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Transitions between explosive and effusive phases during the cataclysmic 2010 eruption of Merapi volcano, Java,
Katie Preece1, Ralf Gertisser2, Jenni Barclay1
11School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ UK.
Bulletin of Volcanology
|May 2, 2020
Summary
The 2010 Merapi eruption
Area of Science:
- Volcanology
- Petrology
- Geochemistry
Background:
- Dome-forming eruptions often exhibit transitions between explosive and effusive activity.
- These transitions are influenced by complex interactions between magma influx, ascent rate, and degassing.
- Predicting eruptive behavior during these transitions remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the driving forces behind explosive and effusive activity during the 2010 Merapi eruption.
- To analyze the interplay of magmatic processes and eruptive styles.
- To understand the role of shallow magma plumbing in controlling eruption dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Collection of time-controlled samples from various eruption stages and styles.
- Quantitative textural analysis of groundmass feldspar microlites.
- Measurements included microlite number density, size, aspect ratio, crystallinity, and crystal size distribution.
Main Results:
- High-An microlites in early samples suggest an influx of hotter or more mafic magma.
- Shallow magmatic processes significantly influenced eruptive behavior.
- Transitions were primarily driven by magma ascent dynamics, with degassing and crystallization acting as feedback mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- The 2010 Merapi eruption's explosive and effusive phases were governed by magma ascent dynamics and shallow magmatic processes.
- Degassing and crystallization created feedback cycles leading to alternating eruptive styles.
- A shallow magma plug hindered degassing, causing overpressure and enhancing explosivity.
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