Video and seismic observations of Strombolian eruptions at Erebus volcano,Antarctica

Between 1986 and 1990 the eruptive activity of Erebus volcano was monitored by a video camera with on-screen time code and recorded on video tape. Corresponding seismic and acoustic signals were recorded from a network of 6 geophones and 2 infrasonic microphones. Two hundred Strombolian explosions and three lava flows which were erupted from 7 vents were captured on video. In December 1986 the Strombolian eruptions ejected bombs and ash. In November 1987 large bubble-bursting Strombolian eruptions were observed. The bubbles burst when the bubble walls thinned to ∼ 20 cm. Explosions with bomb flight-times up to 14.5 s were accompanied by seismic signals with our local size estimate, “unified magnitudes” (m_u), up to 2.3. Explosions in pools of lava formed by flows in the Inner Crater were comparatively weak.     

Volcanic processes revealed by geophysical observations of the 1977–1982 activity of USU volcano, Japan

Volcanic processes of Usu volcano, manifested for about 5 years in dacitic activity, are deduced from the results of long- and short-term observations of earthquakes and deformations. At the beginning stage of the activity, earthquakes and deformations appear abruptly and develop hyperbolically with time, resulting in the first outburst, whereas at the terminating stage, they disappear as abruptly.A qualitative model of visco-plasto-elastic property is proposed to interpret the volcanic processes, especially of the beginning and terminating stages. From the standpoint of the prediction of eruptions of such volcanoes, we should observe any nonmechanical forerunning phenomena for long-term prediction, and add mechanical ones such as earthquakes and deformations to these observations for short-term prediction.     

Post-eruptive volcanic dome evolution as revealed by deformation and microgravity observations at Usu volcano (Hokkaido, Japan)

Usu volcano (Hokkaido, Japan) is a dacitic volcano, known for its high production rate of lava domes and crypto-domes. It is thus a good target to study processes of volcanic dome evolution (upheaval and/or relaxation). We carried out repeated GPS and microgravity surveys on the three most recent domes of Mt. Usu (1910: Meiji Shinzan; 1943–1945: Showa-Shinzan and 1977–1982: Usu-Shinzan). The repeat period was 1 to 2 months and extended from October 1996 to June 1997. We also compare new data with results from former studies. More than 20 years after the start of Usu-Shinzan dome growth, there is still subsidence at a maximum rate of about 7 to 8 cm/year. The reasons for this subsidence are discussed. Repeated gravity surveys revealed an increase of gravity on the domes (about 60±10 microgal/year for Usu-Shinzan, about 15 microgal at Showa-Shinzan and 10 to 20 microgal for Meiji-shinzan); this gravity increase exceeds that expected due to subsidence. We discuss and interpret the excess gravity change in terms of a density increase in the edifice, caused by a combination of processes (contraction of the edifice, water level change, devesiculisation, cooling and magma intrusion). Quantification of these processes at Usu volcano may help to understand the processes of evolution at domes on other volcanoes such as Merapi (Indonesia), Unzen (Japan) or Montserrat (West Indies).     

Magnetic and electric field observations during the 2000 activity of Miyake-jima volcano, Central Japan

Magnetic and electric field variations associated with the 2000 eruption of Miyake-jima volcano are summarized. For about 1 week prior to the July 8 phreatic explosion, significant changes in the total intensity were observed at a few stations, which indicated uprising of a demagnetized area from a depth of 2 km towards the summit: this non-magnetic source can be regarded as a vacant space itself. Electric and magnetic field variations were observed simultaneously associated with the tilt-step event, which was the abrupt (∼50 s) inflation at a few km depth within the volcano followed by gradual recovery (∼several hours). The electric field is ascribed to the electrokinetic effect most probably due to forced injection of fluids from the source, while the magnetic field to the piezomagnetic effect due to increased pressure. Large magnetic variations amounting to a few tens of nT were observed at several stations since July 8, and they turned almost flat after the August 18 largest eruption. Magnetic changes are explained mostly by the vanishing of magnetic mass in the summit and additionally by the thermal demagnetization at a rather shallow depth. A large increase in the self-potential by 130 mV was also observed near the summit caldera associated with the August 18 eruption, which suggests that the hydrothermal circulation system sustained within the volcano for the past more than 10 years was destroyed by this eruption.     

