Etude de la formation et de la mise en place des déferlantes pyroclastiques par modélisations numérique et expérimentale

Small volume pyroclastic density currents are complex volcanic flows, whose physical behaviour is still debated. They comprise two parts: the pyroclastic flow, rich in particles and blocks, overridden by the ash-cloud surge, a turbulent and dilute flow. The interactions between these two parts are not fully understood, as well as their exchanges of mass and momentum. Therefore, the thesis focuses on the investigation of ash-cloud surge formation mechanisms from the pyroclastic flow. The experiments reveal a mechanism of dilute flow formation by alternation of air incorporation into and elutriation of fine particles from a dense granular bed subjected to vibrations. The air is aspirated into the granular bed during dilatations, and expulsed during the contraction phases. A part of the particles are then sustained by the turbulent expulsed air and form a mixture of gas and particles that transforms into a gravity current. Extrapolated to a volcanic edifice, this mechanism of air incorporation and elutriation can be reproduced by a rough topography, where each obstacle generates a compaction followed by a dilatation of the pyroclastic flow. The quantification of the mechanism has been accomplished and the mass flux from the dense flow to the ash-cloud surge has been deduced.The numerical model is first used to study the pyroclastic flow rheology, which controls the velocity of the flow, and then the mass flux previously mentioned. One chapter is dedicated to the fluidization effect on the pyroclastic flow rheology. Results show that this mechanism can explain the long runout of these flows, and also the formation of levées and channel morphologies. The air ingestion in the flow during its movement could explain a part of the pyroclastic flows dynamic. Simple rheologies has also been analyzed: a Coulomb rheology, a plastic rheology, and a variable friction coefficient rheology. Results show that the plastic rheology seems to be the most adapted rheology to simulate the pyroclastic flow dynamic. Then, the numerical model has been used to test the mass flow law obtained through experiments. Applied to the 25 June 1997 dome collapse at Soufrière Hills Volcano at Montserrat, results show that the simulations reproduce accurately the extension and the thickness of the surge deposits. The simulations are also able to reproduce the surge derived pyroclastic flow, generated by remobilisation of surge deposits. The cycles of ingestion/expulsion of air in the pyroclastic flow by interactions with the topography could explain both the great fluidity of these flows and the formation of ash-cloud surge. These results highlight a new mechanism that could be a key process in pyroclastic flow dynamic, which could improve significantly the hazard and risk assessment using numerical model.Les écoulements pyroclastiques sont des écoulements volcaniques complexes dont le comportement physique fait encore l'objet de débats. Ils sont composés de deux parties : l'écoulement dense basal, riche en particules et en blocs, surmonté par la déferlante, diluée et turbulente. Les interactions entre ces deux parties ne sont pas bien comprises, tout comme leurs échanges de masses et de quantités de mouvement. Partant de ce constat, cette thèse se concentre sur l’étude des mécanismes de formation de la déferlante à partir de l’écoulement dense.Les expériences mettent en évidence un mécanisme de formation d'un écoulement dilué par l’alternance d’incorporation d'air et d’élutriation des particules fines d’un lit granulaire dense soumis à des vibrations. L'air est aspiré dans le lit granulaire pendant les phases de dilatation puis expulsé pendant les phases de contraction. Une partie des particules est alors soutenue par l'air turbulent expulsé et forme un mélange de gaz et de particules qui, plus dense que l’air, se transforme en un écoulement de gravité. Extrapolé à l’échelle d’un volcan, ce mécanisme d’incorporation d’air et d’élutriation peut être reproduit par une topographie rugueuse, où chaque obstacle génère une compaction puis une dilation de l’écoulement dense. La quantification du mécanisme a été effectuée et l’approche expérimentale a permis d’aboutir à une loi reliant le flux de masse de la partie dense vers la déferlante à la vitesse de l’écoulement dense. Le modèle numérique est utilisé dans un premier temps pour étudier la rhéologie de l’écoulement dense qui, en contrôlant sa vitesse, contrôle le flux de masse précédemment évoqué. Un chapitre est consacré à l’effet de la fluidisation de l’écoulement dense sur sa rhéologie. Les résultats montrent que la fluidisation par les gaz est capable d’expliquer à la fois la grande mobilité de ces écoulements, ainsi que la formation des morphologies terminales en lobes et chenaux. L’ingestion d’air dans un écoulement au cours de sa mise en place semble pouvoir expliquer une partie de la dynamique des écoulements denses. Des rhéologies simples, de premier ordre, ont également été analysées : la rhéologie de Coulomb, la rhéologie plastique, et la rhéologie à coefficient de frottement variable. Les résultats montrent que la rhéologie plastique semble la mieux adaptée pour reproduire la vitesse et l’extension des écoulements denses.Ce modèle numérique a ensuite été utilisé pour tester la loi de flux de masse obtenue suite aux expériences de laboratoire. Appliqués à l’effondrement de dôme du 25 juin 1997 à la Soufriere Hills de Montserrat, les résultats montrent que les simulations reproduisent des dépôts de déferlantes dont l’épaisseur et l’extension sont tout à fait réalistes. Les simulations reproduisent même les écoulements denses secondaires issus de la sédimentation de la déferlante puis de la remobilisation des dépôts. Les cycles d’ingestion/expulsion d’air dans l’écoulement dense, par interaction avec la topographie, expliqueraient donc à la fois la grande fluidité des écoulements denses et la formation des déferlantes pyroclastiques. Les résultats de cette thèse mettent à jour un mécanisme nouveau qui pourrait être la clé de la mise en place des écoulements pyroclastiques et pourrait permettre d’améliorer la prévision future des risques et des menaces par modélisation numérique

