Subduction Zone Volcanoes

Abstract

Lay people asked to name notable or particularly dangerous volcanoes are likely to come forth with names such as Krakatau, Mt. St. Helens, Pinatubo, Mt. Pelee, Vesuvius or Santorini. These are all volcanoes that have grown above subduction zones, and all have produced catastrophic or at least highly explosive eruptions. Why are these volcanoes so explosive? Likewise, a scientist asked which volcanic eruptions had a particularly strong climatic impact will repeat most of these names and might add Tambora, El Chichon, Cerro Hudson and Gunung Agung — all grown above subduction zones. What is so particular for these magmas or the manner of their eruptions that influences atmospheric processes? On the other hand, subduction zone volcanoes will easily win any volcano beauty contest, Mt. Fuji or Mt. Mayon being celebrated examples.