Dynamics Of Pyroclastic Density Currents Research Articles

AMS and rock magnetism in the Caviahue-Copahue Volcanic Complex (Southern Andes): Emission center, flow dynamics, and implications to the emplacement of non-welded PDCs

Pyroclastic deposits can cover significant areas and register major geological events. Despite their importance, understanding depositional dynamics of pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) and linking explosive deposits to their emission centers is still a challenge, especially in the case of non-welded, massive ignimbrites. Located in the Southern Andes, the Caviahue Copahue Volcanic Complex (CCVC) comprises one of the most active volcanic centers in the Andean Belt. This volcanic complex hosts massive ignimbrites with both source emplacement poorly constrained, currently grouped in the Riscos Bayos Ignimbrites (RBI). In this contribution, we perform a full magnetic characterization and anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) study on the massive RBI of the CCVC. The magnetic characterization was performed using magnetic experiments including isothermal remanet magnetization, thermomagnetic curves, hysteresis loops, first-order reversal curves, and scanning electron microscopy. Magnetic experiments indicate primary, multi-domain, high Curie temperature titanomagnetites as the AMS carriers. Ellipsoids are predominately oblate, with a low degree of anisotropy and east-southeastward imbrication. This fabric arrangement is consistent with PDC sedimentary fabrics deposited under laminar flow conditions. Despite RBI massive structure AMS data reveals changes in transport capacity of the PDC and particle organization. These changes are marked by increasing AMS dispersion and decreasing degree of anisotropy up-section within flow units. Directional statistics of AMS data implies the Las Mellizas Caldera as the emission center of RBI. The reconstructed flow path also suggests the PDC overrun of the Caviahue Caldera topographic rim. This study highlights the application of AMS to the identification of emission centers of explosive deposits, featuring its application to massive ignimbrites.

The mysterious grooves of Volcán Bárcena: a review of the role of streamwise counter-rotating vortices during erosion by dilute pyroclastic density currents

Although erosion during high-energy passage of a pyroclastic density current (PDC) causes great damage, analyses of the effects of such erosion are sparse in scientific literature compared to observations and interpretations of depositional processes. In this paper, we review observations of surfaces where PDCs have eroded sets of grooves that provide information on the erosion process. We postulate that in some cases, the grooves were carved by streamwise vortices in the boundary layer of the PDC and review possible fluid dynamic instabilities that can give rise to such vortices. For the prominent grooves at Volcán Bárcena, Mexico, we propose that a fluid dynamic instability, which we dub the “groovy instability,” occurred and caused formation of erosive counter-rotating vortices. This instability occurs when the particle concentration boundary layer thickness, δc, is larger than the velocity (shear) boundary layer thickness, δu, i.e., L=δc /δu>1. In subaqueous turbidity currents, these vortices have a typical wavelength of ~25*δc. If this relation is applied to the grooves formed on Volcán Bárcena, the inferred particle concentration boundary layer is estimated to have been <1 m thick. We postulate that a transition between erosion of grooves and deposition of dunes at Volcán Bárcena occurred when hydraulically supercritical flow on the upper flanks changed to subcritical flow about halfway down the mountain. We call attention to boundary layer dynamics in erosive pyroclastic density currents at a dimension that is difficult to scale quantitatively in laboratory experiments and is usually not resolved computationally and to the need for incorporating such dynamics into models of PDC dynamics.

Decoding pyroclastic density current flow direction and shear conditions in the flow boundary zone via particle-fabric analysis

