Fall Deposits Research Articles

Eruption style and dynamics of the ~ 87 ka Baricha peralkaline rhyolite eruption in Ethiopia

AbstractPeralkaline rhyolites are a rare magma type, typically associated with continental rift settings, and characterised by excess alkalis relative to alumina and a moderate-low viscosity compared to calc-alkaline equivalents. Despite their prevalence in extensional rift settings, such as the Main Ethiopian Rift, eruption dynamics of peralkaline magmas are poorly understood and have never been directly observed. To address the knowledge gap, this study investigates the style and dynamics of the ~ 87 ka explosive eruption at Baricha volcano as a case study. This eruption deposited widespread pumice lapilli fall and pyroclastic density currents, which provide valuable information on pre- and syn-eruptive magmatic processes. By examining the physical and textural features of the eruption products at different stratigraphic levels, we reconstruct eruption dynamics over time. Our analysis reveals that the eruption had three distinct phases, each characterised by different types of tephra fall deposits and associated with different plume and vent conditions. Specifically, deposits of phases 1 and 3 were characterised by massive and well-sorted tephra falls indicative of sustained plume behaviour, while phase 2 deposits were bedded, lithic-rich (i.e. non-juvenile fragments) tephra falls, and pyroclastic density current deposit associated with an unsteady plume and vent-widening phase. The pumice (8–16 mm size fraction) from this eruption is microlite-free, with a bulk density of 400–700 kg m−3 and > 60% total vesicularity. The vesicle size distribution is polymodal, with the most frequent size ranging from 0.001 to 2.4 mm and an estimated vesicle number density of 0.07*107 to 1.6*107 mm−3. The textural observations suggest rapid nucleation occurred during the late phases of magma ascent. Calculated decompression rates of the ascending magma were 0.07–5.6 MPa/s and show a variation between the eruption phases. We conclude that the shift in eruption dynamics alternating between steady to unsteady plume behaviour during the eruption was likely driven by changes in conduit geometry, lithic abundance of the eruptive mixture, decompression rate, and fresh magma injection.

Neutralisation of Acid Rock Drainage by Youngest Toba Tuff Leachate Revealed by Hydrogeochemistry

ABSTRACTThe Youngest Toba Tuff (YTT) supervolcanic eruption occurred 75000 years ago, and resulted in distinctive ash fall deposition in different locations encompassing marine, estuarine, lacustrine, and fluvial sedimentary basins. Of the different sedimentary basins, the YTT crypto‐tephra horizon preserved in the South Kerala Sedimentary Basin (SKSB) of the western coast of India is hosted by a paleo‐estuarine carbonaceous clay layer. Along the eastern margin of SKSB, confined aquifers hosting highly acidic groundwater is associated with this YTT ash and associated organic matter (OM)‐rich carbonaceous clay layer, creating worse acid rock drainage (ARD), which eventually gets neutralised during summer, signalled by the crystallisation of halotrichite. Hydrogeological investigation gave insights on some of the unique geochemical processes, which facilitated the neutralisation of ARD. The main aquifers in the area include laterite and clayey‐sand, which is separated by this impervious layer hosting YTT ash. Wells tapping the clayey‐sand aquifer, beneath this layer, is affected by the ARD condition due to the interaction with pyrite, manifested as low pH of groundwater (3.7). Simultaneously, leaching from YTT ash, which constitutes 11.91% of Al2O3, facilitates Al content to reach groundwater in high concentration (2879.97 ppb). During dry season, when the surface of YTT‐hosting OM‐rich carbonaceous clay layer is exposed, the leached Al interacts with the acid derived from the YTT‐hosting OM‐rich carbonaceous clay layer and results in the precipitation of halotrichite. The two processes, one resulting in ARD condition and the other as formation of halotrichite, occur in succession. Thus, the crystallisation of halotrichite signals the neutralisation of water as well as heralding the potability of water.

