Outgassing behaviour during highly explosive basaltic eruptions

Abstract

Explosivity of basaltic eruptions is related to the efficiency in which exsolved gas can separate from the melt during ascent, which is controlled by magma permeability. However, basaltic pyroclasts from eruptions of varying explosivity can show similar permeability, indicating a possible complex relationship between permeability, outgassing and eruptive style. Here, we provide 3D measurements of basaltic pyroclasts using X-ray microtomography. We investigate the role of permeability and outgassing on magma ascent dynamics by using a numerical conduit model. Among the permeable parameters, bubble number density and friction coefficient largely affect explosivity. However, for fast ascending basaltic magmas, gas-melt coupling is maintained independent of magma permeability. In this case, magma storage conditions may determine eruptive style, driving rapid magma ascent, crystallisation and bubble nucleation, producing a highly explosive eruption. Monitoring parameters which reveal pre-eruptive conditions may assist hazard mitigation, particularly for basaltic systems which exhibit a wide range in eruptive style.