcano, we carried out volcanic gas measurements on 27 and 28 November 2012. During the period of our observations the volcano activity was characterised by lava flow extrusion on the S flank of dome edifice. Occasionally, incandescent blocks detached from the lava flow front rolling onto the dome flanks. During the time of our survey the explosive activity was low frequency (every ~5 - 6 hours). We observed a persistent and sustained degassing plume was observed occasionally polluted by ash. However, on 28 November at 5:25 local time, a violent pyroclastic flow occurred generating an ash-plume that rose ~5 km passing Santa Maria's summit and spreading ~30 km south. SO2 camera and FTIR data were simultaneously collected on 27 November from El Mirador at a distance of ~2 Km from the lava-dome. Data were collected for ~75 and ~90 minutes for SO2-camera and FTIR, respectively. On 28 November, due to the pyroclastic flow event, only distal solar occultation FTIR measurements and open-path UV spectra (using a USB spectrometer) were collected from the west flank of Santa Maria volcano. Both UV and IR spectra were recorded for ~60 minutes Ash released by the pyroclastic flow was sampled from a distance of 6.5 km from the volcano collecting the fallout products along a 60 minute time interval Data from the volcanic plumes of Pacaya and Fuego were collected on 29 and 30 November 2012. During our survey the eruptive activity of Pacaya consisted of weak puffing from the summit crater, while Fuego showed a weak outgassing occasionally interrupted by explosion from its summit crater. In both days, we carried out only SO2 camera measurements due to the poor weather conditions which prevented solar FTIR measurments. At both volcanoes, UV images were taken for a period of ~45 minutes from a distance of ~ 3 km and ~ 10 km, respectively. In this paper we summarise the results from the field campaign and interpret the gas observations in light of the current activity of each volcanic source.

GlobVolcano pre-operational services for global monitoring active volcanoes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tampellini, Lucia; Ratti, Raffaella; Borgström, Sven; Seifert, Frank Martin; Peltier, Aline; Kaminski, Edouard; Bianchi, Marco; Branson, Wendy; Ferrucci, Fabrizio; Hirn, Barbara; van der Voet, Paul; van Geffen, J.

2010-05-01

The GlobVolcano project (2007-2010) is part of the Data User Element programme of the European Space Agency (ESA). The project aims at demonstrating Earth Observation (EO) based integrated services to support the Volcano Observatories and other mandate users (e.g. Civil Protection) in their monitoring activities. The information services are assessed in close cooperation with the user organizations for different types of volcano, from various geographical areas in various climatic zones. In a first phase, a complete information system has been designed, implemented and validated, involving a limited number of test areas and respective user organizations. In the currently on-going second phase, GlobVolcano is delivering pre-operational services over 15 volcanic sites located in three continents and as many user organizations are involved and cooperating with the project team. The set of GlobVolcano offered EO based information products is composed as follows: Deformation Mapping DInSAR (Differential Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry) has been used to study a wide range of surface displacements related to different phenomena (e.g. seismic faults, volcanoes, landslides) at a spatial resolution of less than 100 m and cm-level precision. Permanent Scatterers SAR Interferometry method (PSInSARTM) has been introduced by Politecnico of Milano as an advanced InSAR technique capable of measuring millimetre scale displacements of individual radar targets on the ground by using multi-temporal data-sets, estimating and removing the atmospheric components. Other techniques (e.g. CTM) have followed similar strategies and have shown promising results in different scenarios. Different processing approaches have been adopted, according to data availability, characteristic of the area and dynamic characteristics of the volcano. Conventional DInSAR: Colima (Mexico), Nyiragongo (Congo), Pico (Azores), Areanal (Costa Rica) PSInSARTM: Piton de la Fournaise (La Reunion Island), Stromboli and Volcano (Italy), Hilo (Hawai), Mt. St. Helens (United States), CTM (Coherent Target Monitoring): Cumbre Vieja (La Palma) To generate products either Envisat ASAR, Radarsat 1or ALOS PALSAR data have been used. Surface Thermal Anomalies Volcanic hot-spots detection, radiant flux and effusion rate (where applicable) calculation of high temperature surface thermal anomalies such as active lava flow, strombolian activity, lava dome, pyroclastic flow and lava lake can be performed through MODIS (Terra / Aqua) MIR and TIR channels, or ASTER (Terra), HRVIR/HRGT (SPOT4/5) and Landsat family SWIR channels analysis. ASTER and Landsat TIR channels allow relative radiant flux calculation of low temperature anomalies such as lava and pyroclastic flow cooling, crater lake and low temperature fumarolic fields. MODIS, ASTER and SPOT data are processed to detect and measure the following volcanic surface phenomena: Effusive activity Piton de la Fournaise (Reunion Island); Mt Etna (Italy). Lava dome growths, collapses and related pyroclastic flows Soufrière Hills (Montserrat); Arenal - (Costa Rica). Permanent crater lake and ephemeral lava lake Karthala (Comores Islands). Strombolian activity Stromboli (Italy). Low temperature fumarolic fields Nisyros (Greece), Vulcano (Italy), Mauna Loa (Hawaii). Volcanic Emission The Volcanic Emission Service is provided to the users by a link to GSE-PROMOTE - Support to Aviation Control Service (SACS). The aim of the service is to deliver in near-real-time data derived from satellite measurements regarding SO2 emissions (SO2 vertical column density - Dobson Unit [DU]) possibly related to volcanic eruptions and to track the ash injected into the atmosphere during a volcanic eruption. SO2 measurements are derived from different satellite instruments, such as SCIAMACHY, OMI and GOME-2. The tracking of volcanic ash is accomplished by using SEVIRI-MSG data and, in particular, the following channels VIS 0.6 and IR 3.9, and along with IR8.7, IR 10.8 and IR 12.0. The GlobVolcano information system and its current experimentation represent a significant step ahead towards the implementation of an operational, global observatory of volcanoes by the synergetic use of data from available Earth Observation satellites.

Geologic Reconnaissance of the Antelope-Ashwood Area, North-Central Oregon: With Emphasis on the John Day Formation of Late Oligocene and Early Miocene Age

USGS Publications Warehouse

Peck, Dallas L.

1964-01-01

This report briefly describes the geology of an area of about 750 square miles in Jefferson, Wasco, Crook, and Wheeler Counties, Oregon. About 16,000 feet of strata that range in age from pre-Tertiary to Quaternary are exposed. These include the following units: pre-Tertiary slate, graywacke, conglomerate, and meta-andesite; Clarno Formation of Eocene age - lava flows, volcanic breccia, tuff, and tuffaceous mudstone, chiefly of andesitic composition; John Day Formation of late Oligocene and early Miocene age - pyroclastic rocks, flows, and domes, chiefly of rhyolitic composition; Columbia River Basalt of middle Miocene age - thick, columnar jointed flows of very fine grained dense dark-gray basalt; Dalles Formation of Pliocene age - bedded tuffaceous sandstone, siltstone, and conglomerate; basalt of Pliocene or Pleistocene age - lava flows of porous-textured olivine basalt; and Quaternary loess, landslide debris, and alluvium. Unconformities separate pre-Tertiary rocks and Clarno Formation, Clarno and John Day Formations, John Day Formation and Columbia River Basalt, and Columbia River Basalt and Dalles Formation. The John Day Formation, the only unit studied in detail, consists of about 4,000 feet of tuff, lapilli tuff, strongly to weakly welded rhyolite ash flows, and less abundant trachyandesite flows and rhyolite flows and domes. The formation was divided into nine mappable members in part of the area, primarily on the basis of distinctive ledge-forming welded ash-flow sheets. Most of the sheets are composed of stony rhyolite containing abundant lithophysae and sparse phenocrysts. One sheet contains 10 to 20 percent phenocrysts, mostly cryptoperthitic soda sanidine, but including less abundant quartz, myrmekitic intergrowths of quartz and sanidine, and oligoclase. The rhyolitic ash flows and lava flows were extruded from nearby vents, in contrast to some of the interbedded air-fall tuff and lapilli tuff of dacitic and andesitic composition that may have been derived from vents in an ancestral Cascade Range. The John Day is dated on the basis of a late Oligocene flora near the base of the formation and early Miocene faunas near the top of the formation. The middle Miocene and older rocks in the Antelope-Ashwood area are broadly folded and broken along northeast-trending faults. Over much of the area the rocks dip gently eastward from the crest of a major fold and are broken along a series of steeply dipping antithetic strike faults. Pliocene and Quaternary strata appear to be undeformed. At the Priday agate deposit, chalcedony-filled spherulites (thunder-eggs) occur in the lower part of a weakly welded rhyolitic ash flow. The so-called thunder-eggs are small spheroidal bodies, about 3 inches in average diameter; each consists of a chalcedonic core surrounded by a shell of welded tuff that is altered to radially oriented fibers of cristobalite and alkalic feldspar.

Eruptive history of South Sister, Oregon Cascades

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fierstein, J.; Hildreth, W.; Calvert, A.T.

2011-01-01

South Sister is southernmost and highest of the Three Sisters, three geologically dissimilar stratovolcanoes that together form a spectacular 20km reach along the Cascade crest in Oregon. North Sister is a monotonously mafic edifice as old as middle Pleistocene, Middle Sister a basalt-andesite-dacite cone built between 48 and 14ka, and South Sister is a basalt-free edifice that alternated rhyolitic and intermediate modes from 50ka to 2ka (largely contemporaneous with Middle Sister). Detailed mapping, 330 chemical analyses, and 42 radioisotopic ages show that the oldest exposed South Sister lavas were initially rhyolitic ~50ka. By ~37ka, rhyolitic lava flows and domes (72-74% SiO2) began alternating with radially emplaced dacite (63-68% SiO2) and andesite (59-63% SiO2) lava flows. Construction of a broad cone of silicic andesite-dacite (61-64% SiO2) culminated ~30ka in a dominantly explosive sequence that began with crater-forming andesitic eruptions that left fragmental deposits at least 200m thick. This was followed at ~27ka by growth of a steeply dipping summit cone of agglutinate-dominated andesite (56-60.5% SiO2) and formation of a summit crater ~800m wide. This crater was soon filled and overtopped by a thick dacite lava flow and then by >150m of dacitic pyroclastic ejecta. Small-volume dacite lavas (63-67% SiO2) locally cap the pyroclastic pile. A final sheet of mafic agglutinate (54-56% SiO2) - the most mafic product of South Sister - erupted from and drapes the small (300-m-wide) present-day summit crater, ending a summit-building sequence that lasted until ~22ka. A 20kyr-long-hiatus was broken by rhyolite eruptions that produced (1) the Rock Mesa coulee, tephra, and satellite domelets (73.5% SiO2) and (2) the Devils Chain of ~20 domes and short coulees (72.3-72.8% SiO2) from N-S vent alignments on South Sister's flanks. The compositional reversal from mafic summit agglutinate to recent rhyolites epitomizes the frequently changing compositional modes of the South Sister locus throughout its lifetime. South Sister is part of a reach of the Cascades unusually active in the last 50kyr, characterized by high vent density, N-S vent alignments, and numerous eruptive units of true rhyolite (≥ 72% SiO2) that distinguishes it from much of the Quaternary Cascade arc; these are eruptive expressions of the complex confluence of arc and intraplate magmatic-tectonic regimes.

Eruptive history of South Sister, Oregon Cascades

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fierstein, Judy; Hildreth, Wes; Calvert, Andrew T.

2011-10-01

South Sister is southernmost and highest of the Three Sisters, three geologically dissimilar stratovolcanoes that together form a spectacular 20 km reach along the Cascade crest in Oregon. North Sister is a monotonously mafic edifice as old as middle Pleistocene, Middle Sister a basalt-andesite-dacite cone built between 48 and 14 ka, and South Sister is a basalt-free edifice that alternated rhyolitic and intermediate modes from 50 ka to 2 ka (largely contemporaneous with Middle Sister). Detailed mapping, 330 chemical analyses, and 42 radioisotopic ages show that the oldest exposed South Sister lavas were initially rhyolitic ~ 50 ka. By ~ 37 ka, rhyolitic lava flows and domes (72-74% SiO 2) began alternating with radially emplaced dacite (63-68% SiO 2) and andesite (59-63% SiO 2) lava flows. Construction of a broad cone of silicic andesite-dacite (61-64% SiO 2) culminated ~ 30 ka in a dominantly explosive sequence that began with crater-forming andesitic eruptions that left fragmental deposits at least 200 m thick. This was followed at ~ 27 ka by growth of a steeply dipping summit cone of agglutinate-dominated andesite (56-60.5% SiO 2) and formation of a summit crater ~ 800 m wide. This crater was soon filled and overtopped by a thick dacite lava flow and then by > 150 m of dacitic pyroclastic ejecta. Small-volume dacite lavas (63-67% SiO 2) locally cap the pyroclastic pile. A final sheet of mafic agglutinate (54-56% SiO 2) - the most mafic product of South Sister - erupted from and drapes the small (300-m-wide) present-day summit crater, ending a summit-building sequence that lasted until ~ 22 ka. A 20 kyr-long-hiatus was broken by rhyolite eruptions that produced (1) the Rock Mesa coulee, tephra, and satellite domelets (73.5% SiO 2) and (2) the Devils Chain of ~ 20 domes and short coulees (72.3-72.8% SiO 2) from N-S vent alignments on South Sister's flanks. The compositional reversal from mafic summit agglutinate to recent rhyolites epitomizes the frequently changing compositional modes of the South Sister locus throughout its lifetime. South Sister is part of a reach of the Cascades unusually active in the last 50 kyr, characterized by high vent density, N-S vent alignments, and numerous eruptive units of true rhyolite (≥ 72% SiO 2) that distinguishes it from much of the Quaternary Cascade arc; these are eruptive expressions of the complex confluence of arc and intraplate magmatic-tectonic regimes.

Hazard maps of Colima volcano, Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suarez-Plascencia, C.; Nunez-Cornu, F. J.; Escudero Ayala, C. R.

