Abstract:
Volcanic ash samples collected from a variety of recent eruptions were studied, using petrography, chemical analyses, and scanning electron microscopy to characterize each ash type and to relate ash morphology to magma composition and eruption type.
The ashes are best placed into two broad genetic categories: magmatic and hydrovolcanic (phreatomagmatic). Ashes from magmatic eruptions are formed when expanding gases in the magma form a froth that loses its coherence as it approaches the ground surface. During hydrovolcanic eruptions, the magma is chilled on contact with ground or surface waters, resulting in violent steam eruptions. Within these two genetic categories, ashes from different magma types can be characterized. The "pigeon hole" classification used here is for convenience; there are eruptions which are driven by both phreatic and magmatic gases.
The morphology of ash particles from magmatic eruptions of high-viscosity magma is governed primarily by vesicle density and shape. The vitric ash particles are generally angular, vesicular pumiceous fragments, or thin vesicle wall fragments. The morphology of lithic fragments is dependent on the texture and mechanical properties of the rock units broken up during the eruption; most of the samples studied contain equant, angular to subrounded lithic fragments.
Ash particles from eruptions of low-viscosity magmas are mostly droplets; droplet shape is in part controlled by surface tension, acceleration of the droplets leaving the vent, and air friction. Shapes range from perfect spheres to a variety of twisted, elongate droplets, with smooth, fluidal surfaces.
The morphology of ash particles from hydrovolcanic eruptions is controlled by stresses within the chilled magma which result in fragmentation of the glass to form small blocky or pyramidal ash particles. Vesicle density and shape play only a minor role in determining the morphology of these ash particles.