Magma dynamics beneath Kameni volcano, Thera, Greece, as revealed by crystal size and shape measurements

Size distributions of plagioclase crystals in series of recent porphyritic dacite lavas from Kameni volcano, Greece, can be modelled by mixing two populations of crystals, each with overlapping linear crystal size distributions (CSD)—termed microlites and megacrysts. The magmas bearing the microlites and megacrysts started to crystallise 6–13 and 24–96 years, respectively, before each eruption. The dates of initiation of crystallisation of the megacrysts indicate that they are left-overs of earlier injections of new magma into a shallow chamber: some magma remains after each eruption and continues to crystallise. New magma with few or no crystals is then introduced and the microlites crystallise from the mixed magma. Eruption followed 6–13 years after mixing. Such a model would suggest that some porphyritic magmas are products of a shallow magma chamber that is never completely emptied, just topped up from time to time.     

Erratum to Compositional variations and magma mixing in the 1991 eruptions of Hudson volcano,Chile

The August 1991 eruptions of Hudson volcano produced ~2.7 km³ (dense rock equivalent, DRE) of basaltic to trachyandesitic pyroclastic deposits, making it one of the largest historical eruptions in South America. Phase 1 of the eruption (P1, April 8) involved both lava flows and a phreatomagmatic eruption from a fissure located in the NW corner of the caldera. The paroxysmal phase (P2) began several days later (April 12) with a Plinian-style eruption from a different vent 4 km to the south-southeast. Tephra from the 1991 eruption ranges in composition from basalt (phase 1) to trachyandesite (phase 2), with a distinct gap between the two erupted phases from 54–60 wt% SiO₂. A trend of decreasing SiO₂ is evident from the earliest part of the phase 2 eruption (unit A, 63–65 wt% SiO₂) to the end (unit D, 60–63 wt% SiO₂). Melt inclusion data and textures suggest that mixing occurred in magmas from both eruptive phases. The basaltic and trachyandesitic magmas can be genetically related through both magma mixing and fractional crystallization processes. A combination of observed phase assemblages, inferred water content, crystallinity, and geothermometry estimates suggest pre-eruptive storage of the phase 2 trachyandesite at pressures between ~50–100 megapascal (MPa) at 972 ± 26°C under water-saturated conditions (log fO₂ –10.33 (±0.2)). It is proposed that rising P1 basaltic magma intersected the lower part of the P2 magma storage region between 2 and 3 km depth. Subsequent mixing between the two magmas preferentially hybridized the lower part of the chamber. Basaltic magma continued advancing towards the surface as a dyke to eventually be erupted in the northwestern part of the Hudson caldera. The presence of tachylite in the P1 products suggests that some of the magma was stalled close to the surface (<0.5 km) prior to eruption. Seismicity related to magma movement and the P1 eruption, combined with chamber overpressure associated with basalt injection, may have created a pathway to the surface for the trachyandesite magma and subsequent P2 eruption at a different vent 4 km to the south-southeast. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Vesiculation path of ascending magma in the 1983 and the 2000 eruptions of Miyakejima volcano, Japan

The vesiculation of magma during the 1983 eruption of Miyakejima Volcano, Japan, is discussed based on systematic investigations of water content, vesicularity, and bubble size distribution for the products. The eruption is characterized by simultaneous lava effusion and explosive sub-plinian (‘dry’) eruptions with phreatomagmatic (‘wet’) explosions. The magmas are homogeneous in composition (basaltic andesite) and in initial water content (H₂O = 3.9±0.9 wt%), and residual groundmass water contents for all eruption styles are low (H₂O <0.4 wt%) suggestive of extensive dehydration of magma. For the scoria erupted during simultaneous ‘dry’ and ‘wet’ explosive eruptions, inverse correlation was observed between vesicularity and residual water content. This relation can be explained by equilibrium exsolution and expansion of ca. 0.3 wt% H₂O at shallow level with different times of quenching, and suggests that each scoria with different vesicularity, which was quenched at a different time, provides a snapshot of the vesiculation process near the point of fragmentation. The bubble size distribution (BSD) varies systematically with vesicularity, and total bubble number density reaches a maximum value at vesicularity Φ ∼ 0.5. At Φ  ∼ 0.5, a large number of bubbles are connected with each other, and the average thickness of bubble walls reaches the minimum value below which they would rupture. These facts suggest that vesiculation advanced by nucleation and growth of bubbles when Φ < 0.5, and then by expansion of large bubbles with coalescence of small ones for Φ > 0.5, when bubble connection becomes effective. Low vesicularity and low residual water content of lava and spatter (Φ  < 0.1, H₂O  < 0.1 wt%), and systematic decrease in bubble number density from scoria through spatter to lava with decrease in vesicularity suggest that effusive eruption is a consequence of complete degassing by bubble coalescence and separation from magma at shallow levels when magma ascent rate is slow.

