Sedimentation process of ashfall during a Vulcanian eruption as revealed by high-temporal-resolution grain size analysis and high-speed camera imaging

We here examined the sedimentation process of falling ash particles during a short-lived Vulcanian eruption at Sakurajima volcano, Japan, using high-speed camera imaging of airborne ash particles, as well as grain size analyses of ash samples collected at high temporal resolution. Ashfalls from a sequence of two Vulcanian eruptions at 10:44 and 11:26 JST (Japan Standard Time) on 26 March 2016 were investigated. The field site for imaging and sampling was located approximately 3.5 km from the vent. The ash particles collected exhibit bimodal grain size distributions (GSDs). The median particle size of the main subpopulation decreased throughout the ashfall owing to size-dependent segregation of ash particles from a single source released from a constant height. The volume fraction of the subordinate subpopulation is interpreted to represent a component of ash aggregates and shows an increase in its volume fraction after the eruption onset. High-speed camera imaging reveals that the mean particle density decreased over time as the ashfall continued. These data suggest an increasing contribution of low-density aggregates during the course of the ashfall. The temporal changes in the density of airborne ash particles and in the GSD of ash samples demonstrate that the sedimentation process during a Vulcanian eruption at Sakurajima volcano is characterized by sedimentation of ash particles from transient eruption plumes at constant height, in which ash aggregation increases over time. Moreover, time series analysis of the ash falling rate shows that secondary thickening occurred during these Vulcanian eruptions and that this can be triggered by the settling of ash aggregates.

Analisis Tipikal Erupsi Gunung Lokon Periode Erupsi 2012-2013 Berdasarkan Karakterisasi Mikrostruktur Abu Vulkanik

Gunung Lokon yang berada di lengan utara Sulawesi adalah salah satu gunung api paling aktif di Indonesia. Perilaku erupsinya telah dipelajari melalui analisis mikrostruktur abu vulkanik. Tujuan dari karakterisasi mikrostruktur adalah untuk mengestimasi nilai dari viskositas dan permeabilitas magma. Karakterisasi mikrostruktur menggunakan XRD, FTIR, SEM/EDS/XRF dan µCT. Abu vulkanik Lokon adalah mineral polimorf yang banyak mengandung kristal plagioklase. Abu Lokon mempunyai kandungan air 0,3 -0,6 % berat dan massa dasarnya terdiri dari partikel vesikular dan non vesikular. Viskositas dari magma Lokon adalah sekitar 107Pa.s pada 10000C dan fraksi volume kristal sekitar 0,45-0,5. Hasil-hasil ini menunjukkan bahwa reologi magma Lokon adalah bersifat non Newtonian dan mekanisme fragmentasinya adalah brittle fragmentation. Berdasarkan pada permeabilitas dan porositas yang dikuantisasi dengan µCT dapat disimpulkan bahwa fragmentasi magmanya tidak dipicu oleh outgassing. Dinamika erupsi eksplosif dari Gunung Lokon pada 2012-2013 adalah erupsi vulkanian pada skala sedang.Lokon volcano where located on North arm of Sulawesi is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia. Behaviour of its eruptions have been learned through microstructure analysis of volcanic ash. The goal of microstructure characterization is estimate value of magma viscosity and permeability. Characterization of microstructure using XRD, FTIR, SEM/EDS/XRF and µCT. Lokon volcanic ash is a polymorph minerals which contains many plagioclase crystal. Ash has water content between 0.3 – 0.6 % wt and its groundmass contains vesicular and non vesicular particles. Viscosity of Lokon magma is about 107Pa.s at 10000C and fraction of crystal volum between 0.45-0.5. These results showed that magma rheology of Lokon is non Newtonian and the mechanism of its fragmentation is brittle fragmentation. Based on permeability and porosity that quantified by µCT, it is concluded that the brittle fragmentation is not triggered by outgassing. Dynamics of explosive eruption of Lokon volcano at 2012-2013 is moderate vulcanian eruption.