The ad 79 Vesuvius eruption revisited: Plinian and post-Plinian falls

The well-exposed Plinian fall deposit of the ad 79 Vesuvius eruption is herein divided into 12 lithostratigraphic units: seven units in the white pumice deposit and five units in the grey pumice deposit. These distinct units are distinguished by significant variations in grain size and the ratio of lithic to juvenile clasts, enabling us to reconstruct the highly fluctuating dynamics of the eruptive column during the Plinian phase of the ad 79 eruption with previously undetected detail. These characteristics allow their distributions around the vent to be mapped, showing that the plume fluctuated between 14 and 34 km in height, depositing 6.4 km 3 of tephra in 17 h. To broaden the scope of our investigation, we extended our research to encompass five lithic-rich fall layers that occurred after the Plinian phase, providing information on the dispersion and eruptive parameters of these late fallout phases. Post-Plinian sustained column pulses persisted for several tens of minutes, with the first pulse being the longest, lasting for 44 min. This initial pulse possibly facilitated the attempts made by numerous Pompeians to flee the city following the arrival of the first two weak pyroclastic density currents.

Probabilistic hazard analyses for a small island: methods for quantifying tephra fall hazard and appraising possible impacts on Ascension Island

Proximal to the source, tephra fall can cause severe disruption, and populations of small volcanically active islands can be particularly susceptible. Volcanic hazard assessments draw on data from past events generated from historical observations and the geological record. However, on small volcanic islands, many eruptive deposits are under-represented or missing due to the bulk of tephra being deposited offshore and high erosion rates from weather and landslides. Ascension Island is such an island located in the South Atlantic, with geological evidence of mafic and felsic explosive volcanism. Limited tephra preservation makes it difficult to correlate explosive eruption deposits and constrains the frequency or magnitude of past eruptions. We therefore combined knowledge from the geological record together with eruptions from the analogous São Miguel island, Azores, to probabilistically model a range of possible future explosive eruption scenarios. We simulated felsic events from a single vent in the east of the island, and, as mafic volcanism has largely occurred from monogenetic vents, we accounted for uncertainty in future vent location by using a grid of equally probable source locations within the areas of most recent eruptive activity. We investigated the hazards and some potential impacts of short-lived explosive events where tephra fall deposits could cause significant damage and our results provide probabilities of tephra fall loads from modelled events exceeding threshold values for potential damage. For basaltic events with 6–10 km plume heights, we found a 50% probability that tephra fallout across the west side of the island would impact roads and the airport during a single explosive event, and if roofs cannot be cleared, three modelled explosive phases produced tephra loads that may be sufficient to cause roof collapse (≥ 100 kg m−2). For trachytic events, our results show a 50% probability of loads of 2–12 kg m−2 for a plume height of 6 km increasing to 898–3167 kg m−2 for a plume height of 19 km. Our results can assist in raising awareness of the potential impacts of tephra fall from short-lived explosive events on small islands.

Crystals and melt inclusions record deep storage of superhydrous magma prior to the largest known eruption of Cerro Machín volcano, Colombia

Abstract Cerro Machín, a volcano located in the northern segment of the Andes, is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in Colombia with an explosive record that involves at least five plinian events. Prior studies focused on the last dome-building eruption have suggested the presence of a water-rich mid-crustal magma reservoir. However, no direct volatile measurements have been published and little work has been completed on the explosive products of the volcano. Here, we study the largest known eruption of Cerro Machín volcano which occurred 3600 yr BP producing dacitic pyroclastic fall deposits that can be traced up to 40 km from the vent. Lapilli pumice clasts have a mineral assemblage of plagioclase, amphibole, quartz, and biotite phenocrysts, with accessory olivine, Fe-Ti oxides, and apatite. The occurrence of Fo89-92 olivine rimmed by high Mg# amphibole and the established high-water contents in the magma imply the presence of magma near or at water saturation at pressures >~500 MPa. Measurements of up to 10.7 wt% H2O in melt inclusions hosted in plagioclase and quartz in the 3600 years BP eruption products support the idea that Cerro Machín is a remarkably water-rich volcanic system. Moreover, this is supported by measurements of ~103 – 161 ppm H2O in plagioclase phenocrysts. The application of two parameterizations of water partitioning between plagioclase and silicate melt allows us to use our water in plagioclase measurements to estimate equilibrium melt water contents of 5 ± 1 – 11 ± 2 wt% H2O, which are in good agreement with the water contents we measured in melt inclusions. Results of amphibole geobarometry are consistent with a magma reservoir stored in the mid-to-lower crust at a modal pressure of 700 ± 250 MPa, corresponding to a depth of ~25 km. Minor crystallization in the shallow crust is also recorded by amphibole barometry and calculated entrapment pressures in melt inclusions. Amphibole is present as unzoned and zoned crystals. Two populations of unzoned amphibole crystals are present, the most abundant indicate crystallization conditions of 853 ± 26 °C (1 se; standard error), and the less abundant crystallized at an average temperature of 944 ± 24 °C (1 se). Approximately 18% of the amphibole crystals are normally or reversely zoned, providing evidence for a minor recharge event that could have been the trigger mechanism for the explosive eruption. Plagioclase crystals also show normal and reverse zoning. The moderate Ni concentrations (<1600 μg/g) in the high-Fo olivine xenocrysts suggest that Cerro Machín primary magmas are generated by inefficient interaction of mantle peridotite with a high-silica melt produced by slab melting of basaltic material. Some sediment input is also suggested by the high Pb/Th (>2.2), Th/La (0.3 – 0.4), and low La/Th (<13; relative to mantle array) ratios. Whole rock chemistry reveals heavy rare earth element (HREE) depletion and Sr enrichment that likely formed during the crystallization of garnet and amphibole in the upper part of the mantle or lower portion of the crust, promoting the formation of water-rich dacitic magma that was then injected into the middle-to-lower crust. Textural and compositional differences in the crystal cargo that erupted during dome-building and plinian events support the idea that large volumes of magma recharge lead to effusive eruptions, while only small recharge events are needed to trigger plinian eruptions at Cerro Machín.

