Vent conditions for expected eruptions at Vesuvius

Determining consistent sets of vent conditions for next expected eruptions at Vesuvius is crucial for the simulation of the sub-aerial processes originating the volcanic hazard and the eruption impact. Here we refer to the expected eruptive scales and conditions defined in the frame of the EC Exploris project, and simulate the dynamics of magma ascent along the volcanic conduit for sub-steady phases of next eruptions characterized by intensities of the Violent Strombolian (VS), Sub-Plinian 2 (SP2), and Sub-Plinian 1 (SP1) scale. Sets of conditions for the simulations are determined on the basis of the bulk of knowledge on the past history of Vesuvius [Cioni, R., Bertagnini, A., Santacroce, R., Andronico, D., Explosive activity and eruption scenarios at Somma–Vesuvius (Italy): towards a new classification scheme. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, this issue.]. Volatile contents (H₂O and CO₂) are parameterized in order to account for the uncertainty in their expected amounts for a next eruption. In all cases the flow in the conduit is found to be choked, with velocities at the conduit exit or vent corresponding to the sonic velocity in the two-phase non-equilibrium magmatic mixture. Conduit diameters and vent mixture densities are found to display minimum overlapping between the different eruptive scales, while exit gas and particle velocities, as well as vent pressures, largely overlap. Vent diameters vary from as low as about 5 m for VS eruptions, to 35–55 m for the most violent SP1 eruption scale. Vent pressures can be as low as less than 1 MPa for the lowest volatile content employed of 2 wt.% H₂O and no CO₂, to 7–8 MPa for highest volatile contents of 5 wt.% H₂O and 2 wt.% CO₂ and large eruptive scales. Gas and particle velocities at the vent range from 100–250 m/s, with a tendency to decrease, and to increase the mechanical decoupling between the phases, with increasing eruptive scale. Except for velocities, all relevant vent quantities are more sensitive to the volatile content of the discharged magma for the highest eruptive scales considered.     

Modeling of the ascent of magma during the plinian eruption of Vesuvius in A.D. 79

The ascent of magma during the A.D. 79 eruption of Vesuvius was studied by a steady-state, one-dimensional, and nonequilibrium two-phase flow model. The gas exsolution process was modeled by assuming a chemical equilibrium between the exsolved and dissolved gas, whereas the magma density and viscosity were modeled by accounting for the crystal content in magma. The exsolution, density, and viscosity models consider the effect of different compositions of the white and gray magmas. By specifying the conduit geometry and magma composition, and employing the model to search for the maximum discharge rate of magma which is consistent with the specified geometry and magma composition, the model was then used to establish the two-phase flow parameters along the conduit. It was found that for all considered conditions the magma pressure in the conduit decreases below the lithostatic pressure near the magma fragmentation level, and that in the deep regions of the conduit the white magma pressure is larger and the gray magma pressure is lower than the lithostatic one. The exsolution and fragmentation levels were found to be deeper for the white than for the gray magma, and the changing composition during the eruption causes an increase of the exit pressure and decrease of the exit gas volumetric fraction. The model also predicted a minimum conduit diameter which is consistent with the white and gray magma compositions and mass flow-rates. The predictions of the model were shown to be consistent with column collapses during the gray eruption phase, large presence of carbonate lithics in the gray pumice fall deposit, and magma-water interaction during a late stage of the eruption.     

Coupled conduit and atmospheric dispersal dynamics of the AD 79 Plinian eruption of Vesuvius

The AD 79 eruption of Vesuvius is certainly one of the most investigated explosive eruptions in the world. This makes it particularly suitable for the application of numerical models since we can be quite confident about input data, and the model predictions can be compared with field-based reconstruction of the eruption dynamics. Magma ascent along the volcanic conduit and the dispersal of pyroclasts in the atmosphere were simulated. The conduit and atmospheric domain were coupled through the flow conditions computed at the conduit exit. We simulated two different peak phases of the eruption which correspond to the emplacement of the white and gray magma types that produced Plinian fallout deposits with interlayered pyroclastic flow units during the gray phase. The input data, independently constrained and representative of each of the two eruptive phases, consist of liquid magma composition, crystal and water content, mass flow rate, and pressure–temperature–depth of the magma at the conduit entrance. A parametric study was performed on the less constrained variables such as microlite content of magma, pressure at the conduit entrance, and particle size representative of the eruptive mixture. Numerical results are substantially consistent with the reconstructed eruptive dynamics. In particular, the white eruption phase is found to lead to a fully buoyant eruption plume in all cases investigated, whereas the gray phase shows a more transitional character, i.e. the simultaneous production of a buoyant convective plume and pyroclastic surges, with a significant influence of the microlite content of magma in determining the partition of pyroclast mass between convective plumes and pyroclastic flows.     

