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Dispersal of key subplinian-Plinian tephras from Hekla volcano, Iceland: Implications for eruption source parameters

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-19, 02:09 authored by Janebo, MH, Thordarson, T, Houghton, BF, Bonadonna, C, Larsen, G, Rebecca CareyRebecca Carey
Hekla is the most active silicic volcano in Iceland, with 18 subplinian–Plinian eruptions since AD 1104. In the period 1970 to 2000, the frequency of such eruptions increased to once every decade. Hekla is currently inflated to above the levels observed prior to the most recent eruptions in 1991 and 2000. The next eruption could pose a hazard to air traffic between North America and Europe because explosive eruptions of Hekla, independent of size, typically start with a subplinian or Plinian phase that produces a sustained ash plume. We present an overview of five of the largest historical Hekla eruptions (taking place in 1104, 1158, 1300, 1693, and 1766). These eruptions cover a compositional range of rhyolite to andesite, previously estimated Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) values of 4–5 and are characterised by contrasting wind dispersal (dispersal axes NW–NE). New isopach maps show both greater deposit thicknesses in the proximal region and wider dispersal than previously inferred, resulting in different volume estimates (minimal values ranging between 0.18 and 0.91 km3). New isopleth maps were also compiled and resulted in inferred plume heights of about 13–25 km. These changes in the estimated values of volume and mass eruption rates have large implications on the forecasting and impacts of future Hekla eruptions.

Funding

Australian Research Council

History

Publication title

Bulletin of Volcanology

Volume

78

Issue

10

Article number

66

Number

66

Pagination

1-16

ISSN

0258-8900

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Springer-Verlag

Place of publication

175 Fifth Ave, New York, USA, Ny, 10010

Rights statement

Copyright 2016 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in the earth sciences

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