Abstract
In this article, the basic principles of the scaling procedure are first reviewed by a presentation of scale factors. Then, taking an idealized example of a brittle volcanic cone intruded by a viscous magma, the way to choose appropriate analogue materials for both the brittle and ductile parts of the cone is explained by the use of model ratios. Lines of similarity are described to show that an experiment simulates a range of physical processes instead of a unique natural case. The pi theorem is presented as an alternative scaling procedure and discussed through the same idealized example to make the comparison with the model ratio procedure. The appropriateness of the use of gelatin as analogue material for simulating dyke formation is investigated. Finally, the scaling of some particular experiments such as pyroclastic flows or volcanic explosions is briefly presented to show the diversity of scaling procedures in volcanology.
Highlights
From as early as the beginning of the nineteenth century, scientists have reproduced geological deformations in the laboratory
While the experimental approach continued in the first part of the twentieth century (e.g., Sollas, 1906; Cloos, 1928, 1955; Bucher, 1956), it remained rather episodic during that period
Other European universities set up experimental laboratories, like Imperial College in London, and the Geosciences Rennes laboratory in Rennes, which has conducted a huge amount of experimental studies on tectonic structures
Summary
From as early as the beginning of the nineteenth century, scientists have reproduced geological deformations in the laboratory. A key point in this recovery was the serious guarantee offered by Ramberg about the scaling of experiments, as detailed in his famous book which was first edited in 1969 (Ramberg, 1981). Following this impetus, other European universities set up experimental laboratories, like Imperial College in London, and the Geosciences Rennes laboratory in Rennes, which has conducted a huge amount of experimental studies on tectonic structures. Experimental studies have earned their credentials, being acknowledged as a useful tool to understand geological processes
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