Nonequilibrium flow in volcanic conduits and application to the eruptions of Mt. St. Helens on May 18, 1980, and Vesuvius in AD 79

A steady-state, one-dimensional, and nonhomogeneous two-phase flow model was developed for the prediction of local flow properties in volcanic conduits. The model incorporates the effects of relative velocity between the phases and for the variable magma viscosity. The resulting set of nonlinear differential equations was solved by a stiff numerical solver and the results were verified with the results of basaltic fissure eruptions obtained by a homogeneous two-phase flow model, before applying the model to the eruptions of Mt. St. Helens and Vesuvius volcanoes. This verification, and a study of the sensitivity of several modeling parameters, proved effective in establishing the confidence in the predicted nonequilibrium results of flow distribution in the conduits when the mass flow rate is critical or maximum. The application of the model to the plinian eruptions of Mt. St. Helens on May 18, 1980, and Vesuvius in AD 79, demonstrates the sensitivity of the magma discharge rate and distributions of pressure, volumetric fraction, and velocities of phases, on the hydrous magma viscosity feeding the volcanic conduits. Larger magma viscosities produce smaller mass discharge rates (or greater conduit diameters), smaller exit pressures, larger disequilibrium between the phases, and larger difference between the local lithostatic and fluid pressures in the conduit. This large pressure difference occurs when magma fragments and may cause a rupture of the conduit wall rocks, producing a closure of the conduit and cessation of the volcanic eruption, or water pouring into the conduit from underground aquifers leading to phreatomagmatic explosions. The motion of the magma fragmentation zone along a conduit during an eruption can be caused by the varying viscosity of magma feeding the volcanic conduit and may cause intermittent phreatomagmatic explosions during the plinian phases as different underground aquifers are activated at different depths. The variation of magma viscosity during the eruptions of Mt. St. Helens in 1980 and Vesuvius in AD 79 is normally associated with the tapping of magmas from different depths of the magma chambers. This variation of viscosity, which can include different crystal and dissolved water contents, can also produce conduit wall erosion, the onset and collapse of volcanic columns above the vent, and the onset and cessation of pyroclastic flows and surges.     

Volcanic conduit failure as a trigger to magma fragmentation

In the assessment of volcanic risk, it is often assumed that magma ascending at a slow rate will erupt effusively, whereas magma ascending at fast rate will lead to an explosive eruption. Mechanistically viewed, this assessment is supported by the notion that the viscoelastic nature of magma (i.e., the ability of magma to relax at an applied strain rate), linked via the gradient of flow pressure (related to discharge rate), controls the eruption style. In such an analysis, the physical interactions between the magma and the conduit wall are commonly, to a first order, neglected. Yet, during ascent, magma must force its way through the volcanic edifice/structure, whose presence and form may greatly affect the stress field through which the magma is trying to ascend. Here, we demonstrate that fracturing of the conduit wall via flow pressure releases an elastic shock resulting in fracturing of the viscous magma itself. We find that magma fragmentation occurred at strain rates seven orders of magnitude slower than theoretically anticipated from the applied axial strain rate. Our conclusion, that the discharge rate cannot provide a reliable indication of ascending magma rheology without knowledge of conduit wall stability, has important ramifications for volcanic hazard assessment. New numerical simulations are now needed in order to integrate magma/conduit interaction into eruption models.     