One of the greatest challenges in volcanology is extracting information from volcanic deposits that inform the conditions at the time of emplacement. Here we explore particle-shape fabric within samples from the column-collapse pyroclastic density current (PDC) deposits generated by the 18 May 1980 eruption of Mt. Saint Helens (MSH). Particle shape-fabric is the mutual alignment of particles within a sample, which is dependent on shearing conditions at the time of deposition. Here, particle shape-fabric is used to address the following hypotheses: (1) particle shape-fabric will align with bulk flow direction estimates made by previous studies, while resolving fine scale flow direction variations; (2) samples extracted from PDC deposits immediately above a basal contact will show higher extents of fabric development (i.e. clast alignment) relative to samples extracted well above the contact; and (3) samples extracted from cross-stratified deposits will have higher extents of fabric development relative to samples extracted from the massive facies. We find that fabric orientations approximate previous flow direction interpretations of general flow, from south to north, and channelization due to paleo-topography. Furthermore, shape-fabric records flow interaction with the substrate, created by debris avalanche deposits, leading to fine scale variations in flow paths. These variations are recorded in samples extracted near the substrate-deposit contact. Moreover, these samples do not show a higher measure of clast alignment relative to samples taken well above flow contacts but do exhibit bimodal clast alignment. This suggests some degree of traction transport and thus higher shearing conditions relative to when the currents deposited massive lapilli tuffs. Samples extracted from the cross-stratified deposits do not show higher extents of fabric development relative to the massive deposits, supporting previous interpretations that these deposits formed from a rapidly sedimenting, concentrated flow boundary zone that was thin enough to be frequently interrupted or influenced by the overriding turbulent portion of the flow. Finally, observations of fine scale variability in measured fabric within a single outcrop indicates unsteady flow conditions and step-wise aggradation during deposition. This work demonstrates that particle shape-fabric analyses can aid in decoding PDC flow conditions. Future complementary experimental work may allow for the extraction of quantitative information regarding the magnitudes of shear and subsequent particle alignments within the flow boundary zone, providing further insight into PDC dynamics.

Eruptive style and flow dynamics of the pyroclastic density currents related to the Holocene Cerro Blanco eruption (Southern Puna plateau, Argentina)

The Pleistocene-Holocene Cerro Blanco Volcanic Complex (CBVC), one of the youngest caldera complexes in the Southern Central Andes, is the source of possibly one of largest Holocene eruptions on Earth, the 4.2 ka, Cerro Blanco eruption. This caldera forming eruption is the younger of two major explosive events from the CBVC. Previous work has estimated the range from VEI 6 to 7, yet to date there is no detailed study of the stratigraphy and volcanology of the proximal deposits and dynamics of the Cerro Blanco eruption. Here we present the first detailed analysis of the eruptive products of the Holocene Cerro Blanco eruption that reveal the eruptive sequence highlighting the flow dynamics of the related pyroclastic density currents (PDCs). The PDCs were mainly inertia-dominated, however, channelization of parental PDCs into deep valleys resulted in the flow transformation to forced convection-dominated flows. In addition, topographic constriction in valleys enhanced the sedimentation rate producing regressive bed forms and ultimately the avulsion of the main path of the PDCs resulting in flooding of secondary valleys. A model is presented whereby simultaneous convective and collapsing eruptive column dynamics were established and sustained throughout the eruption. Towards its end, instabilities of the column occurred in response to the climax of a protracted incremental caldera collapse. This eruptive sequence is similar to those observed in well-documented small collapse calderas. An important unresolved issue for the CB eruption is it volume. The currently estimated volume of 83 km3 (DRE) by Fernando-Turiel et al. (2019) is inconsistent with the size of the Cerro Blanco caldera and to date the over thickening of the distal ash by local rework is poor assessed. Further work is needed to fully evaluate this mismatch and accurately estimate the volume of this important Holocene eruption.

First in-situ observation of a moving natural pyroclastic density current using Doppler radar

Pyroclastic density currents are one of the most devastating volcanic hazards. Understanding their dynamics is a key to develop successful hazard mitigation strategies. The hazard associated with pyroclastic density currents is commonly investigated a posteriori from their deposits or a priori using analogue and numerical experiments. Despite the low probability of observing a natural moving pyroclastic density current, we present the first in-situ analysis of the internal particle velocities of pyroclastic density currents at Volcán de Colima using a Doppler radar. Our data show two Vulcanian explosions, immediately followed by column collapse and a first pyroclastic density current travelling down the south flank with an average speed of 30 m/s (>50 m/s maximum speed) to a distance of 3 km from the crater rim. The direction of the pyroclastic density current coincided with that of the radar beam enabling measurement of velocity spectra (histogram of particle velocities within the radar beam). The measurement geometry enables the simultaneous measurement of the dense undercurrent at the crater rim (with <20 m/s and an increasing echo power over 20 s) and the dilute cloud higher above the topography approaching the radar (with >20 m/s and approximately constant echo power). The presented data set may be used as a benchmark for future experimental and numerical models that simulate the dynamics of pyroclastic density currents. Using the measured velocities of the collapsing column as input for numerical models will permit the validation of the models for the prediction of the true run-out distance, and thus provide valuable information for hazard assessments.

