Flynn, Ian, T.W.
(2022)
Modeling of Volcanic Flow Processes on Earth, Mars, and Venus.
Doctoral Dissertation, University of Pittsburgh.
(Unpublished)
Abstract
Volcanism is a fundamental geologic process that occurs throughout the solar system. Investigations of volcanic activity on Earth and other planetary bodies rely heavily on the use of satellite remote sensing and quantitative analytical modeling. These investigations can focus on numerous volcanic landforms and types of activity; the work presented here centers on pyroclastic density currents (PDC) and lava flows.
In 2018 Fuego volcano, Guatemala experienced a large eruption that produced a PDC which devastated the town of Los Lotes and resulted in hundreds of deaths. To assess future PDC hazards for Fuego twenty years of thermal infrared (TIR) data from the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission Reflection radiometer (ASTER) instrument were combined with a numerical PDC model (VolcFlow) and reports from the local monitoring agency. This data synergy created a robust PDC hazard assessment that can aid in future mitigation efforts.
For the remainder of the dissertation the PyFLOWGO thermorheologic model is used in three different applications. (1) For all lava flow models topography is a critical input; by extension the resolution of the topographic data should have an impact on the lava flow model outputs. Using the Tolbachik 2012-2013 eruption a topographic sensitivity analysis of the PyFLOWGO model was carried out. Digital elevation model (DEM) resolution has a quantifiable impact on the modeled lava flow length which can impact results for future applications on Earth and to planetary lava flows. (2) Volcanism was a critical aspect of Mars surface formation and evolution. Using the PyFLOWGO model in a novel application, rheologic conditions for five partially exposed channelized lava flows south of Arsia Mons were determined. This method also identified a potential vent source for four of the five flows. This newly identified source presents alternative formation options for the lava flow fields south of the Arsia Mons volcanic complex. (3) Volcanism on Venus was, and potentially still is, an important geologic process. Using PyFLOWGO, the effects of the extreme environmental conditions on lava flow propagation are quantified. The increased atmospheric density has the greatest impact on lava flow propagation, resulting in an increased heat flux and a shorter flow.
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Details
| Item Type: |
University of Pittsburgh ETD
|
| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
|
| ETD Committee: |
| Title | Member | Email Address | Pitt Username | ORCID |
|---|
| Committee Chair | Ramsey, Michael | | | | | Committee Member | Crown, David | | | | | Committee Member | Harbert, William | | | | | Committee Member | Shelef, Eitan | | | | | Committee Member | Stewart, Brian | | | |
|
| Date: |
13 August 2022 |
| Date Type: |
Publication |
| Defense Date: |
25 May 2022 |
| Approval Date: |
19 November 2024 |
| Submission Date: |
24 July 2022 |
| Access Restriction: |
No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately. |
| Number of Pages: |
230 |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences > Geology and Environmental Science |
| Degree: |
PhD - Doctor of Philosophy |
| Thesis Type: |
Doctoral Dissertation |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
Planetary Geology, Remote Sensing, Volcanology, Numerical Modeling |
| Date Deposited: |
19 Nov 2024 16:38 |
| Last Modified: |
20 Nov 2024 17:01 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/43620 |
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