Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory

30 Jul, 07 AM - 09 Aug, 12 AM

A critical problem in understanding how volcanic eruptions occur is determining the manner and rate in which magma (molten rock) that was once stagnant in the shallow crust is ?triggered? to ascend to the surface during eruptions. This is because the manner in which stagnant magma is triggered affects many important characteristics of volcanic eruptions, including eruptive style, magma supply and withdrawal, and mineralogical reactions in the rising magma. Unfortunately, there are very few studies that constrain the timescales or mechanisms of eruption triggering, making it difficult to properly evaluate current models for volcanic hazards. Therefore, efforts aimed at expanding our understanding of how volcanic eruptions are triggered benefit not only the field of geology in general, but offer specific and practical applications to improving volcanic hazards assessment efforts. One of the most common ?trigger? mechanisms is the intrusion of hot primitive magma into a cooler and stagnant magma pod. Evidence for this process is widespread in volcanoes on Earth, both in the form of compositional and mineralogical characteristics of the erupted material and in the form of unique types of resulting earthquakes, which are easily detectable. Determining the timescale between an intrusion event and subsequent eruption, therefore, presents an exceptionally useful hazard assessment tool. The timescale between magma intrusion and subsequent eruption can be determined by exploiting the fact that during such interactions, magmas of contrasting composition and temperature exchange crystals, and the compositions of the exchanged crystals will record this event as the crystals strive to equilibrate to their new surroundings incurred as a result of magma mixing. This study, which is the basis for a MSc thesis at CSUF, investigate this process at Earthquake Dome, near Mammoth Mountain, in Eastern California because: (1) Earthquake Dome lava displays a variety of mineral, compositional, and textural evidence for the interaction of hot primitive magma and cooler evolved magma prior to eruption; (2) A seismic network with 7 seismometer stations exists in the immediate region, which detect both regional and local earthquakes; and (3) this project offers an invaluable opportunity for a student to perform research that will directly benefit society through improved assessment of volcanic hazards in the town of Mammoth Lakes, a rapidly growing recreationally-based community located only 2 miles from Earthquake Dome.

Visit #14986 @Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory

Approved

Under Project # 9868 | Research

Volcanic Eruption Triggering at Earthquake Dome & Mammoth Mountian

faculty - Humboldt State University (CSU)

Reservation Members(s)

Brandon Browne Jul 30 - Aug 9, 2008 (11 days)

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Q2 4 Jul 30 - Aug 9, 2008
Q3 4 Jul 30 - Aug 9, 2008