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Fluidal pyroclasts reveal the intensity of peralkaline rhyolite pumice cone eruptions

Author

Listed:
  • Ben Clarke

    (University of Edinburgh, Grant Institute)

  • Eliza S. Calder

    (University of Edinburgh, Grant Institute)

  • Firawalin Dessalegn

    (CNCS, Wollega University)

  • Karen Fontijn

    (Université Libre de Bruxelles
    University of Oxford)

  • Joaquín A. Cortés

    (University of Edinburgh, Grant Institute
    Edge Hill University)

  • Mark Naylor

    (University of Edinburgh, Grant Institute)

  • Ian Butler

    (University of Edinburgh, Grant Institute)

  • William Hutchison

    (University of St. Andrews, Irvine Building)

  • Gezahegn Yirgu

    (Addis Ababa University, King George VI Street)

Abstract

Peralkaline rhyolites are medium to low viscosity, volatile-rich magmas typically associated with rift zones and extensional settings. The dynamics of peralkaline rhyolite eruptions remain elusive with no direct observations recorded, significantly hindering the assessment of hazard and risk. Here we describe uniquely-preserved, fluidal-shaped pyroclasts found within pumice cone deposits at Aluto, a peralkaline rhyolite caldera in the Main Ethiopian Rift. We use a combination of field-observations, geochemistry, X-ray computed microtomography (XCT) and thermal-modelling to investigate how these pyroclasts are formed. We find that they deform during flight and, depending on size, quench prior to deposition or continue to inflate then quench in-situ. These findings reveal important characteristics of the eruptions that gave rise to them: that despite the relatively low viscosity of these magmas, and similarities to basaltic scoria-cone deposits, moderate to intense, unstable, eruption columns are developed; meaning that such eruptions can generate extensive tephra-fall and pyroclastic density currents.

Suggested Citation

  • Ben Clarke & Eliza S. Calder & Firawalin Dessalegn & Karen Fontijn & Joaquín A. Cortés & Mark Naylor & Ian Butler & William Hutchison & Gezahegn Yirgu, 2019. "Fluidal pyroclasts reveal the intensity of peralkaline rhyolite pumice cone eruptions," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-10, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:10:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-019-09947-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09947-8
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    Cited by:

    1. Juliet Biggs & Atalay Ayele & Tobias P. Fischer & Karen Fontijn & William Hutchison & Emmanuel Kazimoto & Kathy Whaler & Tim J. Wright, 2021. "Volcanic activity and hazard in the East African Rift Zone," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-12, December.

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