Main Eruption Research Articles

Eruptive history of La Poruña scoria cone, Central Andes, Northern Chile

New stratigraphic, lithological and petrographic analyses of La Poruna scoria cone (21° 53′ S-68° 30′ W, Central Andes, northern Chile) allow the reconstruction of the eruptive sequence of this monogenetic cone. Petrographic and lithological characteristics allow us to identify three main lithostratigraphic units at La Poruna scoria cone. The first unit consists of agglutinated lapilli, spatter beds, and clastogenic lavas that are related to the construction of the cone. The other two units are associated with a lava flow field and consist of flow of andesitic composition, which differ both in their degree of weathering and in their development of channel, surface, and internal structures (e.g., levees, ogives, and joints). With these lithostratigraphic analyses, we interpret that the construction of La Poruna occurred during four main eruption phases involving Strombolian, Hawaiian, and transitional eruptive styles. Furthermore, differences in the degree of erosion, alteration, and weathering of the lithostratigraphic units in the lava field of La Poruna suggest that this flow field was formed during two eruptive events. The excellent outcrop conditions and preservation state of the volcanic products of La Poruna allow new stratigraphic insights that advance the wider and more general understanding and the dynamics of this important type of volcanism and the potential hazards of a scoria cone eruption. The polycyclic style of the eruption needs to be included in the hazards assessment of these centers type, especially when the cone is associated with structures that can be reactivated. This process could correspond to a second phase of activity, involving ash fall, bomb, and lava emission.

STRUKTUR GEOLOGI DAN VULKANOSTRATIGRAFI; PENDEKATAN MODEL ELEVASI DIGITAL DAN CITRA LANDSAT 8

Morphological change and deformation have been happen on natural landscape on volcanic complex. Their would been seen topography formation the give contour line expression, drainage pattern as especially character for understanding geological guideline such as structural geology and lithology. In the geological and geophysics on volcanic complex can use early methode with Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of research scale map and Landsat Image 8 for understanding structural geology and volcanostratigraphy. Research study on Arjuno Welirang Volcanic Complex, East Java, a part of active volcano in Indonesia. This study used scale map 1:25.000 wich analyzed of topography contour and drainage pattern for determination of geological feature as structural geology and volcanostratigraphy unit. Coherence of dense contour line is an igneous rock lava indicated, whereas distantly space contour line is an indicated of pyroclastic. DEM is a product extraction processes of contour topography. MED dan Citra Landsat 8 could help deliniaton of structural geology and volcanostratigraphy unit, which analyzed of morphology, drainage pattern, source of eruption, morphogenesis, and lithology remark. Based on both of image model on KGAW have dextral fault with oriented of northwestern-southeastern, sinistral fault with oriented of southwestern-northeastern, and then structural volcanic as caldera, crater, and debris avalanche. In the KGAW have five source of main eruption and the the other eruption surrounding of KGAW and their become is composed of volcanostratigraphy unit. Approach to using of DEM and Lendsat Image 8 are a part of early stage on for understanding structural geology and volcanostratigraphy on volcanic complex.

Lithosedimentological and tephrostratigraphical characterisation of small-volume, low-intensity eruptions: The 1800 years Tufa Trig Formation, Mt. Ruapehu (New Zealand)

