Prediction and characteristics of the 1975 eruption of Tolbachik volcano,Kamchatka

According to a long-term prediction. Tolbachik volcano was expected to erupt with a 0.7 probability, some time in the period 1964–1978. An eruption of Tolbachik commenced at 21.45 GMT on July 5, 1975. It took place on the southwestern Hank of the volcano at an altitude of 880 m a.s.l. about 18 km from the central crater. An earthquake swarm preceded it. The place and time of eruption were predicted three days belore it began on the basis of epicenter locations and characteristics of recorded seismic activity. During the period July 5–28 gases and incandescent magma were continuously ejected to a height of 2,000 m above ground level. Ash clouds rose to a height of 6 to 8 km, with a train of ash extending over a horizontal distance of 300 km. The velocity of jets from the crater was about 200 m/see. During the first days of the eruption the quantity of materials erupted and the eruption power amounted to 1.25 · 10⁵ kg/see and 2.1 · 10¹¹W, respectively. The vertical growth of the scoria cone was consistent with the lawH=2.15³√vt, where the time and height are expressed in seconds and meters, respectively. The mouth of the volcano conduit was estimated to be 12 m in diameter. Lava began to erupt at 22^h23^m on July 28. During the period July 5–31 about 3 · 10¹¹ kg of magmatic material, consisting of ash, scoria and lava, was erupted onto the earth’s surface. The energy released over the period of eruption accounted for 5 · 10¹⁷ J.     

Active volcanoes of Kamchatka and northern Kurils in 2005

In 2005, six major eruptions of four Kamchatka volcanoes (Bezymyannyi, Klyuchevskoy, Shiveluch, and Karymskii) occurred and the Avachinskii, Mutnovskii, and Gorelyi Kamchatka volcanoes and the Ebeko and Chikurachki volcanoes in northern Kurils were in a state of increased activity. Owing to a close collaboration between the KVERT project, Elizovo airport meteorological center, and volcanic ash advisory centers in Tokyo, Anchorage, and Washington (Tokyo, Anchorage, and Washington VAACs), all necessary measures for safe airplane flights near Kamchatka were taken and fatal accidents related to volcanic activity did not occur.     

Crustal deformations related to the formation of new tolbachik volcanoes in 1975–1976, Kamchatka

The paper discusses the results of geodetic investigations performed in the region of the large 1975–1976 Tolbachik fissure eruption in Kamchatka. Using data from repeated triangulation and trigonometric levelings, horizontal and vertical displacements have been detected in an area of 3,500 km². Two zones have been recognized: the tension and uplift zone that is probably due to magma intrusion from depths to the surface along the line of new cones and the extensive compensative subsidence zone located at a distance of 20–50 km from the nearest newly-formed cones. Measurements made with small distance measuring device showed the dynamics of feeding basalt dykes intrusion and made it possible to determine their width (a little greater than 1 m) and magma and gas overpressure (50–250 bar). Data have been obtained on dimensions and growth of cones and on vertical ground deformation in the area of new cones during and after the eruption.     

Deep Structure of the Zone of Tolbachik Fissure Eruptions (Kamchatka,Klyuchevskoy Volcano Group): Evidence from a Complex of Geological and Geophysical Data

With the use of the method of low-frequency microseismic sounding, the configuration of the magmatic feeding system of the Tolbachinsky Dol—a regional zone of areal basaltic volcanism in the southern part of the Klyuchevskoy volcano group in Kamchatka—is studied. The initial data are obtained by a stepby-step recording of the background microseismic noise in 2010–2015 within a thoroughly marked-out survey area covering the zones of fissure eruptions in 1975–1976 and 2012–2013 and, partly, the edifice of the Ploskii (flat) Tolbachik volcano. The depth sections reflecting the distributions of the relative velocities of seismic waves in the Earth’s crust are constructed. For a more reliable interpretation of the revealed deep anomalies, the results of independent geological and geophysical studies are used. The ascertained low-velocity structures are closely correlated to the manifestations of present-day volcanism. It is shown that the feeding structure of the Tolbachinsky Dol is spatially heterogeneous, incorporating subvertical and lateral pipeshaped magma conduits, closely spaced magma feeding channels, and shallow magma reservoirs. A longlived local transcrustal magma conducting zone is revealed, and regularities in the deep structure of the feeding systems of fissure eruptions are identified. The configuration of the established subvertical magma conduits permits basalts moving to rise to the surface by different paths, which, inter alia, explains the contrasting magma compositions observed during a single eruption. Thus, based on the instrumental data, it is shown that the magmatic feeding structure of the Tolbachinsky Dol has a number of specific peculiarities and is significantly more complicated than has been previously thought about the areal volcanic fields.     

