Magma mixing: A mechanism for triggering acid explosive eruptions

Authors

Stephen R.J. Sparks, University of Rhode Island
Haraldur Sigurdsson, University of Rhode Island
Lionel Wilson, Lancaster University

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

12-1-1977

Abstract

Injection of basic magma into acid magma causes superheating of the acid magma and vigorous convection. Vesiculation induced by convection and increased magma pressure fractures the volcanic edifice triggering an explosive acid eruption. The 1875 plinian eruption of Askja, Iceland is an example of an explosive eruption triggered by magma mixing. © 1977 Nature Publishing Group.

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

Nature

Volume

267

Issue

5609

Citation/Publisher Attribution

Sparks, Stephen R., Haraldur Sigurdsson, and Lionel Wilson. "Magma mixing: A mechanism for triggering acid explosive eruptions." Nature 267, 5609 (1977). doi: 10.1038/267315a0.