Study of the formation and the transportation of the ash-cloud surge by numerical and experimental modeling

Les écoulements pyroclastiques sont des écoulements volcaniques complexes dont le comportement physique fait encore l'objet de débats. Ils sont composés de deux parties : l'écoulement dense basal, riche en particules et en blocs, surmonté par la déferlante, diluée et turbulente. Les interactions entre ces deux parties ne sont pas bien comprises, tout comme leurs échanges de masses et de quantités de mouvement. Partant de ce constat, cette thèse se concentre sur l’étude des mécanismes de formation de la déferlante à partir de l’écoulement dense.Les expériences mettent en évidence un mécanisme de formation d'un écoulement dilué par l’alternance d’incorporation d'air et d’élutriation des particules fines d’un lit granulaire dense soumis à des vibrations. L'air est aspiré dans le lit granulaire pendant les phases de dilatation puis expulsé pendant les phases de contraction. Une partie des particules est alors soutenue par l'air turbulent expulsé et forme un mélange de gaz et de particules qui, plus dense que l’air, se transforme en un écoulement de gravité. Extrapolé à l’échelle d’un volcan, ce mécanisme d’incorporation d’air et d’élutriation peut être reproduit par une topographie rugueuse, où chaque obstacle génère une compaction puis une dilation de l’écoulement dense. La quantification du mécanisme a été effectuée et l’approche expérimentale a permis d’aboutir à une loi reliant le flux de masse de la partie dense vers la déferlante à la vitesse de l’écoulement dense. Le modèle numérique est utilisé dans un premier temps pour étudier la rhéologie de l’écoulement dense qui, en contrôlant sa vitesse, contrôle le flux de masse précédemment évoqué. Un chapitre est consacré à l’effet de la fluidisation de l’écoulement dense sur sa rhéologie. Les résultats montrent que la fluidisation par les gaz est capable d’expliquer à la fois la grande mobilité de ces écoulements, ainsi que la formation des morphologies terminales en lobes et chenaux. L’ingestion d’air dans un écoulement au cours de sa mise en place semble pouvoir expliquer une partie de la dynamique des écoulements denses. Des rhéologies simples, de premier ordre, ont également été analysées : la rhéologie de Coulomb, la rhéologie plastique, et la rhéologie à coefficient de frottement variable. Les résultats montrent que la rhéologie plastique semble la mieux adaptée pour reproduire la vitesse et l’extension des écoulements denses.Ce modèle numérique a ensuite été utilisé pour tester la loi de flux de masse obtenue suite aux expériences de laboratoire. Appliqués à l’effondrement de dôme du 25 juin 1997 à la Soufriere Hills de Montserrat, les résultats montrent que les simulations reproduisent des dépôts de déferlantes dont l’épaisseur et l’extension sont tout à fait réalistes. Les simulations reproduisent même les écoulements denses secondaires issus de la sédimentation de la déferlante puis de la remobilisation des dépôts. Les cycles d’ingestion/expulsion d’air dans l’écoulement dense, par interaction avec la topographie, expliqueraient donc à la fois la grande fluidité des écoulements denses et la formation des déferlantes pyroclastiques. Les résultats de cette thèse mettent à jour un mécanisme nouveau qui pourrait être la clé de la mise en place des écoulements pyroclastiques et pourrait permettre d’améliorer la prévision future des risques et des menaces par modélisation numérique.Small volume pyroclastic density currents are complex volcanic flows, whose physical behaviour is still debated. They comprise two parts: the pyroclastic flow, rich in particles and blocks, overridden by the ash-cloud surge, a turbulent and