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Contrasting pyroclast density spectra from subaerial and submarine silicic eruptions in the Kermadec arc: implications for eruption processes and dredge sampling

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Abstract

Pyroclastic deposits from four caldera volcanoes in the Kermadec arc have been sampled from subaerial sections (Raoul and Macauley) and by dredging from the submerged volcano flanks (Macauley, Healy, and the newly discovered Raoul SW). Suites of 16–32 mm sized clasts have been analyzed for density and shape, and larger clasts have been analyzed for major element compositions. Density spectra for subaerial dry-type eruptions on Raoul Island have narrow unimodal distributions peaking at vesicularities of 80–85%, whereas ingress of external water (wet-type eruption) or extended timescales for degassing generate broader distributions, including denser clasts. Submarine-erupted pyroclasts show two different patterns. Healy and Raoul SW dredge samples and Macauley Island subaerial-emplaced samples are dominated by modes at ~80–85%, implying that submarine explosive volcanism at high eruption rates can generate clasts with similar vesicularities to their subaerial counterparts. A minor proportion of Healy and Raoul SW clasts also show a pink oxidation color, suggesting that hot clasts met air despite 0.5 to >1 km of intervening water. In contrast, Macauley dredged samples have a bimodal density spectrum dominated by clasts formed in a submarine-eruptive style that is not highly explosive. Macauley dredged pyroclasts are also the mixed products of multiple eruptions, as shown by pumice major-element chemistry, and the sea-floor deposits reflect complex volcanic and sedimentation histories. The Kermadec calderas are composite features, and wide dispersal of pumice does not require large single eruptions. When coupled with chemical constraints and textural observations, density spectra are useful for interpreting both eruptive style and the diversity of samples collected from the submarine environment.

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Acknowledgments

We thank the Masters and crew members of the R.V. Tangaroa on the NZAPLUME III (2004) and TAN0706 (2007) voyages for their logistical support and Cornel de Ronde for giving CJNW the opportunity to first visit Raoul in 2004. The New Zealand Department of Conservation gave permission for the island field work, and we would especially acknowledge Karen Baird and Raoul Conservancy staff in 2004 and 2007 for their hospitality and field support. Max Borella, Darren Gravley, and Mike Rosenberg helped with field studies in 2007, and John Watson is thanked for the XRF analyses. We are grateful to Rebecca Carey and an anonymous reviewer for their helpful comments and to James White for his editorial help and revisions which greatly improved this manuscript. Support from the Marsden Fund of the Royal Society of New Zealand (VUW0613) and the New Zealand Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (contract C01X0702-RJW) is acknowledged, along with a Victoria University of Wellington Strategic Research Grant awarded to SJB.

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  1. School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, P.O. Box 600, Wellington, 6040, New Zealand

    Simon J. Barker, Melissa D. Rotella, Colin J. N. Wilson & Richard J. Wysoczanski

  2. School of Environment, Auckland University, PB92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand

    Simon J. Barker

  3. National Oceanography Centre, University of Southampton Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK

    Ian C. Wright

  4. National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), Private Bag 14901, Kilbirnie, Wellington, 6021, New Zealand

    Richard J. Wysoczanski

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  1. Simon J. Barker
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Barker, S.J., Rotella, M.D., Wilson, C.J.N. et al. Contrasting pyroclast density spectra from subaerial and submarine silicic eruptions in the Kermadec arc: implications for eruption processes and dredge sampling. Bull Volcanol 74, 1425–1443 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00445-012-0604-2

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