2011-12-01

Colima volcano, also known as Volcan de Fuego (19° 30.696 N, 103° 37.026 W), is located on the border between the states of Jalisco and Colima and is the most active volcano in Mexico. Began its current eruptive process in February 1991, in February 10, 1999 the biggest explosion since 1913 occurred at the summit dome. The activity during the 2001-2005 period was the most intense, but did not exceed VEI 3. The activity resulted in the formation of domes and their destruction after explosive events. The explosions originated eruptive columns, reaching attitudes between 4,500 and 9,000 m.a.s.l., further pyroclastic flows reaching distances up to 3.5 km from the crater. During the explosive events ash emissions were generated in all directions reaching distances up to 100 km, slightly affected nearby villages as Tuxpan, Tonila, Zapotlán, Cuauhtemoc, Comala, Zapotitlan de Vadillo and Toliman. During the 2005 this volcano has had an intense effusive-explosive activity, similar to the one that took place during the period of 1890 through 1900. Intense pre-plinian eruption in January 20, 1913, generated little economic losses in the lower parts of the volcano due to low population density and low socio-economic activities at the time. Shows the updating of the volcanic hazard maps published in 2001, where we identify whit SPOT satellite imagery and Google Earth, change in the land use on the slope of volcano, the expansion of the agricultural frontier on the east and southeast sides of the Colima volcano, the population inhabiting the area is approximately 517,000 people, and growing at an annual rate of 4.77%, also the region that has shown an increased in the vulnerability for the development of economic activities, supported by the construction of highways, natural gas pipelines and electrical infrastructure that connect to the Port of Manzanillo to Guadalajara city. The update the hazard maps are: a) Exclusion areas and moderate hazard for explosive events (rockfall) and pyroclastic flows, b) Hazard map of lahars and debris flow, and c) Hazard map of ash-fall. The cartographic and database information obtained will be the basis for updating the Operational Plan of the Colima Volcano by the State Civil & Fire Protection Unit of Jalisco, Mexico, and the urban development plans of surrounding municipalities, in order to reduce their vulnerability to the hazards of the volcanic activity.

"MERAPIDATA": New Petrologic and Geochemical Database of the Merapi Volcano, Central Java, Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borisova, A. Y.; Martel, C.; Pratomo, I.; Toutain, J.; Sumarti, S.; Surono, S.

2011-12-01

Petrologic and geochemical databases of erupted products are critical for monitoring and predicting the evolution of active volcanoes. To monitor the activity of one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world, Merapi Volcano in Indonesia, in the framework of the new instrumental site VELI (Volcans Explosifs - Laboratoires Indonésiens labelled by INSU in 2009 in France), we generated "MERAPIDATA", a complete database of available petrologic and geochemical data published in the literature on pyroclastic flows, tephra, lavas and xenoliths coupled with the exact ages of historical flows [1] or estimated ages based on 14C geochronology [2]. "MERAPIDATA" permits to access complete petrologic, geochemical, and geochronological information (e.g., major, trace element and Sr-Nd-Pb-O isotopic composition of the bulk volcanic rocks, xenoliths, minerals and glasses; textural information; type of eruption; classification) of a given volcanic product or series. In addition to ~300 published volcanic products, new data on 2 pyroclastic flows, 1 tephra and 4 ash samples collected on northern and western slopes of the volcano in October and November 2010 during subplinian type eruption have been added to "MERAPIDATA". The 2010 ash sample chemistry allows classifying them as high-K basaltic andesite. The ash samples demonstrate major and trace element compositions typical for the high-K series. For the first time, we obtained complete data on the Merapi ash samples which characterized by low L.O.I. ≤ 0.58 wt%, CO2total ≤ 0.05 wt%, H2Ototal = 0.3 - 0.5 wt%, Stotal ≤ 0.13 wt% and moderate Cl (550 - 1120 ppm) contents. The ash-leachates produced by leaching experiments demonstrate constant F/Cl ratios (0.05 ± 0.01) and Ca-Na-K enrichment (Ca/Na= 3 - 7, Na/K = 1 - 5). Sr-Nd-Pb-O isotopic analyses on the 2010 Merapi products are in progress. New petrologic (e.g., melt and fluid inclusion data, T - P - fO2 - aH2O - aCO2) and geochemical (e.g., volatile, major, trace element and isotopic composition of the bulk volcanic rocks and glassy matrix) data will permit to explain unexpected subplinian type of the 2010 eruption. The complete "MERAPIDATA" programmed with MS Access 2007 will be available in English version for open access at the website of the Observatory of Midi-Pyrénées (Toulouse, France): "http://www.get.obs-mip.fr/index.php/Annuaire/Borisova-Anastassia/MERAPIDATA". [1] Camus et al., (2000). JVGR 100, 139-163. [2] Gertisser & Keller (2003). JVGR 123, 1-23.

Clast comminution during pyroclastic density current transport: Mt St Helens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dawson, B.; Brand, B. D.; Dufek, J.

2011-12-01

Volcanic clasts within pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) tend to be more rounded than those in fall deposits. This rounding reflects degrees of comminution during transport, which produces an increase in fine-grained ash with distance from source (Manga, M., Patel, A., Dufek., J. 2011. Bull Volcanol 73: 321-333). The amount of ash produced due to comminution can potentially affect runout distance, deposit sorting, the volume of ash lofted into the upper atmosphere, and increase internal pore pressure (e.g., Wohletz, K., Sheridan, M. F., Brown, W.K. 1989. J Geophy Res, 94, 15703-15721). For example, increased pore pressure has been shown to produce longer runout distances than non-comminuted PDC flows (e.g., Dufek, J., and M. Manga, 2008. J. Geophy Res, 113). We build on the work of Manga et al., (2011) by completing a pumice abrasion study for two well-exposed flow units from the May 18th, 1980 eruption of Mt St Helens (MSH). To quantify differences in comminution from source, sampling and the image analysis technique developed in Manga et al., 2010 was completed at distances proximal, medial, and distal from source. Within the units observed, data was taken from the base, middle, and pumice lobes within the outcrops. Our study is unique in that in addition to quantifying the degree of pumice rounding with distance from source, we also determine the possible range of ash sizes produced during comminution by analyzing bubble wall thickness of the pumice through petrographic and SEM analysis. The proportion of this ash size is then measured relative to the grain size of larger ash with distance from source. This allows us to correlate ash production with degree of rounding with distance from source, and determine the fraction of the fine ash produced due to comminution versus vent-fragmentation mechanisms. In addition we test the error in 2D analysis by completing a 3D image analysis of selected pumice samples using a Camsizer. We find that the roundness of PDC pumice at MSH increases with distance from source, as does the quantity of fine-grained ash. In addition, we have made the first steps towards determining the proportion of fine ash produced by comminution with distance from source. These results are being tested by numerical methods to understand the effect of an increase in fine ash on overall flow dynamics of the PDCs in which they were produced.

Arecibo radar imagery of Mars: The major volcanic provinces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harmon, John K.; Nolan, Michael C.; Husmann, Diana I.; Campbell, Bruce A.

2012-08-01

We present Earth-based radar images of Mars obtained with the upgraded Arecibo S-band (λ = 12.6 cm) radar during the 2005-2012 oppositions. The imaging was done using the same long-code delay-Doppler technique as for the earlier (pre-upgrade) imaging but at a much higher resolution (˜3 km) and, for some regions, a more favorable sub-Earth latitude. This has enabled us to make a more detailed and complete mapping of depolarized radar reflectivity (a proxy for small-scale surface roughness) over the major volcanic provinces of Tharsis, Elysium, and Amazonis. We find that vast portions of these regions are covered by radar-bright lava flows exhibiting circular polarization ratios close to unity, a characteristic that is uncommon for terrestrial lavas and that is a likely indicator of multiple scattering from extremely blocky or otherwise highly disrupted flow surfaces. All of the major volcanoes have radar-bright features on their shields, although the brightness distribution on Olympus Mons is very patchy and the summit plateau of Pavonis Mons is entirely radar-dark. The older minor shields (paterae and tholi) are largely or entirely radar-dark, which is consistent with mantling by dust or pyroclastic material. Other prominent radar-dark features include: the "fan-shaped deposits", possibly glacial, associated with the three major Tharsis Montes shields; various units of the Medusae Fossae Formation; a region south and west of Biblis Patera where "Stealth" deposits appear to obscure Tharsis flows; and a number of "dark-halo craters" with radar-absorbing ejecta blankets deposited atop surrounding bright flows. Several major bright features in Tharsis are associated with off-shield lava flows; these include the Olympus Mons basal plains, volcanic fields east and south of Pavonis Mons, the Daedalia Planum flows south of Arsia Mons, and a broad expanse of flows extending east from the Tharsis Montes to Echus Chasma. The radar-bright lava plains in Elysium are concentrated mainly in Cerberus and include the fluvio-volcanic channels of Athabasca Valles, Grjotá Valles, and Marte Valles, as well as an enigmatic region at the southern tip of the Cerberus basin. Some of the Cerberus bright features correspond to the distinctive "platy-ridged" flows identified in orbiter images. The radar-bright terrain in Amazonis Planitia comprises two distinct but contiguous sections: a northern section formed of lavas and sediments debouched from Marte Valles and a southern section whose volcanics may derive, in part, from local sources. This South Amazonis region shows perhaps the most complex radar-bright structure on Mars and includes features that correspond to platy-ridged flows similar to those in Cerberus.

Volcanic stratigraphy and geochemical variations in Miocene-age rocks in western and southeastern Fort Irwin, California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buesch, D.

2015-12-01

Lava flows and tuffaceous deposits ranging in composition from basalt to rhyolite, including basaltic trachyandesite to trachyte, are exposed in 800 km2 of western Fort Irwin area, California, and form the eastern edge of the Eagle Crags volcanic field (ECVF). The main ECVF has 40Ar/39Ar ages from ~18.7-12.4 Ma (mostly 18.7-18.5 Ma; Sabin et al. 1994), and on Fort Irwin, the ages are from 21.0-15.8 Ma (mostly 18.6-15.8 Ma; Schermer et al. 1996). 68 samples (56 lava flow, 4 dome-collapse breccia, 3 ignimbrite, and 5 fallout tephra) were analyzed for major, minor, and trace elements. Typically, stratigraphic sequences dip <30° (mostly <15°) except near faults, with local buttress unconfomities and no large unconfomities. Compositions are moderate-to-high-K type, and similar to Na2O+K2O from Sabin et al. (1994) but with slightly smaller ranges. The generalized stratigraphic sequence is rhyolite (R), dacite (D), or trachyte (T) that form domes, lava flows (up to 3.5 km long), dome-collapse deposits, or pyroclastic deposits, overlain by andesite (A), trachyandesite (TA), basaltic andesite (BA), basaltic trachyandesite (BT), or basalt (B) lava flows (up to 7 km long), and minor cinder cones. A general upward felsic to mafic compositional sequence occurs throughout the area, but is not continuous as B is locally in a R-D sequence and B is at the base of and interstratified with a BA-A sequence. Also, there are compositional variations at different locations along the edges of the field. In the Goldstone Mesa, Pink Canyon, and Stone Ridge areas (~70 km2), B-BA forms the youngest lava flows, but ~21 km to the north in the Garry Owen area (~25 km2), BTA forms the youngest lava flows. Compared to the Stone Ridge area with a D-A-TA-BA trend, ~6 km west in the Pioneer Plateau area is R-TA-D, ~3 km south in the Pink Canyon area is R-B-BA-A, and ~8 km east at Dacite Dome is D only (all areas have slightly different Na2O+K2O in each rock type). A non-ECVF, 5.6 Ma BA flow in SE Fort Irwin also has distinct compositions. Chemical variations indicate the region had similar general evolution of magma sources, but (1) there were numerous small, isolated chambers that fed flows along the edges of the field, (2) several tuffs are similar to local lavas but some differ and might have distant sources, and (3) basalt flows locally encroached into adjacent areas.

Observing changes at Santiaguito Volcano, Guatemala with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

von Aulock, Felix W.; Lavallée, Yan; Hornby, Adrian J.; Lamb, Oliver D.; Andrews, Benjamin J.; Kendrick, Jackie E.

2016-04-01

Santiaguito Volcano (Guatemala) is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America, producing several ash venting explosions per day for almost 100 years. Lahars, lava flows and dome and flank collapses that produce major pyroclastic density currents also present a major hazard to nearby farms and communities. Optical observations of both the vent as well as the lava flow fronts can provide scientists and local monitoring staff with important information on the current state of volcanic activity and hazard. Due to the strong activity, and difficult terrain, unmanned aerial vehicles can help to provide valuable data on the activities of the volcano at a safe distance. We collected a series of images and video footage of A.) The active vent of Caliente and B.) The flow front of the active lava flow and its associated lahar channels, both in May 2015 and in December 2015- January 2016. Images of the crater and the lava flows were used for the reconstruction of 3D terrain models using structure-from-motion. These were supported by still frames from the video recording. Video footage of the summit crater (during two separate ash venting episodes) and the lava flow fronts indicate the following differences in activity during those two field campaigns: A.) - A new breach opened on the east side of the crater rim, possibly during the collapse in November 2015. - The active lava dome is now almost completely covered with ash, only leaving the largest blocks and faults exposed in times without gas venting - A recorded explosive event in December 2015 initiates at subparallel linear faults near the centre of the dome, rather than arcuate or ring faults, with a later, separate, and more ash-laden burst occurring from an off-centre fracture, however, other explosions during the observation period were seen to persist along the ring fault system observed on the lava dome since at least 2007 - suggesting a diversification of explosive activity. B.) - The lava flow fronts did not advance more than a few metres between May and December 2015 . - The width and thickness of the lava flows can be estimated by relative comparison of the 3D models. - Damming of river valleys by the lava flows has established new stream channels that have modified established pathways for the recurring lahars, one of the major hazards of Santiaguito volcano. The preliminary results of this study from two fieldtrips to Santiaguito Volcano are exemplary for the plethora of applications of UAVs in the field of volcano monitoring, and we urge funding agencies and legislative bodies to consider the value of these scientific instruments in future decisions and allocation of funding.

Stratigraphy of the 1902 and 1929 nuée-ardente deposits, Mt. Pelée, Martinique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bourdier, J. L.; Boudon, G.; Gourgaud, A.

