ALBERT

Description: Lava domes are subjected to structural weakening that can lead to gravitational collapse and produce pyroclastic flows that may travel up to several kilometers from a volcano's summit. At Merapi volcano, Indonesia, pyroclastic flows are a major hazard, frequently causing high numbers of casualties. After the Volcanic Explosivity Index 4 eruption in 2010, a new lava dome developed on Merapi volcano and was structurally destabilized by six steam-driven explosions between 2012 and 2014. Previous studies revealed that the explosions produced elongated open fissures and a delineated block in the southern dome sector. Here, we investigated the geomorphology, structures, thermal fingerprint, alteration mapping and hazard potential of the Merapi lava dome by using drone-based geomorphologic data and forward-looking thermal infrared images. The block on the southern dome of Merapi is delineated by a horseshoe-shaped structure with a maximum depth of 8 m and it is located on the unbuttressed southern steep flank. We identify intense thermal, fumarole and hydrothermal alteration activities along this horseshoe-shaped structure. We conjecture that hydrothermal alteration may weaken the horseshoe-shaped structure, which then may develop into a failure plane that can lead to gravitational collapse. To test this instability hypothesis, we calculated the factor of safety and ran a numerical model of block-and-ash flow using Titan2D. Results of the factor of safety analysis confirm that intense rainfall events may reduce the internal friction and thus gradually destabilize the dome. The titan2D model suggests that a hypothetical gravitational collapse of the delineated unstable dome sector may travel southward for up to 4 km. This study highlights the relevance of gradual structural weakening of lava domes, which can influence the development fumaroles and hydrothermal alteration activities of cooling lava domes for years after initial emplacement.

Description: The growth of lava domes may cause gradual oversteepening and can lead to gravitational instability and eventual collapse to produce pyroclastic flows that may travel up to several kilometers from a volcano’s summit. At Merapi volcano, Indonesia, pyroclastic flows are a major hazard, frequently involving high numbers of casualties. After the VEI 4 eruption in 2010, a new lava dome developed on Merapi volcano and was structurally destabilized by six steam-driven explosions between 2012 and 2014. Previous studies revealed that the explosions produced elongated open fissures and a structurally delineated sector at the southern part of the dome complex. Here, we investigate the geometry, thermal fingerprint, and hazard potential of the delineated unstable dome sector by integrating drone-based geomorphologic data and forward-looking thermal infrared images. The sector located on the un-buttressed southern flank of the steep dome that is delineated by a horseshoe-shaped structure and we identify intense thermal and fumarolic activity along this structure, hosting the high temperatures of the current dome. From the morphology, structures, and thermal mapping, we conjecture that the horseshoe shaped structure may develop into a failure plane that could lead to gravitational collapse of the unstable dome sector. To further elaborate on this instability hypothesis, we calculate the factor of safety, and run a numerical model of the resulting block and ash flows depositional area using Titan2D. Results of factor of the safety analysis confirm dome instability, especially during typical rainfall events. The titan2D model suggests that a hypothetical gravitational collapse of the delineated unstable dome sector would travel southward for up to 4km distance. This study highlights the relevance of structural development of lava domes, which can affect hazards even years after dome emplacement, and influences the development of thermal and fumarolic activity of cooling lava domes.