Eruption initiation timescales for Koma Kulshan (Mt. Baker)
Koma Kulshan (Mount Baker), WA is ranked as a very high threat volcano with the potential for devastating local impacts in WA (e.g., lahars, lava flows) and more widespread impacts (e.g., ashfall). I am working with Dr. Hannah Shamloo in the CHIVES lab (Center for HIgh-temperature, Volcanic, and Experimental Studies) at Central Washington University to estimate eruption initiation timescales for Koma Kulshan. "Eruption initiation timescale" refers to the duration of time from the final magmatic process before eruption to the eruption itself. By looking at how quickly eruption initiation proceeded in the past, we hope to better understand how quickly it might happen before future eruptions and improve eruption forecasting and warning time.
I am studying zoned crystals (similar to tree rings), which record the timing and duration of changes in their magmatic environment. My primary methods include geochemical analysis (SEM, EPMA, LA-ICP-MS), thermometry, and diffusion chronometry. Diffusion chronometry translates the chemical profile across a crystal into a timescale. AGU 2023 Poster (References) |
Left: Schematic zoned crystal; the chemical composition is analyzed at each point along the analysis transect
Right: Chemical composition (y-axis) plotted across the transect (x-axis) The shape of the best-fit profile is associated with the eruption initiation timescale. The more relaxed the profile is from it's initial state, the more time has passed. The steeper the profile remains, the less time has passed. |