1989-08-01

Mild nuée ardentes in 1902-1903 and 1929-1930 at Mt. Pelée formed high-aspect ratio (H.A.R.) deposits (i.e. deposits with a high thickness/extent ratio) in the Rivière Blanche channel. Several violent nuées ardentes from May to August, 1902, yielded low aspect ratio (L.A.R.) deposits unevenly blanketing an area of 58 km 2 on the southwestern flank of the volcano. Three closely spaced nuées ardentes on August 30 additionally affected 56 km 2 on the southeastern flank. The L.A.R. deposits are divided into eight stratigraphic units (U1-U8), either compound or consisting of a single flow unit. The deposits of the largest nuées ardentes, on May 8, 20 and August 30, 1902 are identified as U1, U3 and U8, respectively, and can be traced over most of the area. Individual L.A.R. flow units are lenticular and show large, erratic lateral variations of thickness and grain-size. Most flow units consist of three distinct beds: Bed 1 is a few centimeters thick, lenticular, fines-depleted layer. Bed 2 is the thickest layer and contains more silt-sized ash than bed 1. It is normally graded as a whole, though reverse grading may occur in the lower part. Bed 2 generally consists of two parts: bed 2a, nonbedded, and bed 2b, finer-grained and laminated with cross-bedding and duned structures. Bed 3 is a thin, silty, capping layer which contains accretionary lapilli. The distribution of the L.A.R. flow units, especially of the coarse-grained facies, suggests that they were formed from overpressured blast-flows expanding radially from the vent at a high rate, in the same manner as the laterally directed blast of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980. The transport system of the major 1902 nuées ardentes was an inflated, relatively low-concentration, turbulent cloud as suggested by several lines of evidence: (1) the transported material was able to cross ridges up to 300 m high; (2) many scour-and-fill and other erosional features can be observed in the deposits at any distance from the vent; (3) survivors within the devastated area on May 8 did not experience a dense, low-profile cloud but instead a choking, hot ash-laden cloud; (4) many human corpses in St. Pierre remained where they fell instead of having floated away. If the current flow-surge terminology were to be used, the 1902 blast-flows would be better considered as pyroclastic surges. The normally graded, multi-layered structure of the flow units is also consistent with deposits primarily formed from relatively low-concentration flows.

Io Science Opportunities From the JIMO Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bills, B. G.; Ray, R. D.; Spencer, J. R.; Lopes, R.; Smythe, W. D.

2003-12-01

Io is the only place beyond Earth where we can watch geological processes in action. It has much to teach us about large-scale volcanic processes in general, the history of the early Earth, which at one time may have had a heat flow approaching Io's 2 -- 3 W m-2, and the nature of tidal heating in the Jupiter system and beyond. Though the nominal mission of the proposed Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter (JIMO) does not include close approaches to Io, the mission can still make unique and important contributions to the understanding of Io and its active volcanism. Dynamic volcanic phenomena (e.g., active lava flows and pyroclastic events) typically evolve on timescales of hours to weeks and on spatial scales up to tens of kilometers. However, existing coverage of Io does not cover this range of spatial and temporal scales, and thus has provided very limited ability to watch volcanic activity as it happens. Galileo provided spatial resolution down to a few meters but temporal resolution no better than a few months, and Earth-based techniques provide temporal resolution down to hours or days but spatial resolution no better than ˜ 100 km. A 0.5 meter aperture telescope on JIMO could image Io from the distance of Ganymede with diffraction-limited resolution ranging from 1 km in the visible to 25 km at 10 μ m. Io observations could be concentrated in the several-month periods of Jovicentric orbit while JIMO transfers between icy satellite orbits, causing minimal interruption to JIMO's icy satellite mapping program. If JIMO has a scan platform capable of rapid pointing, full-disk observations of Io could be taken as frequently as once per hour, for example, interleaved with observations of other targets such as Jupiter and long-range observations of the icy satellites. Io-optimized instrumentation would include the following: (i) A 0.2 -- 0.3 μ m spectrograph for mapping atmospheric SO2 and other species; (ii) Visible imaging in several broadband and narrowband filters from 0.35 -- 1.0 μ m, for geomorphology and observations of plumes and pyroclastic deposits, and atmospheric emissions in eclipse; (iii) A 1 -- 5 μ m spectrograph for both reflectance spectroscopy of surface species and measurements of the temperature and area of hot volcanic materials via their thermal emission; and (iv) thermal infrared imaging in several broadband filters from 5 -- 30 μ m, for studies of lava flow cooling, surface thermal inertia, and global heat flow. With this instrumentation we could watch the complete evolution of several major eruptions on Io over the course of the JIMO mission. Science results would include, for example: (i) Magmatic temperatures during the early phases of major eruptions, providing critical constraints on magma composition and Io's interior structure; (ii) Rates of supply of gas from volcanic eruptions to Io's atmosphere, and condensed volatiles to its surface; (iii) The influence of major eruptions on Jupiter's magnetosphere, using other magnetospheric observations from JIMO; (iv) Rates of magma generation, providing constraints on volcanic "plumbing" and lava composition; (v) Accurate measurement of Io's endogenic heat flow and its spatial distribution, with implications for understanding Io's interior structure and the orbital and tidal evolution of all the Galilean satellites. While science return would be even greater if JIMO was able to approach Io closely, huge advances in our understanding of Io will be possible even from relatively distant observations, if Io science is given sufficient priority in the planning of JIMO's instrumentation and observations.

Pre-eruptive storage conditions and continuous decompression relations of rhyodacite magma erupted from Chaos Crags, Lassen Volcanic Center, California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quinn, E. T.; Andrews, B. J.; Schwab, B. E.; Clynne, M. A.

2013-12-01

We performed a series of hydrothermal (high-temperature and -pressure) phase equilibrium experiments on a natural rhyodacite pumice from the 1103 ×13 years BP pyroclastic flow from the Chaos Crags, Lassen Volcanic Center, California. The pumice (LQ13-01, collected at the same location as LC84-417 (69.58 wt. % SiO2) by Clynne) is from the lower pyroclastic flow member of the group 1 lavas, the most silicic products known of Chaos Crags. Group 1 lavas are homogeneous (69-70 wt. % SiO2), petrographically and compositionally similar with rare to sparse mafic inclusions, and comprise the earliest emplaced units of Chaos Crags, the lower, middle, and upper pyroclastic flows, and domes A and B, whereas group 2 are comparatively heterogeneous (67-69 wt. % SiO2), with increasing abundance (10-15%) of mafic inclusions throughout the emplacement sequence, and comprise domes C through F. The phase assemblage in the natural sample used as experimental starting material comprises phenocrysts of quartz, plagioclase feldspars with rims of ~An35, biotite, hornblende, and Fe-Ti oxides in a vesiculated glassy matrix. Trace mafic enclaves are also present, but were removed from experimental starting material. All experiments were performed at the Smithsonian Institution. Experiments were run under H2O-saturated conditions at pressures of 75 MPa to 200 MPa and temperatures of 750°C to 900°C, at oxygen fugacity NNO+1 (×0.5-log-units), for 93 to 132 hours. EPMA and SEM analyses of experimental products show quartz is stable from <200 MPa at 750°C to <150 MPa at 800°C and is not stable at temperatures >800°C, within the investigated range. Amphibole is stable from >75 MPa at 750°C to >100 MPa at 800°C to 200 MPa at <850°C, and is not stable ≤75 MPa or ≥850°C. Biotite is stable at <800°C at 75 MPa to <825°C at 200 MPa, and not stable for any pressure at ≥850°C. Pyroxene, not present in the starting material is stable for 200MPa at >775°C and all pressures at temperatures ≥825°C, within the investigated range. FTIR analysis of quartz-hosted melt inclusions contain 4.0-5.0 wt. % H2O (average 4.3 wt. %), suggesting saturation pressures of 100-110 MPa (calculated using model of Papale et al., 2006). Comparison of the natural samples with the experimentally determined phase diagram and melt inclusions, suggests pre-eruptive storage conditions of 110-125 MPa and 775°C; given FeTi-oxide temperatures of 850 °C, magma may have been heated by as much as 75-100°C immediately prior to eruption. Ongoing work includes EPMA analysis of plagioclase feldspars and amphiboles to further constrain An-stability and hornblende-cummingtonite relations , respectively, and analysis of titanomagnetite-ilmenite pairs. Continuous decompression experiments are underway with rates ranging from 0.3 MPa/hr to 7.5 MPa/hr, corresponding to total decompression times of 16 hours to 18 days.

Graben calderas of the Sierra Madre Occidental: The case of Guanajuato, central Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aguirre-Diaz, G. J.; Tristán-González, M.; Labarthe-Hernández, G.; Marti, J.

2013-12-01

The Sierra Madre Occidental (SMO) volcanic province is characterized by voluminous silicic ignimbrites that reach an accumulated thickness of 500 to 1500 m. A single ignimbrite can reach up to 350 m thick in its outflow facies. This ignimbrite sequence formed mostly within 38-23 Ma, building up a total estimated volume of ca. 580,000 km3 making the SMO the largest ignimbrite province of the world. We have showed that several and probably most of the SMO ignimbrites were erupted from fissures associated to Basin and Range fault systems or grabens (Geology, 2003), thus naming these volcano-tectonic structures as graben calderas (Caldera Volcanism book, Elsevier, 2008). Generally, the sequence observed in graben calderas include, from oldest to youngest, alluvial fan deposits combined with lacustrine deposits, pyroclastic surge deposits and minor volume ignimbrites, a large-volume ignimbrite that could be massive or made of successive layers, and sometimes silicic lava domes and/or mafic fissural lavas both with vents aligned with the graben trend. Fallout deposits, plinian or non-plinian, are not observed in the sequence. Thus, onset of caldera collapse represented by the major ignimbrite must occur just after deposition of continental sediments within the graben domain. A similar volcano-tectonic development is observed in pull-apart grabens. Therefore, extensional or transtensional tectonics, before and during caldera collapse, and the emplacement of a subgraben shallow silicic magma chamber are the necessary conditions for the development of graben calderas. We describe here the case of the Guanajuato graben caldera, located in the central part of Mexico and in the southeastern portion of the SMO volcanic province. The caldera is part of the economically important mining district of Guanajuato, with 28 silver mines, some active since the 16th century. The caldera structure, a rectangle of 10 x 16 km, was controlled by NW and NE regional fault systems. Most ore deposits occur along this orthogonal faulting network, but mainly along the NW fault of Veta Madre that crosses through the center of the caldera. The mid-Tertiary stratigraphy in Guanajuato follows the general sequence observed in graben calderas; i.e., from oldest to youngest includes 1) at least 1,500 m of alluvial fan deposits within a tectonic basin (Guanajuato Red Conglomerate), 2) pyroclastic flow deposits, consisting of surge deposits (Loseros Formation) that are concordant with a massive, large volume, rhyolitic ignimbrite (Bufa Rhyolite), which is covered by a layered series of pyroclastic flow deposits (Calderones Formation), and 3) effusive volcanism in the form of rhyolitic lava domes (Chichíndaro Rhyolite) and basaltic-andesite dikes and lavas (Cedros Andesite). The Guanajuato graben caldera formed at about 33 Ma, based on our new U-Pb zr age of the main ignimbrite, Bufa Rhyolite.

Geology of the Yucca Mountain region

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stuckless, J.S.; O'Leary, Dennis W.

2006-01-01

Yucca Mountain has been proposed as the site for the nation's first geologic repository for high-level radioactive waste. This chapter provides the geologic framework for the Yucca Mountain region. The regional geologic units range in age from late Precambrian through Holocene, and these are described briefly. Yucca Mountain is composed dominantly of pyroclastic units that range in age from 11.4 to 15.2 Ma. The proposed repository would be constructed within the Topopah Spring Tuff, which is the lower of two major zoned and welded ash-flow tuffs within the Paintbrush Group. The two welded tuffs are separated by the partly to nonwelded Pah Canyon Tuff and Yucca Mountain Tuff, which together figure prominently in the hydrology of the unsaturated zone. The Quaternary deposits are primarily alluvial sediments with minor basaltic cinder cones and flows. Both have been studied extensively because of their importance in predicting the long-term performance of the proposed repository. Basaltic volcanism began ca. 10 Ma and continued as recently as ca. 80 ka with the eruption of cones and flows at Lathrop Wells, ???10 km south-southwest of Yucca Mountain. Geologic structure in the Yucca Mountain region is complex. During the latest Paleozoic and Mesozoic, strong compressional forces caused tight folding and thrust faulting. The present regional setting is one of extension, and normal faulting has been active from the Miocene through to the present. There are three major local tectonic domains: (1) Basin and Range, (2) Walker Lane, and (3) Inyo-Mono. Each domain has an effect on the stability of Yucca Mountain. ?? 2007 Geological Society of America. All rights reserved.

A zonation map for volcaniclastic-flow hazard in the area surrounding the Neapolitan volcanoes (Campania Region, Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bisson, M.; Sulpizio, R.; Zanchetta, G.; Demi, F.; Tarquini, S.

2009-04-01

The triggering of destructive volcaniclastic flows is a one of the most recurrent and dangerous natural phenomena that can occur in volcanic areas. They can originate not only during or shortly after an eruption (syn-eruptive) but also during a volcanic quiescence (inter-eruptive), when heavy rains remobilize the loose pyroclastic deposits. One of most important example of inter-eruptive volcaniclastic flow hazard is represented by the Apennine relieves that border the southern Campanian Plain. These steep relieves are covered by variable thickness (from few cm to some m) of volcaniclastic material dispersed by the explosive activity of Somma-Vesuvius and Campi Flegrei volcanoes, located few km to the west. The most recent, large dangerous event is certainly that occurred on May 5, 1998, which caused the death of more than 150 people and considerable damage in the villages at the feet of the Apennine relieves. However, this tragic event was only the last of a number of volcaniclastic flow generation that affected the area in historical and pre-historical times. Historical accounts testify for several previous disastrous episodes, like the 40 volcaniclastic-flow events recorded in the southern Campanian Plain relieves during the last 200 years. These events claimed the life of 40 people in AD 1640, 43 people in AD 1764, 120 people in AD 1823, 120 people in AD 1841, 170 people in AD 1910, 30 people in AD 1924, and 30 people in AD 1954. These disasters clearly indicate that a volcanic hazard mitigation strategy urges for the area. With the aim to contribute to the improvement of volcaniclastic flow hazard and risk mitigation in the study area, we produced a zonation map that identifies the drainage basins potentially more prone to disruption. This map has been obtained combining few morphological characteristics (concavity and basin shape factor) and mean slope distribution of the drainage basins, derived from a digital elevation model with resolution of 10 m. The analysed parameters allowed the classification of 1069 drainage basins, which have been grouped into four different classes of disruption proneness: low, medium, high and very high. The map was organised in a GIS environment which allows a rapid query of the different information stored in the linked data base.

