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

Journal Article · Mon Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1991 · Geology; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1991)019<0750:LSCISL>2.3.CO;2· OSTI ID:5877605

Davis, A S; Clague, D A; Schulz, M S; Hein, J R ^[1]

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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), Journal Name: Geology; (United States) Vol. 19:7; ISSN GLGYB; ISSN 0091-7613
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

58 GEOSCIENCES
580000* -- Geosciences
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
CHEMISTRY
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
CORRELATIONS
DEGASSING
DEPTH
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
DIMENSIONS
EUROPE
EVALUATION
FEDERAL REGION IX
GEOCHEMISTRY
GEOLOGY
HAWAII
ICELAND
ISLANDS
LAVA
LEVELS
NORTH AMERICA
SEAS
SULFUR CONTENT
SURFACE WATERS
UNDERWATER
USA
VARIATIONS
VOLCANOES