Low to moderate-intensity eruptions (VEI ≤ 3) constitute the most frequent eruptions on historical time scales and can last from days to years. Direct observations of historical eruptions (e.g. Ruapehu 1995–1996, Nakadake 2003–2005, Etna 2002–2003) have highlighted the complexity of these eruptions, which often involve multiple phases and sudden changes in eruption behaviour. Eruptive products associated with low to moderate-intensity eruptions are typically characterised by small erupted volumes ≪1 km3 and a significant amount of ash-sized material, making their preservation subject to local environmental conditions. Accordingly, long-term (1000s of years) eruptive records tend to be biased towards the usually less frequent but better-preserved, more intense eruptions with VEI > 4 and volumes >1 km3, leading to an underestimation of the complexity and frequency of small-scale eruptions.This research presents a high-resolution tephrostratigraphic framework for the Tufa Trig Formation, formed during the last 1800 years of activity of the 2797 m high andesitic composite volcano Mt. Ruapehu in New Zealand. Systematic mapping and characterisation of macroscopic lithosedimentological features and tephra dispersal are combined with further studies on selected characteristic sequences to add complexity to the 1800 years tephra record of one of New Zealand's historically most active volcanoes. Tephra deposits display a range of deposit textures, componentry and dispersal, with eruptive activity showing a time-variant distribution. Based on lithosedimentological deposit features, three main eruption types can be distinguished to have formed the Tufa Trig Formation: (1) ash-dominated low-intensity eruptions having volumes of ~1 × 106 m3 and leading to the deposition of single bed ash units; (2) small-volume (5–10 × 106 m3) moderate intensity eruptions, which distributed lapilli-sized material up to distances of 20 km; and (3) multi-phase eruptions that were associated with multi bed ash sequences, involved a magnitude larger tephra volumes (15.19–68.89 × 106 m3), and whose tephra dispersal shows multiple thickness maxima in different directions. The here presented framework extends existing knowledge on the complexity of tephra deposits associated with low to moderate-intensity eruptions and provides the fundamental base for further, more detailed studies at Mt. Ruapehu and similar volcanoes worldwide. To guide future studies on similar records of detailed VEI ≤ 3 volcanic sequences elsewhere, several key lessons and challenges in the characterisation of such fall units are summarised also.

Ambient Seismic Noise Analysis Associated with the 2010 Eruption of Merapi Volcano Using Temporal Variations of Randomness and Background Noise

We present the combination of permutation entropy (PE) and power spectral density (PSD) analysis on continuous seismic data recorded by short-period seismic stations during the 2010 Merapi volcano eruption. The calculation of PE aims at characterizing the randomness level in seismic noise, while the PSD parameters use to detect the background noise level in various frequency bands. It was previously observed that a significant reduction of randomness before the volcano eruption could be indicated as one of the short-term precursors due to the lack of high frequencies (>1 Hz) in the noise wave-field caused by high absorption losses as the hot magma uprises to the upper crust. The results show no significant reduction in signal randomness before the eruption series. The characteristic of events during the preeruptive period and the crisis tends to be chaotic (PE in the range 0.9 to 1). Further calculations show that the standard deviation in PE decreased in four days before the first eruption onset on 26 October. PE was stable at the highest values (very close to 1) and gradually returned to the previous fluctuation after the eruption onset. The level of background noise in the low- and high-frequency bands appeared to have the same tendency. The two main eruptions correspond to the two highest peaks of noise levels.

Two Successive Type II Radio Bursts Associated With B-Class Flares and Slow CMEs

From 2018 Oct 12 to 13, three successive solar eruptions (E1--E3) with B-class flares and poor white light coronal mass ejections (CMEs) occurred from the same active region NOAA AR 12724. Interestingly, the first two eruptions are associated with Type II radio bursts but the third is not. Using the soft X-ray flux data, radio dynamic spectra and dual perspective EUV intensity images, we comparatively investigate the three events. Our results show that their relevant flares are weak (B2.1, B7.9 and B2.3) and short-lived (13, 9 and 14 minutes). The main eruption directions of E1 and E2 are along $\sim$45$^\circ$ north of their radial directions, while E3 primarily propagated along the radial direction. In the EUV channels, the early speeds of the first two CMEs have apparent speeds of $\sim$320 km s$^{-1}$ and $\sim$380 km s$^{-1}$, which could exceed their respective local Alfv$\acute{e}$n speeds of $\sim$300 km s$^{-1}$ and $\sim$350 km s$^{-1}$. However, the CME in the third eruption possesses a much lower speed of $\sim$160 km s$^{-1}$. These results suggest that the observed Type II radio bursts in the eruptions E1 and E2 are likely triggered by their associated CMEs and the direction of eruption and the ambient plasma and magnetic environments may take an important place in producing Type II radio burst or shock as well.

