Publication Date:
2017-04-04
Description:
The FLOWGO thermo-rheological model links heat loss, core cooling, crystallization, rheology and flow dynamics for lava flowing in a channel. We fit this model to laser altimeter (LIDAR) derived channel width data, as well as effusion rate and flow velocity measurements, to produce a best-fit prediction of thermal and rheological conditions for lava flowing in a ~1.6 km long channel active on Mt. Etna (Italy) on 16th September 2004. Using, as a starting condition for the model, the mean channel width over the first 100 m (6 m) and a depth of 1 m we obtain an initial velocity and instantaneous effusion rate of 0.3–0.6 m/s and ~3 m3/s, respectively. This compares with field- and LIDAR-derived values of 0.4 m/s and 1–4 m3/s. The best fit between model-output and LIDAR-measured channel widths comes from a hybrid run in which the proximal section of the channel is characterised by poorly insulated flow and the medial-distal section by well-insulated flow. This best-fit model implies that flow conditions evolve down-channel, where hot crusts on a free flowing channel maximise heat losses across the proximal section, whereas thick, stable, mature crusts of ′a′a clinker reduce heat losses across the medial-distal section. This results in core cooling per unit distance that decreases from ~0.02–0.015°C m−1 across the proximal section, to ~0.005°C m−1 across the medial-distal section. This produces an increase in core viscosity from ~3800 Pa s at the vent to ~8000 Pa s across the distal section.
Description:
Published
Description:
L01301
Description:
3.6. Fisica del vulcanismo
Description:
3.5. Geologia e storia dei sistemi vulcanici
Description:
JCR Journal
Description:
reserved
Keywords:
Kava Channel
;
LIDAR
;
thermal modeling
;
04. Solid Earth::04.08. Volcanology::04.08.99. General or miscellaneous
Repository Name:
Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV)
Type:
article
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