Effects of regional slope on viscous flows: a preliminary study of lava terrace emplacement at submarine volcanic rift zones

Abstract

To understand how large submarine lava terraces form and why they are not commonly observed on land, we developed an isoviscous gravity flow model on an inclined surface to simulate the evolution and emplacement of lava flows under submarine conditions. By solving this preliminary model using a finite difference method, we are able to quantify how lava viscosity, pre-existing topographic slope, effusion rate, and lava volume affect meso-scale lava morphology. Our simulations show that, in general, high lava viscosity, gentle regional slope, and low effusion rate favor the formation of large terraces, but environmental conditions also play an important role. A gravity flow spreads more slowly underwater than subaerially. We also conclude that for low viscosity basaltic lava, the cooling of the lava body is one of the most critical factors that affect its shape. This study shows that the isoviscous model, though oversimplified, provides a quantitative tool to relate lava morphology to eruption characteristics. To gain a better understanding of the controls on submarine lava terrace formation, future models must take into account the temporal and spatial variation of lava viscosity, especially the effects of a brittle outer shell.