Seismic investigation of the roots of the Kliuchevskaya group volcanoes,Kamchatka

Earthquake data from Δ<2° and of indermediate depth of focus in the upper mantle near the Kliuchevskaya volcanic region show a screening effect of longitudinal and transverse waves. The indicated anomalous zones are identified with the region of magma localization. The anomalous zones are at 35–110 km depths.     

The active volcanoes of Kamchatka and Paramushir Island, North Kurils in 2007

Eight strong eruptions of four Kamchatka volcanoes (Bezymyannyi, Klyuchevskoi, Shiveluch, and Karymskii) and Chikurachki Volcano on Paramushir Island, North Kurils took place in 2007. In addition, an explosive event occurred on Mutnovskii Volcano and increased fumarole activity was recorded on Avacha and Gorelyi volcanoes in Kamchatka and Ebeko Volcano on Paramushir Island, North Kurils. Thanks to close cooperation with colleagues involved in the Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) project from the Elizovo Airport Meteorological Center and volcanic ash advisory centers in Tokyo, Anchorage, and Washington (Tokyo VAAC, Anchorage VAAC, and Washington VAAC), all necessary precautions were taken for flight safety near Kamchatka.     

Fumarolic gases at Mombacho volcano (Nicaragua): presence of magmatic gas species and implications for volcanic surveillance

Mombacho is a deeply dissected volcano belonging to the Quaternary volcanic chain of Nicaragua. The southern, historic collapse crater (El Crater) currently hosts a fumarolic field with a maximum temperature of 121°C. Chemical and isotopic data from five gas-sampling field campaigns carried out in 2002, 2003 and 2005 highlight the presence of high-temperature gas components (e.g. SO₂, HCl and HF), which indicate a significant contribution of juvenile magmatic fluids to the hydrothermal system feeding the gas discharges. This is strongly supported by the mantle-derived helium and carbon isotopic signatures, although the latter is partly masked by either a sedimentary subduction-related or a shallow carbonate component. The observed chemical and isotopic composition of the Mombacho fluids seems to indicate that this volcanic system, although it has not experienced eruptive events during the last centuries, can be considered active and possibly dangerous, in agreement with the geophysical data recorded in the region. Systematic geochemical monitoring of the fumarolic gas discharges, coupled with a seismic and ground deformation network, is highly recommended in order to monitor a possible new eruptive phase.     

Geochemistry of gases and waters discharged by the mud volcanoes at Paternò, Mt. Etna (Italy)

 Approximately 20 km south of Mt. Etna craters, at the contact between volcanic and sedimentary formations, three mud volcanoes discharge CO₂-rich gases and Na–Cl brines. The compositions of gas and liquid phases indicate that they are fed by a hydrothermal system for which temperatures of 100–150  °C were estimated by means of both gas and solute geothermometry. The hydrothermal system may be associated with CO₂-rich groundwaters over a large area extending from the central part of Etna to the mud volcanoes. Numerous data on the He, CH₄, CO₂ composition of the gases of the three manifestations, sampled over the past 5 years, indicate clearly that variations are due to separation processes of a CO₂-rich gas phase from the liquid. The effects of these processes have to be taken into account in the interpretation of the monitoring data collected for the geochemical surveillance of Etna volcano. Received: 4 September 1995 / Accepted: 14 February 1996     

The large fissure eruption in the region of Plosky Tolbachik volcano in Kamchatka, 1975–1976

The paper describes the course of the Large Tolbachik fissure eruption taking place in Kamchatka from July 6, 1975 to December 10, 1976. The eruption zone extended for 30 km. The formation of monogenic scoria cones nearly 300 m high, lava tubes and basalt sheets up to 80 m thick and more than 40 km² in area and subsidence of the Plosky Tolbachik summit caldera to a depth of more than 400 m were observed during the eruption. The volume of eruption products amounted to more than 2 km³. It was the largest basalt eruption which has taken place in the Kurile-Kamchatka volcanic belt in historic time.     

