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Updated: Jul 12, 2026

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Data Processing Methods for 3D Seismic Imaging of Subsurface Volcanoes: Applications to the Tarim Flood Basalt
Published on: August 7, 2017
Explosive deep water basalt in the sumisu backarc rift
Summary
Submarine volcanic eruptions of tholeiitic basalt create unique scoriaceous breccia deposits. High magmatic water content drives explosive submarine volcanic activity, forming pyroclastic deposits.
Area of Science:
- Geology
- Volcanology
- Marine Geology
Background:
- Submarine volcanic eruptions can produce deposits resembling subaerial ones.
- Backarc rifts are sites of significant volcanic activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a unique submarine pyroclastic deposit.
- To investigate the eruptive processes of deep submarine tholeiitic basalt.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a 135-meter-thick pyroclastic deposit.
- Paleomagnetic analysis of the deposit.
Main Results:
- The deposit, formed from 1-million-year-old tholeiitic basalt at >1800m depth, is a scoriaceous breccia.
- Evidence suggests frothy agglutinate welded in a submarine eruption column or on the seafloor.
- Paleomagnetic inclinations are random at scales <2.5 meters.
- Magmatic water content (1.3% by weight) significantly contributed to explosivity.
Conclusions:
- Deep submarine eruptions can generate explosive activity and agglutinate deposits similar to subaerial eruptions.
- High magmatic water content is a key factor in driving explosive submarine volcanism.
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