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The fragmentation-induced fluidisation of pyroclastic density currents

Author

Listed:
  • Eric C. P. Breard

    (University of Edinburgh
    University of Oregon)

  • Josef Dufek

    (University of Oregon)

  • Sylvain Charbonnier

    (University of South Florida)

  • Valentin Gueugneau

    (University of South Florida)

  • Thomas Giachetti

    (University of Oregon)

  • Braden Walsh

    (Simon Fraser University)

Abstract

Pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) are the most lethal volcanic process on Earth. Forecasting their inundation area is essential to mitigate their risk, but existing models are limited by our poor understanding of their dynamics. Here, we explore the role of evolving grain-size distribution in controlling the runout of the most common PDCs, known as block-and-ash flows (BAFs). Through a combination of theory, analysis of deposits and experiments of natural mixtures, we show that rapid changes of the grain-size distribution transported in BAFs result in the reduction of pore volume (compaction) within the first kilometres of their runout. We then use a multiphase flow model to show how the compressibility of granular mixtures leads to fragmentation-induced fluidisation (FIF) and excess pore-fluid pressure in BAFs. This process dominates the first ~2 km of their runout, where the effective friction coefficient is progressively reduced. Beyond that distance, transport is modulated by diffusion of the excess pore pressure. Fragmentation-induced fluidisation provides a physical basis to explain the decades-long use of low effective friction coefficients used in depth-averaged simulations required to match observed flow inundation.

Suggested Citation

  • Eric C. P. Breard & Josef Dufek & Sylvain Charbonnier & Valentin Gueugneau & Thomas Giachetti & Braden Walsh, 2023. "The fragmentation-induced fluidisation of pyroclastic density currents," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-37867-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37867-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Gregory Smith & Peter Rowley & Rebecca Williams & Guido Giordano & Matteo Trolese & Aurora Silleni & Daniel R. Parsons & Samuel Capon, 2020. "A bedform phase diagram for dense granular currents," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-11, December.
    2. Jonathan Procter & Shane Cronin & Thomas Platz & Abani Patra & Keith Dalbey & Michael Sheridan & Vince Neall, 2010. "Mapping block-and-ash flow hazards based on Titan 2D simulations: a case study from Mt. Taranaki, NZ," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 53(3), pages 483-501, June.
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