Volcanology: Processes, Deposits, Geology and Resources

This book is a comprehensive and updated version of the 1987 book Volcanic Successions, covering various topics such as magma properties, fragmentation processes, lava types, eruptions, and more. It is intended as a textbook and research reference for students, researchers, and professionals in volcanology.

Format: Hardback
Publication date: 30 March 2021
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This book represents a significant update, revision, and expansion of the original work titled Volcanic Successions, published by Cas and Wright back in 1987. Spanning six comprehensive parts, it provides an extensive and detailed exploration of various aspects related to magma properties, fragmentation processes, lava types, field textures, sub-volcanic intrusions, explosive eruptions, pyroclastic deposits, surface sedimentary processes, hydrothermal alteration, lithification, and their impact on volcanic rock textures. The text is designed to serve as a comprehensive textbook and valuable research reference for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, and professionals engaged in the field of volcanology.

The authorship team behind this new edition comprises Ray Cas, Guido Giordano, and John Wright, each with extensive expertise in diverse aspects of volcanological processes and deposit types covered in the book. The authors adopt a facies-based approach, treating the diverse range of volcanic products in terrains as facies, and utilizing facies analysis and interpretation to construct facies models for different volcanic settings and their associated resources.

The book is organized into six main sections, each dedicated to a specific topic:

Magma Properties: This section delves into the composition, structure, and properties of magma, including its chemical makeup, viscosity, and temperature. It discusses the factors that influence magma behavior during eruption and the formation of different volcanic structures.

Fragmentation Processes: This section explores the mechanisms and processes that lead to the fragmentation of magma during its ascent to the surface. It discusses the role of water, gas, and other elements in the fragmentation process and the formation of volcanic deposits such as ash, lapilli, and volcanic bombs.

Subaerial and Subaqueous Lava Types and Field Textures: This section provides detailed information on the various types of lava that form during volcanic eruptions, including their composition, viscosity, and flow patterns. It discusses the field textures and structures associated with different lava types and their significance in volcanology.

Sub-Volcanic Intrusions: This section explores the processes and mechanisms that lead to the intrusion of magma into the Earth's crust. It discusses the formation of volcanic plugs, *****, and sills and their relationship to volcanic eruptions and the formation of volcanic structures.

Explosive or Pyroclastic Eruptions and Deposits: This section examines the explosive nature of volcanic eruptions and the formation of pyroclastic deposits. It discusses the characteristics of volcanic eruptions, including their intensity, duration, and the types of volcanic products produced. It also explores the deposit features and structures associated with explosive eruptions.

Surface Sedimentary Processes: This section explores the processes that shape the surface of volcanic terrains. It discusses the formation of volcanic soils, the development of volcanic landscapes, and the processes that lead to the formation of volcanic cones, plateaus, and other volcanic features.

Hydrothermal Alteration and Lithification: This section examines the processes that alter the composition and structure of volcanic rocks through hydrothermal activity. It discusses the formation of mineral deposits, the alteration of rock textures, and the formation of volcanic structures such as volcanic caves and hot springs.

Effects on Volcanic Rock Textures: This section explores the impact of various processes on volcanic rock textures. It discusses the formation of volcanic glass, the development of volcanic ash, the formation of volcanic breccias, and the formation of volcanic soils. It also discusses the significance of volcanic rock textures in volcanology and their use in identifying and mapping volcanic terrains.

Terminology and Approaches to Describing and Mapping Volcanic Rocks and Terrains: This section provides an overview of the terminology and approaches used in describing and mapping volcanic rocks and terrains. It discusses the use of geological maps, satellite imagery, and other geospatial technologies in volcanology and the development of volcanological databases.

Geology of Volcanoes and Facies Models: This section explores the geological characteristics of volcanoes and the development of facies models. It discusses the formation of volcanic cones, the formation of volcanic plateaus, and the formation of volcanic landscapes. It also discusses the significance of facies models in volcanology and their use in understanding the evolution and development of volcanic systems.

Volcanism and Tectonic Setting: This section provides an overview of the relationship between volcanism and tectonic processes. It discusses the tectonic settings of different volcanic regions, the formation of volcanic arcs, and the formation of volcanic islands. It also discusses the influence of tectonic processes on volcanic eruptions and the formation of volcanic structures.

To conclude, this book offers a comprehensive and up-to-date exploration of various aspects of volcanology. It presents a coherent flow of topics, accompanied by excellent visual material to illustrate key points and deposit features. The new authorship team, comprising experienced volcanologists, ensures that the content is both accessible and informative, making it an invaluable resource for students, researchers, and professionals alike. Whether you are a beginner in volcanology or an experienced researcher, this book will provide you with a deep understanding of the complex processes that shape volcanic terrains and the resources they contain.

Dimension: 279 x 210 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783319666129
Edition number: 2nd ed. 2021