Abrasion in pyroclastic flows

The relative size of glass rims coating crystals in the matrix ash provides a semi-quantitative measure of abrasion of ash grains in pyroclastic flows. Median abrasion indices (= areacrystal / areaglass rim) are 8.4 to 18.5 in Laacher See pyroclastic flow units but only 4 to 6.3 in assocciated fallout, showing stronger abrasion of ash particles in the pyroclastic flows. All pyroclasts undergo strong attrition in the vent but clasts in pyroclastic flows undergo a second major phase of abrasion during high-energy near-vent flow. Abrasion of ash particles is weaker during lower-energy higher-strength motion further downstream, suggesting that high contents of fine ash in distal deposits are due to diminishing elutriation rather than high rate of attrition