Heat discharge from summit crater of Mihara volcano, Ooshima, Japan

Using an infrared radiation thermometer, measurements by remote sensing were carried out for surface temperatures of the bottom-floor and wall of the central pit and its surrounding crater bottom of Mihara volcano, Ooshima, Japan. Isotherms for the wall of the central pit are compared with the thermal and other surface manifestations. Heat discharge from the summit crater of Mihara volcano is estimated on the basis of various meteorological and other techniques, and for convenience of computation it is divided into the following three categories; latent and sensible heat transferred by ascending volcanic gas; heat emitted from the bottom-floor and wall of the central pit; and heat transported conductively and convectively from the underground heat source through the western, southern and eastern parts of the crater bottom. The computed heat discharge is estimated to be 1.4 x 10⁷ cal s⁻¹, which is about one order of magnitude less than that of the minor eruption on 28 February 1974. The methodology developed here for estimation of the heat discharge from a volcano can also be applied to other volcanoes.     

2003-2011年平流层顶抬升事件的SABER/TIMED观测

利用2003-2011年的SABER/TIMED温度数据观测发现,在2006年、2009年和2010年北半球高纬（70°N）的冬季（1-3月）发生了“平流层顶抬升”.在这3次事件中,1月末-2月初的~50 km和~80 km高度处分别出现了温度的极大值~260 K和~230 K,即平流层顶的高度突然由原来的50 km左右上升至80 km左右,这就是平流层顶抬升事件;随着时间的推移,抬升的平流层顶的高度逐渐下降直至恢复到原有位置,与此同时其温度由~230 K上升至~260 K.值得注意的是,虽然在极区的每年冬天都发生平流层突然增温事件,但是只在伴随着极涡分裂的平流层突然增温事件后出现平流层顶抬升.此外,在发生平流层顶抬升事件的冬季里,高纬的重力波活动在1月末-2月初的~80 km高度处突然增强,对应着平流层顶的抬升时间和高度;在2月份之后,重力波活动在75 km以下逐渐增强、在75 km以上逐渐减弱,同时抬升的平流层顶也不断下降.通过重力波活动与平流层顶抬升事件的相关性分析,表明重力波活动可能对平流层顶的抬升有重要影响.     

Magma supply,magma ascent and the style of volcanic eruptions

We propose a new way of looking at the sequence of events leading to different styles of silicic, volcanic eruptions. Small-to-medium sized eruptions, either explosive or effusive, are explained by the ascent of isolated magma batches from mid-crustal magma chambers. We separate magma ascent into four different zones: the Supply System, the Intermediate Storage System, the Transport System and the Eruptive System. Of primary importance is the concept that ascent from the Intermediate Storage System through the Transport System to the Eruptive System first requires the development of a fracture network. Initially, this fracture network allows the ascent of individual magma batches by opening and then closing after their passage. An increase in the complexity of the fracture network with time increases the connectivity of the fractures and hence the ease of upward magma movement. In this model, the dynamics of the ensuing eruptions are controlled entirely by the time spent in the Transport System. Large explosive eruptions require a full interconnectivity of the Transport System from the Intermediate Storage System to the Eruptive System. Moreover, we suggest that a fully connected conduit is rare, develops only under particular conditions, and typically generates catastrophic eruptions during formation. Here we examine two case histories that illustrate the interplay of these processes: Mt St. Helens, USA, between 1980 and 2004, and Mt. Pinatubo, Philippines, in 1991.     

