Reevaluation of vesicle distributions in basaltic lava flows

Research Article| May 01, 1997 Reevaluation of vesicle distributions in basaltic lava flows Katharine V. Cashman; Katharine V. Cashman 1Department of Geological Sciences, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403-1272 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar James P. Kauahikaua James P. Kauahikaua 2U.S. Geological Survey, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Hawaii National Park, Hawaii 96718 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (1997) 25 (5): 419–422. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1997)025<0419:ROVDIB>2.3.CO;2 Article history first online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share MailTo Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Katharine V. Cashman, James P. Kauahikaua; Reevaluation of vesicle distributions in basaltic lava flows. Geology 1997;; 25 (5): 419–422. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1997)025<0419:ROVDIB>2.3.CO;2 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 SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract A fundamental dichotomy in the study of basaltic lava flows is that observations of active flows are restricted to flow surfaces, yet older flows are often exposed only in vertical cross section. Cross-sectional exposures of an inflated basaltic sheet flow emplaced in Kalapana, Hawaii, from 1990 to 1991 provide an unusual opportunity to merge these two viewpoints, permitting the development of the internal structure of the flow to be viewed in the context of its known emplacement history. We demonstrate that fundamental features of the flow structure—a thick upper vesicular crust that diminishes downward in overall vesicularity, a dense flow interior, and a thin lower vesicular zone—are generated through syn-emplacement cooling of upper and lower flow crusts. Both the inverse correlation of overall vesicularity and vesicle size and the constant relative thickness of the upper vesicular zone are unique to inflated flows and permit a reinterpretation of flows previously interpreted to be ponded (rapidly emplaced). Identification of inflation, in turn, implies near-horizontal paleoslopes and permits estimates of flow duration based on upper flow crust thickness. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.