The 1719–1721 eruptions of potassium-rich lavas at Wudalianchi, China

Abstract

Abstract Eruptions between 1719 and 1721 at Wudalianchi produced two monogenetic strombolian cones Laoheishan and Huoshaoshan and the 65 km 2 Shilong lava field. The lavas are unusual in that they are leucite-bearing and lack modal plagioclase. Together with the earlier cones, the historic cones form an orthogonal network with a 4-km average separation. Differences in the morphology of the historic cones are attributed to differences in explosivity. The Shilong lava is predominantly pahoehoe (70%), of compound form, and similar to “plains-style” lavas. It is concluded that there is little possibility that an eruption will take place at Wudalianchi in the near future.