Composite volcanoes in the south-eastern part of İzmir-Balıkesir Transfer Zone, Western Anatolia, Turkey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seghedi, Ioan; Helvacı, Cahit; Pécskay, Zoltan

2015-01-01

During the Early-Middle Miocene (Western Anatolia) several volcanic fields occur along a NE-SW-trending shear zone, known as İzmir-Balıkesir Transfer Zone. This is a deformed crustal-scale sinistral strike-slip fault zone crossing the Bornova flysch and extending along the NW-boundary of the Menderes Massif by accommodating the differential deformation between the Cycladic and Menderes core complexes within the Aegean extensional system. Here we discuss the volcanic activity in Yamanlar and Yuntdağı fields that is closely related to the extensional tectonics of the İzmir-Balıkesir Transfer Zone and in the same time with the episodic core complex denudation of the Menderes Massif. This study documents two composite volcanoes (Yamanlar and Yuntdağı), whose present vent area is strongly eroded and cut by a variety of strike-slip and normal fault systems, the transcurrent NW-SE being the dominant one. The erosional remnants of the vent areas, resembling a shallow crater intrusive complex, illustrate the presence of numerous dykes or variably sized neck-like intrusions and lava flows, typically associated with hydrothermal alteration processes (propylitic and argillic). Such vent areas were observed in both the examined volcanic fields, having ~ 6 km in diameter and being much more eroded toward the south, along the NW-SE fault system. Lava flows and lava domes are sometimes associated with proximal block and ash flow deposits. In the cone-building association part, besides lava flows and remnants of lava domes, rare block and ash and pumice-rich pyroclastic flow deposits, as well as a series of debris-flow deposits, have been observed. The rocks display a porphyritic texture and contain various proportions of plagioclase, clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, amphibole, rare biotite and corroded quartz. The examined rocks fall at the limit between calc-alkaline to alkaline field, and plot predominantly in high-K andesite and dacite fields and one is rhyolite. The trace element distribution suggests fractional crystallization processes and mixing in upper crustal magma chambers and suggests a metasomatized lithospheric mantle/lower crust source. This preliminary volcanological-petrological and geochronological base study allowed documenting the Yamanlar and Yuntdağı as composite volcanoes generated during post-collisional Early-Middle Miocene transtensional tectonic movements.

The Riscos Bayos Ignimbrites of the Caviahue-Copahue volcanic caldera complex, southern Andes, Argentina

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Colvin, A.; Merrill, M.; Demoor, M.; Goss, A.; Varekamp, J. C.

2004-05-01

The Caviahue-Copahue volcanic complex (38 S, 70 W) is located on the eastern margin of the active arc in the southern Andes, Argentina. Volcán Copahue, an active stratovolcano which hosts an active hydrothermal system, sits on the southwestern rim of the elliptical Caviahue megacaldera (17 x 15 km). The caldera wall sequences are up to 0.6 km thick and consist of lavas with 51 -69 percent SiO2 and 0.2 - 5 percent MgO as well as breccias, dikes, sills, domes and minor ignimbrites. Andesitic lava flows also occur within the caldera, and are overlain by a chaotic complex of silicic lava and intracaldera pyroclastic flow deposits. The eastern wall sequence is capped by several extracaldera ignimbrites (Riscos Bayos formation) of about 50 m maximum thickness which extend 30 km east-southeast of the caldera. Young back-arc alkali basalt scoria cones occur east of the Caviahue-Copahue volcanic complex. The eruption of the Riscos Bayos formation at about 1.1 Ma (12 km cubed) may be related to the Caviahue caldera formation, though the Riscos Bayos account for only about 7 percent of the caldera volume. The Riscos Bayos consists of three lithic-bearing flow units: a grey basal flow, a tan middle flow and a bright-white, highly indurated uppermost flow. The basal unit consists of white and grey pumice fragments, black scoria clasts, black obsidian clasts (which give it the grey color), and accidental volcanic lithics set in a matrix of ash and crystals. The middle unit is composed of large mauve pumice fragments and accidental lithics set in a fine tan ash groundmass. The uppermost unit is composed of small pink and white pumice fragments set in a matrix of fine white ash. These pumices carry quartz and biotite crystals, whereas the lower two units are orthopyroxene-bearing trachy-dacites. The Caviahue-Copahue magmas all bear arc signatures, but possibly some magma mixing between the andesitic arc magmas and basaltic back-arc magmas may have occurred. The evolved top layer of the Riscos Bayos ignimbrite may be genetically unrelated to the other magmas, and is possibly a local crustal melt. Trace element and isotope data for the Caviahue-Copahue volcanoes suggest the presence of a subducted sediment component with minor continental crust assimilation.

TECTONIC VERSUS VOLCANIC ORIGIN OF THE SUMMIT DEPRESSION AT MEDICINE LAKE VOLCANO, CALIFORNIA

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mark Leon Gwynn

Medicine Lake Volcano is a Quaternary shield volcano located in a tectonically complex and active zone at the transition between the Basin and Range Province and the Cascade Range of the Pacific Province. The volcano is topped by a 7x12 km elliptical depression surrounded by a discontinuous constructional ring of basaltic to rhyolitic lava flows. This thesis explores the possibility that the depression may have formed due to regional extension (rift basin) or dextral shear (pull-apart basin) rather than through caldera collapse and examines the relationship between regional tectonics and localized volcanism. Existing data consisting of temperature and magnetotelluric surveys,more » alteration mineral studies, and core logging were compiled and supplemented with additional core logging, field observations, and fault striae studies in paleomagnetically oriented core samples. These results were then synthesized with regional fault data from existing maps and databases. Faulting patterns near the caldera, extension directions derived from fault striae P and T axes, and three-dimensional temperature and alteration mineral models are consistent with slip across arcuate ring faults related to magma chamber deflation during flank eruptions and/or a pyroclastic eruption at about 180 ka. These results are not consistent with a rift or pull-apart basin. Limited subsidence can be attributed to the relatively small volume of ash-flow tuff released by the only known major pyroclastic eruption and is inconsistent with the observed topographic relief. The additional relief can be explained by constructional volcanism. Striae from unoriented and oriented core, augmented by striae measurements in outcrop suggest that Walker Lane dextral shear, which can be reasonably projected from the southeast, has probably propagated into the Medicine Lake area. Most volcanic vents across Medicine Lake Volcano strike north-south, suggesting they are controlled by crustal weakness related to Basin and Range extension. Interaction of dextral shear, Basin and Range extension, and the zone of crustal weakness expressed as the Mount Shasta-Medicine Lake volcanic highland controlled the location and initiation of Medicine Lake Volcano at about 500 ka.« less

Tectonic versus volcanic origin of the summit depression at Medicine Lake Volcano, California

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mark Leon Gwynn

Medicine Lake Volcano is a Quaternary shield volcano located in a tectonically complex and active zone at the transition between the Basin and Range Province and the Cascade Range of the Pacific Province. The volcano is topped by a 7x12 km elliptical depression surrounded by a discontinuous constructional ring of basaltic to rhyolitic lava flows. This thesis explores the possibility that the depression may have formed due to regional extension (rift basin) or dextral shear (pull-apart basin) rather than through caldera collapse and examines the relationship between regional tectonics and localized volcanism. Existing data consisting of temperature and magnetotelluric surveys,more » alteration mineral studies, and core logging were compiled and supplemented with additional core logging, field observations, and fault striae studies in paleomagnetically oriented core samples. These results were then synthesized with regional fault data from existing maps and databases. Faulting patterns near the caldera, extension directions derived from fault striae P and T axes, and three-dimensional temperature and alteration mineral models are consistent with slip across arcuate ring faults related to magma chamber deflation during flank eruptions and/or a pyroclastic eruption at about 180 ka. These results are not consistent with a rift or pull-apart basin. Limited subsidence can be attributed to the relatively small volume of ash-flow tuff released by the only known major pyroclastic eruption and is inconsistent with the observed topographic relief. The additional relief can be explained by constructional volcanism. Striae from unoriented and oriented core, augmented by striae measurements in outcrop suggest that Walker Lane dextral shear, which can be reasonably projected from the southeast, has probably propagated into the Medicine Lake area. Most volcanic vents across Medicine Lake Volcano strike north-south, suggesting they are controlled by crustal weakness related to Basin and Range extension. Interaction of dextral shear, Basin and Range extension, and the zone of crustal weakness expressed as the Mount Shasta-Medicine Lake volcanic highland controlled the location and initiation of Medicine Lake Volcano at about 500 ka.« less

Insights into Proximal-Medial Pyroclastic Density Current Deposits at a High-Risk Glaciated Volcano: Mt Ruapehu, New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cowlyn, J.; Kennedy, B.; Gravley, D. M.; Cronin, S. J.; Pardo, N.; Wilson, T. M.; Leonard, G.; Townsend, D.; Dufek, J.

2014-12-01

Pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) are a destructive volcanic hazard. Quantifying the types, frequency and magnitudes of PDC events in the geological record is essential for effective risk management. However small-medium volume valley-confined PDC deposits have low preservation potential, especially when emplaced in active drainages or onto snow or ice. Where PDC deposits are preserved they can be difficult to distinguish from other surficial deposits and are frequently misinterpreted or overlooked. This is the case at Mt. Ruapehu; a much visited, high-risk active volcano in New Zealand with no historical PDCs. Through systematic field observations we identified several young proximal-medial andesitic PDC deposits exposed on Ruapehu's eastern flanks. The oldest deposits (Ohinewairua PDCs, <13.6 ka) are massive pumice-rich deposits that are preserved at least 7km from source (North Crater) and correlate with Ruapehu's largest plinian eruptions. Overlying these, the pumice-rich Pourahu PDC deposit reaches >10km from source (South Crater) and correlates with Ruapehu's last known plinian eruption (~11.6 ka). Several younger locally preserved PDC deposits (Tukino PDCs) with denser juvenile clasts represent proximal PDCs from smaller eruptions at South Crater. Finally, a variably welded, bedded deposit containing clasts of welded spatter is interpreted to represent multiple failures of near-vent (North Ruapehu) accumulations of erupted material. Here, PDC initiation appears to have been controlled by the topographic gradient and deposition rate, without requiring a collapsing eruption column. The Ruapehu deposits highlight the limited preservation of PDC deposits, which appears to be favoured at PDC margins. Lateral and vertical flow stratification means the resulting deposits may not then represent the bulk flow. Additionally, deposit textures, distributions, and associations with moraines indicate that many of Ruapehu's PDCs encountered glacial ice during transport. This affected their distribution, mobility and preservation, and has implications for assessing the PDC hazard at Ruapehu and other glaciated volcanoes. The deposits reinforce that hazardous PDCs threatening life and infrastructure may be generated even from small eruptions and across a wide range of eruption styles.

A geochemical reconnaissance of the Alid volcanic center and geothermal system, Danakil depression, Eritrea

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lowenstern, J. B.; Janik, C.J.; Fournier, R.O.; Tesfai, T.; Duffield, W.A.; Clynne, M.A.; Smith, James G.; Woldegiorgis, L.; Weldemariam, K.; Kahsai, G.

1999-01-01

Geological and geochemical studies indicate that a high-temperature geothermal system underlies the Alid volcanic center in the northern Danakil depression of Eritrea. Alid is a very late-Pleistocene structural dome formed by shallow intrusion of rhyolitic magma, some of which vented as lavas and pyroclastic flows. Fumaroles and boiling pools distributed widely over an area of ~10 km2 on the northern half of Alid suggest that an active hydrothermal system underlies much of that part of the mountain. Geothermometers indicate that the fumarolic gases are derived from a geothermal system with temperatures >225??C. The isotopic composition of condensed fumarolic steam is consistent with these temperatures and implies that the source water is derived primarily from either lowland meteoric waters or fossil Red Sea water, or both. Some gases vented from the system (CO2, H2S and He) are largely magmatic in origin. Permeability beneath the volcanic center may be high, given the amount of intrusion-related deformation and the active normal faulting within the Danakil depression.Geological and geochemical studies indicate that a high-temperature geothermal system underlies the Alid volcanic center in the northern Danakil depression of Eritrea. Alid is a very late-Pleistocene structural dome formed by shallow intrusion of rhyolitic magma, some of which vented as lavas and pyroclastic flows. Fumaroles and boiling pools distributed widely over an area of approx. 10 km2 on the northern half of Alid suggest that an active hydrothermal system underlies much of that part of the mountain. Geothermometers indicate that the fumarolic gases are derived from a geothermal system with temperatures >225??C. The isotopic composition of condensed fumarolic steam is consistent with these temperatures and implies that the source water is derived primarily from either lowland meteoric waters or fossil Red Sea water, or both. Some gases vented from the system (CO2, H2S and He) are largely magmatic in origin. Permeability beneath the volcanic center may be high, given the amount of intrusion-related deformation and the active normal faulting within the Danakil depression.

Seismic activity that accompanied the effusive and explosive eruptions during the 2004-2005 period at Volcán de Colima, Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arámbula-Mendoza, R.; Lesage, P.; Valdés-González, C.; Varley, N. R.; Reyes-Dávila, G.; Navarro, C.