Newly identified small vulcanian eruptions during the caldera-forming stage of Towada Volcano, Northeast Japan

Understanding the detailed eruptive history and conditions during the buildup to catastrophic caldera-forming eruptions is essential for understanding the evolution of caldera volcanoes and predicting eruptive hazards. Towada Volcano is an active caldera volcano in the northern part of the Northeast Japan Arc. At least two catastrophic caldera-forming eruptions (eruptive episodes N and L) occurred during its caldera-forming stage (61–15.7 ka). A detailed geological survey identified three small vulcanian tephra layers that were erupted during the caldera-forming stage. The tephra layers are blue–gray ash fall deposits that consist mainly of fresh blocky dacite–rhyolite fragments. In ascending order, these deposits are assigned to eruptive episodes O′, N′, and M′. Each eruption had a volume of <0.11 km3, which is much smaller than that of other eruptions during the caldera-forming stage. The eruptive ages of episodes O′, N′, and M′ are estimated to be ca. 40, 23.1, and 17.2 ka, respectively, based on new 14C ages and paleosol thicknesses data. At least three cycles of a medium- to large-scale (3–20 km3) explosive eruption, preceded by a small vulcanian eruption (<0.11 km3), occurred during the latter half of the caldera-forming stage. The small vulcanian eruptions (episodes O′, N′, and M′) occurred after relatively long periods of quiescence (4000–14,000 years) and were followed by medium- to large-scale explosive eruptions (episodes N, M, and L) 1500–4000 years later. This cyclic activity probably reflects changes in overpressure in the magma reservoir. As the overpressure increased, episodes O′, N′, and M′ probably occurred when the overpressure had not increased sufficiently to trigger a medium- to large-scale explosive eruption, and episodes N, M, and L occurred at higher overpressures. These cycles characterize the fermentation phase of Towada Volcano, and terminated with the formation of the Towada Caldera during episode L at 15.7 ka. The magma composition and eruption frequency changed abruptly after episode L, and a small stratovolcano was formed through intermittent eruptions of mafic magma. This change suggests that the caldera collapse during episode L changed the entire shallow magmatic system that existed during the fermentation phase, and the system shifted to a recovery (post-caldera) phase. Based on eruptive volumes and frequencies, the present Towada Volcano has not yet reached the conditions that existed during the late caldera-forming stage and is therefore unlikely to produce a catastrophic caldera-forming eruption in the near future.

