Related Experiment Videos
Instability of magma flow from volatile-dependent viscosity
1Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 360 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA. Department of Geoscience, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA. U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program, Cascades Volcano Obse.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|September 18, 1999
Summary
Volatiles exsolving from magma increase its viscosity, leading to oscillatory flow in volcanic conduits. This finding aids in forecasting volcanic eruption timing and style.
Area of Science:
- Geosciences
- Volcanology
- Magma Dynamics
Background:
- Dissolved volatiles in deep silicic magma exsolve near the surface.
- Exsolution increases magma viscosity, influencing volcanic processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model magma flow dynamics in volcanic conduits.
- To investigate the relationship between volatile content, viscosity, and flow behavior.
Main Methods:
- Developed a model of a volcanic conduit within an elastic medium.
- Incorporated magma viscosity dependent on volatile content.
Main Results:
- The model predicts oscillatory magma flow for specific steady input rates.
- This oscillatory behavior occurs within a critical range of flow rates.
Conclusions:
- Oscillatory flow is a key behavior in silicic volcanoes.
- Understanding this phenomenon improves short-term eruption forecasting for timing and style.