2011-08-01

Volcán de Colima is considered the most active in Mexico. A period of large eruptive activity occurred in 2004-2005. It began as a swarm of long-period events (LPs) in late September 2004, indicating the onset of growth of a new lava dome in its crater. Subsequently, avalanches of incandescent material and pyroclastic flows during a period of approximately 2 months occurred. Then, the activity became more explosive with moderate explosions. Finally, swarms of LPs accompanied the magma ascent and extrusion of small domes and vulcanian explosions with pyroclastic flows in 2005. This eruptive period was investigated with a continuous seismic signal study, cross-correlation of LPs and autoregressive analysis of monochromatic LPs. For the vast majority of the explosions, an increase in the rate of seismic energy was observed with the Seismic Spectral Energy Measurement (SSEM) from 1 to 3 Hz, before each explosive event. This increase in energy is proportional to the increase in the rate of LPs, probably as a result of an increase in the emission rate. Applying the material failure forecasting method (FFM) and using SSEM inverse of parameter, the time of the explosions is estimated as the time when the adjusted line reaches the null value. We observe a systematic delay of a few hours between the real time of occurrence of the explosions and the estimated time. This suggests that more complex processes than pure damaging of the plug occur before the explosions. The swarms associated with the large explosions include a large proportion of LPs with similar waveforms. They form a dozen of families which stay during the whole period of activity and which indicate repetitive sources. Some of the families are active only before the explosions and could therefore be used as early warning. Monochromatic LP events occurred during this period, some of them just some hours before an explosion. However, no clear relationship between their occurrence and the explosions could be found.

Fracture Development within the Karaha-Telaga Bodas Geothermal Field, Indonesia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nemcok, M.; Moore, J.N.; Allis, R.; McCulloch, J.

2002-01-01

Karaha-Telaga Bodas is a partially vapor-dominated geothermal system located in an active volcano in western Java. More than 2 dozen geothermal wells have been drilled to depths of 3 km. Detailed paragenetic and fluid-inclusion studies have defined liquid-dominated, transitional and vapor-dominated stages in the evolution of this system. The liquid-dominated stage was initiated by shallow magma intrusion into the base of the volcanic cone. Lava and pyroclastic flows capped a geothermal system. The uppermost andesite flows were only weakly fractured due to the insulating effect of the intervening altered pyroclastics, which absorbed the deformation. Shear and tensile fractures were filled with carbonates at shallow depths and by quartz, epidote and actinolite at depths and temperatures over 1km and 300??C. The system underwent numerous local cycles of overpressuring, which are marked by subhorizontal tensile fractures, anastomosing tensile fractures and implosion breccias. The development of the liquid system was interrupted by a catastrophic drop in fluid pressures. As the fluids boiled in response to this pressure drop, chalcedony and quartz were deposited in fractures having the largest apertures and steep dips. The orientations of these fractures indicate that the escaping overpressured fluids used the shortest possible paths to the surface. Vapor-dominated conditions were initiated within a vertical chimney over the still hot intrusion. As pressures declined these conditions spread outward. Downward migration of the chimney occurred as the intrusion cooled and the brittle-ductile transition migrated to greater depths. Condensate that formed at the top of the vapor-dominated zone percolated downward and lowsalinity meteoric water entered the marginal parts of the system. Calcite, anhydrite, and fluorite precipitated in fractures upon heating. A progressive sealing of the fractures occurred, resulting in the downward migration of the cap rock. In response to decreasing pore pressures in the expanding vapor zone, the fracture system within the vapor-dominated reservoir progressively collapsed, leaving only residual permeability, with apertures supported by asperities or propping breccia. In places, the fractures have completely collapsed where normal stresses acting on the fracture walls exceeded the compressive strength of the wall rock.

A Tephra Database With an Intelligent Correlation System, Mono-Inyo Volcanic Chain, CA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bursik, M.; Rogova, G.

2004-12-01

We are assembling a web-accessible, relational database of information on past eruptions of the Mono-Inyo volcanic chain, eastern California. The PostgreSQL database structure follows the North American Data Model and CordLink. The database allows us to extract the features diagnostic of particular pyroclastic layers, as well as lava domes and flows. The features include depth in the section, layer thickness and internal stratigraphy, mineral assemblage, major and trace element composition, tephra componentry and granulometry, and radiocarbon age. Our working hypotheses are that 1) the database will prove useful for unraveling the complex recent volcanic history of the Mono-Inyo chain 2) aided by the use of an intelligent correlation system integrated into the database system. The Mono-Inyo chain consists of domes, craters and flows that stretch for 50 km north-south, subparallel to the Sierran range front fault system. Almost all eruptions within the chain probably occurred less than 50,000 years ago. Because of the variety of magma and eruption types, and the migration of source regions in time and space, it is nontrivial to discern patterns of behaviour. We have explored the use of multiple artificial neural networks combined within the framework of the Dempster-Shafer theory of evidence to construct a hybrid information processing system as an aid in the correlation of Mono-Inyo pyroclastic layers. It is hoped that such a system could provide information useful to discerning eruptive patterns that would otherwise be difficult to sort and categorize. In a test case on tephra layers at known sites, the intelligent correlation system was able to categorize observations correctly 96% of the time. In a test case with layers at one unknown site, and using a pairwise comparison of the unknown site with the known sites, a one-to-one correlation between the unknown site and the known sites was found to sometimes be poor. Such a result could be used to aid a stratigrapher in rethinking or questioning a proposed correlation. This rethinking might not happen without the input from the intelligent system.

Eruption and emplacement timescales of ignimbrite super-eruptions from thermo-kinetics of glass shards

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lavallée, Yan; Wadsworth, Fabian; Vasseur, Jérémie; Russell, James; Andrews, Graham; Hess, Kai-Uwe; von Aulock, Felix; Kendrick, Jackie; Tuffen, Hugh; Biggin, Andy; Dingwell, Donald

2015-02-01

Super-eruptions generating hundreds of cubic kilometres of pyroclastic density currents are commonly recorded by thick, welded and lava-like ignimbrites. Despite the huge environmental impact inferred for this type of eruption, little is yet known about the timescales of deposition and post-depositional flow. Without these timescales, the critical question of the duration of any environmental impact, and the ensuing gravity of its effects for the Earth system, eludes us. The eruption and welding of ignimbrites requires three transects of the glass transition. Magma needs to: 1) fragment during ascent, 2) liquefy and relax during deposition, agglutination and welding (sintering), and 3) quench by cooling into the glassy state. Here we show that welding is a rapid, syn-depositional process and that the welded ignimbrite sheet may flow for up to a few hours before passing through the glass transition a final time. Geospeedometry reveals that the basal vitrophyre of the Grey’s Landing ignimbrite underwent the glass transition at a rate of ~0.1 °C.min^-1 at 870 °C; that is, 30-180 °C below pre-eruptive geothermometric estimates. Application of a 1-D cooling model constrains the timescale of deposition, agglutination, and welding of the basal vitrophyre to less than 1 hour, and possibly even tens of minutes. Thermo-mechanical iteration of the sintering process indicates an optimal temperature solution for the emplacement of the vitrophyres at 966 °C. The vitrophyres reveal a Newtonian rheology up to 46 MPa, which suggests that the ash particles annealed entirely during welding and that viscous energy dissipation is unlikely from loading conditions alone, unless shear stresses imposed by the overlying ash flow were excessively high and sustained over long distances. The findings underline the value of the term 'lava-like' flow to describe the end rheology of Snake River-type ignimbrites, fully consistent with the typical lithofacies observed.

Multiple origins of obsidian pyroclasts and implications for changes in the dynamics of the 1300 B.P. eruption of Newberry Volcano, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rust, A. C.; Cashman, K. V.

2007-07-01

The pyroclastic deposits of the 1300 B.P. eruption of Newberry Volcano, OR, USA, contain minor amounts of obsidian (1-6 wt.%). The volatile (H2O and CO2) contents and textures of these clasts vary considerably. FTIR measurements of H2O in obsidian pyroclasts range from 0.1 to 1.5 wt.% indicating equilibration pressures ≤20 MPa. CO2 contents are low (<10 ppm) except in clasts that also contain xenolith powder that provided a local CO2 source. Obsidian clasts exhibit a range of color and textural types that changed in relative proportion as the eruption progressed. Together these data indicate that there were multiple origins of obsidian and that the dominant source changed during the eruption. Early in the eruption, obsidian was almost entirely black or grey (microlite-bearing) and probably derived from dikes or wall rock fractures filled with vanguard magma or tuffisite that, together with wall rocks, were eroded and incorporated into the eruption column as the vent widened. Later in the eruption, following a brief cessation of activity, the proportion of obsidian to wallrock lithic clasts increased and new types of obsidian dominated, types that represent remnants of a shallow conduit plug, welded fallback material from within the conduit, and sheared and degassed magma from near the conduit walls. Analysis of bubble shapes preserved within obsidian indicates that shear stresses and shear rates varied by over two orders of magnitude, with maxima of 88 kPa and 10-2.3 s-1, respectively, based on an assumed magma temperature of 850°C. Furthermore, the highest shear rates and stresses, and the shortest flow times (10-20 min), are preserved in clasts that also contain wall rock. The longest deformation times (5 and 8 h) correspond to two microlite-rich clasts, suggesting that the higher microlite content results from slower ascent rates and/or longer magma residence times at shallow levels. Differences between obsidian pyroclasts from the Newberry eruption and those of the Mono Craters may relate to the nature of the conduit feeding the two events. From this comparison, we conclude that obsidian can provide information on time scales and mechanisms of pre-fragmentation magma ascent.

Phreatomagmatic eruptions through unconsolidated coastal plain sequences, Maungataketake, Auckland Volcanic Field (New Zealand)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agustín-Flores, Javier; Németh, Károly; Cronin, Shane J.; Lindsay, Jan M.; Kereszturi, Gábor; Brand, Brittany D.; Smith, Ian E. M.

2014-04-01

Maungataketake is a monogenetic basaltic volcano formed at ~ 85-89 ka in the southern part of the Auckland Volcanic Field (AVF), New Zealand. It comprises a basal 1100-m diameter tuff ring, with a central scoria/spatter cone and lava flows. The tuff ring was formed under hydrogeological and geographic conditions very similar to the present. The tuff records numerous density stratified, wet base surges that radiated outward up to 1 km, decelerating rapidly and becoming less turbulent with distance. The pyroclastic units dominantly comprise fine-grained expelled grains from various sedimentary deposits beneath the volcano mixed with a minor component of juvenile pyroclasts (~ 35 vol.%). Subtle lateral changes relate to deceleration with distance and vertical transformations are minor, pointing to stable explosion depths and conditions, with gradual transitions between units and no evidence for eruptive pauses. This volcano formed within and on ~ 60 m-thick Plio/Pleistocene, poorly consolidated, highly permeable shelly sands and silts (Kaawa Formation) capped by near-impermeable, water-saturated muds (Tauranga Group). These sediments rest on moderately consolidated Miocene-aged permeable turbiditic sandstones and siltstones (Waitemata Group). Magma-water fuelled thermohydraulic explosions remained in the shallow sedimentary layers, excavating fine-grained sediments without brittle fragmentation required. On the whole, the resulting cool, wet pyroclastic density currents were of low energy. The unconsolidated shallow sediments deformed to accommodate rapidly rising magma, leading to development of complex sill-like bodies and a range of magma-water contact conditions at any time. The weak saturated sediments were also readily liquefied to provide an enduring supply of water and fine sediment to the explosion loci. Changes in magma flux and/or subsequent stabilisation of the conduit area by a lava ring-barrier led to ensuing Strombolian and fire-fountaining eruption phases. Future eruptions in littoral environments around Auckland are likely to be of this type, producing base surges that rapidly decrease in energy over short runout distances (~ 1 km).

Classification of the LCVF AVIRIS test site with a Kohonen artificial neural network

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Merenyi, Erzsebet; Singer, Robert B.; Farrand, William H.

1993-01-01

We present a classification of an AVIRIS spectral image of the Lunar Crater Volcanic Field (LCVF). Geologic mapping from such data is made possible by distinctive mineral signatures: absorption features and the shape of the spectral continuum. The subtle spectral shape differences between some of the geological units in this scene along with the high dimensionality of the spectral presents a challenging pattern recognition task. We found an artificial neural network powerful in separating 13 geological units based on the full spectral resolution. The LCVF, in northern Nye County, Nevada, was the primary focus of the NASA-sponsored Geologic Remote Sensing Field Experiment in the summer of 1989. It consists of over 100 square miles of Quaternary basaltic pyroclastic and flow deposits. These deposits lie atop ignimbrites and silicic lava flows of Tertiary age and in turn are overlain by Quaternary alluvial and playa deposits. This AVIRIS image was collected on September 29, 1989 at 11:44 at 11:44 PDT. The 256-by-256 pixel subsection in this study contains oxidized basaltic cinder deposits, the southern half of the Lunar Lake playa, and outcrops of the Rhyollite of Big Sand Spring Valley. Vegetation in LCVF is sparse, but locally abundant within washes and near springs.

Lithology, age and structure of early proterozoic greenstone belts, West African shield

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Attoh, K.

1986-01-01

Lithologic and chemical data have been compiled for belts in the Proterozoic terrane. Available stratigraphic information from geologic maps of these areas indicate that a typical sequence is comprised of predominately mafic lava flows (basalt-andesite) at the base, which are overlain by felsic volcanic rocks including pyroclastic rocks and lavas. Lithostratigraphic data indicate the volcanic succession is 6-8 km thick. This is followed by 3-4 km of basaltic lava flows which are locally pillowed, the top of the unit is marked by a distinctive manganese formation (MF) consisting of Mn-Fe rich cherts up to 200 m thick. The youngest volcanic unit consists of mafic tuffs and breccia with a distinctive fragmental texture. Of about 100 chemical analyses reported calc-alkaline rocks constitute 55% and tholeiites 45%. Quartz-normative basalt constitutes 99% of the rock type in the tholeiitic suite. In the calc-alkaline suite, 9% of the analyses is basalt, 45% andesite and the rest is dacite and rhyodacite. The available data lead to the conclusion that the minimum age for the volcanic activity must be between 2200 and 2100 million years. It is significant that Archean ages have not been reported from any of the volcanic belts (1-10).