Evolution of a large-scale phreatoplinian eruption: Constraints from the 40 ka caldera-forming eruption of Kutcharo volcano, eastern Hokkaido, Japan

“Phreatoplinian” is an explosive phreatomagmatic eruption style that is defined by the fragmentation of magma and widespread dispersal of the resulting fine ash and accretionary lapilli. These eruptions pose significant future risks at caldera volcanoes that host lakes and abundant groundwater. There have been no direct observations of a phreatoplinian eruption, therefore, constraining the detailed mechanisms and sequences of such events relies on studying the deposits of previous eruptions. In order to advance our understanding of these hazardous phenomena we conducted a case study of the 40 ka caldera-forming eruption (Kp I) from Kutcharo volcano in eastern Hokkaido, Japan. We subdivided Kp I eruption deposits into 7 units (Units 1 to 7 in ascending order). Units 1 to 6 are air fall deposits consisting of alternating thin pumice and thick silty ash layers with abundant spherical accretionary lapilli. Stratigraphically higher ash fall units are thicker, finer in grain-size, and more widely distributed. The maximum eruption column height and mass-discharge rate were calculated to be 40 km and 1.4 × 109 kg/s, respectively. Unit 7 is a climactic ignimbrite (76 km3), which is distributed widely over the area north of Kutcharo caldera.Unit 6 is the largest air fall unit and can be considered to have been deposited by a phreatoplinian eruption, given its abundant accretionary lapilli, wide dispersion, and high degree of fragmentation. Unit 6 had the highest mass discharge rate (1.4 × 109 kg/s), suggesting the interaction between magma and external water was most intense, and it is thought that a large eruption column covered eastern Hokkaido. In addition, Kp I eruption deposits commonly contain glass shards derived from fragmentation via both magma degassing and Molten Fuel Coolant Interaction (MFCI). To account for this observation, we infer that the conduit penetrated a large aquifer, and the margin of the ascending magma came into contact with this external water source. Due to repeated caldera-forming eruptions, intra-caldera filled deposits (hosting a large aquifer) likely played a key role in supplying external caldera lake water to a level near the fragmentation depth of H2O-saturated felsic magma. The occurrence of these intra-caldera conduit and caldera-lake systems may provide the required conditions for phreatoplinian eruptions at continental arc caldera volcanoes in Japan and globally.

Did steam boost the height and growth rate of the giant Hunga eruption plume?

The eruption of Hunga volcano on 15 January 2022 produced a higher plume and faster-growing umbrella cloud than has ever been previously recorded. The plume height exceeded 58 km, and the umbrella grew to 450 km in diameter within 50 min. Assuming an umbrella thickness of 10 km, this growth rate implied an average volume injection rate into the umbrella of 330–500 km3 s−1. Conventional relationships between plume height, umbrella-growth rate, and mass eruption rate suggest that this period of activity should have injected a few to several cubic kilometers of rock particles (tephra) into the plume. Yet tephra fall deposits on neighboring islands are only a few centimeters thick and can be reproduced using ash transport simulations with only 0.1–0.2 km3 erupted volume (dense-rock equivalent). How could such a powerful eruption contain so little tephra? Here, we propose that seawater mixing at the vent boosted the plume height and umbrella growth rate. Using the one-dimensional (1-D) steady plume model Plumeria, we find that a plume fed by ~90% water vapor at a temperature of 100 °C (referred to here as steam) could have exceeded 50 km height while keeping the injection rate of solids low enough to be consistent with Hunga’s modest tephra-fall deposit volume. Steam is envisaged to rise from intense phreatomagmatic jets or pyroclastic density currents entering the ocean. Overall, the height and expansion rate of Hunga’s giant plume is consistent with the total mass of fall deposits plus underwater density current deposits, even though most of the erupted mass decoupled from the high plume. This example represents a class of high (> 10 km), ash-poor, steam-driven plumes, that also includes Kīlauea (2020) and Fukutoku-oka-no-ba (2021). Their height is driven by heat flux following well-established relations; however, most of the heat is contained in steam rather than particles. As a result, the heights of these water-rich plumes do not follow well-known relations with the mass eruption rate of tephra.

Airfall volume of the 15 January 2022 eruption of Hunga volcano estimated from ocean color changes