dilute flow. The interactions between these two parts are not fully understood, as well as their exchanges of mass and momentum. Therefore, the thesis focuses on the investigation of ash-cloud surge formation mechanisms from the pyroclastic flow. The experiments reveal a mechanism of dilute flow formation by alternation of air incorporation into and elutriation of fine particles from a dense granular bed subjected to vibrations. The air is aspirated into the granular bed during dilatations, and expulsed during the contraction phases. A part of the particles are then sustained by the turbulent expulsed air and form a mixture of gas and particles that transforms into a gravity current. Extrapolated to a volcanic edifice, this mechanism of air incorporation and elutriation can be reproduced by a rough topography, where each obstacle generates a compaction followed by a dilatation of the pyroclastic flow. The quantification of the mechanism has been accomplished and the mass flux from the dense flow to the ash-cloud surge has been deduced.The numerical model is first used to study the pyroclastic flow rheology, which controls the velocity of the flow, and then the mass flux previously mentioned. One chapter is dedicated to the fluidization effect on the pyroclastic flow rheology. Results show that this mechanism can explain the long runout of these flows, and also the formation of levées and channel morphologies. The air ingestion in the flow during its movement could explain a part of the pyroclastic flows dynamic. Simple rheologies has also been analyzed: a Coulomb rheology, a plastic rheology, and a variable friction coefficient rheology. Results show that the plastic rheology seems to be the most adapted rheology to simulate the pyroclastic flow dynamic. Then, the numerical model has been used to test the mass flow law obtained through experiments. Applied to the 25 June 1997 dome collapse at Soufrière Hills Volcano at Montserrat, results show that the simulations reproduce accurately the extension and the thickness of the surge deposits. The simulations are also able to reproduce the surge derived pyroclastic flow, generated by remobilisation of surge deposits. The cycles of ingestion/expulsion of air in the pyroclastic flow by interactions with the topography could explain both the great fluidity of these flows and the formation of ash-cloud surge. These results highlight a new mechanism that could be a key process in pyroclastic flow dynamic, which could improve significantly the hazard and risk assessment using numerical model

Combining numerical and experimental modelling to constrain the surge formation mechanism

International audienc

A unifying model for pyroclastic surge genesis and pyroclastic flow fluidization

International audiencePyroclastic density currents are hot and fast ground−hugging mixtures of volcanic fragments and gases, which represent a major threat to people living near to explosive volcanoes. Mechanisms causing the separation into the concentrated (the pyroclastic flow) and dilute (the pyroclastic surge) layers, as well as the mechanism causing their remarkably high mobility are still unclear. Here we present a conceptual model based on field observations of lava dome collapses, laboratory experiments, and numerical modelling that unifies these mechanisms. Our model shows that they are caused by the fall of fine volcanic particles onto steep, irregular topography. The ambient air entrapped during the fall both creates the pyroclastic surge through elutriation and induces high fluidity in the pyroclastic flow by increasing its pore pressure. Our conclusion reveals the importance of topography in the destructive capacity of pyroclastic density currents