Joint Governance Regions and Major Prevention Periods of PM2.5 Pollution in China Based on Wavelet Analysis and Concentration-Weighted Trajectory

China has made some progress in controlling PM2.5 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤2.5 μm) pollution, but there are still some key areas that need further strengthening. Considering that excessive prevention and control efforts affect economic development, this paper combined an empirical orthogonal function, a continuous wavelet transform, and a concentration-weighted trajectory method to study joint regional governance during key pollution periods to provide suggestions for the efficient control of PM2.5. The results from our panel of data of PM2.5 in China from 2016 to 2018 could be decomposed into two modes. In the first mode, the pollution center was in central Shaanxi Province, and the main eruption period was from November to January of the following year. As the center of this region, Xi’an should cooperate with the four cities in eastern Sichuan (Nanchong, Guangan, Bazhong, and Dazhou) to control PM2.5, since the eruption occurred in this area. Moreover, governance should last for at least two cycles, where one cycle is at least 23 days. The pollution center of the second mode was in the western part of Xinjiang. Therefore, after the prevention and control efforts during the first mode are completed, the regional city of Kashgar should continue to build a joint governance zone for PM2.5 along the Tianshan mountains in the east, focusing on prevention and control over two cycles (where one cycle is 28 days).

Environmental Engineering for Stopping Viruses Pandemics

A huge number of investigations on the ecological sources, fate, and transport of viruses have been dedicated to non-enveloped viruses such as norovirus and enteroviruses. However, more recent global outbreaks of viral diseases have been provoked by enveloped viruses comprising viruses from the Coronavirus family (SARS, MERS, COVID-19). Enveloped viruses have a lipid membrane encircling their protein capsid and genome. SARS-CoV-2 will surely not be the ultimate fresh virus to jut and badly terrorize worldwide public health and life. Scientists and funding agencies have a trend to concentrate largely on a particular virus throughout its eruption; however, then advance on to different themes when the eruption calms. Considering the historical contributions from environmental engineering, and the huge dares that emerge, environmental science and engineering specialists have to adopt a larger, long-term, and more quantitative strategy to comprehending viruses that are diffusing through nature. Identical to the manner by which chemical contaminants are handled in the environment, the particular properties that control transport and demobilization of enveloped viruses in solutions, on surfaces, and in the air must be understood. Besides, the fashion by which ecological parameters form likely virus transmission mechanisms should be comprehended. Thereby, despite the identity of the enveloped virus that provokes the following main eruption, more sophisticated detailing of its endurance and guidance on how to reduce its diffusion may be given.

Lithofacies architecture, composition, and age of the Carboniferous Teplice Rhyolite (German–Czech border): Insights into the evolution of the Altenberg-Teplice Caldera

