Complex plumbing of monogenetic scoria cones and implications for Strombolian-style eruptions: examples from the Lunar Crater Volcanic Field (Nevada, USA)
Abstract
Monogenetic volcanoes represent a major proportion of terrestrial volcanoes, often occurring in groups or clusters (i.e. volcanic fields), or in association with polygenetic volcanoes. Historical observations of eruptions from such volcanoes have been few, though the increased knowledge gained from these direct observations has greatly improved our understanding of monogenetic eruptive dynamics. Two eroded remnants of scoria cones, located within the Lunar Crater Volcanic Field, Nevada were examined and have been shown to reveal internal complexities of lateral and vertical dike growth, lava bocca formation and wandering, as well as information about their early eruptive phases and eruptive styles. These eroded remnants represent several of the many older (Early-Pliocene) monogenetic volcanoes in this field and are inferred to be good analogues for the younger (Pleistocene and Quaternary) less eroded volcanoes within the field. The preserved internal plumbing geometries including dikes, dike sets, radial dikes, and spatter mounds, along with analyses of local variations in crystal distributions and vesicle bands/layers in the near-vent areas allow for application of the field-based observations to current models of Strombolian-style eruptions.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2010
- Bibcode:
- 2010AGUFM.V11D2335H
- Keywords:
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- 8400 VOLCANOLOGY;
- 8414 VOLCANOLOGY / Eruption mechanisms and flow emplacement;
- 8486 VOLCANOLOGY / Field relationships;
- 8499 VOLCANOLOGY / General or miscellaneous