Vaerewyck C., Paris R., Roche Olivier, Bougouin A. (2026). Eruptive column collapse as a source of volcanic tsunamis : an experimental investigation. Pure and Applied Geophysics, [Early access], p. [20 p.]. ISSN 0033-4553.
Titre du document
Eruptive column collapse as a source of volcanic tsunamis : an experimental investigation
Vaerewyck C., Paris R., Roche Olivier, Bougouin A.
Source
Pure and Applied Geophysics, 2026,
[Early access], p. [20 p.] ISSN 0033-4553
Explosive volcanic eruptions at sea or near coastlines can produce eruptive columns of hot gas and solidified magma fragments that may rise up to 50-55 km before collapsing into the water. Long overlooked, this process has recently been proposed as a potential tsunami source, notably during the January 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai eruption. It offers a new perspective on tsunami generation and may shed light on historical events such as the 1883 Krakatau eruption. Yet, the tsunamigenic potential of eruptive column collapse into the sea remains largely hypothetical and poorly constrained. In this context, we present exploratory laboratory experiments on the vertical collapse of granular material into water, systematically varying the initial granular mass, drop height, and average particle volume concentration. Our study shows that (i) vertical granular collapse into water can generate tsunamis, (ii) the amplitude of the leading (first) wave is mainly controlled by the granular mass flow rate at impact, and (iii) the wave generation process differs quantitatively, but not qualitatively, from solid-block impacts. These findings provide experimental evidence of the tsunamigenic potential of eruptive column collapse and open new avenues for understanding and modeling this source mechanism, as well as for reinterpreting tsunamis reported during past eruptions.
Plan de classement
Sciences fondamentales / Techniques d'analyse et de recherche [020]
;
Limnologie physique / Océanographie physique [032]
;
Géologie et formations superficielles [064]
;
Géophysique interne [066]
Description Géographique
TONGA ; PACIFIQUE SUD: HUNGA TONGA HUNGA HA APAI VOLCAN