On 15 January 2022, Hunga volcano erupted, creating an extensive and high-reaching umbrella cloud over the open ocean, hindering traditional isopach mapping and fallout volume estimation. In MODIS satellite imagery, ocean surface water was discolored around Hunga following the eruption, which we attribute to ash fallout from the umbrella cloud. By relating intensity of ocean discoloration to fall deposit thicknesses in the Kingdom of Tonga, we develop a methodology for estimating airfall volume over the open ocean. Ash thickness measurements from 41 locations are used to fit a linear relationship between ash thickness and ocean reflectance. This produces a minimum airfall volume estimate of 1.8-0.4+0.3\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${1.8}_{-0.4}^{+0.3}$$\\end{document} km3. The whole eruption produced > 6.3 km3 of uncompacted pyroclastic material on the seafloor and a caldera volume change of 6 km3 DRE. Our fall estimates are consistent with the interpretation that most of the seafloor deposits were emplaced by gravity currents rather than fall deposits. Our proposed method does not account for the largest grain sizes, so is thus a minimum estimate. However, this new ocean-discoloration method provides an airfall volume estimate consistent with other independent measures of the plume and is thus effective for rapidly estimating fallout volumes in future volcanic eruptions over oceans.

Characteristics of pyroclastic deposits and evolution of Maar Bethok Lamongan Volcano Tiris Probolinggo East Java Indonesia

The Lamongan Volcano Complex has a very different character from the Bromo and Argopuro Volcano groups. Lamongan Volcano has 37 volcanic cones and 27 maars (ranu). This volcano is quarter-old and occupies part of East Java Province. Maar Bethok is composed of lava and intercalation between pyroclastic deposits from phreatomagmatic and magmatic falls that still need to be firmly consolidated. These pyroclastic deposits characterize a strombolian eruption with more lava dome or crater wall material ejected. The rocks that make up the Bethok maar include olivine-pyroxene basalt lava and pyroclastic fall deposits with fragments of olivine basalt and basalt composition. The evolution of the Bethok maar eruption started from magma with an alkaline composition and ended with a more acidic composition. The magmatism of Bethok maar has an island arc calc-alkaline affinity.

First evidence of Pinaceae and Fagaceae in the fossil wood record of the České středohoří Mts. (Czech Republic): A comprehensive study of fossiliferous sites in pyroclastic rocks surrounding the late Oligocene Milá stratovolcano

A comprehensive anatomical and mineralogical study of fossil wood fragments from fields in the vicinity of Bečov and Břvany villages (NW Bohemia, Czech Republic) indicates that Taxodioxylon gypsaceum (Cupressaceae s.l.) predominates, but also identifies another coniferous wood: Pinuxylon parryoides (Pinaceae) and three angiosperms Quercoxylon böckhianum, Castanoxylon bavaricum and Lithocarpoxylon sp. (all Fagaceae). This paper therefore presents the first occurrence of Pinaceae and Fagaceae fossil wood in the volcanic rocks of the České Středohoří Mts. as well as its youngest palaeobotanical record in general, late Oligocene in age (26.56 ± 0.38 Ma). The samples were buried by alkaline pyroclastic deposits and were mineralized by carbonates. Two distinct depositional processes burying the fossil woods were identified. Closer to the vent, the woods occur in a near-vent pyroclastic fall deposits of the former pyroclastic cone, whereas more distant sites consist of pyroclastic flow deposits. Carbonate mineralization mostly consists of dolomite, but subordinate amounts of magnesite (likely the first time this is documented in fossil wood) as well as calcite and siderite are present. Only one sample collected in the same area, bearing clear signs of riverbed transport (Lithocarpoxylon sp.), was perfectly silicified, but its origin remains unclear.

A history of explosive eruptions at Young Damavand volcano, Iran

Young Damavand volcano is a steep isolated volcano in the Central Alborz Mountains, Iran, that is characterized by extensive lava flows and pyroclastic successions and is placed on the eroded remains of Old Damavand. Pyroclastic fall and density current deposits on all flanks of the volcano were sampled and studied. From a tephrostratigraphic and geochemical study of the proximal-medial sequences, 14 phases of explosive volcanic activity are identified, characterized by a combination of ash and pumice fall deposits, and/or dense and dilute pyroclastic density current deposits. Some explosive phases of Damavand are thought to have happened one after the other with only short time intervals, since almost no traces of paleosol can be identified between them. We also show that the intensity of the eruptions varied between different phases, confirmed by relative thickness and grain size of the different fall deposits and their distance from the crater. The evidence of numerous explosive eruptions, five of which with Volcanic Explosivity Index 4 in the history of the activity of Young Damavand volcano, shows the importance of assessing its potential volcanic hazards.

