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Evidence for the formation of silicic lava by pyroclast sintering

Author

Listed:
  • Annabelle Foster

    (Durham University, Science Labs)

  • Fabian B. Wadsworth

    (Durham University, Science Labs)

  • Hugh Tuffen

    (Lancaster University)

  • Holly E. Unwin

    (Lancaster University)

  • Madeleine C. S. Humphreys

    (Durham University, Science Labs)

Abstract

Silicic lavas can be produced by the sintering of pyroclasts in the volcanic sub-surface, and then advected out of the vent. Here, we provide evidence for this mechanism preserved in the exposed post-glacial remnants of a silicic volcanic conduit at Hrafntinnuhryggur, Krafla volcano, Iceland. We show that the conduit margins are a clast-supported pumice lapilli tuff deposit that grades continuously into dense obsidian and that the obsidian contains cuspate relict clast boundaries and country rock lithic fragments throughout. Transects of H2O concentrations across the conduit show that the magma was degassed to different degrees laterally with systematic spatial variation that is consistent with progressive conduit clogging and final gas pressurisation. Textures in the overlying effusive lavas record the variably sheared and brecciated remnant of the same in-conduit sintering. This record of a silicic conduit system connected to upper eruptive deposits provides support for the ‘cryptic fragmentation model’ for effusive silicic volcanism.

Suggested Citation

  • Annabelle Foster & Fabian B. Wadsworth & Hugh Tuffen & Holly E. Unwin & Madeleine C. S. Humphreys, 2024. "Evidence for the formation of silicic lava by pyroclast sintering," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-49601-6
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49601-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fabian B. Wadsworth & Taylor Witcher & Caron E. J. Vossen & Kai-Uwe Hess & Holly E. Unwin & Bettina Scheu & Jonathan M. Castro & Donald B. Dingwell, 2018. "Combined effusive-explosive silicic volcanism straddles the multiphase viscous-to-brittle transition," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 9(1), pages 1-8, December.
    2. Jonathan M. Castro & Donald B. Dingwell, 2009. "Rapid ascent of rhyolitic magma at Chaitén volcano, Chile," Nature, Nature, vol. 461(7265), pages 780-783, October.
    3. Helge M. Gonnermann & Michael Manga, 2003. "Explosive volcanism may not be an inevitable consequence of magma fragmentation," Nature, Nature, vol. 426(6965), pages 432-435, November.
    4. Jamie I. Farquharson & Hugh Tuffen & Fabian B. Wadsworth & Jonathan M. Castro & Holly Unwin & C. Ian Schipper, 2022. "In-conduit capture of sub-micron volcanic ash particles via turbophoresis and sintering," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-11, December.
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