Effects of relative motion between gas and liquid on 1-dimensional steady flow in silicic volcanic conduits: 2. Origin of diversity of eruption styles

We investigate the origin of diversity of eruption styles in silicic volcanoes on the basis of a 1-dimensional steady conduit flow model that considers vertical relative motion between gas and liquid (i.e., vertical gas escape). The relationship between the assemblage of steady-state solutions in the conduit flow model and magma properties or geological conditions is expressed by a regime map in the parameter space of the ratio of liquid-wall friction force to liquid–gas interaction force (non-dimensional number ε), and a normalized conduit length Λ. The regime map developed in the companion paper shows that when ε is smaller than a critical value ε_cr, a solution of explosive eruption exists for a wide range of Λ, whereas an effusive solution exists only when Λ ~ 1. On the other hand, when ε > ε_cr, an effusive solution exists for a wide range of Λ. Diversity of eruption styles observed in nature is explained by the change in ε accompanied by the change in magma viscosity during magma ascent. As magma ascends, the magma viscosity increases because of gas exsolution and crystallization, leading to the increase in ε. For the viscosity of hydrous silicic magma at magma chamber, ε is estimated to be smaller than ε_cr, indicating that an explosive solution exists for wide ranges of geological parameters. When magma flow rate is small, the viscosity of silicic magma drastically increases because of extensive crystallization at a shallow level in the conduit. In this case, ε can be greater than ε_cr; as a result, a stable effusive solution co-exists with an explosive solution.     

Variation of volatile concentration in a magma system of Satsuma-Iwojima volcano deduced from melt inclusion analyses

Chemical analyses of 30 melt inclusions from Satsuma-Iwojima volcano, Japan, were carried out to investigate volatile evolution in a magma chamber beneath the volcano from about 6300 yr BP to the present. Large variations in volatile concentrations of melts were observed. (1) Water concentration of rhyolitic melts decreases with time; 3–4.6 wt.% at the time of latest caldera-forming eruption of Takeshima pyroclastic flow deposit (ca. 6300 yr BP), 3 wt.% for small pyroclastic flow (ca. 1300 yr BP) of Iwodake, post-caldera rhyolitic dome, and 0.7–1.4 wt.% for submarine lava eruption (Showa-Iwojima) in 1934. (2) Rhyolitic melts of the Takeshima and Iwodake eruptions contained CO₂ of less than 40 ppm, while the Showa-Iwojima melt has higher CO₂ concentration of up to 140 ppm. (3) Water and CO₂ concentrations of basaltic to andesitic melt of Inamuradake, a post-caldera basaltic scoria cone, are 1.2–2.8 wt.% and ≤290 ppm, respectively.Volatile evolution in the magma chamber is interpreted as follows: (1) the rhyolitic magma at the time of the latest caldera-forming eruption (ca. 6300 yr BP) was gas-saturated due to pressure variation in the magma chamber because the large variation in water concentration of the melt was attributed to exsolution of volatile in the magma prior to the eruption. Iwodake eruption (ca. 1300 yr BP) was caused by a remnant of the caldera-forming rhyolitic magma, suggested from the similarity of major element composition between these magmas. (2) Volatile composition of the Showa-Iwojima rhyolitic melt agrees with that of magmatic gases presently discharging from a summit of Iwodake, indicating the low pressure degassing condition. (3) The degassing of the magma chamber by magma convection in a conduit of Iwodake during non-eruptive but active degassing period for longer than 800 years decreased water concentration of the rhyolitic magma. (4) Geological and petrological observations indicate that a stratified magma chamber, which consists of a lower basaltic layer and an upper rhyolitic layer, might have existed during the post-caldera stage. Addition of CO₂ from the underlying basaltic magma to the upper gas-undersaturated (degassed) rhyolitic magma increased CO₂ concentration of the rhyolitic magma.     

Breadcrust bombs as indicators of Vulcanian eruption dynamics at Guagua Pichincha volcano,Ecuador