The dynamics of impinging plumes from a moving source

We present the results from a series of experiments investigating the dynamics of gravity currents which form when a dense saline or particle-laden plume issuing from a moving source interacts with a horizontal surface. We define the dimensionless parameter $P$ as the ratio of the source speed, $u_a$ , to the buoyancy speed, $(B_0/z_0)^{1/3}$ , where $B_0$ and $z_0$ are the source buoyancy flux and height above the horizontal surface, respectively. Using our experimental data, we determine that the limiting case in which $P=P_c$ the gravity current only spreads downstream of the initial impact point occurs when $P_c=0.83\pm 0.02$ . For $P&lt; P_c$ , from our experiments we observe that the plume forms a gravity current that spreads out in all directions from the point of impact and the propagation of the gravity current is analogous to a classical constant-flux gravity current. For $P&gt;P_c$ , we observe that the descending plume is bent over and develops a pair of counter-rotating line vortices along the axis of the plume. The ensuing gravity current spreads out downstream of the source, normal to the motion of the source. Analogous processes occur with particle-laden plumes, but there is a second dimensionless parameter $S$ , the ratio of the particle fall speed, $v_s$ , to the vertical speed of a plume in a crossflow, $(B_0/u_a z_0)^{1/2}$ . For $S\ll 1$ , particles remain well mixed in the plume and a particle-driven gravity current develops. For $S\gg 1$ , particles separate from the plume prior to impacting the boundary which leads to a fall deposit and no gravity current. We discuss these results in the context of deep-sea mining.

Identifying Distinct Pre‐Eruptive Composition‐H2O‐Time Trends Using Plagioclase

AbstractMacrocrysts (large crystals) in magmas offer a premier record of pre‐eruptive magma storage conditions encoded in their chemistry and texture. Careful study of macrocryst zoning can deconvolve the conditions of crystal growth and the relative time a magma spends in a given physical‐chemical state prior to eruption. Importantly, identifying discrete macrocryst zones requires consideration of both chemistry and texture simultaneously. Here, we employ a novel image segmentation approach to characterize zoning from 2D chemical maps of plagioclase macrocrysts. We apply the method to 15 volcanic eruptions, across three stratigraphic sections, to track statistical differences in crystal zoning through relative time at an arc volcano (Mount Liamuiga, Saint Kitts). Plagioclase from the 15 eruptions are described by 7 unique textural‐chemical zoning populations, which we term “zoning groups,” each of which has a unique An# fingerprint. Two of the studied stratigraphic sections overwhelmingly record low‐An# zoning groups (ZGs), whereas the other section records mostly high‐An# ZGs, suggestive of two distinct storage conditions. Using observations from equilibrium experiments relevant to Saint Kitts bulk magma compositions, we show that differences in melt H2O are the primary drivers of the An# variability. Negative whole rock K2O versus predicted H2O trends are suggestive of ubiquitous H2O‐saturated conditions throughout the middle and upper crust, with a correlation between H2O‐saturated storage pressure (Psat) and eruptive dynamics; magmas stored in the upper‐crust (0.48 ± 0.28–1.08 ± 0.45 kbar) produce larger‐volume, pumice‐rich eruptions compared to magmas stored in the middle crust (3.29 ± 0.87–3.88 ± 1.05 kbar) which generally produce smaller‐volume, centimeter to decimeter‐thick fall deposits.

Dispersal and grain size characteristics of the May 14, 2018 Shinmoedake eruption deposit, Kirishima Volcano, Japan, based on post-eruption field survey and meteorological datasets

This study describes the dispersal and grain size characteristics of the May 14, 2018 Shinmoedake eruption deposits of Kirishima Volcano in southern Kyushu, southwestern Japan. We discuss the eruption sequence, including the temporal variations in the behavior of the plume, by combining field and meteorological datasets. Following a magmatic activity in 2011 characterized by a substantial change in the eruption style (from subplinian eruptions to lava effusion) and subsequent vulcanian explosions, the Shinmoedake crater experienced intermittent eruptions in 2018. The May 14, 2018 eruption began at 14:44 with a vulcanian eruption, with the eruption plume rising 4500 m above the crater rim. Thereafter, it transitioned to an ash eruption; the plume height decreased gradually until the eruption ceased at 16:10. The tephra fall deposits were distributed more than 27 km to the southeast of the source crater; the mass of the tephra fall deposit was approximately 2.1 × 107 kg, calculated based on an isomass map. The deposit incidence differed between the east and west sides of the major dispersal axis. The deposits found east of the main dispersal axis were primarily composed of coarse to medium sand-sized particles with no fine fraction (fine sand to silt in size). In contrast, the deposits west of the axis were finer-grained than those east of the axis. We analyzed photographs of the eruption plume, along with the regional meteorological data and the dispersal and grain-size characteristics of the deposits, and reached the following conclusion: during the May 14, 2018 eruption, the wind directions above the Shinmoedake crater fluctuated across altitudes. The westerly winds dispersed the eruption plume that rose to a higher altitude, containing coarser tephra associated with the initial vulcanian eruption, further to the east rather than along the main axis. In contrast, a lower-altitude ash eruption plume that was rich in fine materials was dispersed westward rather than along the main axis, which was influenced by northerly winds. The findings of this study can support the analysis of similar volcanic events.Graphical