The Teplice Rhyolite (TR) intra-caldera deposits of the Altenberg-Teplice Caldera (ATC, Central Europe) were investigated by lithofacies analysis, stratigraphy, and whole-rock chemistry as well as laser ablation U–Pb zircon dating. The aim was to demonstrate that the joint application of these methods can discern complex stratigraphy of ancient volcanic successions, susceptible to erosion and alteration, taking the TR as case study. The TR was regarded as a formation and divided into nine members that represent three main eruptions, each one separated by periods of volcanic quiescence. The first two eruptions mainly portrayed opening and clearing of vents, which were dominated by lithic-rich ignimbrites with lateral lithofacies changes (fiamme-rich to crystal-rich) covered by lava flows/domes. Eruption style was low pyroclastic fountaining alternated with effusive lava outpour. A sustained buoyant eruption column was exclusively interpreted at the outset of the second eruption based on the presence of a basal fallout deposit. The third eruption recorded three different phases: further vent opening, a waxing phase, and final lava extrusion. The vent opening phase was similar to those occurred in previous eruptions. The waxing phase produced voluminous, massive, poorly-sorted, very crystal-rich (>50vol.%) ignimbrites, exhibiting progressive increase in crystal contents with height and chemical composition variations that indicate deposition by progressive aggradation. Low pyroclastic fountaining formed these high-particle concentration currents that waxed and reached quasi-steady conditions. Eruption ended with extrusion of a lava flow. The TR ignimbrites were emplaced hot and were partially to densely welded, as evidenced by eutaxitic texture, deformed glass shards, spherulites, perlitic cracks, and microcrystalline to granophyric textures. Horizontal and vertical lithofacies variations in pyroclastic deposits, together with progressive infill and association between TR feeding systems and faulting, demonstrate that eruptions developed through several fissure vents or faults. A volcanic explosivity index of 7 was estimated according to a minimum ejecta volume of ∼320km3 (DRE). Volcanic architecture of the TR can be linked to sequential caldera subsidence that occurred synchronously with progressive deposition. Regional faulting (NE–SW-trending rhyolitic dykes) related to ATC feeding conduits suggests that progressive subsidence and final trap-door caldera collapse, possibly with a piece-meal component (faulted caldera floor), originated from post-Variscan tensional stress regime (∼NNW–SSE direction). The TR Formation has a general rhyolitic composition with A-type granite affinities and a normal chemical zoning. U–Pb zircon dating yielded ages from 323 to 312Ma, which, compared to age data from other ATC rocks, indicate that the TR was generated within a time span of ∼325–317Ma.

Isotopic and Petrologic Investigation, and a Thermomechanical Model of Genesis of Large-Volume Rhyolites in Arc Environments: Karymshina Volcanic Complex, Kamchatka, Russia

This study examines the largest center of silicic magmatism, 4-0.5 Ma Karymshina Volcanic Complex, which also includes the largest 25x15 km Karymshina caldera in Kamchatka. A series of rhyolitic tuff eruptions at 4Ma were followed by the main eruption at 1.78Ma produced an estimated 800 km3 of rhyolitic ignimbrites followed by ring-tracture high-silica rhyolitic post-caldera extrusions. We here present results a of geologic, petrologic, and isotopic study of this complex, and present new Ar-Ar ages, and isotopic values of rocks. Basement of the complex is formed by 4-3.5 Ma rhyolitic ruffs, the oldest pre-1.78Ma caldera ignimbrites and intrusions include a diversity of compositions from basalts to rhyolites. All rocks are crystal-rich with quartz, plagioclase, biotite, and amphibole phenocrysts. Temporal trends in δ18O, 87Sr/86Sr, 144Nd/143Nd indicate values comparable to neighboring volcanoes, increase in homogeneity, and temporal increase in mantle-derived Sr and Nd with increasing differentiation over the last 4 million years. Data are consistent with a batholithic scale magma chamber formed by primarily fractional crystallization of mantle derived composition and assimilation of Cretaceous and younger crust, driven by basaltic volcanism and mantle delaminations. Rhyolite-MELTS crystallization models favor shallow (2 kbar) differentiation conditions and varying quantities of assimilated amphibolite partial melt and hydrothermally-altered silicic rock to reproduce the compositions seen at Karymshina Eruptive Center. Results of thermomechanical modeling with a typical 0.001km3/yr eruption rate of hydrous basalt into a Kamchatkan arc crust produces two magma bodies, one near the Moho and the other engulfing the entire section of upper crust. Basalt is getting trapped in the lower portion of the upper crustal magma body, which exists as partially molten to solid state. Differentiation products of basalt periodically mix with the resident magma diluting its crustal isotopic signatures. At the end of the magmatism crust is getting thicker by 8 km. Modeling show that the only way to generate large spikes of rhyolitic magmatism is through delamination of cumulates in the lower crust. The paper also present chemical dataset for Pacific ashes from ODDP 882 and 883 and compares them to Karymshina ignimbrites and two other other Pleistocene calderas studied by us earlier.