Coupling of turbulent and non-turbulent flow regimes within pyroclastic density currents

The internal dynamics of pyroclastic density currents are not easily observed. Experiments reveal how the underflow and turbulent ash-cloud regimes within pyroclastic flows are dynamically coupled through a zone of intermediate turbulence. Volcanic eruptions are at their most deadly when pyroclastic density currents sweep across landscapes to devastate everything in their path1,2. The internal dynamics underpinning these hazards cannot be directly observed3. Here we present a quantitative view inside pyroclastic density currents by synthesizing their natural flow behaviour in large-scale experiments. The experiments trace flow dynamics from initiation to deposition, and can explain the sequence and evolution of real-world deposits. We show that, inside pyroclastic density currents, the long-hypothesized non-turbulent underflow and fully turbulent ash-cloud regions4,5 are linked through a hitherto unrecognized middle zone of intermediate turbulence and concentration. Bounded by abrupt jumps in turbulence, the middle zone couples underflow and ash-cloud regions kinematically. Inside this zone, strong feedback between gas and particle phases leads to the formation of mesoscale turbulence clusters. These extremely fast-settling dendritic structures dictate the internal stratification and evolution of pyroclastic density currents and allow the underflows to grow significantly during runout. Our experiments reveal how the underflow and ash-cloud regions are dynamically related—insights that are relevant to the forecasting of pyroclastic density current behaviour in volcanic hazard models.

A fast, calibrated model for pyroclastic density currents kinematics and hazard

Multiphase flow models represent valuable tools for the study of the complex, non-equilibrium dynamics of pyroclastic density currents. Particle sedimentation, flow stratification and rheological changes, depending on the flow regime, interaction with topographic obstacles, turbulent air entrainment, buoyancy reversal, and other complex features of pyroclastic currents can be simulated in two and three dimensions, by exploiting efficient numerical solvers and the improved computational capability of modern supercomputers. However, numerical simulations of polydisperse gas-particle mixtures are quite computationally expensive, so that their use in hazard assessment studies (where there is the need of evaluating the probability of hazardous actions over hundreds of possible scenarios) is still challenging. To this aim, a simplified integral (box) model can be used, under the appropriate hypotheses, to describe the kinematics of pyroclastic density currents over a flat topography, their scaling properties and their depositional features. In this work, multiphase flow simulations are used to evaluate integral model approximations, to calibrate its free parameters and to assess the influence of the input data on the results. Two-dimensional numerical simulations describe the generation and decoupling of a dense, basal layer (formed by progressive particle sedimentation) from the dilute transport system. In the Boussinesq regime (i.e., for solid mass fractions below about 0.1), the current Froude number (i.e., the ratio between the current inertia and buoyancy) does not strongly depend on initial conditions and it is consistent to that measured in laboratory experiments (i.e., between 1.05 and 1.2). For higher density ratios (solid mass fraction in the range 0.1–0.9) but still in a relatively dilute regime (particle volume fraction lower than 0.01), numerical simulations demonstrate that the box model is still applicable, but the Froude number depends on the reduced gravity. When the box model is opportunely calibrated with the numerical simulation results, the prediction of the flow runout is fairly accurate and the model predicts a rapid, non-linear decay of the flow kinetic energy (or dynamic pressure) with the distance from the source. The capability of PDC to overcome topographic obstacles can thus be analysed in the framework of the energy-conoid approach, in which the predicted kinetic energy of the flow front is compared with the potential energy jump associated with the elevated topography to derive a condition for blocking. Model results show that, although preferable to the energy-cone, the energy-conoid approach still has some serious limitations, mostly associated with the behaviour of the flow head. Implications of these outcomes are discussed in the context of probabilistic hazard assessment studies, in which a calibrated box model can be used as a fast pyroclastic density current emulator for Monte Carlo simulations.