Numerical modelling of the surge-derived pyroclastic ow of 25 June 1997 at Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat

International audienc

Investigation of surge-derived pyroclastic flow formation by numerical modelling of the 25 June 1997 dome collapse at Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat

International audienceDeposits from ash-cloud surges associated with dome collapse can, under certain conditions, be remobilised to form surge-derived pyroclastic flows (SDPFs). Using numerical modelling, we reproduce the emplacement of these flows and investigate the conditions that favour their genesis. We use the new version of the numerical model VolcFlow, which simulates the two components of a pyroclastic flow: the basal avalanche and the overriding ash-cloud surge. The basal avalanche (primary block-and-ash flows and SDPFs) are simulated using three previously published rheological laws: plastic, frictional and frictional velocity-weakening rheologies. Applied to the 25 June 1997 dome collapse at Soufrière Hills Volcano, the models reproduce to different degrees the deposit footprints formed by the block-and-ash flows, the ash-cloud surges and the SDPFs. In the plastic model, SDPFs occur if the ash-cloud surge deposit exceeds a threshold thickness that allows it to remobilise and flow. In the frictional models, SDPFs occur only if ash-cloud surge deposition takes place on a slope exceeding the friction angle of the ash. Results also highlight that SDPFs appeared so clearly in 1997 at Montserrat due to a combination of topographic factors: (i) a bend in the Mosquito Ghaut drainage that allowed the ash-cloud surges to detach, (ii) a depositional area on the watershed between the eastern and western drainage channels and (iii) a network of tributaries that drained all the remobilised mass into Dyer's River to form a single, large SDPF. Our model could be a promising tool for the future forecasting of hazards posed by surge-derived pyroclastic flows

New Insights Into the 2070calyrBP Pyroclastic Currents at El Misti Volcano (Peru) From Field Investigations, Satellite Imagery and Probabilistic Modeling

Pyroclastic currents (PCs) are the most challenging volcanic hazards for disaster planners in populated areas around volcanoes. “El Misti” volcano (5,825 m above sea level), located only 17 km from the city center of Arequipa (\u3e1.1 million inhabitants), South Peru, has produced small-to-moderate volume (\u3c1 km3) PCs with a frequency of 2,000–4,000 years over the past 50 kyr. The most recent Plinian eruption dated at 2070 cal yr BP (VEI 4) has been selected as one of the reference events for the hazard assessment and risk mitigation plan of Arequipa. Associated pumice- and lithic-rich PC deposits were emplaced from at least four phases of column-collapse into the radial valleys draining the volcano as far as 13 km toward the city. Field mapping and stratigraphic surveys conducted in seven valleys affected by the 2070 cal yr BP PCs were combined with a new high-resolution (2 m) digital surface model of the volcano to better estimate the distribution of individual PC volumes. Such data acquisition is particularly critical for two of these valleys (San Lázaro and Huarangal-Mariano Melgar) for which the medial and distal reaches now cross the suburbs of Arequipa. The total area covered by the PC deposits is estimated at 141 km2 for a total bulk volume estimated at 406 ± 140 × 106 m3. These volumes were used as input parameters to better calibrate probabilistic numerical simulations of future similar PC events using the two-layer VolcFlow model and assess the impacts of both the concentrated and dilute portions of these currents in the San Lázaro and Huarangal valleys. We discuss probability values of PC inundation obtained from these simulations both in terms of their implications for the dynamics of such hazardous PCs at El Misti and for their integration into its current multi-hazard assessment. Modeling results demonstrate that the risk of overbank processes and spreading of unconfined PCs inside Arequipa should be refined. This multi-disciplinary study aims to help the civil authorities’ understanding of the likely effects of PCs associated with a similar VEI 4 eruption of El Misti on the urban area of Arequipa

