Peléan eruption
Peléan eruptions are a type of volcanic eruption. They can occur when viscous magma, typically of rhyolitic or andesitic type, is involved, and share some similarities with Vulcanian eruptions. The most important characteristic of a Peléan eruption is the presence of a glowing avalanche of hot volcanic ash, called a pyroclastic flow. Formation of lava domes is another characteristic. Short flows of ash or creation of pumice cones may be observed as well.
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The initial phases of eruption are characterized by pyroclastic flows. The tephra deposits have lower volume and range than the corresponding Plinian and Vulcanian eruptions. The viscous magma then forms a steep-sided dome or volcanic spine in the volcano's vent. The dome may later collapse, resulting in flows of ash and hot blocks. The eruption cycle is usually completed in a few years, but in some cases may continue for decades, like in the case of Santiaguito.[1]
The 1902 eruption of Mount Pelée (VEI-4) is the first described case of a Peléan eruption; the term is derived from the name of the volcano.
Other examples of Peléan eruptions include:[2]
- the 1948–1951 eruption of Hibok-Hibok; (VEI-3)[3]
- the 1951 eruption of Mount Lamington, which remains the most detailed observation of this kind; (VEI-4)[4]
- the 1968 eruption of Mayon Volcano (VEI-3)[5]
- The 2021 eruption of La Soufrière (VEI-4)[6]
See also
- Plinian eruption, related to the explosive eruptions of the Mount Vesuvius
References
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2006-01-10. Retrieved 2006-01-12.
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: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - "Is a Pelean Eruption the Same as a Plinian Eruption?". Archived from the original on 2006-09-01. Retrieved 2006-01-12.
- "Camiguin: Eruptive History". Global Volcanism Program. Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved 2021-07-16.
- "Lamington: Eruptive History". Global Volcanism Program. Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved 2021-07-16.
- "Mayon: Eruptive History". Global Volcanism Program. Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved 2021-07-16.
- "Overall Orange alert Volcanic eruption for Soufriere St. Vincent". GDACS. Retrieved 14 April 2021.