Topographic controls on pyroclastic density current dynamics: Insight from 18 May 1980 deposits at Mount St. Helens, Washington (USA)

Our ability to interpret the deposits of pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) is critical for understanding the transport and depositional processes that control PDC dynamics. This paper focuses on the influence of slope on flow dynamics and criticality as recorded in PDC deposits from the 18 May 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens (USA). PDC deposits are found along the steep flanks (10°–30°) and across the pumice plain (~5°) up to 8km north of the volcano. Granulometry, componentry and descriptions of depositional characteristics (e.g., bedform morphology) are recorded with distance from source. The pumice plain deposits are primarily thick (3–12m), massive and poorly-sorted, and represent deposition from a series of concentrated PDCs. By contrast, the steep flank deposits are stratified to cross-stratified, suggesting deposition from PDCs where turbulence strongly influenced transport and depositional processes. We propose that acceleration of the concentrated PDCs along the steep flanks resulted in thinning of the concentrated, basal region of the current(s). Enhanced entrainment of ambient air, and autofluidization from upward fluxes of air from substrate interstices and plunging breakers across rugged, irregular topography further inflated the currents to the point that the overriding turbulent region strongly influenced transport and depositional mechanisms. Acceleration in combination with partial confinement in slot canyons and high surface roughness would also increase basal shear stress, further promoting shear and traction transport in the basal region of the current. Conditions along the steep flank resulted in supercritical flow, as recorded by regressive bedforms, which gradually transitioned to subcritical flow downstream as the concentrated basal region thickness increased as a function of decreasing slope and flow energy. We also find that (1) PDCs were erosive into the underlying granular substrate along high slopes (>25°) where currents were partially confined in steep slot canyons, suggesting that basal shear stress is an important control on erosive capacity, and (2) bedform amplitude, wavelength and the presence of regressive bedforms increase with increasing slope and proximity to source along the steep flank, suggesting a link between bedform morphology, flow velocity, and flow criticality. While our results indicate that slope and irregular topography strongly influence PDC dynamics, criticality and erosive capacity, the influence of these conditions on ultimate flow runout distance is unclear. The work here also highlights the issue that relationships between the controls on bedform size and morphology in density stratified flows remain poorly constrained, limiting our ability to extract important information about the currents that produced them. These final two points warrant further exploration through the combination of field, experimental and numerical approaches.

Tying textures of breadcrust bombs to their transport regime and cooling history

The thermal evolution of explosive eruptive events such as volcanic plumes and pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) is reflected in the textures of the material they deposit. Here we evaluate how the rinds of breadcrust bombs can be used as a unique thermometer to examine mafic to intermediate explosive eruptions. These eruptions can produce breadcrust bombs in either PDCs or as projectiles following nearly ballistic trajectories. We develop an integrated model to examine bubble growth, pyroclast cooling, and dynamics of PDCs and projectiles from buoyant plumes. We examine rind development as a function of transport regime (PDC and projectile), transport properties (initial current temperature and current density), and pyroclast properties (initial water content and radius). The model reveals that: 1) rinds of projectile pyroclasts are in general thicker and less vesicular than those of PDC pyroclasts; 2) as the initial current temperature decreases due to initial air entrainment, the rinds on PDC pyroclasts progressively increase in thickness; and 3) rind thickness increases with decreasing water concentration and decreasing clast radius. Therefore, the modeled pyroclast's morphology is dependent not only on initial water concentration but also on the cooling rate, which is determined by the transport regime.

