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Exceptional mobility of an advancing rhyolitic obsidian flow at Cordón Caulle volcano in Chile

Author

Listed:
  • Hugh Tuffen

    (Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University)

  • Mike R. James

    (Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University)

  • Jonathan M. Castro

    (University of Mainz, Institute of Geosciences, Becherweg 21, 55099 Mainz, Germany)

  • C. Ian Schipper

    (School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand)

Abstract

The emplacement mechanisms of rhyolitic lava flows are enigmatic and, despite high lava viscosities and low inferred effusion rates, can result in remarkably, laterally extensive (>30 km) flow fields. Here we present the first observations of an active, extensive rhyolitic lava flow field from the 2011–2012 eruption at Cordón Caulle, Chile. We combine high-resolution four-dimensional flow front models, created using automated photo reconstruction techniques, with sequential satellite imagery. Late-stage evolution greatly extended the compound lava flow field, with localized extrusion from stalled, ~35 m-thick flow margins creating >80 breakout lobes. In January 2013, flow front advance continued ~3.6 km from the vent, despite detectable lava supply ceasing 6–8 months earlier. This illustrates how efficient thermal insulation by the lava carapace promotes prolonged within-flow horizontal lava transport, boosting the extent of the flow. The unexpected similarities with compound basaltic lava flow fields point towards a unifying model of lava emplacement.

Suggested Citation

  • Hugh Tuffen & Mike R. James & Jonathan M. Castro & C. Ian Schipper, 2013. "Exceptional mobility of an advancing rhyolitic obsidian flow at Cordón Caulle volcano in Chile," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 4(1), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:4:y:2013:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms3709
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3709
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    Cited by:

    1. G. K. Gillmore & D. Wertheim & I. M. McIntosh & N. Petford & I. Gill, 2023. "3D imaging of volcanic ash using the confocal microscope; a comparison of natural fragments and experimentally vesiculated volcanic glass," 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. 116(3), pages 4021-4036, April.

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