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Title: Low sulfur content in submarine lavas: An unreliable indicator of subaerial eruption

Journal Article · · Geology; (United States)
; ; ;  [1]
  1. Geological Survey, Menlo Park, CA (United States)

Low S content (< 250 ppm) has been used to identify subaerially erupted Hawaiian and Icelandic lavas. Large differences in S content of submarine-erupted lavas from different tectonic settings indicate that the behavior of S is complex. Variations is S abundance in undegassed, submarine-erupted lavas can result from different source compositions, different percentages of partial melting, and crystal fractionation. Low S concentrations in highly vesicular submarine lavas suggest that partial degassing can occur despite great hydrostatic pressure. These processes need to be evaluated before using S content as an indicator of eruption depth.

OSTI ID:
5877605
Journal Information:
Geology; (United States), Vol. 19:7; ISSN 0091-7613
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English