Sequential fragmentation/transport theory, pyroclast size–density relationships, and the emplacement dynamics of pyroclastic density currents — A case study on the Mt. St. Helens (USA) 1980 eruption

Pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) are the most dangerous hazard associated with explosive volcanic eruptions. Despite recent advancements in the general understanding of PDC dynamics, limited direct observation and/or outcrop scarcity often hinder the interpretation of specific transport and depositional processes at many volcanoes. This study explores the potential of sequential fragmentation/transport theory (SFT; cf. Wohletz et al., 1989), a modeling method capable of predicting particle mass distributions based on the physical principles of fragmentation and transport, to retrieve the transport and depositional dynamics of well-characterized PDCs from the size and density distributions of individual components within the deposits. The extensive vertical and lateral exposures through the May 18th, 1980 PDC deposits at Mt. St. Helens (MSH) provide constraints on PDC regimes and flow boundary conditions at specific locations across the depositional area. Application to MSH deposits suggests that SFT parameter distributions can be effectively used to characterize flow boundary conditions and emplacement processes for a variety of PDC lithofacies and deposit locations. Results demonstrate that (1) the SFT approach reflects particle fragmentation and transport mechanisms regardless of variations in initial component distributions, consistent with results from previous studies; (2) SFT analysis reveals changes in particle characteristics that are not directly observable in grain size and fabric data; and (3) SFT parameters are more sensitive to regional transport conditions than local (outcrop-scale) depositional processes. The particle processing trends produced using SFT analysis are consistent with the degree of particle processing inferred from lithofacies architectures: for all lithofacies examined in this study, suspension sedimentation products exhibit much better processing than concentrated current deposits. Integrated field observations and SFT results provide evidence for increasing density segregation within the depositional region of the currents away from source, as well as for comparable density-segregation processes acting on lithic concentrations and pumice lenses within the current. These findings further define and reinforce the capability of SFT analysis to complement more conventional PDC study methods, significantly expanding the information gained regarding flow dynamics. Finally, this case study demonstrates that the SFT methodology has the potential to constrain regional flow conditions at volcanoes where outcrop exposures are limited.

Dynamics of pyroclastic density currents: Conditions that promote substrate erosion and self-channelization — Mount St Helens, Washington (USA)

The May 18th, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens (MSH) produced multiple pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), burying the area north of the volcano under 10s of meters of deposits. Detailed measurements of recently exposed strata from these PDCs provide substantial insight into the dynamics of concentrated currents including inferences on particle–particle interactions, current mobility due to sedimentation fluidization and internal pore pressure, particle support mechanisms, the influence of surface roughness and the conditions that promote substrate erosion and self-channelization. Four primary flow units are identified along the extensive drainage system north of the volcano. Each flow unit has intricate vertical and lateral facies changes and complex cross-cutting relationships away from source. Each flow unit is an accumulation from an unsteady but locally sustained PDC or an amalgamation of several PDC pulses. The PDCs associated with Units I and II likely occurred during the pre-climactic, waxing phase of the eruption. These currents flowed around and filled in the hummocky topography, leaving the massive to diffusely-stratified deposits of Units I and II. The deposits of both Units I and II are generally more massive in low lying areas and more stratified in areas of high surface roughness, suggesting that surface roughness enhanced basal shear stress within the flow boundary. Units III and IV are associated with the climactic phase of the eruption, which produced the most voluminous and wide-spread PDCs. Both flow units are characteristically massive and enriched in vent-derived lithic blocks. These currents flowed over and around the debris avalanche deposits, as evidenced by the erosion of blocks from the hummocks. Unit III is massive, poorly sorted, and shows little to no evidence of elutriation or segregation of lithics and pumice, suggesting a highly concentrated current where size-density segregation was suppressed. Unit IV shows similar depositional features but typically has a basal lithic-rich region, is variably fines-depleted and contains pumice lobes, suggesting density segregation in a less concentrated current relative to Unit III. Deep, erosive channels cut by the Unit III current and thick lithic levee deposits within Unit IV occur in an area where debris avalanche relief is limited, suggesting self-channelization developed as a function of internal flow dynamics. An increase in the proportion and size of lithic blocks is found (1) downstream of debris avalanche hummocks, suggesting the PDCs were energetic enough to locally entrain accidental lithics from the hummocks and transport them tens of meters downstream, and (2) within large channels cut by later PDCs into earlier PDC deposits, suggesting self-channelization of the flows increased the carrying capacity of the subsequent channelized currents. Finally, the combination of thick, massive deposits with a high percentage of fine ash within Unit III and in the medial–distal depositional regions of Units II–IV suggests that the PDCs developed and maintained a high internal pore pressure during transport and deposition. The most important results include our ability to understand the role of internal pore pressure on current mobility, the influence of self-channelization on carrying capacity of the currents and the influence of surface roughness on substrate erosion. These observations have critical consequences for understanding the flow dynamics and hazard potential of PDCs.