Vulcanian eruptions are common at many volcanoes around the world. Vulcanian activity occurs as either isolated sequences of eruptions or as precursors to sustained explosive events and is interpreted as clearing of shallow plugs from volcanic conduits. Breadcrust bombs characteristic of Vulcanian eruptions represent samples of different parts of these plugs and preserve information that can be used to infer parameters of pre-eruption magma ascent. The morphology and preserved volatile contents of breadcrust bombs erupted in 1999 from Guagua Pichincha volcano, Ecuador, thus allow us to constrain the physical processes responsible for Vulcanian eruption sequences of this volcano. Morphologically, breadcrust bombs differ in the thickness of glassy surface rinds and in the orientation and density of crack networks. Thick rinds fracture to create deep, widely spaced cracks that form large rectangular domains of surface crust. In contrast, thin rinds form polygonal networks of closely spaced shallow cracks. Rind thickness, in turn, is inversely correlated with matrix glass water content in the rind. Assuming that all rinds cooled at the same rate, this correlation suggests increasing bubble nucleation delay times with decreasing pre-fragmentation water content of the melt. A critical bubble nucleation threshold of 0.4–0.9 wt% water exists, below which bubble nucleation does not occur and resultant bombs are dense. At pre-fragmentation melt H₂O contents of >∼0.9 wt%, only glassy rinds are dense and bomb interiors vesiculate after fragmentation. For matrix glass H₂O contents of ≥1.4 wt%, rinds are thin and vesicular instead of thick and non-vesicular. A maximum measured H₂O content of 3.1 wt% establishes the maximum pressure (63 MPa) and depth (2.5 km) of magma that may have been tapped during a single eruptive event. More common H₂O contents of ≤1.5 wt% suggest that most eruptions involved evacuation of ≤1.5 km of the conduit. As we expect that substantial overpressures existed in the conduit prior to eruption, these depth estimates based on magmastatic pressure are maxima. Moreover, the presence of measurable CO₂ (≤17 ppm) in quenched glass of highly degassed magma is inconsistent with simple models of either open- or closed-system degassing, and leads us instead to suggest re-equilibration of the melt with gas derived from a deeper magmatic source. Together, these observations suggest a model for the repeated Vulcanian eruptions that includes (1) evacuation of the shallow conduit during an individual eruption, (2) depressurization of magma remaining in the conduit accompanied by open-system degassing through permeable bubble networks, (3) rapid conduit re-filling, and (4) dome formation prior to the subsequent explosion. An important part of this process is densification of upper conduit magma to allow repressurization between explosions. At a critical overpressure, trapped pressurized gas fragments the nascent impermeable cap to repeat the process.     

CO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-driven large mafic explosive eruptions: the Pozzolane Rosse case study from the Colli Albani Volcanic District (Italy)

Generally, the intensity and magnitude of explosive volcanic activity increase in parallel with SiO₂ content. Pyroclastic-flow-forming eruptions in the Colli Albani ultrapotassic volcanic district (Italy) represent the most striking exception on a global scale, with volumes on the order of tens of cubic kilometres and K-foiditic compositions (SiO₂ even <42 wt.%). Here, we reconstruct the pre-eruptive scenario and event dynamics of the ~456 ka Pozzolane Rosse (PR) eruption, the largest mafic explosive event of the Colli Albani district. In particular, we focus on the driving mechanisms for the unusually explosive eruption of a low-viscosity, mafic magma. Geologic, petrographic and geochemical data with mass balance calculations, supported by experimental data for Colli Albani magma compositions, provide evidence for significant ingestion of carbonate wall rocks by the Pozzolane Rosse K-foiditic magma. Moreover, the scattered occurrence of cored bombs in Pozzolane Rosse pyroclastic-flow deposits records carbonate entrainment even at the eruptive time scale, as also tested quantitatively by thermal modelling of magma–carbonate interaction and carbonate assimilation experiments. We suggest that the addition of free CO₂ from decarbonation of country rocks was the major factor controlling magma explosivity. High CO₂ activity in the volatile component, coupled with magma depressurisation, produced extensive leucite crystallisation at short time scales, resulting in a dramatic increase in magma viscosity and volatile pressurisation, which was manifested a change of eruptive dynamics from early effusion to the Pozzolane Rosse's highly explosive eruption climax.     

Conduit convection,magma mixing,and melt inclusion trends at persistently degassing volcanoes

Magmas progressively exsolve volatiles as they ascend towards the Earth's surface, such that their volatile content is a function of pressure. Water and carbon dioxide concentrations measured in melt inclusions from degassing volcanoes rarely coincide with modelled degassing trends. I show that observed melt inclusion trends can be reproduced through mixing of magmas, either during convection within the volcanic conduit, or within a subterranean magma reservoir. No fluxing gas phase or post-entrapment loss of water need be invoked. A permeable network allowing gas transport is still required to avoid fragmentation of magma at shallow depths.     

