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Revised Minoan eruption volume as benchmark for large volcanic eruptions

Author

Listed:
  • Jens Karstens

    (GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel)

  • Jonas Preine

    (University of Hamburg, Institute of Geophysics)

  • Gareth J. Crutchley

    (GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel)

  • Steffen Kutterolf

    (GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel)

  • Willem G. M. Bilt

    (University of Bergen)

  • Emilie E. E. Hooft

    (University of Oregon)

  • Timothy H. Druitt

    (Université Clermont Auvergne, OPGC, CNRS, IRD)

  • Florian Schmid

    (GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel
    K.U.M Umwelt und Meerestechnik Kiel GmbH)

  • Jan Magne Cederstrøm

    (University of Bergen)

  • Christian Hübscher

    (University of Hamburg, Institute of Geophysics)

  • Paraskevi Nomikou

    (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Department of Geology and Geoenvironment)

  • Steven Carey

    (University of Rhode Island)

  • Michel Kühn

    (GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel)

  • Judith Elger

    (GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel)

  • Christian Berndt

    (GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel)

Abstract

Despite their global societal importance, the volumes of large-scale volcanic eruptions remain poorly constrained. Here, we integrate seismic reflection and P-wave tomography datasets with computed tomography-derived sedimentological analyses to estimate the volume of the iconic Minoan eruption. Our results reveal a total dense-rock equivalent eruption volume of 34.5 ± 6.8 km³, which encompasses 21.4 ± 3.6 km³ of tephra fall deposits, 6.9 ± 2 km³ of ignimbrites, and 6.1 ± 1.2 km³ of intra-caldera deposits. 2.8 ± 1.5 km³ of the total material consists of lithics. These volume estimates are in agreement with an independent caldera collapse reconstruction (33.1 ± 1.2 km³). Our results show that the Plinian phase contributed most to the distal tephra fall, and that the pyroclastic flow volume is significantly smaller than previously assumed. This benchmark reconstruction demonstrates that complementary geophysical and sedimentological datasets are required for reliable eruption volume estimates, which are necessary for regional and global volcanic hazard assessments.

Suggested Citation

  • Jens Karstens & Jonas Preine & Gareth J. Crutchley & Steffen Kutterolf & Willem G. M. Bilt & Emilie E. E. Hooft & Timothy H. Druitt & Florian Schmid & Jan Magne Cederstrøm & Christian Hübscher & Paras, 2023. "Revised Minoan eruption volume as benchmark for large volcanic eruptions," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-10, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-38176-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38176-3
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    Cited by:

    1. Zofia Stachowska & Willem G. M. Bilt & Mateusz C. Strzelecki, 2024. "Coastal lake sediments from Arctic Svalbard suggest colder summers are stormier," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-12, December.

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