Multiphase flow dynamics of pyroclastic density currents during the May 18, 1980 lateral blast of Mount St. Helens

The dynamics of the May 18, 1980 lateral blast at Mount St. Helens, Washington (USA), were studied by means of a three‐dimensional multiphase flow model. Numerical simulations describe the blast flow as a high‐velocity pyroclastic density current generated by a rapid expansion (burst phase, lasting less than 20 s) of a pressurized polydisperse mixture of gas and particles and its subsequent gravitational collapse and propagation over a rugged topography. Model results show good agreement with the observed large‐scale behavior of the blast and, in particular, reproduce reasonably well the front advancement velocity and the extent of the inundated area. Detailed analysis of modeled transient and local flow properties supports the view of a blast flow led by a high‐speed front (with velocities between 100 and 170 m/s), with a turbulent head relatively depleted in fine particles, and a trailing, sedimenting body. In valleys and topographic lows, pyroclasts accumulate progressively at the base of the current body after the passage of the head, forming a dense basal flow depleted in fines (less than 5 wt.%) with total particle volume fraction exceeding 10−1 in most of the sampled locations. Blocking and diversion of this basal flow by topographic ridges provides the mechanism for progressive current unloading. On ridges, sedimentation occurs in the flow body just behind the current head, but the sedimenting, basal flow is progressively more dilute and enriched in fine particles (up to 40 wt.% in most of the sampled locations). In the regions of intense sedimentation, topographic blocking triggers the elutriation of fine particles through the rise of convective instabilities. Although the model formulation and the numerical vertical accuracy do not allow the direct simulation of the actual deposit compaction, present results provide a consistent, quantitative model able to interpret the observed stratigraphic sequence.

Abrasion in pyroclastic density currents: Insights from tumbling experiments

During granular mass movements of any kind, particles may interact with one another. The degree of interaction is a function of several variables including; grain-size distribution, particle concentration, density stratification and degree of fluidisation. The impact of particle interaction is additionally influenced by the relative speed, impact angle and clast temperature. Thus, both source conditions and transport-related processes are expected to influence the flow dynamics of pyroclastic density currents and their subsequent deposition. Here, we use tumbling experiments to shed light on the susceptibility of porous clasts to abrasion.We investigated the abrasion of unaltered volcanic rocks (5.7–80vol.% porosity) from Unzen (Japan), Bezymianny (Russia) and Santorini (Greece) volcanoes as well as one synthetic analogue material, an insulating material with the trade name Foamglas® (95vol.% porosity). Each experiment started with angular fragments generated in a jaw crusher from larger clasts. Two experimental series were performed; on samples with narrow and broader grain-size distributions, respectively. The dry samples were subject to rotational movement at constant speed and ambient temperature in a gum rotational tumbler for durations of 15, 30, 45, 60 and 120min. The amount of volcanic ash (particles <2mm) generated was evaluated as a function of experimental duration and sample porosity. We term “abrasion” as the ash fraction generated during the experiments.The observed increase of “abrasion” with increasing sample porosity and experimental duration is initially non-linear but becomes linear for experiments of 30min duration or longer. For any given sample, abrasion appears to be more effective for coarser samples and larger initial mass. The observed range of ash generated in our experiments is between 1 and 35wt.%. We find that this amount generally increases with increasing initial clast size or increasing breadth of the initial grain-size distribution.Despite the limits in the complexity that is experimentally attainable in this simulation of ash generation, our results clearly testify the rapid and efficient generation of ash by abrasion, strongly influenced by the material properties (e.g., crystallinity, pore textures).