Dynamics and Impacts of the May 8th, 1902 Pyroclastic Current at Mount Pelée (Martinique): New Insights From Numerical Modeling

The Mount Pelée May 8th, 1902 eruption is responsible for the deaths of more than 29,000 people, as well as the nearly-complete destruction of the city of Saint Pierre by a single pyroclastic current, and is, sadly, the deadliest eruption of the 20th century. Despite intensive field studies on the associated deposit, two conflicting interpretations of the pyroclastic current dynamics (either a blast or a simple ash-cloud surge) emerged in the 90’s and have been paralyzing research ever since, leaving numerous unknowns (i.e., source conditions, volume). This study is the first to investigate numerically the May 8th, 1902 pyroclastic current, using the new two-phase version of VolcFlow that simulates more accurately both parts of pyroclastic currents (i.e., the block-and-ash flow and the ash-cloud surge). Physical flow parameters are either extracted from field data or estimated empirically when no value was found in the literature. Among the two interpretations, only the simple ash-cloud surge is tested, generated from a block-and-ash flow initially supplied from the artificially recreated 1902 crater. The block-and-ash flow overflows from the southern V-shaped crater outlet and stays confined into the Rivière Blanche, whereas the ash-cloud surge expands radially and spreads westward, seaward, and eastward, ultimately reaching St Pierre 8 km away, within 330 s. The extent of both parts of the simulated current, as well as the thickness and the direction of the ash-cloud surge are accurately reproduced for a total volume of 32 × 106 m3, for which a significant part (one third) is deposited in the sea (not recorded in previous studies). Simulations demonstrate that the pear-like shape of the ash-cloud surge deposit is explained by a late surge production along the Rivière Blanche but also that a blast-like event may be required at the initial stage of the explosion, which in some way reconciles the two conflicting past interpretations. Results also highlight the role played by the topography in controlling transport and deposition mechanisms of such pyroclastic currents especially the lateral spreading of the ash-cloud surge. Our study improves the assessment of pyroclastic current-related hazards at Mount Pelée, which could be helpful for future eruptions

Dynamic and Impacts of the May 8th, 1902 Pyroclastic Current at Mount Pelée (Martinique): New Insights from Numerical Modelling

The Mount Pelée May 8th, 1902 eruption is responsible for the deaths of more than 29,000 people, as well as the nearly-complete destruction of the city of Saint Pierre by a single pyroclastic current, and is, sadly, the deadliest eruption of the 20th century. Despite intensive field studies on the associated deposits, the eruptive sequence as well as the generation of the pyroclastic current and its internal dynamics are still debated. This study takes a different approach by developing numerical simulations of the May 8, 1902 pyroclastic current event using the two-phase version of VolcFlow to model both the concentrated part (also called block-and-ash flow) and the dilute part (also called ash-cloud surge). The scenario for the simulation consists of an ash-cloud surge generated from a block-and-ash flow initially supplied from the artificially recreated 1902 crater. Physical flow parameters are either extracted from field data or estimated empirically when no value is found in the literature. The simulated pyroclastic current rapidly overflows from the southern V-shaped crater outlet. The concentrated part stays confined in the Rivière Blanche, whereas the dilute part expands radially and spreads westward, seaward, and eastward, ultimately reaching St Pierre, 8 km away, within 330 s. The extent of both parts of the simulated current, as well as the thickness and the direction of the ash-cloud surge with a total volume of 32 ×106 m3, for which a significant part (one third) is deposited in the sea (not recorded in previous studies), is accurately reproduced. The pear-like shape of the ash-cloud surge deposit is explained by a late surge production along the Rivière Blanche. Simulations demonstrate that a blast-like event is not mandatory for this eruption, and that most of the key flow dynamics (flow direction, extent, thickness of the deposit) can be accurately simulated with such a simplified two-phase, depth-averaged modelling approach. Results also highlight the key role played by the topography in controlling transport and deposition mechanisms of such pyroclastic currents especially the lateral spreading of the ash-cloud surge