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The Ground Surge Deposit: a Third Type of Pyroclastic Rock

Nature Physical Science volume 241, pages 62–64 (1973)Cite this article

Abstract

PYROCLASTIC rocks are defined as fragmental volcanic products in which the fragmentation of lava or rock and the ejection of the fragments from the vent are both due to explosive volcanic activity. Pyroclastic rocks have long been subdivided into two broad types, pyroclastic fall deposits and pyroclastic flows. We now propose a tripartite subdivision with the ground surge deposit as the third type. This addition is justified on the grounds that it is sufficiently common, distinctive and different from the other two to merit separate and equal treatment. This new group includes base surge deposits such as were first recognized in the products of the 1965 eruption of Taal1,2, as well as other deposits which have similar characteristics, including some deposits of nuées ardentes and some which have previously been classified as pyroclastic flows.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geology, Imperial College of Science and Technology, London, SW7 2BP

    R. S. J. SPARKS & G. P. L. WALKER

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  1. R. S. J. SPARKS
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  2. G. P. L. WALKER
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SPARKS, R., WALKER, G. The Ground Surge Deposit: a Third Type of Pyroclastic Rock. Nature Physical Science 241, 62–64 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1038/physci241062a0

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