Eruptive processes of maar-diatreme volcanoes

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NATURE OF THE WORK TO BE DONEMaars are the second most common type of volcanic landform on Earth, and their eruptions are hazardous to people and property. Underneath the maar crater sits a diatreme, i.e. a subterranean structure filled by pyroclastic debris. Kimberlitic diatremes can contain diamonds, including at several Canadian diamond mines. Diamond mining is a multi-billion dollar industry in Canada. Therefore, the eruptive processes of maar-diatreme volcanoes are important to understand both from a natural hazards perspective and an economic standpoint.The proposed work program will combine (1) detailed field studies of some of the best exposures of diatremes in the world, using modern volcanological, stratigraphic and geochemical techniques to obtain a more realistic picture of the characteristics of maar-diatreme pyroclastic deposits, and (2) lab-scale and field-scale experiments to model specific maar-diatreme emplacement processes, especially those going on in the diatreme. The experiments will involve several international collaborators and the research program will train four graduate students. WHY THE RESEARCH IS IMPORTANT scientists working for volcano observatories or civil protection agencies will be able to use the improved understanding of maar-diatreme volcanoes in their work.The economic benefits will be to Canada's resource sector, because many findings of the present research program will be applicable to kimberlitic diatremes. Understanding the factors that control the distribution of diamonds in kimberlite pipes is a fundamental challenge for the Canadian diamond mining industry, and this is directly linked with kimberlite emplacement processes. New information generated from the current research program will be applicable to kimberlite fields such as Fort-à-la-Corne, SK; Lac-de-Gras, NWT; Attawapiskat/Victor, ON; or Renard, QC, where it will help diamond companies explore, evaluate and mine kimberlite pipes more efficiently.