Supereruptions and Supervolcanoes: Processes and Products

Research Article| February 01, 2008 Supereruptions and Supervolcanoes: Processes and Products Colin J.N. Wilson Colin J.N. Wilson *School of Geography, Geology and Environmental Science, and Institute of Earth Science and Engineering, University of Auckland PB92019, Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland 1142, New Zealand E-mail: cjn.wilson@auckland.ac.nz Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Elements (2008) 4 (1): 29–34. https://doi.org/10.2113/GSELEMENTS.4.1.29 Article history first online: 09 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Colin J.N. Wilson; Supereruptions and Supervolcanoes: Processes and Products. Elements 2008;; 4 (1): 29–34. doi: https://doi.org/10.2113/GSELEMENTS.4.1.29 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyElements Search Advanced Search Abstract Pyroclastic deposits and lava flows generated by supereruptions are similar to, but tens of times larger than, those observed in historic eruptions. Physical processes control eruption styles, which then dictate what products are available for sampling and how well the eruption sequence can be determined. These erupted products and their ordering in time permit reconstruction of the parental magma chamber. Supervolcanoes also have smaller eruptions that provide snapshots of magma chamber development in the lead-in to and aftermath of supereruptions. Many aspects of supereruption dynamics, although on a vast scale, can be understood from observations or inferences from smaller historic and prehistoric events. However, the great diversity in the timings of supereruptions and in the eruptive behaviour of supervolcanoes present continuing challenges for research. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.