Pangea break-up: from passive to active margin in the Colombian Caribbean Realm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gómez, Cristhian; Kammer, Andreas

2017-04-01

The break-up of Western Pangea has lead to a back-arc type tectonic setting along the periphery of Gondwana, with the generation of syn-rift basins filled with sedimentary and volcanic sequences during the Middle to Late Triassic. The Indios and Corual formations in the Santa Marta massif of Northern Andes were deposited in this setting. In this contribution we elaborate a stratigraphic model for both the Indios and Corual formations, based on the description and classification of sedimentary facies and their architecture and a provenance analysis. Furthermore, geotectonic environments for volcanic and volcanoclastic rock of both units are postulated. The Indios Formation is a shallow-marine syn-rift basin fill and contains gravity flows deposits. This unit is divided into three segments; the lower and upper segments are related to fan-deltas, while the middle segment is associated to offshore deposits with lobe incursions of submarine fans. Volcanoclastic and volcanic rocks of the Indios and Corual formations are bimodal in composition and are associated to alkaline basalts. Volcanogenic deposits comprise debris, pyroclastic and lava flows of both effusive and explosive eruptions. These units record multiple phases of rifting and reveal together a first stage in the break-up of Pangea during Middle and Late Triassic in North Colombia.

Contrasting magma types and steady-state, volume-predictable, basaltic volcanism along the Great Rift, Idaho.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kuntz, M.A.; Champion, D.E.; Spiker, E. C.; Lefebvre, R.H.

1986-01-01

The Great Rift is an 85 km-long, 2-8 km-wide volcanic rift zone in the Snake River Plain, Idaho. Three basaltic lava fields, latest Pleistocene to Holocene, are located along the Great Rift: Craters of the Moon, Kings Bowl and Wapi. Craters of the Moon is the largest, covering 1600 km2 and containing approx 30 km3 of lava flows and pyroclastics. Field, radiocarbon and palaeomagnetic data show that this lava field formed in eight eruptive periods, each lasted several hundred years with a recurrence interval of several hundred to approx 3000 yr. The first eruption began approx 15 000 yr B.P. and the last ended at approx 2100 yr B.P. The other two lava fields formed approx 2250 yr B.P. Three magma types fed flows along the Great Rift. A contaminated and a fractionated type were erupted at the Craters of the Moon lava field. The third, little-fractionated Snake River Plain magma-type was erupted at the other two lava fields. The Craters of the Moon segment of the Great Rift has experienced quasi-steady state, volume-predictable volcanism for the last 15 000 yr. Based on this, about 5-6 km3 of lava will be erupted within the next 1000 yr.-L.C.H.

Major Holocene block-and-ash fan at the western slope of ice-capped Pico de Orizaba volcano, México: Implications for future hazards

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siebe, Claus; Abrams, Michael; Sheridan, Michael F.

1993-12-01

A major block-and-ash fan extends more than 14 km westward from the summit of Pico de Orizaba volcano in the eastern part of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. Radiocarbon dating of charcoal within the fan deposits yielded Holocene ages that range between 4040 ± 80 and 4660 ± 100 y.B.P. Stratigraphical, sedimentological, geochemical, and scanning electron microscope studies indicate that this fan originated within a relatively short time-span by multiple volcanic explosions at the summit crater. This activity produced a series of pyroclastic flows (mainly block-and-ash flows) and lahars which were channelized by a glacial cirque and connecting U-shaped valleys as they descended toward the base of the volcano. A recurrence of a similar eruption today would pose severe hazards to the population of more than 50,000 people, who live in a potentially dangerous zone. A detailed reconstruction of the sequence of events that led to the formation of the block-and-ash fan is presented to help mitigate the risk. Special attention is given to the effects of an ice-cap and the role of pre-existing glacial morphology on the distribution of products from such an eruption.

Preeruptive inflation and surface interferometric coherence characteristics revealed by satellite radar interferometry at Makushin Volcano, Alaska: 1993-2000

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lu, Z.; Power, J.A.; McConnell, V.S.; Wicks, C.; Dzurisin, D.

2002-01-01

Pilot reports in January 1995 and geologic field observations from the summer of 1996 indicate that a relatively small explosive eruption of Makushin, one of the more frequently active volcanoes in the Aleutian arc of Alaska, occured on 30 January 1995. Several independent radar interferograms that each span the time period from October 1993 to September 1995 show evidence of ???7 cm of uplift centered on the volcano's east flank, which we interpret as preeruptive inflation of a ???7-km-deep magma source (??V = 0.022 km3). Subsequent interferograms for 1995-2000, a period that included no reported eruptive activity, show no evidence of additional ground deformation. Interferometric coherence at C band is found to persist for 3 years or more on lava flow and other rocky surfaces covered with short grass and sparsely distributed tall grass and for at least 1 year on most pyroclastic deposits. On lava flow and rocky surfaces with dense tall grass and on alluvium, coherence lasts for a few months. Snow and ice surfaces lose coherence within a few days. This extended timeframe of coherence over a variety of surface materials makes C band radar interferometry an effective tool for studying volcano deformation in Alaska and other similar high-latitude regions.

Emplacement dynamics and hydrothermal alteration of the Atengo ignimbrite, southern Sierra Madre Occidental, northwestern Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agarwal, Amar; Alva-Valdivia, L. M.; Rivas-Sánchez, M. L.; Herrero-Bervera, E.; Urrutia-Fucugauchi, J.; Espejel-García, V.

2017-12-01

The Sierra Madre Occidental is a thick continental arc related to the subduction of the Farallon plate beneath North America resulting in a very intense and widespread Cretaceous to Cenozoic magmatic and tectonic activity. The 28 My old Atengo ignimbrite outcrops in the southern Sierra Madre Occidental, northwestern Mexico. From 12 sites that belong to various pyroclastic and lava flows emplaced during two pulses in the Oligocene (ca. 32-28 Ma) and Early Miocene (ca. 24-20 Ma), 97 rock specimens were drilled. The mineralogical and rock magnetic properties of the Atengo ignimbrite are compared with the surrounding volcanic rocks to identify the eruption mechanism, and with the El Castillo Ignimbrite, Veracruz, Mexico, to understand the depositional conditions. The comparisons reveal that the Atengo ignimbrite erupted from a single source, but less violently than the El Castillo ignimbrite, and cooled rapidly, inhibiting the formation of subhedral grains. The source of the Atengo Ignimbrite was a Plinian-type eruption, and the characteristic mineralogical and textural properties of each flow are related to different stages of the Plinian-type eruption. Further more, hydrothermal fluids were active during the last stages of volcanism, and caused moderate to intense alteration, especially in the ignimbrites, where high permeability aided the movement of hydrothermal fluids.

Moon - False Color Mosaic

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

This false-color photograph is a composite of 15 images of the Moon taken through three color filters by Galileo's solid-state imaging system during the spacecraft's passage through the Earth-Moon system on December 8, 1992. When this view was obtained, the spacecraft was 425,000 kilometers (262,000 miles) from the Moon and 69,000 kilometers (43,000 miles) from Earth. The false-color processing used to create this lunar image is helpful for interpreting the surface soil composition. Areas appearing red generally correspond to the lunar highlands, while blue to orange shades indicate the ancient volcanic lava flow of a mare, or lunar sea. Bluer mare areas contain more titanium than do the orange regions. Mare Tranquillitatis, seen as a deep blue patch on the right, is richer in titanium than Mare Serenitatis, a slightly smaller circular area immediately adjacent to the upper left of Mare Tranquillitatis. Blue and orange areas covering much of the left side of the Moon in this view represent many separate lava flows in Oceanus Procellarum. The small purple areas found near the center are pyroclastic deposits formed by explosive volcanic eruptions. The fresh crater Tycho, with a diameter of 85 kilometers (53 miles), is prominent at the bottom of the photograph, where part of the Moon's disk is missing.

Asymmetrical hydrothermal system below Merapi volcano imaged by geophysical data.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Byrdina, Svetlana; Friedel, Sven; Budi-Santoso, Agus; Suryanto, Wiwit; Suhari, Aldjarishy; Vandemeulebrouck, Jean; Rizal, Mohhamed H.; Grandis, Hendra

2017-04-01

A high-resolution image of the hydrothermal system of Merapi volcano is obtained using electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), self-potential, and CO2 flux mappings. The ERT inversions identify two distinct low-resistivity bodies, at the base of the south flank and in the summit area, that represent likely two parts of an interconnected hydrothermal system. In the summit area, the extension of the hydrothermal system is clearly limited by the main geological structures which are actual and ancient craters. A sharp resistivity contrast at ancient crater rim Pasar-Bubar separates a conductive hydrothermal system (20 - 50 Ωm) from the resistive andesite lava flows and pyroclastic deposits (2000 - 50 000 Ωm). High diffuse CO2 degassing (with a median value of 400g m -2 d -1) is observed in a narrow vicinity of the active crater rim and close to the Pasar-Bubar. The existence of preferential fluid circulation along this ancient crater rim is also evidenced by self-potential data. The total CO2 degassing across the accessible summit area with a surface of 1.4 · 10 5 m 2 is around 20 td -1. Before the 2010 eruption, Toutain et al. (2009) estimated a higher value of the total diffuse degassing from the summit area (about 200 - 230 td -1). This drop in the diffuse degassing can be related to the decrease in the magmatic activity, to the change of the summit morphology or to a combination of these factors. On the south flank of Merapi, the resistivity model shows spectacular stratification. While surficial recent andesite lava flows are characterized by resistivity exceeding 100 000 Ωm, resistivity as low as 10 Ωm has been encountered at a depth of 200 m at the base of the south flank and was interpreted as a presence of the hydrothermal system. We suggest that a sandwich-like structure of stratified pyroclastic deposits on the flanks of Merapi screen and separate the flow of hydrothermal fluids with the degassing occurring mostly through the fractured crater rims, while the liquid water flows down to the base of the volcanic dome. Our ERT results suggest the existence of a peripheral hydrothermal system below the south and west flanks in agreement with previous electromagnetic studies. In contrast, no evidence of hydrothermal system is found below the north flank, where the resistivity values are too high to be assigned to a hydrothermal system, at least to the ERT investigation depth. A probable cause of this asymmetry could be a non-axial location of the magmatic heat source. Such non-axial location of the magmatic source relative to the edifice is suggested by the shift of the volcanic activity to the south as proposed in the geological model by Camus et al, (2000). In addition, the hypocenters of seismic events located by Budi-Santoso et al, (2013) seem to be distributed to the SW from the active crater suggesting that the magma conduits and likely, the magmatic source, are shifted to the SW with respect to the actual crater.

Geology and landscape evolution of the Hellas region of Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tanaka, Kenneth L.; Leonard, Gregory J.

1995-01-01

Hellas basin on Mars has been the site of volcanism, tectonism, and modification by fluvial, mass-wasting, and eolian processes over its more than 4-b.y. existence. Our detailed geologic mapping and related studies have resulted in the following new interpretations. The asymmetric distribution of highland massifs and other structures that define the uplifted basin rim suggest a formation of the basin by the impact of a low-angle bolide having a trajectory heading S 60 deg E. During the Late Noachian, the basin was infilled, perhaps by lava flows, that were sufficiently thick (>1 km) to produce wrinkle ridges on the fill material and extensional faulting along the west rim of the basin. At about the same time, deposits buried northern Malea Planum, which are interpreted to be pyroclastic flows from Amphitrites and Peneus Paterae on the basis of their degraded morphology, topography, and the application of a previous model for pyroclastic volcanism on Mars. Peneus forms a distinctive caldera structure that indicates eruption of massive volumes of magma, whereas Amphitrites is a less distinct circular feature surrounded by a broad, low, dissected shield that suggests generally smaller volume eruptions. During the Early Hesperian, an approx. 1- to 2-km-thick sequence of primarily fined-grained, eolian material was deposited on the floor of Hellas basin. Subsequently, the deposit was deeply eroded, except where armored by crater ejecta, and it retreated as much as 200-300 km along its western margin, leaving behind pedestal craters and knobby outliers of the deposit. Local debris flows within the deposit attest to concentrations of groundwater, perhaps in part brought in by outflow floods along the east rim of the basin. These floods may have deposited approx. 100-200 m of sediment, subduing wrinkle ridges in the eastern part of the basin floor. During the Late Hesperian and Amazonian, eolian mantles were emplaced on the basin rim and floor and surrounding highlands. Their subsequent erosion resulted in pitted and etched plains and crater fill, irregular mesas, and pedestal craters. Local evidence occurs for the possible former presence of ground ice or ice sheets approx. 100 km across; however, we disagree with a hypothesis that suggests that the entire south rim and much of the floor of Hellas have been glaciated. Orientations of dune fields and yardangs in lower parts of Hellas basin follow directions of the strongest winds predicted by a recently published general circulation model (GCM). Transient frost and dust splotches in the region are, by contrast, related to the GCM prediction for the season in which the images they appear in were taken.

Geology and landscape evolution of the Hellas region of Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tanaka, Kenneth L.; Leonard, Gregory J.

1995-01-01

Hellas basin on Mars has been the site of volcanism, tectonism, and modification by fluvial, mass-wasting, and eolian processes over its more than 4-b.y. existence. Our detailed geologic mapping and related studies have resulted in the following new interpretations. The asymmetric distribution of highland massifs and other structures that define the uplifted basin rim suggest a formation of the basin by the impact of a low-angle bolide having a trajectory heading S60E. During the Late Noachian, the basin was infilled, perhaps by lava flows, that were sufficiently thick (greater than 1 km) to produce wrinkle ridges on the fill material and extensional faulting along the west rim of the basin. At about the same time, deposits buried northern Malea Planum, which are interpreted to be pyroclastic flows from Amphitrites and Peneus Paterae on the basis of their degraded morphology, topology, and the application of a previous model for pyroclastic volcanism on Mars. Peneus forms a distinctive caldera structure that indicates eruption of massive volumes of magma, whereas Amphitrites is a less distinct circular feature surrounded by a broad, low, dissected shield that suggests generally smaller volume eruptions. During the Early Hesperian, an approximately 1-to 2km-thick sequence of primarily fined-grained, eolian material was deposited on the floor of Hellas basin. Subsequently, the deposit was deeply eroded, except where armored by crater ejecta, and it retreated as much as 200-300 km along its western margin, leaving behind pedestal craters and knobby outliers of the deposit. Local debris flows within the deposit attest to concentrations of groundwater, perhaps in part brought in by outflow floods along the east rim of the basin. These floods may have deposited approximately 100-200m of sediment, subduing wrinkle ridges in the eastern part of the basin floor. During the Late Hesperian and Amazonian, eolian mantles were emplaced on the basin rim and floor and surrounding highlands. Their subsequent erosion resulted in pitted and etched plains and crater fill, irregular mesas, and pedestal craters. Local evidence occurs for the possible former presence of ground ice or ice sheets approximately 100 km across; however, we disagree with a hypothesis that suggest that the entire south rim and much of the floor of Hellas have been glaciated. Orientations of dune fields and yardangs in lower parts of Hellas basin follow directions of the strongest winds predicted by a recently published general circulation model (GCM). Transient frost and dust splotches in the region are, by contrast, related to the GCM prediction for the season in which the images they appear in were taken.