Detrital geochronology of unroofing magmatic complexes and the slow erosion of Oligocene volcanoes in the Alps

Tectonic reconstructions and quantitative models of landscape evolution are increasingly based on detailed analysis of detrital systems. Since the definition of closure temperature in the 1960s, mineral ages of low-temperature geochronometers are traditionally interpreted as the result of cooling induced by erosion, whose rate is a simple, unique function of age patterns. Such an approach can lead to infer paradoxically high erosion rates that conflict with compelling geological evidence from sediment thickness in basins. This indicates that tectonic and landscape models that solely interpret mineral ages as due to cooling during exhumation may not be valid.Here we propose a new approach that takes into account the effects of both crystallization and exhumational cooling on geochronometers, from U–Pb on zircon to fission tracks on apatite. We first model the mechanical erosion of an unroofing magmatic complex and the resulting accumulation and burial of the eroded units in reverse order in the basin. Detrital mineral ages follow a regular pattern downsection. Some mineral ages, such as e.g. U–Pb ages of zircons, cluster around the “magmatic age”, i.e. the crystallization of the magma. Its value is constant along the stratigraphic column in the sedimentary basin; we refer to this behavior as “stationary age peak”. Some other mineral ages, such as e.g. apatite fission-track ages, are often younger than the magmatic age. When they vary smoothly with depth, they define a “moving age peak”, which is the only possible effect of undisturbed cooling during overburden removal, and can therefore be used to calculate an erosion rate.The predictions of our model were tested in detail on the extremely well-studied Bregaglia (Bergell) orogenic pluton in the Alps, and on the sedimentary succession derived from its erosion, the Gonfolite Group. The consistency between predicted and observed age patterns validates the model. Our results resolve a long-standing paradox in quantitative modelling of erosion–sedimentation, namely the scarcity of sediment during apparently fast erosion. Starved basins are the observational baseline, and modelling must be tuned to include a correct analysis of detrital mineral geochronology in order to reconcile perceived discrepancies between stratigraphical and geochronological information. In addition, our data demonstrate that volcanoes were active on top of the growing Oligocene Alps.This study illustrates rigorous criteria for detrital mineral geochronology that are applicable to any geological setting, including magmatic arcs and collision orogens, and provides fundamental interpretive keys to solve complex puzzles and apparent paradoxes in geological reconstructions.     

Fumarolic activity of Avachinsky and Koryaksky volcanoes, Kamchatka, from 1993 to 1994

 Volcanic gas and condensate samples were collected in 1993–1994 from fumaroles of Koryaksky and Avachinsky, basaltic andesite volcanoes on the Kamchatka Peninsula near Petropavlovsk–Kamchatsky. The highest-temperature fumarolic discharges, 220  °C at Koryaksky and 473  °C at Avachinsky, are water-rich (940–985 mmol/mol of H₂O) and have chemical and isotopic characteristics typical of Kamchatka–Kurile, high- and medium-temperature volcanic gases. The temperature and chemical and water isotopic compositions of the Koryaksky gases have not changed during the past 11 years. They represent an approximate 2 : 1 mixture of magmatic and meteoric end members. Low-temperature, near-boiling-point discharges of Avachinsky Volcano are water poor (≈880 mmol/mol); Their compositions have not changed since the 1991 eruption, and are suggested to be derived from partially condensed magmatic gases at shallow depth. Based on a simple model involving mixing and single-step steam separation, low water and high CO₂ contents, as well as the observed Cl concentration and water isotopic composition in low-temperature discharges, are the result of near-surface boiling of a brine composed of the almost pure condensed magmatic gas. High methane content in low-temperature Avachinsky gases and the 220  °C Koryaksky fumarole, low C isotopic ratio in CO₂ at Koryaksky (–11.8‰), and water isotope data suggest that the "meteoric" end member contains considerable amounts of the regional methane-rich thermal water discovered in the vicinity of both volcanoes. Received: 2 May 1996 / Accepted: 5 November 1996     

Relations between the type of eruptions and the composition of lava as exemplified by Kamchatka and Kuriles volcanoes

Bulletin of Volcanology -     

Miocene lamproite volcanoes in south-eastern Spain—an association of phreatomagmatic and magmatic products

A series of small Miocene (8.3–6.7 Ma) lamproite rock occurrences (as monogenetic volcanoes and/or dykes) cover a large area in southeastern Spain. These rocks are associated with extensional basins filled by Neogene deposits in the Betic and Subbetic structural units. At Cancarix (Sierra de las Cabras), Calasparra, Barqueros, Cerro de Monagrillo, Jumilla, and Vera, eruptions occurred, whereas at Fortuna, Mula and Zeneta there were only small-scale intrusions (mainly dykes). This paper describes volcanic centers at Cancarix, Calasparra and Barqueros, which show initial phreatomagmatic eruptions driven by interaction of rising lamproite magma with groundwater. Tuff ring formed during this volcanic activity. Subsequent activity consisted of dome extrusion in the vent areas of Cancarix and Calasparra and by explosive to effusive magmatic activity accompanied by extensive lava flows at Barqueros.Calasparra and Cancarix are relatively symmetric monogenetic tuff rings filled by late stage massive vertical plug, extruded as degassed crystalline high-viscosity magma along the volcanic conduit. Barqueros was initially a tuff ring, whose late stage Hawaiian-style fountaining generated spatter and clastogenic lavas that built the intra-tuff ring cone of Cabezo del Morron. Finally, extensive lava flows spread from the base of the cone toward the northern part of the edifice. Variations in the tectonic (extensional regime) and local hydrogeologic conditions (shallow aquifers) influenced the occurrence of these lamproite volcanoes. Late stage magma rise was dependent on the magmatic volatile regime, being already degassed at Calasparra and Cancarix, by showing higher viscosity (high crystallization rate) of intra-tuff ring dome extrusions, or still rich in volatiles at Barqueros, displaying lower viscosity lava fountaining and then lava flows.     

