Mafic, large-volume, pyroclastic density current deposits from phreatomagmatic eruptions in the Ferrar large igneous province

Ross, Pierre-Simon et White, James D. L. (2005). Mafic, large-volume, pyroclastic density current deposits from phreatomagmatic eruptions in the Ferrar large igneous province Journal of Geology , vol. 113 , nº 6. pp. 627-649. DOI: 10.1086/449324.

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Résumé

Mafic volcaniclastic deposits are increasingly recognized as important components of continental flood basalt provinces, but the mode of origin of these deposits and the possible environmental influence of the eruptions that formed them remain poorly constrained. The Mawson Formation (Ferrar large igneous province, Jurassic) contains the best known examples of large-scale, mafic, primary pyroclastic deposits from any flood basalt province worldwide. At southern Allan Hills, in contrast with other sites, the Mawson Formation consists predominantly of sub-horizontal, laterally-continuous, meter-thick layers which fall into four facies: (1) poorly sorted, coarse lapilli-tuff or tuff-breccia beds; (2) tuff or fine lapilli-tuff beds; (3) block-rich layers; (4) accretionary lapilli-bearing beds. We interpret the first facies as deposits of high-concentration pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) resulting from the collapse of phreatomagmatic eruption plumes, some from a source probably several kilometers away in Coombs Hills. The finer-grained layers were probably deposited by dilute PDCs, whereas block-rich layers originated from local sources predominantly by lateral ejection and ballistic fall. Dilute, moist turbulent currents were also likely responsible for the generation and deposition of large (up to 4.5 cm) rim-type accretionary lapilli. Emplacement of meters-thick basaltic PDC deposits over areas of at least 100-200 km² is suggested, with individual deposit volumes on the order of a cubic kilometer. Pre-lava pyroclastic eruptions of the Ferrar mafic magmas were explosive, produced significant eruption clouds, and distributed their products over substantial areas.

Type de document:	Article
Mots-clés libres:	courants de densité pyroclastiques ; PDC ; éruption ; phréatomagmatique; grande province ignée
Centre:	Centre Eau Terre Environnement
Date de dépôt:	16 janv. 2014 15:11
Dernière modification:	11 janv. 2017 20:57
URI:	https://espace.inrs.ca/id/eprint/1910

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