Gregor Hahn, Postgraduate Researcher

High-temperature deformation of tuffs at explosive volcanoes: a field and structural investigation

Contact DetailsGregor Hahn

Project Overview

Some explosive volcanoes around the world can devastate an entire landscape by generating very hot pyroclastic currents, which deposit a layer of searing-hot glass particles. Such deposits comprise spectacular folding and other kinematic structures termed rheomorphic. In my research project, I explore the potential of rheomorphic ignimbrites to be used as a unique tool to resolve issues about source volcanoes, pyroclastic density current transportation directions, and palaeoslopes in varying volcanic settings.

The aim of this research is to gain a general understanding of how rheomorphic structures form sequentially and how they can be used to interpret local and regional topographies at the time of hazardous eruptions.

Research Theme

Solid Earth

Research Questions

  1. Which structures in rheomorphic ignimbrites at different topographic settings are generated directly by the pyroclastic density current and which structures are formed due to secondary gravity driven slumping?
  2. How can we tell primary rheomorphic structures apart from secondary structures and what do these structures tell us about the topography at the time of the emplacement?
  3. How sensitive are rheomorphic structures to varying slope gradients?

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