Geological and seismological evidence of increased explosivity during the 1986 eruptions of Pavlof volcano,Alaska

We present results of study of the best-documented eruptions of Pavlof volcano in historic time. The 1986 eruptions were mostly Strombolian in character; a strong initial phase may have been Vulcanian. The 1986 activity erupted at least 8×10⁶ m³ of feldspar-phyric basaltic andesite lava (SiO₂=53–54%), and a comparable volume of wind-borne tephra. During the course of the eruption, 5300 explosion earthquakes occurred, the largest of which was equivalent to an M _L =2.5 earthquake. Volcanic tremor was recorded for 2600 hours, and the strongest tremor was recorded out to a distance of 160 km and had an amplitude of at least 54 cm² reduced displacement. The 1986 eruptions modified the structure of the vent area for the first time in over two decades. A possible pyroclastic flow was observed on 19 June 1986, the first time such a phenomenon has been observed at the volcano. Overall, the 1986 eruptions were the strongest and longest duration eruptions in historic time, and changed a temporal pattern of activity that had persisted from 1973–1984.     

Anatomy of 1986 Augustine volcano eruptions as recorded by multispectral image processing of digital AVHRR weather satellite data

Eighteen digital AVHRR (advanced very high resolution radiometer) data sets from NOAA-6 and NOAA-9 polar-orbiting satellites recorded between 27 March and 7 April 1986 depict the eruptive activity of Augustine volcano, located 280 km SW of Anchorage, Alaska. The synoptic view (resolution of either 1.1 or 4.4 km), frequent coverage (often twice a day), and multispectral coverage (five bands: 0.58–0.68; 0.72–1.1; 3.55–3.93; 10.5–11.3; and 11.5–12.5 m) makes the AVHRR broadly applicable to analyzing explosive eruption clouds. The small scale of the Augustine activity (column heights of 2–13 km and eruption rates of 2x10⁶–8x10⁷ metric tonnes/day) facilitated intensive multispectral study because the plumes generally covered areas within the 550x550 km area of one easily manipulated image field. Hourly ground weather data and twice-daily radiosonde measurements from stations surrounding the volcano plus numerous volcanological observations were made throughout the eruption, providing important ground truth with which to calibrate the satellite data. The total erupted volume is estimated to be at least 0.102 km³. The pattern of changing eruption rates determined by satellite observations generally correlate with more detailed estimates of explosion magnitudes. Multispectral processing techniques were used to distinguish eruption clouds from meteorological clouds. Variable weather during the Augustine eruption offered an opportunity to test various trial algorithms. A ratio between thermal IR channels four and five, served to delineate the ashbearing eruption plumes from ordinary clouds. Future work is needed to determine whether the successful multispectral discrimination is caused by wavelength-dependent variable emission of silicate ash or reflects a spectral role of sulfuric acid aerosol in the plume.     

Chemical variations of magmas at Izu-Oshima volcano,Japan: plagioclase-controlled and differentiated magmas

Systematic analyses of the major-element chemistry of products of several eruptions during syn-and post-caldera stages of Izu-Oshima volcano were compiled. Comparisons of the products of large-scale eruptions in 1338?, 1421? and 1777–1778, of intermediate-scale eruptions in 1950–1951 and 1986, and of small-scale eruptions in 1954, 1964 and 1974 clearly show the existence of two types of magmas. One is “plagioclase-controlled” and the other is “differentiated” magma (multimineral-controlled); i.e. the bulk chemistry of the first magma type is controlled by plagioclase addition or removal, while that of the second type is controlled by fractionation of plagioclase, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, and titanomagnetite. Eruptions of Izu-Oshima volcano have occurred at the summit and along the flanks. Summit eruptions tap only plagioclase-controlled magmas, while flank eruptions supply both magma types. It is considered unlikely that both magma types would coexist in the same magma chamber based on the petrology. In the case of the 1986 eruption, the flank magma was isolated sometime in the past from the summit magma chamber or central conduit, and formed small magma pockets, where further differentiation occurred due to relatively rapid cooling. In a period of quiescence prior to the 1986 eruption, new magma was supplied to the summit magma chamber, and the summit eruption began. The dike intrusion or fracturing around the small magma pockets triggered the flank eruption of the differentiated magma. This model can be applied to the large-scale flank eruption in 1338(?) which erupted differentiated magmas. In 1421(?), the flank eruption tapped plagioclase-controlled magma. In this case, the isolated magmas from the summit magma chamber directly penetrated the flank without differentiation.     

