The mechanics of ground deformation precursory to dome-building extrusions at Mount St. Helens 1981-1982.
Journal of Geophysical Research
By: W.W. Chadwick Jr., R.J. Archuleta, and D. A. Swanson
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Abstract
Detailed monitoring at Mount St. Helens since 1980 has enabled prediction of the intermittent eruptive activity (mostly dome growth) with unprecedented success. During 1981 and 1982, accelerating deformation of the crater floor around the vent (including radial cracks, thrust faults, and ground tilt) was the earliest indicator of impending activity. The magnitude of the shear stress required to match observed dipslacements (1-7 MPa) is inversely proportional to the conduit diameter (estimated to be 25-100 m). The most probable source of this shear stress is the flow of viscous magma up to the conduit and into the lava dome. A model is proposed in which the accelerating deformation, beginning as much as 4 weeks before extrusions, is caused by the increasing velocity of ascending magma in the conduit. This model is examined by using deformation data of the dome before four extrusions in 1981 and 1982 to estimate the volumetric flow rate through the conduit. This flow rate and an estimate of the effective viscosity of the magma enable calculation of an ascent velocity and an applied shear stress that, again, depend on the conduit diameter. The results of these calculations are consistent with the finite element experiments and show that the proposed model is feasible. Precursory deformation like that measured at Mount St. Helens should be observable at similar volcanoes elsewhere because it is caused by the fundamental process of magma ascent.-from Authors
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | The mechanics of ground deformation precursory to dome-building extrusions at Mount St. Helens 1981-1982. |
| Series title | Journal of Geophysical Research |
| Volume | 93 |
| Issue | B5 |
| Year Published | 1988 |
| Language | English |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Journal of Geophysical Research |
| First page | 4351 |
| Last page | 4366 |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |