166,479 research outputs found
Cyclic volcanism at convergent margins: linked to aarth orbital parameters or climate changes?
EGU2010-13373
The frequency of volcanic activity varies on a wide rangeof spatial and temporal scales, from <1 yr. periodicities in single volcanic systems to periodicities of 106 yrs. in global volcanism. The causes of these periodicities are poorly understood although the long-term global variations are likely linked to plate-tectonic processes. Here we present evidence for temporal changes in eruption frequencies at an intermediate time scale (104 yrs.) using the Pleistocene to recent records of widespread tephras of sub-Plinian to Plinian, and occasionally co-ignimbrite origin, along the Pacific Ring of Fire, which accounts for about half of the global length of 44,000 km of active subduction. Eruptions at arc volcanoes tend to be highly explosive and the well-preserved tephra records from the ocean floor can be assumed to be representative of how eruption frequencies varied with time. Volcanic activity along the Pacific Ring of Fire evolved through alternating phases of high and low frequency; although there is modulation by local and regional geologic conditions, these variations have a statistically significant periodicity of 43 ka that overlaps with the temporal variation in the obliquity of the Earth’s rotation axis, an orbital parameter that also exerts a strong control on global climate changes. This may suggest that the frequency of volcanic activity is controlled by effects of global climate changes. However, the strongest physical effects of climate change occur at 100 ka periods which are not seen in the volcanic record. We therefore propose that the frequency of volcanic activity is directly influenced by minute changes in the tidal forces induced by the varying obliquity resulting in long-period gravitational disturbances acting on the upper mantle
Different types of small volcanos on Venus
One of the studies of volcanic activity on Venus is the comparison of that with the analogous volcanic activity on Earth. The preliminary report of such a comparison and description of a small cluster of small venusian volcanos is represented in detail in this paper
Volcanic studies by members of the Royal Society of London 1665 - 1780
Late seventeenth century ideas about volcanic activity were largely derived from classical sources. The Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London provided a vehicle for publication of information about volcanoes where many ancient notions were refuted and new hypotheses suggested. Volcanic studies by members included detailed field reports, eyewitness accounts of eruptions as well as expeditions to extinct or dormant volcanic peaks, experiments with volcanic rocks, and speculation on the nature of subterranean "fires" and causes of eruptions. The development of theories concerning the formation of the columnar basalts of the Giant's Causeway is also traced. By the 1770's there appeared a general acceptance among members of the Royal Society of the igneous origin of basalt, the existence of ancient extinct volcanoes and the implications of past geologic change
Volcanic Hot-Spot Detection Using SENTINEL-2: A Comparison with MODIS−MIROVA Thermal Data Series
In the satellite thermal remote sensing, the new generation of sensors with high-spatial resolution SWIR data open the door to an improved constraining of thermal phenomena related to volcanic processes, with strong implications for monitoring applications. In this paper, we describe a new hot-spot detection algorithm developed for SENTINEL-2/MSI data that combines spectral indices on the SWIR bands 8a-11-12 (with a 20-meter resolution) with a spatial and statistical analysis on clusters of alerted pixels. The algorithm is able to detect hot-spot-contaminated pixels (S2Pix) in a wide range of environments and for several types of volcanic activities, showing high accuracy performances of about 1% and 94% in averaged omission and commission rates, respectively, underlining a strong reliability on a global scale. The S2-derived thermal trends, retrieved at eight key-case volcanoes, are then compared with the Volcanic Radiative Power (VRP) derived from MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) and processed by the MIROVA (Middle InfraRed Observation of Volcanic Activity) system during an almost four-year-long period, January 2016 to October 2019. The presented data indicate an overall excellent correlation between the two thermal signals, enhancing the higher sensitivity of SENTINEL-2 to detect subtle, low-temperature thermal signals. Moreover, for each case we explore the specific relationship between S2Pix and VRP showing how different volcanic processes (i.e., lava flows, domes, lakes and open-vent activity) produce a distinct pattern in terms of size and intensity of the thermal anomaly. These promising results indicate how the algorithm here presented could be applicable for volcanic monitoring purposes and integrated into operational systems. Moreover, the combination of high-resolution (S2/MSI) and moderate-resolution (MODIS) thermal timeseries constitutes a breakthrough for future multi-sensor hot-spot detection systems, with increased monitoring capabilities that are useful for communities which interact with active volcanoes
Recommended from our members
Solar noble gases in the Angrite parent body – Evidence from volcanic volatiles trapped in D'Orbigny glass
We compare the noble gases in D'Orbigny glass and bulk. The glass was formed after the bulk silicates and contains interior solar noble gases that may originate from early volcanic activity on the angrite parent body, trapped upon fast cooling
Report of the panel on volcanology, section 4
Two primary goals are identified as focal to NASA's research efforts in volcanology during the 1990s: to understand the eruption of lavas, gases, and aerosols from volcanoes, the dispersal of these materials on the Earth's surface and through the atmosphere, and the effects of these eruptions on the climate and environment; and to understand the physical processes that lead to the initiation of volcanic activity, that influence the styles of volcanic eruptions, and that dictate the morphology and evolution of volcanic landforms. Strategy and data requirements as well as research efforts are discussed
Volcanism on the Pacific Ring of Fire: It's Going to Blow Up! (title provided or enhanced by cataloger)
In this activity students familiarize themselves with some basic concepts of volcanology and investigate a portion of the Ring of Fire. They then research the answers to questions on the provided worksheet. As a result of this activity students will be able to describe the processes that produce the "Submarine Ring of Fire," explain the factors that contribute to explosive volcanic eruptions, identify at least three benefits that humans derive from volcanism, describe the primary risks posed by volcanic activity in the United States, and identify the volcano within the continental United States that is considered most dangerous. Educational levels: Middle school
Electromagnetic induction heating as a driver of volcanic activity on massive rocky planets
Aims. We investigate possible driving mechanisms of volcanic activity on
rocky super-Earths with masses exceeding 3-4 Mearth. Due to high gravity and
pressures in the mantles of these planets, melting in deep mantle layers can be
suppressed, even if the energy releae due to tidal heating and radioactive
decay is substantial. Here we investigate whether a newly identified heating
mechanism, namely induction heating by the star's magnetic field, can drive
volcanic activity on these planets due to its unique heating pattern in the
very upper part of the mantle. In this region the pressure is not yet high
enough to preclude the melt formation. Methods. Using the super-Earth HD 3167b
as an example, we calculate induction heating in the planet's interiors
assuming an electrical conductivity profile typical of a hot rocky planet and a
moderate stellar magnetic field typical of an old inactive star. Then we use a
mantle convection code (CHIC) to simulate the evolution of volcanic outgassing
with time. Results. We show that although in most cases volcanic outgassing on
HD 3167b is not very significant in the absence of induction heating, including
this heating mechanism changes the picture and leads to a substantial increase
in the outgassing from the planet's mantle. This result shows that induction
heating combined with a high surface temperature is capable of driving
volcanism on massive super-Earths, which has important observational
implications.Comment: Five pages, three figures, accepted for publication in A&A letter
Hydrothermal activity and magma genesis along a propagating back-arc basin: Valu Fa Ridge (southern Lau Basin)
Valu Fa Ridge is an intraoceanic back-arc spreading center located at the southern prolongation of the Lau basin. Bathymetric observations as well as detailed sampling have been carried out along the spreading axis in order to trace hydrothermal and volcanic activity and to study magma generation processes. The survey shows that widespread lava flows from recent volcanic eruptions covered most of the Vai Lili hydrothermal vent field; only diffuse low-temperature discharge and the formation of thin layers of siliceous precipitates have been observed. Evidence of present-day hydrothermal activity at the Hine Hina site is indicated by a thermal anomaly in the overlying water column. Our studies did not reveal any signs of hydrothermal activity either above the seismically imaged magma chamber at 22°25′S or across the southern rift fault zone (22°51′S). Lavas recovered along the Valu Fa Ridge range from basaltic andesites to rhyolites with SiO2 contents higher than reported from any other intraoceanic back-arc basin. On the basis of the highly variable degrees of crystal fractionation along axis, the development of small disconnected magma bodies is suggested. In addition, the geochemical character of the volcanic rocks shows that the transition zone from oceanic spreading to propagating rifting is located south of the Hine Hina vent field in the vicinity of 22°35′S
- …