Estimates of heat and pyroclast discharge by volcanic eruptions based upon the eruption cloud and steady plume observations

Fumarolic steam plumes and eruption clouds rise like convetive turbulent columns into the atmosphere. Formulae are presented here for estimating the heat power of plumes, the production rate of juvenile pyroclasts ejected during eruptions and the heat output of fumaroles. Their accuracy is tested using the well-studied examples of eruptions of Kamchatkan volcanoes.The Briggs (1969) formula may be used in observing the ascending part of a plume in crosswinds. The best results have been obtained using the CONCAWE formula which permits estimation of the heat power in crosswinds based on the axis height of a horizontal part of a maintained plume. Three connected equations have been suggested for a stable atmosphere and calm weather conditions. The first one, which is applicable for heights ranging from 100 m to 1 km, is the formula proposed by Morton et al. (1956). This equation changes for higher layers of the troposphere (1–10 km) and stratosphere (10–55 km).A classification scale was constructed allowing us to compare volcanic eruptions and fumarolic activity in terms of the intensity of their plumes.The described method is useful for volcano surveillance; it helps in the study of the energetics and mechanics of volcanic and magmatic processes.     

On the geodetic observations during 1965 to 1969 in the Koyna region, India

Limited reports of repeat triangulation and levelling surveys carried out in the Koyna region by Survey of India, before and after the 1967 Koyna earthquake, are available. We analyse these observations of horizontal and vertical displacements to investigate whether analysis of these observations can provide additional constraints on the source parameters of the 1967 Koyna earthquake. We calculate surface displacements due to coseismic slip on the subsurface rupture of the 1967 Koyna earthquake and also due to the Koyna reservoir water load. We find that the reported displacements are too large to be attributed to the coseismic displacements and/or to the displacements induced by the reservoir water load. We conclude that these observations contain large random and systematic errors.     

Volume,energy and cyclicity of eruptions of Arenal volcano,Costa Rica

The 1968–73 (and continuing) eruption of Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica, a small 1633 m strato-volcano with long periods of repose, defines an eruptive cycle which is typical of Arenal’s pre-historic eruptions. An intense, short explosive phase (July 29–31, 1968) grades into an effusive phase, and is followed by a block lava flow. The eruptive rocks become increasingly less differentiated with time in a given cycle, ranging from andesite to basaltic andesite. Nuées ardentes are a characteristic of the initial explosions, and are caused by fall-back ejecta on slopes around the main crater — an explosion crater in the 1968 eruption — which coalesce into hot avalanches and descend major drainage channels. Total volume of pyroclastic flows was small, about 1.8 ± 0.5 × 10ⁿ m³, in the July 29–31 explosions, and are block and ash flows, with much accidental material. Overpressures, ranging up to perhaps 5 kilobars just prior to major explosions, were estimated from velocities of large ejected blocks, which had velocities of up to 600 m/sec. Total kinetic energy and volume of ejecta of all explosions are an estimated 3 × 10²² ergs and 0.03 km³, respectively. The block lava flow, emitted from Sept., 1968 to 1973 (and continuing) has a volume greater than 0.06 km³, and covers 2.7 km² at thicknesses ranging from 15 to over 100 m. The total volumes of the explosive and effusive phases for the 1968–73 eruption are about 0.05 km³ and 0.06 km³, respectively. The last eruption of Arenal occurred about 1500 AD. based on radiocarbon dating and archaeological means, and was about twice as voluminous as the current one (0.17 km³ versus 0.09 km³). The total thermal energies for this pre-historic eruption and the current one are 8 × 10²³ and 18 × 10²³, respectively. The total volume of Arenal’s cone is about 6 km³ from 1633 m (summit) to 500 m, and, estimates of age based on the average rate of cone growth from these two eruptions, suggest an age between 20,000 to 200,000 years.     

