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Models for the origin of accretionary lapilli

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Abstract

Binding between initially cohesionless ash particles to form concentric accretionary lapilli is provided primarily by the capillary forces of liquid bridges from condensed moisture and by electrostatic attraction. Capillary forces are strong bonds if the particles are in close contact, but they decrease rapidly with increasing particle spacing. Electrostatic attraction between charged ash particles is much weaker but effective over larger distances, increasing the frequency of collision between them.

Experimental results of liquid film binding of volcanic ash showed that agglomeration was most successful between 15 and 25 wt.%, defining the agglomeration window for the formation of accretionary lapilli. Below 5–10 wt.% and above about 25–30 wt.% of water, concentric agglomeration was inhibited. Particles <350 μm could be selected from a wider particle population in the experiments using only small amounts of water, which can explain the growth of accretionary lapilli in pyroclastic surges around agglomeration nuclei. Experiments testing the behavior of volcanic ash in electric fields showed that ash clusters formed instantaneously when the ash entered the field between a corona discharge gun and a grounded metal plate. The maximum grain size incorporated into the artificial clusters was about 180 μm but >90 wt.% of ash was <45 μm.

Accretionary lapilli form in turbulent ash clouds when particles carrying liquid films of condensed moisture collide with each other and when the binding forces exceed the grain dispersive forces. Larger particles >500 μm act as agglomeration nuclei in surges, accreting ash <350 μm around them. In pyroclastic flows the aggregates are thought to originate from already size-sorted ash at the interface between the lower avalanche part of the flow and its overriding elutriation cloud. The fine-grained rims around accretionary lapilli found close to source are interpreted to be accreted dominantly by electrostatic attraction of very fine ash similar to clustering in elutriation clouds.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. c/o U. Mues-Schumacher, Wolfer & Goebel UTS, Heilbronner Strasse 380, D-70469, Stuttgart, Germany

    R. Schumacher

  2. GEOMAR Forschungszentrum, Abteilung Vulkanologie und Petrologie, Wischhofstrasse 1-3, D-24148, Kiel, Germany

    H. -U. Schmincke

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  1. R. Schumacher
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  2. H. -U. Schmincke
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Schumacher, R., Schmincke, H.U. Models for the origin of accretionary lapilli. Bull Volcanol 56, 626–639 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00301467

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