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The origin of accretionary lapilli

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Abstract

Experimental investigations in a recirculating wind tunnel of the mechanisms of formation of accretionary lapilli have demonstrated that growth is controlled by collision of liquid-coated particles, due to differences in fall velocities, and binding as a result of surface tension forces and secondary mineral growth. The liquids present on particle surfaces in eruption plumes are acid solutions stable at ≪ 100% relative humidity, from which secondary minerals, e.g. calcium sulphate and sodium chloride, precipitate prior to impact of accretionary lapilli with the ground. Concentric grain-size zones within accretionary lapilli build up due to differences in the supply of particular particle sizes during aggregate growth. Accretionary lapilli do not evolve by scavenging of particles by liquid drops followed by evaporation — a process which, in wind tunnel experiments, generates horizontally layered hemispherical aggregates. Size analysis of particles in the wind tunnel air stream and particles adhering to growing aggregates demonstrate that the aggregation coefficient is highly grain-size dependent. Theoretical simulation of accretionary lapilli growth in eruption plumes predicts maximum sizes in the range 0.7–20 mm for ash cloud thicknesses of 0.5–10 km respectively.

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Author notes

  1. J. S. Gilbert

    Present address: Environmental Sciences Division, Institute of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Lancaster University, LA1 4YQ, Lancaster, UK

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geology, University of Bristol, Wills Memorial Building, Queens Road, BS8 1RJ, Bristol, UK

    J. S. Gilbert & S. J. Lane

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  1. J. S. Gilbert
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  2. S. J. Lane
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Gilbert, J.S., Lane, S.J. The origin of accretionary lapilli. Bull Volcanol 56, 398–411 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00326465

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