Biotic responses to volatile volcanism and environmental stresses over the Guadalupian-Lopingian (Permian) transition

Biotic extinction during the Guadalupian-Lopingian (G-L) transition is actively debated, with its timing, validity, and causality all questioned. Here, we show, based on detailed sedimentary, paleoecologic, and geochemical analyses of the Penglaitan section in South China, that this intra-Permian biotic crisis began with the demise of a metazoan reef system and extinction of corals and alatoconchid bivalves in the late Guadalupian. A second crisis, among nektonic organisms, occurred around the G-L boundary. Mercury concentration/total organic carbon (Hg/TOC) ratios show two anomalies. The first Hg/TOC peak broadly coincides with the reef collapse and a positive shift in Δ199Hg values during a lowstand interval, which was followed by microbial proliferation. A larger Hg/TOC peak is found just above the G-L boundary and speculatively represents a main eruption episode of the Emeishan large igneous province (ELIP). This volatile volcanism coincided with nektonic extinction, a negative δ13Ccarb excursion, anoxia, and sea-level rise. The temporal coincidence of these phenomena supports a cause-andeffect relationship and indicates that the eruption of the ELIP likely triggered the G-L crisis.

Towards a Holocene tephrochronology for the Faroe Islands, North Atlantic

The Faroe Islands hold a key position in the North Atlantic region for tephra studies due to their relative proximity to Iceland. Several tephras have been described over the last 50 years in peat and lake sediment sequences, including the type sites for the Saksunarvatn and Mjáuvøtn tephras. Here we present a comprehensive overview of Holocene tephras found on the Faroe Island. In total 23 tephra layers are described including visible macrotephras such as the Saksunarvatn and Hekla 4 tephras and several cryptotephras. The importance of tephras originally described from the Faroe Islands is highlighted and previously unpublished results are included. In addition, full datasets for several sites are published here for the first time. The Saksunarvatn Ash, now considered to be the result of several eruptions rather than one major eruption, can be separated into two phases on the Faroe Islands; one early phase with two precursor eruptions with lower MgO concentrations (4.5–5.0 wt%) than the main eruption and a later phase with higher MgO concentrations (5.5–6.0 wt%), including the visible Saksunarvatn Ash. The Tjørnuvík Tephra, previously considered to be a primary deposit, is now interpreted as a reworked tephra with material from at least two middle Holocene eruptions of Hekla. Several of the tephras identified on the Faroe Islands provide useful isochrons for climate events during the Holocene.

Revisiting the role of high‐energy Pacific events in the environmental and cultural history of Easter Island (Rapa Nui)

Pacific islands are spread over thousands of kilometres of the Pacific Basin and are characterised by similar ecological features but very diverse geologic origins, from steep volcanoes to flat coral atolls. Several climatic phases have been shared across the region within the last 1,000 years. Numerous and abrupt societal and cultural changes during the same period have been described for islands separated by thousands of kilometres. Conspicuous societal changes have been exclusively attributed to the main climatic patterns (changes in precipitation and temperature). The possible role of tsunamis and the occurrence of large volcanic eruptions as regional societal modulators, however, have traditionally received little attention from archaeologists, mainly due to the difficulty of recognising them in the sedimentary and geomorphological records. We explore the potential influence of the most important high‐energy events in the Pacific on Polynesian societal changes, with a special focus on Easter Island. For example, the extreme Samalas eruption in AD 1257 may have been an indirect driver of the sudden population decline, land degradation and decreased food resources on many Pacific islands between AD 1250 and 1300, and the Kuwae eruption in AD 1450 may have triggered the synchronous end of long voyaging expeditions across the Pacific. Important palaeo‐tsunamis have had unquestionable impacts on coastal and seafaring societies. A direct effect of the main eruptions of the last millennia (AD 1257 and 1453) on Easter Island has not yet been identified by any record, but we have calculated the likelihood of destructive tsunamis with an estimated period of recurrence for large events of less than a century. This insight is new and needs to be taken into account to complement what we already know about Easter Island's cultural history and archaeological sites, especially those in vulnerable coastal locations.