The influence of geometry on the ascent of magma in open fissures

During steady eruption, the flow conditions (emitted mass flux, exit velocity and exit pressure) depend on the geometry of the conduit in which the eruption occurs. This dependence is examined for the onedimensional, isothermal ascent of a homogeneous basaltic magma with an aqueous volatile phase and newtonian rheology. By fixing the geometry of the feeding fissure, the mass flux flowing in steady conditions can be determined at any depth, as well the magma pressure and vertical velocity. Flow behaviour is analysed for three fissure shapes: constant width, slowly upward narrowing and lenticular. In all the cases examined the magma arrives at the earth's surface with a pressure greater than atmospheric. The results are compared with those obtained when a lithostatic pressure gradient is assumed for the magma column. Some speculations are made, moreover, about the change in eruption style, if conduit geometry varies during a non-steady phase.     

Multiple origins of obsidian pyroclasts and implications for changes in the dynamics of the 1300 B.P. eruption of Newberry Volcano,USA

The pyroclastic deposits of the 1300 B.P. eruption of Newberry Volcano, OR, USA, contain minor amounts of obsidian (1–6 wt.%). The volatile (H₂O and CO₂) contents and textures of these clasts vary considerably. FTIR measurements of H₂O in obsidian pyroclasts range from 0.1 to 1.5 wt.% indicating equilibration pressures ≤20 MPa. CO₂ contents are low (<10 ppm) except in clasts that also contain xenolith powder that provided a local CO₂ source. Obsidian clasts exhibit a range of color and textural types that changed in relative proportion as the eruption progressed. Together these data indicate that there were multiple origins of obsidian and that the dominant source changed during the eruption. Early in the eruption, obsidian was almost entirely black or grey (microlite-bearing) and probably derived from dikes or wall rock fractures filled with vanguard magma or tuffisite that, together with wall rocks, were eroded and incorporated into the eruption column as the vent widened. Later in the eruption, following a brief cessation of activity, the proportion of obsidian to wallrock lithic clasts increased and new types of obsidian dominated, types that represent remnants of a shallow conduit plug, welded fallback material from within the conduit, and sheared and degassed magma from near the conduit walls. Analysis of bubble shapes preserved within obsidian indicates that shear stresses and shear rates varied by over two orders of magnitude, with maxima of 88 kPa and 10^−2.3 s⁻¹, respectively, based on an assumed magma temperature of 850°C. Furthermore, the highest shear rates and stresses, and the shortest flow times (10–20 min), are preserved in clasts that also contain wall rock. The longest deformation times (5 and 8 h) correspond to two microlite-rich clasts, suggesting that the higher microlite content results from slower ascent rates and/or longer magma residence times at shallow levels. Differences between obsidian pyroclasts from the Newberry eruption and those of the Mono Craters may relate to the nature of the conduit feeding the two events. From this comparison, we conclude that obsidian can provide information on time scales and mechanisms of pre-fragmentation magma ascent.     

The role of syn-eruptive vesiculation on explosive basaltic activity at Mt. Etna,Italy

We investigated the dynamics of explosive activity at Mt. Etna between 31 August and 15 December 2006 by combining vesicle studies in the erupted products with measurements of the gas composition at the active, summit crater. The analysed scoria clasts present large, connected vesicles with complex shapes and smaller, isolated, spherical vesicles, the content of which increases in scoriae from the most explosive events. Gas geochemistry reports CO₂/SO₂ and SO₂/HCl ratios supporting a deep-derived gas phase for fire-fountain activity. By integrating results from scoria vesiculation and gas analysis we find that the highest energy episodes of Mt. Etna activity in 2006 were driven by a previously accumulated CO₂-rich gas phase but we highlight the lesser role of syn-eruptive vesicle nucleation driven by water exsolution during ascent. We conclude that syn-eruptive vesiculation is a common process in Etnean magmas that may promote a deeper conduit magma fragmentation and increase ash formation.     

Dynamics of magma in a volcanic conduit — Special emphasis on viscosity of magma with bubbles

A possible dynamic process for magma flow in a volcanic conduit is briefly described. In many of the governing equations, viscosity of magma is involved, and hence, the effective viscosity of magma with small concentration of bubbles was calculated under the assumption of small Reynolds number. The result is $$\eta _\ell = \eta _u (1 + \Phi ),$$ where η_o is the viscosity of a liquid and ? is the volume concentration of bubbles. Thus, the effective viscosity increases with nucleation of gas bubbles in magma. This result reduces the effect of a thermal feedback evele which is postulated as a possible thermodynamical process in viscous magma in a volcanic conduit.     