Eruption of Piip Crater (Kamchatka)

In autumn of 1966 on the northern slope of Kliuchevskoy volcano a chain of new adventive craters broke out at the height of about 2200 m. Eighty-four hours before the beginning of the eruption a swarm of preliminary volcanic earthquakes had appeared. The number of preliminary shocks was 457 with total energy of 4 × 10¹⁷ erg. With the beginning of the lava flow the earthquakes stopped and a continuous volcanic tremor appeared. The total energy of volcanic tremor amounts to 10¹⁶ erg. During the eruption numerous explosive earthquakes with the energy of 10¹⁵–10¹⁶ erg were recorded and besides the microbarograph of the Volcanostation recorded 393 explosions with an energy more than 10¹³ erg and their total energy was equal to 10¹⁷ erg. All together it has been formed 8 explosive craters and the lowest 9th crater was effusive. The slag cone was formed round this effusive crater, the lava effusion of basaltic-andesite composition (52,5% SiO₂) tooke place from the lava boccas at the cone base and from the crater. The lava flow covered a distance of 10 km along the valley of the Sopochnoy river and descended to a height of about 800 m. The lava flow velocity at the outflow reached 800 m/hr, the lava temperature was 1050°C. The effused lava volume amounts to 0.1 km³. The eruption stopped on December 25–26, 1966.     

Holocene eruptive history of Ksudach volcanic massif,South Kamchatka: evolution of a large magmatic chamber

The combination of geological, tephrochronological and geochemical studies is used to reconstruct the Holocene eruptive history of Ksudach volcanic massif, South Kamchatka and to trace the evolution of its magma. Ksudach is located in the frontal volcanic zone of Kamchatka. From Early Holocene till AD 240, the volcano had repetitive voluminous caldera-forming eruptions. Later they gave way to frequent moderate explosive–effusive eruptions that formed the Shtyubel' stratovolcano inside the nested calderas, and then to frequent larger explosive eruptions. Holocene eruptive products are low-K₂O two pyroxene–plagioclase basaltic andesite to rhyodacite. Mineralogical, geochemical and isotopic data suggest that all the rock varieties originated as a result of fractionation of an initial mafic melt, with insignificant contamination and assimilation. Intensive mixing of the fractionating melts prior to, and during the course of the eruptions, is ubiquitous. The eruptions might have been triggered by repetitive injections of new mafic melt into the silicic chamber. Crystallization of the andesitic and rhyodacitic melts is estimated to have occurred at temperatures of 970–1010°C and 890–910°C, respectively, P_H2O 1.5–2.0 kbar and f_O2 close to the NNO buffer. According to the experimental data, such P_H2O corresponds to 4.5%–5.5% of water in the melt, that is close to the content of water in the silicic hornblende-bearing magmas of the rear zone of the Kuril–Kamchatka arc. Hence, we suggest that the transition from pyroxene phenocryst associations of the frontal zone to the hornblende-bearing ones of the rear zone might be interpreted as reflecting higher temperatures of crystallization of the melts from the frontal zone rather than increasing water content in the rear zone magmas.     

Development and differentiation rate of a magmatic melt in the upper parts of the feeders in Kamchatka slag cones

The study of a number of slag cones of the Kliuchevskaia volcanic group in Kamchatka indicates that the eruptions began with emission of relatively acid magma and ended with more basic magma varieties, which may be associated with gravity differentiation. This gravity differentiation should have happened at the upper section of the feeders and lasted the pre-eruption period coinciding in time with the seismic phase of the volcanic event. According to data on eruptions occurred in historical times, the average duration of the pre-eruptive stage is 23 days. The degree of differentiation of the magmatic melt in the slag cones would be roughly proportional to the volume of ejected solid products.