Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine a more precise order of eruptive events at Ice Spring Volcanic Field (ISVF) in the Black Rock Desert of Utah, U.S.A. Previous work in the area, especially those of previous I.S. researchers from 2009-2014 is used as a foundation for this research. The investigation includes geochemical analysis, DGPS mapping, volcanic structural observations, and stratigraphic examination to deduce the volcanic history of ISVF. This study concludes that the main mode for lava transportation for an eruption from Miter crater to the north was a lava tube in the proximal area. The tube consisted of a single major and many minor tubes, which leveed with decreasing effusion and finally collapsed upon drainage, and was comprised of lava with a low silica concentration. Inflationary features are topped with many meandering tubes, as well as rafted cone material. West of the central cone complex this study determines that there was another cone that has not yet been recorded, was similar in size to Miter, and erupted high silica lava, placing its existence pre- or syn-Crescent. This study makes use of case studies at Paraná-Etendeka, Brazil, Mt. Etna, Sicily and the Southern Payenia Volcanic Province in Argentina as models for the leveed tube system, and Crater Flat, Nevada, as a model for rafted cone material.

Advisor

Judge, Shelley

Department

Geology

Disciplines

Geochemistry | Geology | Volcanology

Publication Date

2016

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2016 Kelli W. Baxstrom