Identifying rheological regimes within pyroclastic density currents

Thomas. J. Jones (), Abhishek Shetty, Caitlin Chalk, Josef Dufek and Helge M. Gonnermann
Additional contact information
Thomas. J. Jones: Lancaster University
Abhishek Shetty: Anton Paar USA Inc
Caitlin Chalk: University of Liverpool
Josef Dufek: University of Oregon
Helge M. Gonnermann: Rice University

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) are the most lethal of all volcanic hazards. An ongoing challenge is to accurately forecast their run-out distance such that effective mitigation strategies can be implemented. Central to this goal is an understanding of the flow mobility—a quantitative rheological model detailing how the high temperature gas-pyroclast mixtures propagate. This is currently unknown, yet critical to accurately forecast the run-out distance. Here, we use a laboratory apparatus to perform rheological measurements on real gas-pyroclast mixtures at dynamic conditions found in concentrated to intermediate pumice-rich PDCs. We find their rheology to be non-Newtonian featuring (i) a yield stress where deposition occurs; (ii) shear-thinning behavior that promotes channel formation and local increases in velocity and (iii) shear-thickening behavior that promotes decoupling and potential co-PDC plume formation. We provide a universal regime diagram delineating these behaviors and illustrating how flow can transition between them during transport.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48612-7

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