Phreatomagmatic eruptions associated with the caldera collapse during the Miyakejima 2000 eruption,Japan

The 2000 AD eruption of Miyakejima was characterized by a series of phreatomagmatic eruptions from the subsiding caldera. Six major eruptive events occurred, and they can be divided into the first and second periods separated by a 25-day hiatus. The phreatomagmatic eruptions produced a total of ~ 2 × 10¹⁰ kg of tephra, which mainly comprised fine-grained volcanic ash. The tephra layers could be divided into six fall units corresponding to the six major eruptive events.     

Estimation of heat discharge rates using infrared measurements by a helicopter-borne thermocamera over the geothermal areas of Unzen volcano, Japan

Unzen volcano is situated on Shimabara Peninsula, western Kyushu, Japan. On the flank of the volcano, the Obama, Unzen and Shimabara hot springs are aligned in a direction from the southwest to the northeast across the peak. At Obama and Shimabara, heat is transferred mainly by water flow. But at Unzen heat is transferred by the discharge of natural steam and by conduction as well as water flow. In order to estimate the heat discharge by mechanisms other than water flow, infrared measurements by a helicopter-borne thermocamera were conducted over the Unzen hot spring area. The heat discharge was calculated from the thermal image by a method based on heat balance of the ground surface resulting in a value of 1.9 × 10⁶ cal/s (7.9 MW). The heat discharged by all mechanisms including that by water flow is estimated to be 5.0 × 10⁶ cal/s (21 MW). Similar preliminary estimates have been made for heat discharge at the Obama and Shimabara hot springs giving values of about 1.2 × 10⁷ cal/s (50 MW) and 1.0 × 10⁵ cal/s (0.4 MW), respectively. These values indicate that the heat discharge decreases with distance from the southwest to the northeast direction across the volcano. The total heat discharge from three hot spring areas on Unzen volcano is about 1.7 × 10⁷ cal/s (71 MW).The heat balance method appears useful for quantitative analysis of regional trends but its accuracy may not be always sufficient for detailed surveys. Several methods of determining heat flow, including the heat balance method, were compared at a test field in the Unzen hot spring area. The values obtained by the heat balance method coincide roughly with the other results but more detailed analysis is necessary to improve the accuracy of current methods of geothermal measurements.     

A heating process of Kuchi-erabu-jima volcano,Japan, as inferred from geomagnetic field variations and electrical structure

Since August 2000, we have recorded the total intensity of the geomagnetic field at the summit area of Kuchi-erabu-jima volcano, where phreatic eruptions have repeatedly occurred. A time series analysis has shown that the variations in the geomagnetic field since 2001 have a strong relationship to an increase in volcanic activity. These variations indicate thermal demagnetization of the subsurface around the presently active crater. The demagnetization source for the early variations, until summer 2002, was estimated at about 200 m below sea level. For the variations since 2003, the source was modeled on the basis of the expansion of a uniformly magnetized ellipsoid. The modeling result showed that the source is located at 300 m above sea level beneath the crater. We carried out an audio-frequency magnetotelluric survey with the aim of obtaining a relation between the demagnetization source and the shallow structure of the volcano. A two-dimensional inversion applied to the data detected two good conductors, a shallow thin one which is restricted to a region around the summit area, while the other extends over the edifice at depths between 200 and 800 m. These conductors are regarded as clay-rich layers with low permeability, which were assumed to be generated through hydrothermal alteration. The demagnetization source for the early variations was possibly located at the lower part of the deep conductor and the source after 2003 lies between the two conductors, where groundwater is considered to be abundant. Based on these results, as well as on seismological, geodetic, and geochemical information, we propose a heating process of the Kuchi-erabu-jima volcano. In the initial stage, high-temperature volcanic gases supplied from the deep-seated magma remained temporarily at the level around the lower part of the less permeable deep conductor since the ascent path had not yet been established. Then, when the pathway developed as a result of repeated earthquakes, it became possible for a massive flux of volcanic gases to ascend through the conductor. The high temperature gases reached the aquifer located above the conductor and the heat was efficiently transported to the surrounding rocks through the groundwater. As a consequence, an abrupt increase of the gas flux and diffusion of the heat through the aquifer occurred and the high-temperature zone expanded. Since the high-temperature zone is located beneath another conductor, which acts as caprock, we assume that the energy of the phreatic explosion is accumulated there.