Shallow crystallization of eruptive magma inferred from volcanic ash microtextures: a case study of the 2018 eruption of Shinmoedake volcano, Japan

The occurrence of groundmass crystals reveals the shallow conduit process of magmas, which affects the behavior of eruptions. Here, we analyzed groundmass microtextures of ash samples from the 2018 eruption of Shinmoedake volcano, Japan, to evaluate the change of magma ascent conditions during the eruption sequence. The eruptive activity changed from ash venting (Phase 1: March 1-6) to lava effusion with continuous ash-laden plumes (Phase 2: March 6-9) and then shifted to Vulcanian explosions (Phase 3: March 10-April 5). Non-juvenile particles were abundant in Phase 1, whereas juvenile particles were dominant in Phases 2 and 3. Vesicular juvenile particles were more abundant in Phase 2 than Phase 3. The lower microlite crystallinity and groundmass SiO2 concentrations of the vesicular particles indicate that they were sourced from magma that ascended rapidly. Abundant nanolites were observed in the black interstitial glass of juvenile particles under an optical microscope, whereas few nanolites were observed in the transparent ones. The presence of nanolites can be explained by the dehydration of silicate melt, as well as cooling and oxidation between fragmentation and quenching. Temporal changes in the ash componentry show that the eruption activity started from the erosion of the pre-existing vent plug (Phase 1), shifted to the simultaneous eruption of bubble-bearing and outgassed magmas (Phase 2), and concluded with explosions of the stagnant lava (Phase 3), thereby demonstrating the sequence of vent opening and extrusion and stagnation of magma. Therefore, ash microtextures are valuable for monitoring the shallow conduit process of eruptive magma.

Automated summary

The study analyzed the groundmass microtextures of ash samples from the 2018 eruption of Shinmoedake volcano in Japan to evaluate the change in magma ascent conditions during the eruption sequence. The findings revealed that the eruption activity transitioned from ash venting to lava effusion and Vulcanian explosions, with variations in the composition of the ash reflecting the different stages of the eruption.