Conduit implosion during Vulcanian eruptions

Abstract

Research Article| July 01, 2005 Conduit implosion during Vulcanian eruptions B. Kennedy; B. Kennedy 1Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Munich, Theresienstraße 41/III, 80333 Munich, Germany, and Earth and Planetary Sciences, McGill University, 3450 University Street, Montreal, Canada Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar O. Spieler; O. Spieler 2Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Munich, Theresienstraße 41/III, 80333 Munich, Germany Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar B. Scheu; B. Scheu 2Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Munich, Theresienstraße 41/III, 80333 Munich, Germany Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar U. Kueppers; U. Kueppers 2Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Munich, Theresienstraße 41/III, 80333 Munich, Germany Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar J. Taddeucci; J. Taddeucci 3Seismology and Tectonophysics, Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Via di Vigna Murata, 605, 00143 Rome, Italy, and Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Munich, Theresienstraße 41/III, 80333 Munich, Germany Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar D.B. Dingwell D.B. Dingwell 4Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Munich, Theresienstraße 41/III, 80333 Munich, Germany Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information B. Kennedy 1Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Munich, Theresienstraße 41/III, 80333 Munich, Germany, and Earth and Planetary Sciences, McGill University, 3450 University Street, Montreal, Canada O. Spieler 2Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Munich, Theresienstraße 41/III, 80333 Munich, Germany B. Scheu 2Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Munich, Theresienstraße 41/III, 80333 Munich, Germany U. Kueppers 2Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Munich, Theresienstraße 41/III, 80333 Munich, Germany J. Taddeucci 3Seismology and Tectonophysics, Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Via di Vigna Murata, 605, 00143 Rome, Italy, and Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Munich, Theresienstraße 41/III, 80333 Munich, Germany D.B. Dingwell 4Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Munich, Theresienstraße 41/III, 80333 Munich, Germany Publisher: Geological Society of America Received: 14 Jan 2005 Revision Received: 09 Mar 2005 Accepted: 10 Mar 2005 First Online: 02 Mar 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 Geological Society of America Geology (2005) 33 (7): 581–584. https://doi.org/10.1130/G21488.1 Article history Received: 14 Jan 2005 Revision Received: 09 Mar 2005 Accepted: 10 Mar 2005 First Online: 02 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation B. Kennedy, O. Spieler, B. Scheu, U. Kueppers, J. Taddeucci, D.B. Dingwell; Conduit implosion during Vulcanian eruptions. Geology 2005;; 33 (7): 581–584. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G21488.1 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Fragmentation experiments and detailed textural studies were performed on Vulcanian pyroclasts of variable porosity from Soufrière Hills volcano, Montserrat. We use textural differences to identify two types of pyroclasts with distinct eruption histories. Our experiments show that high-porosity Type 1 pumice fragments rapidly, and that low-porosity Type 2 fragments relatively slowly. Both types of pyroclast contain fractured crystals containing burst melt inclusions. The orientations of the fractures relative to the crystal alignment indicate that Type 1 decompressed vertically and Type 2 decompressed laterally. We interpret that Type 1 clasts were derived from the conduit center, whereas Type 2 clasts were derived from the implosion of the conduit lining. We propose a conceptual model of rapid fragmentation of pumice in the conduit center, and a slower fragmentation of a pressurized conduit wall, vulnerable to implosion. Conduit implosion can explain observed widening of volcanic vents during eruptions. We also hypothesize that the fragmentation front is concave; this has important implications for modeling of explosive eruptions. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.