The Whakamaru magmatic system (Taupō Volcanic Zone, New Zealand), part 1: Evidence from tephra deposits for the eruption of multiple magma types through time

The Whakamaru group eruptions (349 ± 4 ka; Downs et al., 2014) are the largest known eruptions in the history of the young Taupō Volcanic Zone, Aotearoa New Zealand. The complex field relationships of the ignimbrites have thus far obscured the timing and history of their eruption(s). We present new evidence from fall deposits correlated with the Whakamaru eruptions to complement the ignimbrite record. Two coastal sections are characterized in detail. We group the tephra horizons into three packages: the older, smaller Tablelands and Paerata tephras; the overlying Kohioawa tephras (correlated with Whakamaru group eruptions); and the younger Murupara and Bonisch tephras. Major- and trace-element compositions suggest these tephras represent six distinct high-silica magma types, with the Kohioawa tephras representing three distinct magma compositions that are atypical of the TVZ. The distribution of Kohioawa magma types (types A, B, and C) changes through time, with the oldest deposits containing exclusively type A magma, the middle deposits containing types A and B, and the youngest deposits containing all three Kohioawa types. A combination of horizon-scale mineralogy and rhyolite-MELTS modeling suggests that only Kohioawa types B and C are saturated in sanidine – the presence of sanidine is atypical in Taupō Volcanic Zone magmas but has been previously documented in the Whakamaru group ignimbrites. Rhyolite-MELTS geobarometry reveals shallow storage pressures (∼50–150 MPa) for Kohioawa magmas. At least three different melt-dominated magma bodies sourced the Kohioawa tephras – these magma bodies were laterally juxtaposed and co-erupted for most of the Whakamaru eruptions. Magmas that preceded and post-dated the Whakamaru eruptions have more typical TVZ compositions, emphasizing the unique features of the Whakamaru system.

Laboratory tests to understand tephra sliding behaviour on roofs

Following explosive eruptions, loading from tephra fall deposits can lead to roof collapse. However, the load may be reduced significantly by tephra sliding on pitched roofs. We present small-scale laboratory tests to investigate tephra sliding behaviour on metal, fibre cement sheet and tile roofing. We tested 10–30 cm thicknesses for dry and wet deposits of pumice, scoria and basaltic ash. We found that tephra did not slide on roof pitches ≤ 15° for coarse-grained deposits and ≤ 12° for dry ash. Thin deposits of wet ash were stable at pitches ≤ 30°. In addition, tephra was mainly shed on pitches ≥ 32° for metal roofs and ≥ 35° for fibre cement and tiles. Using these results, we have produced an initial set of sliding coefficients for tephra for simply pitched roofs that can be used to help prioritise roofs for clearing during an eruption and assist in designing roofs to withstand tephra fall.