Study on the Relationship Between Deccan LIPs and Chicxulub Crater Based on "Collisions Aggregation Effect"

Based on the previous studies, the author has proposed that the Collisions Aggregation Effect by the of a celestial body in the geological academic circles, which can lead to the endogenic process of the collisions aggregation point, the formation of volcanic eruptions and even the formation of LIPs. According to the principle of physics, this article further theoretically enriched the content of Collisions Aggregation Effect on the previous work and put forward the linear Collisions Aggregation Effect and nonlinear Collisions Aggregation Effect. On the basis of the global paleo-plate and paleogeographic data, this paper takes the Deccan LIPs and the Chicxulub crater as the research objects and conducts the research work based on the Collisions Aggregation Effect. The main conclusions are as follows: 1. The main eruption time of the Deccan LIPs is 66 Ma, while the Chicxulub crater was formed at about 65 Ma in approximate time; 2. At 65 Ma, the Deccan LIPs are located at 35°S, 65°E, while the Chicxulub Crater is located at 20°N, 50°W, both of which have the characteristics of the distribution of nonlinear Collisions Aggregation Effect on the Earth; 3. A Severe meteorite occurred at the Chicxulub crater in the Gulf of Mexico, causing Collisions Aggregation Effect, which may be an important reason for the formation of the Deccan LIPs; 4. The velocity vector direction of the Chicxulub meteorite may not be exactly pointing to the Earth's center, but is a little south-easterly direction; 5. Using the Collisions Aggregation Effect for the impact point or collisions aggregation point geographic location constraints, but also should taking into account the celestial body velocity vector direction; 6. May be precisely because of the meteorite and the Deccan LIPs formed by the Collisions Aggregation Effect of the Chicxulub crater caused the massive dinosaur-based mass extinctions at the 65 Ma of the K/T boundary and accelerated the Indian Plate drift.

The 26 December 2001 Solar Eruptive Event Responsible for GLE63: III. CME, Shock Waves, and Energetic Particles

The SOL2001-12-26 moderate solar eruptive event (GOES importance M7.1, microwaves up to 4000 sfu at 9.4 GHz, CME speed 1446 km/s) produced strong fluxes of solar energetic particles and ground-level enhancement of cosmic-ray intensity (GLE63). To find a possible reason for the atypically high proton outcome of this event, we study multi-wavelength images and dynamic radio spectra and quantitatively reconcile the findings with each other. An additional eruption probably occurred in the same active region about half an hour before the main eruption. The latter produced two blast-wave-like shocks during the impulsive phase. The two shock waves eventually merged around the radial direction into a single shock traced up to $25R_\odot$ as a halo ahead of the expanding CME body, in agreement with an interplanetary Type II event recorded by the Radio and Plasma Wave Investigation (WAVES) experiment on the Wind spacecraft. The shape and kinematics of the halo indicate an intermediate regime of the shock between the blast wave and bow shock at these distances. The results show that i) the shock wave appeared during the flare rise and could accelerate particles earlier than usually assumed; ii) the particle event could be amplified by the preceding eruption, which stretched closed structures above the developing CME, facilitated its lift-off and escape of flare-accelerated particles, enabled a higher CME speed and stronger shock ahead; iii) escape of flare-accelerated particles could be additionally facilitated by reconnection of the flux rope, where they were trapped, with a large coronal hole; iv) the first eruption supplied a rich seed population accelerated by a trailing shock wave.

Highly explosive eruption of the monogenetic 8.6 ka BP La Vache et Lassolas scoria cone complex (Chaîne des Puys, France)