Hazards in volcanic arcs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sparks, S. R.

2008-12-01

Volcanic eruptions in arcs are complex natural phenomena, involving the movement of magma to the Earth's surface and interactions with the surrounding crust during ascent and with the surface environment during eruption, resulting in secondary hazards. Magma changes its properties profoundly during ascent and eruption and many of the underlying processes of heat and mass transfer and physical property changes that govern volcanic flows and magmatic interactions with the environment are highly non-linear. Major direct hazards include tephra fall, pyroclastic flows from explosions and dome collapse, volcanic blasts, lahars, debris avalanches and tsunamis. There are also health hazards related to emissions of gases and very fine volcanic ash. These hazards and progress in their assessment are illustrated mainly from the ongoing eruption of the Soufriere Hills volcano. Montserrat. There are both epistemic and aleatory uncertainties in the assessment of volcanic hazards, which can be large, making precise prediction a formidable objective. Indeed in certain respects volcanic systems and hazardous phenomena may be intrinsically unpredictable. As with other natural phenomena, predictions and hazards inevitably have to be expressed in probabilistic terms that take account of these uncertainties. Despite these limitations significant progress is being made in the ability to anticipate volcanic activity in volcanic arcs and, in favourable circumstances, make robust hazards assessments and predictions. Improvements in monitoring ground deformation, gas emissions and seismicity are being combined with more advanced models of volcanic flows and their interactions with the environment. In addition more structured and systematic methods for assessing hazards and risk are emerging that allow impartial advice to be given to authorities during volcanic crises. There remain significant issues of how scientific advice and associated uncertainties are communicated to provide effective mitigation during volcanic crises.

Ice Thickness, Melting Rates and Styles of Activity in Ice-Volcano Interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gudmundsson, M. T.

2005-12-01

In most cases when eruptions occur within glaciers they lead to rapid ice melting, jokulhlaups and/or lahars. Many parameters influence the style of activity and its impact on the environment. These include ice thickness (size of glacier), bedrock geometry, magma flow rate and magma composition. The eruptions that have been observed can roughly be divided into: (1) eruptions under several hundred meters thick ice on a relatively flat bedrock, (2) eruptions on flat or sloping bed through relatively thin ice, and (3) volcanism where effects are limitied to confinement of lava flows or melting of ice by pyroclastic flows or surges. This last category (ice-contact volcanism) need not cause much ice melting. Many of the deposits formed by Pleistocene volcanism in Iceland, British Columbia and Antarctica belong to the first category. An important difference between this type of activity and submarine activity (where pressure is hydrostatic) is that pressure at vents may in many cases be much lower than glaciostatic due to partial support of ice cover over vents by the surrounding glacier. Reduced pressure favours explosive activity. Thus the effusive/explosive transition may occur several hundred metres underneath the ice surface. Explosive fragmentation of magma leads to much higher rates of heat transfer than does effusive eruption of pillow lavas, and hence much higher melting rates. This effect of reduced pressure at vents will be less pronounced in a large ice sheet than in a smaller glacier or ice cap, since the hydraulic gradient that drives water away from an eruption site will be lower in the large glacier. This may have implications for form and type of eruption deposits and their relationship with ice thickness and glacier size.

Pore Pressure Distribution and Flank Instability in Hydrothermally Altered Stratovolcanoes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ball, J. L.; Taron, J.; Hurwitz, S.; Reid, M. E.

2015-12-01

Field and geophysical investigations of stratovolcanoes with long-lived hydrothermal systems commonly reveal that initially permeable regions (such as brecciated layers of pyroclastic material) can become both altered and water-bearing. Hydrothermal alteration in these regions, including clay formation, can turn them into low-permeability barriers to fluid flow, which could increase pore fluid pressures resulting in flank slope instability. We examined elevated pore pressure conditions using numerical models of hydrothermal flow in stratovolcanoes, informed by geophysical data about internal structures and deposits. Idealized radially symmetric meshes were developed based on cross-sectional profiles and alteration/permeability structures of Cascade Range stratovolcanoes. We used the OpenGeoSys model to simulate variably saturated conditions in volcanoes heated only by regional heat fluxes, as well as 650°C intrusions at two km depth below the surface. Meteoric recharge was estimated from precipitation rates in the Cascade Range. Preliminary results indicate zones of elevated pore pressures form: 1) where slopes are underlain by continuous low-permeability altered layers, or 2) when the edifice has an altered core with saturated, less permeable limbs. The first scenario might control shallow collapses on the slopes above the altered layers. The second could promote deeper flank collapses that are initially limited to the summit and upper slopes, but could progress to the core of an edifice. In both scenarios, pore pressures can be further elevated by shallow intrusions, or evolve over longer time scales under forcing from regional heat flux. Geometries without confining low-permeability layers do not show these pressure effects. Our initial scenarios use radially symmetric models, but we are also simulating hydrothermal flow under real 3D geometries with asymmetric subsurface structures (Mount Adams). Simulation results will be used to inform 3D slope-stability models.

È VIVO: Virtual eruptions at Vesuvius; A multimedia tool to illustrate numerical modeling to a general public

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Todesco, Micol; Neri, Augusto; Demaria, Cristina; Marmo, Costantino; Macedonio, Giovanni

2006-07-01

Dissemination of scientific results to the general public has become increasingly important in our society. When science deals with natural hazards, public outreach is even more important: on the one hand, it contributes to hazard perception and it is a necessary step toward preparedness and risk mitigation; on the other hand, it contributes to establish a positive link of mutual confidence between scientific community and the population living at risk. The existence of such a link plays a relevant role in hazard communication, which in turn is essential to mitigate the risk. In this work, we present a tool that we have developed to illustrate our scientific results on pyroclastic flow propagation at Vesuvius. This tool, a CD-ROM that we developed joining scientific data with appropriate knowledge in communication sciences is meant to be a first prototype that will be used to test the validity of this approach to public outreach. The multimedia guide contains figures, images of real volcanoes and computer animations obtained through numerical modeling of pyroclastic density currents. Explanatory text, kept as short and simple as possible, illustrates both the process and the methodology applied to study this very dangerous natural phenomenon. In this first version, the CD-ROM will be distributed among selected categories of end-users together with a short questionnaire that we have drawn to test its readability. Future releases will include feedback from the users, further advancement of scientific results as well as a higher degree of interactivity.

Generation of fine hydromagmatic ash by growth and disintegration of glassy rinds

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mastin, L.G.

2007-01-01

The deposits of mafic hydromagmatic eruptions are more fine grained and variable in vesicularity than dry magmatic deposits. Blocky, equant shapes of many hydromagmatic clasts also contrast with droplet, thread, and bubble wall morphology of dry magmatic fragments. Small (

Water contents, temperatures and diversity of the magmas of the catastrophic eruption of Nevado del Ruiz, Colombia, November 13, 1985

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Melson, William G.; Allan, James F.; Jerez, Deborah Reid; Nelen, Joseph; Calvache, Marta Lucia; Williams, Stanley N.; Fournelle, John; Perfit, Mike

1990-07-01

The petrology of the highly phyric two-pyroxene andesitic to dacitic pyroclastic rocks of the November 13, 1985 eruption of Nevado del Ruiz, Colombia, reveals evidence of: (1) increasingly fractionated bulk compositions with time; (2) tapping of a small magma chamber marginally zoned in regard to H 2O contents (1 to 4%), temperature (960-1090°C), and amount of residual melt (35 to 65%); (3) partial melting and assimilation of degassed zones in the hotter less dense interior of the magma chamber; (4) probable heating, thermal disruption and mineralogic and compositional contamination of the magma body by basaltic magma "underplating"; and (5) crustal contamination of the magmas during ascent and within the magma chamber. Near-crater fall-back or "spill-over" emitted in the middle of the eruptive sequence produced a small pyroclastic flow that became welded in its central and basal portions because of ponding and thus heat conservation on the flat glaciated summit near the Arenas crater. The heterogeneity of Ruiz magmas may be related to the comparatively small volume (0.03 km 3) of the eruption, nearly ten times less than the 0.2 km 3 of the Plinian phase of Mount St. Helens, and probable steep thermal and PH 2O gradients of a small source magma chamber, estimated at 300 m long and 100 m wide for an assumed ellipsoidal shape.

Multiphase flow modelling of explosive volcanic eruptions using adaptive unstructured meshes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacobs, Christian T.; Collins, Gareth S.; Piggott, Matthew D.; Kramer, Stephan C.

2014-05-01

Explosive volcanic eruptions generate highly energetic plumes of hot gas and ash particles that produce diagnostic deposits and pose an extreme environmental hazard. The formation, dispersion and collapse of these volcanic plumes are complex multiscale processes that are extremely challenging to simulate numerically. Accurate description of particle and droplet aggregation, movement and settling requires a model capable of capturing the dynamics on a range of scales (from cm to km) and a model that can correctly describe the important multiphase interactions that take place. However, even the most advanced models of eruption dynamics to date are restricted by the fixed mesh-based approaches that they employ. The research presented herein describes the development of a compressible multiphase flow model within Fluidity, a combined finite element / control volume computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code, for the study of explosive volcanic eruptions. Fluidity adopts a state-of-the-art adaptive unstructured mesh-based approach to discretise the domain and focus numerical resolution only in areas important to the dynamics, while decreasing resolution where it is not needed as a simulation progresses. This allows the accurate but economical representation of the flow dynamics throughout time, and potentially allows large multi-scale problems to become tractable in complex 3D domains. The multiphase flow model is verified with the method of manufactured solutions, and validated by simulating published gas-solid shock tube experiments and comparing the numerical results against pressure gauge data. The application of the model considers an idealised 7 km by 7 km domain in which the violent eruption of hot gas and volcanic ash high into the atmosphere is simulated. Although the simulations do not correspond to a particular eruption case study, the key flow features observed in a typical explosive eruption event are successfully captured. These include a shock wave resulting from the sudden high-velocity inflow of gas and ash; the formation of a particle-laden plume rising several hundred metres into the atmosphere; the eventual collapse of the plume which generates a volcanic ash fountain and a fast ground-hugging pyroclastic density current; and the growth of a dilute convective region that rises above the ash fountain as a result of buoyancy effects. The results from Fluidity are also compared with results from MFIX, a fixed structured mesh-based multiphase flow code, that uses the same set-up. The key flow features are also captured in MFIX, providing at least some confidence in the plausibility of the numerical results in the absence of quantitative field data. Finally, it is shown by a convergence analysis that Fluidity offers the same solution accuracy for reduced computational cost using an adaptive mesh, compared to the same simulation performed with a uniform fixed mesh.

Physical and mathematical modeling of transient infiltration through shallow layered pyroclastic deposits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Damiano, Emilia; Greco, Roberto; Guida, Andrea; Olivares, Lucio; Picarelli, Luciano

2017-04-01

Layered pyroclastic deposits covering steep slopes, characteristic of large mountainous areas of Campania (southern Italy), are often affected by shallow landslides triggered by heavy rainfall events. In fact, the equilibrium of such deposits is usually guaranteed by the contribution to soil shear strength offered by soil suction, which decreases during wetting. As the return period of the triggering events has been in many cases not extreme, other factors concur to establish triggering conditions. In this respect, heterogeneities, strongly affecting transient infiltration, may in some cases play a crucial role. In this study, the effect of the presence of soil layers, characterized by markedly different hydraulic properties, on the rainwater infiltration process is investigated. In fact, the pyroclastic covers of Campania, being the result of the deposition of materials originated by several eruptions of the nearby volcanic complexes, usually consist of alternating layers of ashes (silty sands) and pumices (gravel with sand). The presence of coarse-textured pumices between finer ashes strongly affects the infiltration process. In fact, the pumices, which are characterized by saturated hydraulic conductivity larger than ashes, are capable of retaining less water than ashes in unsaturated conditions, so that their unsaturated hydraulic conductivity is usually very small. Hence, depending on the water potential distribution throughout the cover at the onset of rainfall, pumices may act as a barrier to the propagation of the wet front (the so-called capillary barrier effect), or, approaching saturation, let the water pass through them very quickly. Such a complex behavior has been studied by means of a series of infiltration experiments carried out in an instrumented flume in the Geotechnical Laboratory of the University of Campania (http://www.dicdea.unina2.it/it/dipartimento/laboratori/laboratorio-di-geotecnica). Starting from different initial moisture conditions, small scale physical models of layered slopes, with various geometry and inclination, have been subjected to rainfalls of various intensities. During the infiltration processes and the following water redistribution phases, soil moisture and matric potential have been measured at various locations by means of TDR probes and tensiometers, respectively. The interpretation of the experimental results has been aided by a 2D mathematical model based on the integration of Richards' equation with the finite differences method. The obtained results indicate that a layer of dry pumices may induce lateral redistribution of water through the overlying ashes. In steep sloping deposits, this may favor the establishment of downslope directed subsurface runoff, which drains part of the infiltrating water towards the toe of the slope. In real slopes, depending on local morphology, such a downslope flow may have a beneficial effect on slope stability, as some water is drained out of the slope, or may even contribute to the establishment of triggering conditions, as it can result in flow concentration leading to local failure.

