Littoral hydrovolcanic explosions: A case study of lava-seawater interaction at Kilauea Volcano
Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research
By: T. N. Mattox and M. T. Mangan
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Abstract
A variety of hydrovolcanic explosions may occur as basaltic lava flows into the ocean. Observations and measurements were made during a two-year span of unusually explosive littoral activity as tube-fed pahoehoe from Kilauea Volcano inundated the southeast coastline of the island of Hawai'i. Our observations suggest that explosive interactions require high entrance fluxes (??? 4 m3/s) and are most often initiated by collapse of a developing lava delta. Two types of interactions were observed. "Open mixing" of lava and seawater occurred when delta collapse exposed the mouth of a severed lava tube or incandescent fault scarp to wave action. The ensuing explosions produced unconsolidated deposits of glassy lava fragments or lithic debris. Interactions under "confined mixing" conditions occurred when a lava tube situated at or below sea level fractured. Explosions ruptured the roof of the tube and produced circular mounds of welded spatter. We estimate a water/rock mass ratio of 0.15 for the most common type of littoral explosion and a kinetic energy release of 0.07-1.3 kJ/kg for the range of events witnessed.
Suggested Citation
Mattox, T.N., Mangan, M.T., 1997, Littoral hydrovolcanic explosions: A case study of lava-seawater interaction at Kilauea Volcano: Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, v. 75, no. 1-2, p. 1-17.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Littoral hydrovolcanic explosions: A case study of lava-seawater interaction at Kilauea Volcano |
| Series title | Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research |
| Volume | 75 |
| Issue | 1-2 |
| Year Published | 1997 |
| Language | English |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research |
| First page | 1 |
| Last page | 17 |