An immersed boundary method for compressible multiphase flows: application to the dynamics of pyroclastic density currents

An immersed boundary technique suitable for the solution of multiphase compressible equations of gas–particle flows of volcanic origin over complex 2D and 3D topographies has been developed and applied. This procedure combines and extends different existing methods designed for incompressible flows. Furthermore, the extension to compressible multiphase flows is achieved through a flux correction term in the mass continuity equations of the immersed cells that accounts for density variations in the partial volumes. The technique is computationally accurate and inexpensive, if compared to the use and implementation of the finite-volume technique on unstructured meshes. The first applications that we consider are the simulations of pyroclastic density currents generated by the collapse of a volcanic column in 2D axisymmetric geometry and by a dome explosion in 3D. Results show that the immersed boundary technique can significantly improve the description of the no-slip flow condition on an irregular topography even with relatively coarse meshes. Although the net effect of the present technique on the results is difficult to quantify in general terms, its adoption is recommended any time that cartesian grids are used to describe the large-scale dynamics of pyroclastic density currents over volcano topographies.

Analogue study of particle segregation in pyroclastic density currents, with implications for the emplacement mechanisms of large ignimbrites

Abstract Analogue flume experiments were conducted to investigate the transport and sedimentation behaviour of turbulent pyroclastic density currents. The experimental currents were scaled approximately to the natural environment in three ways: (1) they were fully turbulent; (2) they had a very wide range of particle sizes and associated Rouse numbers (the ratio of particle settling velocity to effective turbulent eddy velocity in the current); and (3) they contained particles of two different densities. Two sets of surge‐type experiments were conducted in a 5 m long, water‐filled lock‐exchange flume at five different volumetric particle concentrations from 0·6% to 23%. In one set (one‐component experiments), the currents contained just dense particles; in the other set (two‐component experiments), they contained both light and dense particles in equal volume proportions. In both sets of experiments, the population of each component had a log‐normal size distribution. In the two‐component experiments, the size range of the light particle population was selected in order to be in hydrodynamic equivalence with that of the dense particles. Dense particles were normally graded, both vertically and downstream, in the deposits from both sets of experiments. The mass loading (normalized to the initial mass of the suspension) and grain size of the dense component in the deposits decreased with distance from the reservoir and were insensitive to initial total particle concentration in the currents. On the other hand, in the two‐component experiments, the light particles were extremely sensitive to concentration. They were deposited in hydrodynamic equivalence with the dense particles from dilute currents, but were segregated efficiently at concentrations higher than a few per cent. With increasing particle concentration, the large, light particles were carried progressively further down the flume because of buoyancy effects. Deposits from the high‐concentration currents exhibited reverse vertical grading of the large, light particles. Efficient segregation of the light component was observed even if the bulk density of the current was less than that of the light particles. In both sets of experiments, marked inflexions in the rate of downstream decline in mass loading and maximum grain size of the dense component can be attributed to the presence of two different particle settling regimes in the flow: (1) particles with Rouse numbers &gt;2·5, which did not respond to the turbulence and settled rapidly; and (2) particles with Rouse numbers &lt;2·5, which followed the turbulent eddies and settled slowly. The results are applied to the transport and sedimentation dynamics of pyroclastic density currents that generate large, widespread ignimbrites. Field data fail to reveal significant departures from aerodynamic equivalence between pumice and lithic clasts in three such ignimbrites: the particulate loads of some large ignimbrites are transported principally in turbulent suspensions of low concentration. In some ignimbrites, the well‐developed inflexions in curves of maximum lithic (ML) size vs. distance can be attributed to the existence of distinct high and low Rouse number particle settling regimes that mark the transition from an overcharged state to one in which the residual particulate load is transported more effectively by turbulence.