Fabrics, Facies And Flow Through A Large-Volume Ignimbrite: Pampa De Oxaya, Chile.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Platzman, Ellen; Cooper, Frances

2016-04-01

Large volume pyroclastic currents form during some of the most destructive volcanic eruptions on the planet, yet because they are underrepresented in the geological record they remain poorly understood. The Miocene Oxaya ignimbrites, exposed along the western Andean slopes in northern Chile, form one of the largest ignimbrite provinces on earth. We use anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) in conjunction with rock magnetic measurements to investigate flow behavior and depositional processes in one of the largest members of the Oxaya succession, the Cardones ignimbrite. Despite its prominence the location of the source caldera remains unknown and fundamental processes remain poorly constrained. During 2012 nearly 8km (7,773m) of core was recovered from the early Miocene ignimbrites in 11 holes at elevations ranging from 2336m to 3805m along the Andean escarpment east of Arica, Chile. The drill cores are remarkable in that they penetrate through the entirety of the ignimbrite sequence and into the basement below. Samples for this study were collected from a > 1 km long core drilled at an altitude 3692m. The core sampled 981 m of Cardones ignimbrite and 15 m of underlying sediments and volcaniclastics before penetrating 148 m of basement. Detailed measurements of the variation in bulk magnetic properties including natural remanent magnetization (NRM), susceptibility, ARM, and IRM, were used to monitor changes in concentration, composition and grainsize of the magnetic components though the ignimbrite. AMS in conjunction with detailed rock magnetic measurements were used to constrain flow processes. The data reveal a well-defined flow direction and systematic variations in flow processes with depth. Low field bulk magnetic susceptibility averages 3.2x10-3 SI. Rock magnetic studies and petrographic examination indicate that magnetite is likely to be the dominant magnetic phase although paramagnetic mineral phases also contribute to the magnetic fabric. The degree of anisotropy (P) ranges from 1.01- 1.1 with high P generally associated with predominately linear fabrics and higher bulk susceptibility. Petrofabric orientations, after correction for rotation about the core axis, are well grouped and imbricated revealing a well-defined transport direction down the paleo-slope towards the SW (247°), confirming the deformed Lauca caldera as the likely source of the eruption. Systematic variations in a fabric shape (T) and intensity (P) with depth were also observed with predominately oblate fabrics near the top and towards the base of the flow, and predominately prolate fabrics in the central section of the flow. These vertical changes in fabric show that this massive, apparently homogeneous deposit has a systematic layering that can be interpreted as the combined effect of subtle changes in clast populations related to source heterogeneities, temporal changes in the flow-boundary zone during deposition, and changes in post-depositional processes with depth.

Seismic characterization of low-magnitude floods and lahars at La Lumbre ravine, Volcán de Colima (Mexico)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coviello, Velio; Capra, Lucia; Márquez, Víctor H.; Procter, Jonathan; Walsh, Braden

2017-04-01

Volcán de Colima currently is the most active volcano in Mexico where a number of rain-induced lahars occur each year. After an explosive phase, lahar frequency increases due to the immediate reworking of pyroclastic material and it progressively decreases in the following years. This behavior was distinctly observed during the two last rainy seasons that followed the intense volcanic activity of July 2015. La Lumbre ravine drains the West-Southwestern slopes of Volcán de Colima and is one of the most active channels of the volcano. Since 2014, monitoring is performed in a heavily instrumented cross-section located at 1580 m a.s.l. on the left bank of the channel. At the present day, the monitoring station is equipped with a raingauge, two stage sensors, a videocamera, and different seismic devices. At La Lumbre, lahars initiate as dilute, sediment-laden stream flows and with the entrainment of additional sediment they evolve into hyper-concentrations and debris flows. The hydro-repellency mechanism of the highly vegetated volcanic soils can explain the high frequency of lahars triggered by low-intensity rainfall events: under these hydrophobic conditions, infiltration is inhibited and runoff is facilitated at less highly peaked discharges that are more likely to initiate lahars that can have an impact on the inhabited areas located downstream. This is the reason why the possibility to detect not only large lahars but also low-magnitude flows is particularly important at La Lumbre. Here we present monitoring data of processes ranging from stream flows to large lahars that occurred during the last rainy seasons along La Lumbre ravine. In particular, we investigate the possibility to estimate the sediment concentration of debris flood and small lahars using a very easy-to-install and low-cost seismic sensor, i.e. a geophone, installed outside the flow path. For instance, we show how a hyper-concentrated flow characterized by a mean velocity of less than 1 meter per second and a flow rate of about 1 cubic meter per second can be satisfactorily detected using a 10-Hz vertical geophone installed at a distance of 15 m from the mid-channel. Geophone data were compared to seismic data gathered with a broadband seismometer and an accelerometer installed at the same cross section. We correlated grain size distribution with the instrumental records of the monitoring station and we found that using both amplitude and spectral information not only the main flow characteristics can be described (number of surges, duration, sediment discharge) but also the main grain-size classes contributing to sediment transport can be adequately estimated. This information can be useful to identify the range of background seismic noise produced by low-magnitude events and to investigate the sediment transport evolution through time.

Ba-rich sanidine megacrysts in trachytic rocks of Eslamy volcano, NW Iran

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aßbichler, Donjá; Asadpour, Manijeh; Heuss-Aßbichler, Soraya; Kunzmann, Thomas

2016-04-01

The Eslamy volcano is located on a peninsula at the eastern coast of Urumieh lake, NW Iran. The complex stratovolcano with gentle slope flanks exposes a collapsed caldera in the central part. Specific features are different sanidine rich rocks that occur in form of ejecta and flows. According to the field observations they are products of one volcanic event. XRF measurements show they all have trachytic compositions. Typical for this locality are the large sanidine phenocrysts. In the trachytic flow the sanidine crystals reach average size of ~4 cm embedded in a greenish-blue matrix consisting mainly of crystallized feldspar and subordinate pyroxen. Occasionally feldspar megacrysts of approx. 10 cm were observed. Na content of the sanidine megacrysts varies between 0.05 - 0.5 pfu with higher concentrations in the cores. Furthermore they show oscillatory zoning patterns caused by variations of Ba content (0-0.04 pfu). The matrix of the trachytic flow consist mainly of interlocking sanidine crystals (0.05-0.45 pfu Na) partly with Ba-rich cores containing up to 0.06 pfu Ba. In contrast to the megacrysts they show slightly higher Fe contents (0.025-0.035 pfu). The volcanic ejecta with bombs of approx. 50 cm in size were found in one distinct layer within a pyroclastic horizon. The average diameter of the feldspar phenocrysts is much smaller (0.5-2 cm). Sanidine is the main phase of these rocks (up to 80 %). As mafic phase up to 30 % pyroxen (mainly diospide) ± biotite can be observed. Accessories are magnetite ± apatite ± titanite ± zircon. In contrast to the flow rocks the main phase of the matrix of the ejecta is always glass with higher Fe2O3 (total) contents (up to 6 wt.-%) indicating a fast cooling of the sample due to ejection. They are completely depleted in Ba. In two samples zoned feldspar relicts enclosed in glass show remolten rims. Similar to flow rocks the feldspar phenocrysts of all ejecta show a complex zoning pattern, e.g. three samples expose high Ba contents within the core of the feldspars with a maximum Ba-content of 0.12 pfu. In addition, all phenocrysts show an oscillatory zoning pattern. The very fine rimed zones are mainly caused by the variation of Ba content (0-0.06 pfu).

Characteristics and petrology of the effusive-explosive activity of Colima volcano, in the years 2015-2017

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suarez-Plascencia, C.; Nuñez-Cornu, F. J.; Arreola-Ochoa, L. C.; Suarez, G. B. V.; Carrillo-Gonzalez, D. A.

2017-12-01

The Colima volcano, during the years 2015-2017, presented an important effusive and explosive activity, which began in January 2015 with the growth of a dome that was destroyed by explosions, forming pyroclastic flows reaching distances of up to 2 km by the north and south flanks of the volcano. In May a new dome was extruded, forming three thick lava flows along the northern and southern slopes; the extruded volume was approximately 6 million cubic meters, with a rate in 52 days of 1.3 m3/sec. On July 11 merapi flows were formed it flowed through by the ravines of Montegrande and San Antonio, on the south and southwest flank, reaching distances of 10.4 km. The following days the activity had decreased substantially, leaving a crater of 60 m of depth and 270 m of diameter. In February 2016, a small dome occupied the central part of the main crater, and it was until September that an episode of volcanic tremor began, that was associated with its rapid growth, which in 48 hours filled the crater and formed a lava flow that descended by the south slope. By October 2, 2.3 million m3 of lava were extruded, which caused a deflation of the dome. In October 7, the volcano emitted a great amount of gases and steam of water that formed an acid rain that affected forests and crops of the south and southwest slope, causing losses by 1 million dollars. In November, a series of explosions occurred that destroyed two thirds of the dome. In January 2017, the explosive activity increased and again destroyed the dome. Five events were recorded that reached between 3 km and 4 km of height on the top of the volcano, the dispersion of the ash generally went to the northeast, reaching distances of up to 200 km. Currently the volcano is sustaining reduced seismic and fumarole activity. In 2005, 2015 and 2017, the geochemical analysis of major elements such as SiO2 from the ash emitted by the volcano showed an increase from 54.51% to 60.05% and 60.24%, respectively, which was associated with the increase in volcanic explosions, affecting and causing damages to the economic activities and the localities and settlements in its valleys and piedmont.

Modeling lunar volcanic eruptions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Housley, R. M.

1978-01-01

Simple physical arguments are used to show that basaltic volcanos on different planetary bodies would fountain to the same height if the mole fraction of gas in the magma scaled with the acceleration of gravity. It is suggested that the actual eruption velocities and fountain heights are controlled by the velocities of sound in the two phase gas/liquid flows. These velocities are in turn determined by the gas contents in the magma. Predicted characteristics of Hawaiian volcanos are in excellent accord with observations. Assuming that the only gas in lunar volcano is the CO which would be produced if the observed Fe metal in lunar basalts resulted from graphite reduction, lunar volcanos would fountain vigorously, but not as spectacularly as their terrestrial counterparts. The volatile trace metals, halogens, and sulfur released would be transported over the entire moon by the transient atmosphere. Orange and black glass type pyroclastic materials would be transported in sufficient amounts to produce the observed dark mantle deposits.

Post-eruptive alteration of silicic ignimbrites and lavas, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands - Strontium, neodymium, lead, and oxygen isotopic evidence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cousens, Brian L.; Spera, Frank J.; Dobson, Patrick F.

1993-01-01

The isotopic composition of lavas from oceanic islands provides important information about the composition and evolution of the earth's mantle. Isotopic analyses of Miocene comenditic, pantelleritic, and trachyphonolitic ignimbrites and lavas from the Canary islands were performed. Results provide evidence for posteruptive mobility of Rb and Sr during low temperature postemplacement interaction with circulating ground water. Calculated Sr isotope ratios define a magmatic trend in the stratigraph section. 87Sr/86Sr ratios in hydrated vitrophyte and devitrified matrix separates indicate significant posteruptive interaction with meteoric water starting soon after deposition. This process extends patchily through the entire pyroclastic flow and may be ongoing. 87Sr/86Sr ratios determined by whole rock analysis of silicic rocks from oceanic islands are suspect and should not be incorporated into mantle tracer studies. Anorthoclase phenocrysts are resistant to these processes and may produce useful data.

"EGM" (Electrostatics of Granular Matter): A Space Station Experiment to Examine Natural Particulate Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marshall, J.; Sauke, T.; Buehler, M.; Farrell, W.; Green, R.; Birchenough, A.

1999-09-01

A granular-materials experiment is being developed for a 2002 launch for Space Station deployment. The experiment is funded by NASA HQ and managed through NASA Lewis Research Center. The experiment will examine electrostatic aggregation of coarse granular materials with the goals of (a) obtaining proof for an electrostatic dipole model of grain interactions, and (b) obtaining knowledge about the way aggregation affects the behavior of natural particulate masses: (1) in unconfined dispersions (clouds such as nebulae, aeolian dust palls, volcanic plumes), (2) in semi-confined, self-loaded masses as in fluidized flows (pyroclastic surges, avalanches) and compacted regolith, or (3) in semi-confined non-loaded masses as in dust layers adhering to solar cells or space suits on Mars. The experiment addresses both planetary/astrophysical issues as well as practical concerns for human exploration of Mars or other solar system bodies. Additional information is contained in the original.

Monitoring so2 emission at the Soufriere Hills volcano: Implications for changes in eruptive conditions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Young, S.R.; Francis, P.W.; Barclay, J.; Casadevall, T.J.; Gardner, C.A.; Darroux, B.; Davies, M.A.; Delmelle, P.; Norton, G.E.; Maciejewski, A.J.H.; Oppenheimer, C.M.M.; Stix, J.; Watson, I.M.

1998-01-01

Correlation spectrometer measurements of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rates during the current eruption of the Soufriere Hills volcano, Montserrat, have contributed towards identifying different phases of volcanic activity. SO2 emission rate has increased from 550 td-1 (>6.4 kgs-1) after July 1996, with the uncertainty associated with any individual measurement ca. 30%. Significantly enhanced SO2 emission rates have been identified in association with early phreatic eruptions (800 td-1 (9.3 kgs-1)) and episodes of vigorous dome collapse and pyroclastic flow generation (900 to 1500 td-1 (10.4 to 17.4 kgs-1)). SO2 emission rate has proved a useful proxy measurement for magma production rate. Observed SO2 emission rates are significantly higher than those inferred from analyses of glass inclusions in phenocrysts, implying the existence of a S-rich magmatic vapour phase.

The zeolite deposits of Greece

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stamatakis, M.G.; Hall, A.; Hein, J.R.

1996-01-01

Zeolites are present in altered pyroclastic rocks at many localities in Greece, and large deposits of potential economic interest are present in three areas: (1) the Evros region of the province of Thrace in the north-eastern part of the Greek mainland; (2) the islands of Kimolos and Poliegos in the western Aegean; and (3) the island of Samos in the eastern Aegean Sea. The deposits in Thrace are of Eocene-Oligocene age and are rich in heulandite and/or clinoptilolite. Those of Kimolos and Poliegos are mainly Quaternary and are rich in mordenite. Those of Samos are Miocene, and are rich in clinoptilolite and/or analcime. The deposits in Thrace are believed to have formed in an open hydrological system by the action of meteoric water, and those of the western Aegean islands in a similar way but under conditions of high heat flow, whereas the deposits in Samos were formed in a saline-alkaline lake.