Dynamics of the Young Merapi (

We studied nine pumice fall deposits of the Young Merapi stage (<2.2 ka – 1,788 CE) observed in the western and southern flanks of Merapi volcano. All deposits include a wide variation of lithics (10–42% Clithic), with thicker deposits (i.e., more voluminous eruption) being more lithic-rich and vice versa. Two different magma types (hereafter referred to as type I and type II) were identified based on petrography, bulk-rock, glass, and feldspar microlite compositions. Type I magma has abundant amphibole and pyroxene, is rich in calcium (>9 wt% CaObulk), poor in both silica (50.8–53.7 wt% SiO2bulkand 62.3–66.6 wt% SiO2glass) and strontium (<580 ppm, bulk-rock), and has more calcic feldspar microlites (An38–79). Type II magma also contains abundant amphibole, but has less pyroxene and is poorer in calcium (<9 wt% CaObulk), higher in both silica (53.2–54.5 wt% SiO2bulk and 63.3–70.8 wt% SiO2glass) and strontium (>580 ppm), with less calcic feldspar microlites (An31–77). These two magma types alternately fed the explosive eruptions during the Young Merapi stage; however, their juvenile products are distinctive in terms of syn-eruptive microtextures (i.e., matrix-vesicles and microlites). Pumices from type II magma have a higher matrix-vesicle number density (MVND) and microlite number density (MND) values than those of pumices from type I magma (1.0–6.5 × 1015 and 1.8–7.4 × 1015 m−3, and 0.6–2.3 × 1015 and 0.7–1.8 × 1015 m−3, respectively). A positive correlation between MVND with SiO2 and MND suggests that a colder (i.e., less calcic feldspar microlites indicate lower temperature and vice versa) and more evolved (higher SiO2) magma facilitates more extensive matrix-bubble nucleation and deeper microlite crystallization than hotter magmas, allowing type II magma to erupt more explosively than type I magma.

The Geological and Tectonic Evolution of Feni, Papua New Guinea

Feni is located at the southeastern end of the NW-trending Tabar–Lihir–Tanga–Feni (TLTF) volcanic island chain, in northeastern Papua New Guinea. This island chain is renowned for hosting alkaline volcanics, geothermal activity, copper–gold mineralization, and mining. There is no agreed consensus on the tectonic and petrogenetic evolution of Feni. Thus, the purpose of our paper is to present the geology of Feni within the context of the regional tectonic evolution of the TLTF chain and offer a succinct and generic geodynamic model that sets the stage for our next paper. The methodologies used in this study include a critical review of published and unpublished literature in conjunction with our geological observations on Feni. The Pliocene-to-Holocene TLTF chain is a younger arc situated within the greater Eocene-to-Oligocene Melanesian Arc bounded by New Ireland to the west, the Kilinailau Trench and Ontong Java Plateau in the east, and the New Britain Trench to the south. The geological units mapped on Feni include a large volume of basaltic lava flow and trachyandesite stocks intruding a limestone and siltstone basement. Younger units include the trachyte domes, pyroclastic flow, and ash fall deposits. The major structures on Feni are normal or extensional faults such as the Niffin Graben. Feni magmatism is attributed to the petrogenetic processes of polybaric or decompression melting and crystal fractionation of magmas previously influenced by sediment assimilation, mantle wedge metasomatism, slab tears, slab melts, and subduction. Deep lithospheric normal faults provide the fluid pathways for the Feni alkaline magmas.

U-Pb Zircon Geochronology of Detrital and Ash Fall Deposits of the Southern Paraná Basin: A Contribution for Provenance, Tectonic Evolution, and the Paleogeography of the SW Gondwana

Zircon U-Pb geochronology was applied to investigate the provenance, depositional ages, and paleogeography of the southwestern Gondwana in detrital and ash fall sediments from Carboniferous to Jurassic succession of the southern Paraná Basin. Four detrital age populations suggest provenance from local and distal sources located to the south, southeast, and southwest: (i) Archean to Paleoproterozoic zircons from the Rio de La Plata Craton, Nico Peres and Taquarembó terranes; (ii) Grenvillian zircons from the basement of the Gondwanides and Namaqua–Natal belts; (iii) Neoproterozoic grains from the Don Feliciano Belt; and (iv) Phanerozoic populations from Paleozoic orogenic belts and related foreland systems in Argentina, as well as eroded units of the Paraná Basin. The paleogeographic reconstruction indicates an evolution in three distinct stages: (1) a gulf open to the Panthalassa Ocean during the Carboniferous; (2) an epicontinental sea with the rise of the Gondwanides Orogeny during the Permian; and (3) continental deposits controlled by an intra-plate graben system during the Triassic. Permian–Triassic volcanogenic zircons provide constrained maximum depositional ages and attested persistent volcanism, related to the Choiyoi magmatism and effects of the climate change episodes. During the Triassic, the extensional graben system recorded the uplift of the basement through regional northwest and northeast fault systems, and the recycling of Permian zircons, modifying source-to-sink relationships.