Small inflation sources producing seismic and infrasonic pulses during the 2000 eruptions of Miyake-jima, Japan

During the 2000 activity of Miyake-jima volcano, Japan, we detected long period seismic signals with initial pulse widths of 1-2 s, accompanied by infrasonic pulses with almost the same pulse widths. The seismic signals were observed from 13 July 2000, a day before the second summit eruption. The occurrences of the seismic signals were intermittent with a gradual increase in their magnitudes and numbers building toward a significant explosive eruption on 18 August. After the eruption, the seismic and infrasonic events ceased. The results of a waveform inversion show that the initial motions were excited by an isotropic inflation source beneath the south edge of the caldera at a depth of 1.4 km. On the other hand, the sources of the infrasonic pulses were located in the summit caldera area. The times at which the infrasonic pulses were emitted at the surface were delayed by about 3 s from the origin times of the seismic events. It is suggested that small isotropic inflations excited seismic waves in the crust and simultaneously caused acoustic waves that traveled in the conduit and produced infrasonic pulses at the crater bottom. Considering the observed time differences and gas temperatures emitted from the vent, the conduit should have been filled with vapor mixed with SO₂ gas and volcanic ash. The change of the time differences between the seismic and infrasonic signals suggests that the seismic source became shallower within half a day before the August 18 explosive eruption. We interpret the source process as a fragmentation process of magma in which gas bubbles burst and quickly released part of the pressure that had been sustained by the tensional strength of magma.     

Geochemical monitoring of the 2002–2003 eruption at Stromboli volcano (Italy): precursory changes in the carbon and helium isotopic composition of fumarole gases and thermal waters

Significant changes in the helium and carbon isotopic composition of shallow thermal waters vs. gas and a crater fumarolic gas have been recorded at Stromboli prior and during the 2002–2003 eruption. The³He/⁴He ratios corrected for air contamination (Rc/Ra), and δ¹³C of fumarolic gases gradually increased from May to November 2002 before the eruption onset. These variations imply early degassing of a gas-rich magma at depth that likely fed both the intense Strombolian activity and small lava overflows recorded during that period. The lava effusion of late December 2002 was shortly preceded by a marked Rc/Ra decrease both in water and fumarolic gases. Comparison of He/CO₂ and CH₄/CO₂ ratios in dissolved gas and with values rules out the Rc/Ra decrease due to an increasing input of radiogenic⁴He. The Rc/Ra decrease is attributed to the He isotope fractionation during rapid magma ascent and degassing. A new uprising of ³He-rich magma probably occurred in January to February 2003, when Rc/Ra ratios displayed the highest values in dissolved gases ever measured before (4.56 Rc/Ra). The increase in He/CO₂ and CH₄/CO₂ ratios and decrease in δ¹³C of dissolved CO₂ was recorded after the 5 April 2003 explosive paroxysm, likely caused by enhanced gas-water interaction inducing CO₂ dissolution. No anomalous Rc/Ra values were recorded in the same period, when usual Strombolian activity gradually resumed.Editorial responsibility: H Shinohara     

First <Superscript>13</Superscript>C/<Superscript>12</Superscript>C isotopic characterisation of volcanic plume CO<Subscript>2</Subscript>

We describe analytical details and uncertainty evaluation of a simple technique for the measurement of the carbon isotopic composition of CO₂ in volcanic plumes. Data collected at Solfatara and Vulcano, where plumes are fed by fumaroles which are accessible for direct sampling, were first used to validate the technique. For both volcanoes, the plume-derived carbon isotopic compositions are in good agreement with the fumarolic compositions, thus providing confidence on the method, and allowing its application at volcanoes where the volcanic component is inaccessible to direct sampling. As a notable example, we applied the same method to Mount Etna where we derived a δ¹³C of volcanic CO₂ between −0.9 ± 0.27‰ and −1.41 ± 0.27‰ (Bocca Nuova and Voragine craters). The comparison of our measurements to data reported in previous work highlights a temporal trend of systematic increase of δ¹³C values of Etna CO₂ from ~ −4‰, in the 1970’s and the 1980’s, to ~ −1‰ at the present time (2009). This shift toward more positive δ¹³C values matches a concurrent change in magma composition and an increase in the eruption frequency and energy. We discuss such variations in terms of two possible processes: magma carbonate assimilation and carbon isotopic fractionation due to magma degassing along the Etna plumbing system. Finally, our results highlight potential of systematic measurements of the carbon isotopic composition of the CO₂ emitted by volcanic plumes for a better understanding of volcanic processes and for improved surveillance of volcanic activity.     

