Abstract
A plinian-style eruption with a radially spreading umbrella cloud occurred on February 13, 2014, at Kelud volcano, Indonesia. We present the sequence of this plinian event based on a geological survey of the eruption products and analysis of satellite images. The eruptive deposits were divided into four major depositional units (Units A, B, C, and D) and used to determine the sequence of events. The plinian phase was preceded by partial destruction of the existing lava dome and generation of high-energy pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) mainly toward the NE that produced a series of depositional subunits (Units A0–2) and blown-down trees (stage 1). In the main phase of the plinian eruption, tephra fallout (Unit B) was widely distributed over East Java (stage 2). The winds above the volcano significantly affected the tephra dispersal process. In stage 3, the plinian column collapsed, generating dense PDCs that flowed down the volcano valleys, producing pumiceous lobate deposits (Unit C). The declining phase of the eruption produced fine-rich fallout tephra layers (Unit D1–2) from low-level eruption plumes and/or ash lofted from PDCs. The eruption sequence constructed from field observations is supported by geophysical observations. The deposit features and componentry suggest that newly ascended magma triggered the destruction of the lava dome and the generation of high-energy PDCs, and during the subsequent climactic phase the dome was completely destroyed. We estimate a total erupted volume of 0.25–0.50km3 (bulk deposit volume, 0.14–0.28km3 in dense rock equivalent) and a mass eruption rate of 6.5±2.8×107kg/s, with a volcanic explosivity index of 4. The eruption sequence and physical parameters of the 2014 eruption will help assess future volcanic activity and hazards at Kelud volcano.
Highlights
Plinian eruptions, characterized by sustained, explosive magma discharge, are among the most powerful eruption styles of andesitic to rhyolitic volcanoes
The deposits from the 2014 Kelud eruption can be divided into four major depositional units (Units A–D)
Our field data are limited, all these lines of evidence indicate that the deposits were produced from dilute high-energy pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) that traveled along topographic lows and deposited eruptive material on the ridges from tens to a hundred meters high
Summary
Plinian eruptions, characterized by sustained, explosive magma discharge, are among the most powerful eruption styles of andesitic to rhyolitic volcanoes These eruptions generate a buoyant eruption column to a height of ~20–40 km or more (e.g., Carey and Sigurdsson, 1989; Cioni et al, 2015), resulting in widespread tephra fallout. The eruption at Kelud volcano, East Java, in 2014 provides an opportunity to study the sequence and physical parameters of a plinian eruption, and to evaluate the associated hazards. We show that this plinian event, which had a radially spreading umbrella cloud, was preceded by the destruction of a lava dome, and accompanied by high-energy. This work contributes to understanding the hazards posed by Kelud volcano
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