Abstract
An explosive eruption, associated with the formation of a large ignimbrite sheet and collapsed caldera, is the most severe volcanic disaster on Earth. As modern society has little experience with natural disasters triggered by such events, the integration of volcanological knowledge from geological, petrological, geochemical, and geophysical disciplines is necessary for risk assessment and hazard management planning of large-scale explosive eruptions. Here, I review current volcanological attempts at revealing the mechanisms underlying large-scale explosive eruptions to highlight future objectives. The detection of massive magma storage regions with the potential to generate large-scale explosive eruptions should be the first objective of risk evaluation and assessment for caldera-forming eruption scenarios. This detection requires the development of geophysical techniques used for structural exploration. Geochemical and petrological explorations of leaked gas and magma during precursory eruptions can be useful for investigating the state of a body of underground magma. Evaluation of the eruptibility of a magma chamber is also important for risk assessment, as is the estimation of the timescales of magma accumulation. Defining the triggers that destabilize large volume magma chambers that serve as zones of long-term storage is crucial for being able to provide short-term alerts. Petrological investigations of the magmatic products from past large-scale explosive eruptions are a key tool for such a goal. Modeling the distribution of erupted material, such as huge ignimbrite sheets and co-ignimbrite ash fall, is also crucial for risk assessment of large-scale explosive eruptions. Advancing the understanding of the mechanisms and effects of large-scale explosive eruptions requires development in various fields of volcanology along with the integration of knowledge from multiple disciplines, thus promoting progress and interaction across various areas of volcanology and science and technology.
Highlights
Large-scale explosive eruptions are one of the most serious natural disasters on Earth, as they often result in a large area of devastation and can have a substantial impact on the global climate (e.g., Rampino and Self 1982, Rampino et al 1988; Sparks et al 2005; Self 2006, 2015)
Collapse caldera surrounded by ignimbrite sheets is the typical geological evidence for large-scale explosive eruption
Integrated modeling utilizing various fields of volcanology is necessary to understand the mechanisms of large-scale explosive eruptions, as we have little direct experience and observation of such events
Summary
Large-scale explosive eruptions are one of the most serious natural disasters on Earth, as they often result in a large area of devastation and can have a substantial impact on the global climate (e.g., Rampino and Self 1982, Rampino et al 1988; Sparks et al 2005; Self 2006, 2015). Collapse caldera surrounded by ignimbrite sheets is the typical geological evidence for large-scale explosive eruption. Detection of magma chambers To make a preliminary evaluation of the potential for a large-scale explosive eruption, we should identify the potential sites and timing of an eruption.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
