Abstract
An emerging challenge in modern volcanology is the apparent contradiction between the perception that every volcano is unique, and classification systems based on commonalities among volcano morphology and eruptive style. On the one hand, detailed studies of individual volcanoes show that a single volcano often exhibits similar patterns of behaviour over multiple eruptive episodes; this observation has led to the idea that each volcano has its own distinctive pattern of behaviour (or “personality”). In contrast, volcano classification schemes define eruption “styles” referenced to “type” volcanoes (e.g. Plinian, Strombolian, Vulcanian); this approach implicitly assumes that common processes underpin volcanic activity and can be used to predict the nature, extent and ensuing hazards of individual volcanoes. Actual volcanic eruptions, however, often include multiple styles, and type volcanoes may experience atypical eruptions (e.g., violent explosive eruptions of Kilauea, Hawaii1). The volcanological community is thus left with a fundamental conundrum that pits the uniqueness of individual volcanic systems against generalization of common processes. Addressing this challenge represents a major challenge to volcano research.
Highlights
An emerging challenge in modern volcanology is the apparent contradiction between the perception that every volcano is unique, and classification systems based on commonalities among volcano morphology and eruptive style
On this basis he classified Strombolian and Hawaiian explosions, with their distinctively incandescent, and fluidal pyroclasts, as different from Vulcanian or Plinian eruptions, which were more violent and produced solid pyroclasts and “gray” eruptive columns. Identification of these four eruptive “styles” comes directly from observations of activity at the “type” volcanoes Stromboli, Kilauea and Mauna Loa (Hawaii), Vulcano and Vesuvius (Pliny’s account of the 79 AD eruption). These names for eruption styles have become embedded within the volcanological literature; recognition that eruption style, volcano morphology, and magma composition were linked provided the underpinning for a general classification of volcanological processes and products
This work, as well as detailed descriptions of larger volcanic eruptions [e.g., Krakatau, Indonesia in 1883 (Simkin and Fiske, 1983); Mont Pelee, Martinique, 1902 (Lacroix, 1904)] provided ample evidence of the wide range in eruptive styles evidenced at even a single volcano, and initiated the modern era of volcano monitoring
Summary
An emerging challenge in modern volcanology is the apparent contradiction between the perception that every volcano is unique, and classification systems based on commonalities among volcano morphology and eruptive style. Classification of volcanic eruptions was pioneered by early volcanologists such as Mercalli (1907), who used observations of active volcanoes to define different explosion types.
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