The eruption of the trachy-basaltic La Vache and Lassolas cone complex was the youngest eruption (ca. 8.6ka BP) and one of the most violent in the Chaîne des Puys, France. Here we present field data and results of grain size, componentry and clast density measurements of different layers of the widespread tephra deposit that is associated with this cone-forming eruption. Our data indicates five main eruption phases comprising a vent-opening phase, a second sustained highly explosive phase, a third and fourth violent Strombolian phase and a fifth dominantly effusive phase. The layer formed by the opening phase is rich in lithic material, which was previously considered to be the result of phreatomagmatic activity. The data presented here on the componentry and textures of the pyroclastic material contradict this hypothesis. We propose instead that the material of the basal layer results from fragmentation caused by the explosion of a first arriving gas-dominated phase. The variations in eruption intensity during the main eruption phases are interpreted here to be the result of gas segregation within the plumbing system and fluxes in the magma ascent rate during the eruption. Significant amount of gas segregation is indicated by the deposition of both gas-poor and gas-rich material and by the presence of plate tephra. This is also supported by the simultaneous ejection of tephra and lava from both cones during most of the explosive activity. We suggest that gas segregation occurred within shallow intrusions and that fresh ascending material in the main conduit mixed with degassed material that flow back into the conduit from the intrusion before fragmentation. The interaction of the ascending magma and the opening of intrusions may have controlled the evolution and explosivity of the eruption. The high explosivity at the beginning of the eruption and the wide dispersal area, demonstrate that scoria cone eruptions in monogenetic fields can impose a major threat to the population and infrastructures nearby as these events may occur with little warning, and therefore research on this kind of eruptions is of a major importance to better understand the processes driving these events.

Geyser eruption intervals and interactions: Examples from El Tatio, Atacama, Chile

AbstractWe compare and contrast data collected in 2012 and 2014 from the El Tatio geyser field, Chile. We identify geyser systems that evolve over time, including changes in the interval between eruptions, development of new thermal features, and interactions between geysers. We study three different cases: (a) an isolated geyser, which is periodic and has nearly identical eruptions every cycle; (b) a geyser and coupled noneruptive pool, where the geyser has nonregular cycles and several preplay eruptions before the main eruption; and (c) two geysers and a mud volcano, which have nonregular cycles and are all interacting. Though geysers erupt with different styles, we recognize some common features: the conduit recharges with liquid during the quiescent period, bubbles enter the conduit before eruptions, and eruptions occur when water boils in the upper part of the conduit. The episodic addition of heat may govern the periodicity, while the depth where heat is added dictates the eruption style: conduits with deeper heat input are more likely to show preplay or minor eruptions. The interactions between thermal features can be explained by pressure transmission in subsurface permeable layers between geyser conduits.

HαAND EUV OBSERVATIONS OF A PARTIAL CME

We have obtained H$\alpha$ high spatial and time resolution observations of the upper solar chromosphere and supplemented these with multi-wavelength observations from the Solar Dynamic Observatory (SDO) and the {\it Hinode} ExtremeUltraviolet Imaging Spectrometer (EIS). The H$\alpha$ observations were conducted on 11 February 2012 with the Hydrogen-Alpha Rapid Dynamics Camera (HARDcam) instrument at the National Solar Observatory's Dunn Solar Telescope. Our H$\alpha$ observations found large downflows of chromospheric material returning from coronal heights following a failed prominence eruption. We have detected several large condensations ("blobs") returning to the solar surface at velocities of $\approx$200 km s$^{-1}$ in both H$\alpha$ and several SDO AIA band passes. The average derived size of these "blobs" in H$\alpha$ is 500 by 3000 km$^2$ in the directions perpendicular and parallel to the direction of travel, respectively. A comparison of our "blob" widths to those found from coronal rain, indicate there are additional smaller, unresolved "blobs" in agreement with previous studies and recent numerical simulations. Our observed velocities and decelerations of the "blobs" in both H$\alpha$ and SDO bands are less than those expected for gravitational free-fall and imply additional magnetic or gas pressure impeding the flow. We derived a kinetic energy $\approx$2 orders of magnitude lower for the main eruption than a typical CME, which may explain its partial nature.