Modelling the dynamics and thermodynamics of volcanic degassing

 The rates of passive degassing from volcanoes are investigated by modelling the convective overturn of dense degassed and less dense gas-rich magmas in a vertical conduit linking a shallow degassing zone with a deep magma chamber. Laboratory experiments are used to constrain our theoretical model of the overturn rate and to elaborate on the model of this process presented by Kazahaya et al. (1994). We also introduce the effects of a CO₂–saturated deep chamber and adiabatic cooling of ascending magma. We find that overturn occurs by concentric flow of the magmas along the conduit, although the details of the flow depend on the magmas' viscosity ratio. Where convective overturn limits the supply of gas-rich magma, then the gas emission rate is proportional to the flow rate of the overturning magmas (proportional to the density difference driving convection, the conduit radius to the fourth power, and inversely proportional to the degassed magma viscosity) and the mass fraction of water that is degassed. Efficient degassing enhances the density difference but increases the magma viscosity, and this dampens convection. Two degassing volcanoes were modelled. At Stromboli, assuming a 2 km deep, 30% crystalline basaltic chamber, containing 0.5 wt.% dissolved water, the ∼700 kg s^–1 magmatic water flux can be modelled with a 4–10 m radius conduit, degassing 20–100% of the available water and all of the 1 to 4 vol.% CO₂ chamber gas. At Mount St. Helens in June 1980, assuming a 7 km deep, 39% crystalline dacitic chamber, containing 4.6 wt.% dissolved water, the ∼500 kg s^–1 magmatic water flux can be modelled with a 22–60 m radius conduit, degassing ∼2–90% of the available water and all of the 0.1 to 3 vol.% CO₂ chamber gas. The range of these results is consistent with previous models and observations. Convection driven by degassing provides a plausible mechanism for transferring volatiles from deep magma chambers to the atmosphere, and it can explain the gas fluxes measured at many persistently active volcanoes. Received: 26 September 1997 / Accepted: 11 July 1998     

Experimental simulations of gas-driven eruptions: kinetics of bubble growth and effect of geometry

 Simulated gas-driven eruptions using CO₂–water-polymer systems are reported. Eruptions are initiated by rapidly decompressing CO₂–saturated water containing up to 1.0 wt.% CO₂. Both cylindrical test cells and a flask test cell were used to examine the effect of magma chamber/conduit geometry on eruption dynamics. Bubble-growth kinetics are examined quantitatively in experiments using cylindrical test cells. Uninhibited bubble growth can be roughly expressed as dr/dt≈λD(β-1)/(γt ^1/3) for a CO₂–water-polymer system at 0–22  °C and with viscosities up to 5 Pa·s, where r is the radius of bubbles, λ and D are the Ostwald solubility coefficient and diffusivity of the gas in the liquid, β is the degree of saturation (decompression ratio), and γ characterizes how the boundary layer thickness increases with time and is roughly 1.0×10^–5 m/s^1/3 in this system. Unlike the radius of cylindrical test cells, which does not affect the eruption threshold and dynamics, the shape of the test cells (flask vs cylindrical) affects the dynamics but not the threshold of eruptions. For cylindrical test cells, the front motion is characterized by constant acceleration with both Δh (the height increase) and ΔV (the volume increase) being proportional to t ²; for the flask test cell, however, neither Δh nor ΔV is proportional to t ² as the conduit radius varies. Test-cell geometry also affects foam stability. In the flask test cell, as it moves from the wider base chamber into the narrower conduit, the bubbly flow becomes fragmented, affecting the eruption dynamics. The fragmentation may be caused by a sudden increase in acceleration induced by conduit-shape change, or by the presence of obstacles to the bubbly flow. This result may help explain the range in vesicularities of pumice and reticulite. Received: 16 May 1997 / Accepted: 11 October 1997