Strombolian explosive styles and source conditions

Matthew R. Patrick; Andrew J. L. Harris; Maurizio Ripepe; Jonathan Dehn; David A. Rothery; Sonia Calvari

doi:10.1007/s00445-006-0107-0

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Strombolian explosive styles and source conditions

Matthew R. Patrick·Andrew J. L. Harris·Maurizio Ripepe·Jonathan Dehn·David A. Rothery·Sonia Calvari

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Abstract

Forward Looking Infrared Radiometer (FLIR) cameras offer a unique view of explosive volcanism by providing an image of calibrated temperatures. In this study, 344 eruptive events at Stromboli volcano, Italy, were imaged in 2001–2004 with a FLIR camera operating at up to 30 Hz. The FLIR was effective at revealing both ash plumes and coarse ballistic scoria, and a wide range of eruption styles was recorded. Eruptions at Stromboli can generally be classified into two groups: Type 1 eruptions, which are dominated by coarse ballistic particles, and Type 2 eruptions, which consist of an optically-thick, ash-rich plume, with (Type 2a) or without (Type 2b) large numbers of ballistic particles. Furthermore, Type 2a plumes exhibited gas thrust velocities (>15 m s −1 ) while Type 2b plumes were limited to buoyant velocities (<15 m s−1 ) above the crater rim. A given vent would normally maintain a particular gross eruption style (Type 1 vs. 2) for days to weeks, indicating stability of the uppermost conduit on these timescales. Velocities at the crater rim had a range of 3–101 m s−1 , with an overall mean value of 24 m s −1 . Mean crater rim velocities by eruption style were: Type 1= 34 m s −1 , Type 2a=31 m s −1 , Type 2b=7 m s −1 . Eruption durations had a range of 6–41 s, with a mean of 15 s, similar among eruption styles. The ash in Type 2 eruptions originates from either backfilled material (crater wall slumping or ejecta rollback) or rheological changes in the uppermost magma column. Type 2a and 2b behaviors are shown to be a function of the overpressure of the bursting slug. In general, our imaging data support a broadening of the current paradigm for strombolian behavior, incorporating an uppermost conduit that can be more variable than is commonly considered.

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Matthew R. Patrick, Andrew J. L. Harris, Maurizio Ripepe, Jonathan Dehn, David A. Rothery, Sonia Calvari. 2007-01-09. Strombolian explosive styles and source conditions. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00445-006-0107-0

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