Representivity of incompletely sampled fall deposits in estimating eruption source parameters: a test using the 12–13 January 2011 lava fountain deposit from Mt. Etna volcano, Italy

The Southeast Crater (SEC) of Mt. Etna, Italy, is renowned for its high activity, mainly long-lived eruptions consisting of sequences of individual paroxysmal episodes which have produced more than 150 eruptive events since 1998. Each episode typically forms eruption columns followed by tephra fallout over distances of up to about 100 km from the vent. One of the last sequences consisted of 25 lava fountaining events, which took place between January 2011 and April 2012 from a pit-vent on the eastern flank of the SEC and built a new scoria cone renamed New Southeast Crater. The first episode on 12–13 January 2011 produced tephra fallout which was unusually dispersed toward to the South extending out over the Mediterranean Sea. The southerly deposition of tephra permitted an extensive survey at distances between ~1 and ~100 km, providing an excellent characterization of the tephra deposit. Here, we document the stratigraphy of the 12–13 January fallout deposit, draw its dispersal, and reconstruct its isopleth map. These data are then used to estimate the main eruption source parameters. The total erupted mass (TEM) was calculated by using four different methodologies which give a mean value of 1.5 ± 0.4 × 108 kg. The mass eruption rate (MER) is 2.5 ± 0.7 × 104 kg/s using eruption duration of 100 min. The total grain-size (TGS) distribution, peaked at −3 phi, ranges between −5 and 5 phi and has a median value of −1.4 phi. Further, for the eruption column height, we obtained respective values of 6.8–13.8 km by using the method of Carey and Sparks (1986) and 3.4 ± 0.3 km by using the methods of Wilson and Walker (1987), Mastin et al. (2009), and Pistolesi et al. (2011) and considering the mean value of MER from the deposit. We also evaluated the uncertainty and reliability of TEM and TGS for scenarios where the proximal and distal samples are not obtainable. This is achieved by only using a sector spanning the downwind distances between 6 and 23 km. This scenario is typical for Etna when the tephra plume is dispersed eastward, i.e., in the prevailing wind direction. Our results show that, if the analyzed deposit has poorer sample coverage than presented in this study, the TEM (3.4 × 107 kg) is 22 % than the TEM obtained from the whole deposit. The lack of the proximal (<6 km) deposit may cause more significant differences in the TGS estimations.

Long‐term lava extrusion after the 2011 Shinmoe‐dake eruption detected by DInSAR observations

AbstractIn January 2011, the latest eruption began at Shinmoe‐dake volcano, Japan, and lava accumulated in the crater. Differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar (DInSAR) observations after the end of main eruption indicated continuous uplift on the lava surface. We estimated the volume increase of lava, and the volume change rate has decreased exponentially. Results from long‐term DInSAR processing indicate slow subsidence outside the crater. We interpret that this subsidence is caused by deflation of a shallow source located beneath the crater, which is a reaction to the extrusion of lava. Between November 2011 and May 2013, the total volume of extruded lava within the crater is estimated to be 6.7 ± 0.1 × 104 m3, which is comparable to the deflation volume of the shallow source. The system is not closed within the shallow source to the crater; thus, long‐term lava extrusion can be explained by continuous injection from a deeper source to the shallow source.

Detecting complex eruption sequence and directionality from high-rate geodetic observations: The August 6, 2012 Te Maari eruption, Tongariro, New Zealand

The Tongariro Te Maari crater, New Zealand, erupted for the first time in over 80years on August 6, 2012. Because it occurred at night, the short-lived eruption prevented direct visual observations, hence presenting some challenges for understanding the complex eruptive sequence and reach of the various explosions. Using 1Hz Global Positioning System (GPS) data from the local volcano monitoring network, we computed the GPS LC phase residuals and SNR data at the time of the eruption and show that several processes successively affected the signal at the closest GPS station. Firstly, the signal from one of the satellites shows two successive drops of SNR caused by the presence of two distinct dense ash-laden plumes near the vent, produced successively by the second and last of the main eruption pulses. Secondly, we show that a gas-charged debris avalanche and a lateral blast successively entrained hot and/or humid air over 3km away from the vent, atop the VGKR GPS station. While the limited amount of data prevents fully quantitative analyses and estimates of temperature or humidity in the lateral air flow, our results document the first recorded detection of a small-scale lateral plume by GPS technology. They highlight the potential of GPS data analysis for improving our understanding of eruptive sequences when visual observations are limited.