EarthRef.org Reference Database (ERR) -- Heiken 1972

Volcanic ash samples collected from a variety of recent eruptions were studied using petrography, chemical analyses, and scanning electron microscopy to characterize each ash type and to relate ash morphology to magma composition and the type of eruption. The ashes are best placed into two broad genetic categories: magmatic and phreatomagmatic. Ashes from magmatic eruptions are formed when expanding gases in the magma form a froth that loses its coherence as it approaches the ground surface. During phreatomagmatic eruptions, the magma is chilled on contact with ground or surface waters, resulting in violent steam eruptions. Within these two genetic categories, ashes from different magma types can be characterized. The 'pigeonhole' classification used here is for convenience; there are eruptions which are driven by both phreatic and magmatic gases. The morphology of ash particles from magmatic eruptions of high-viscosity magma is governed primarily by vesicle density and shape. The vitric ash particles are generally angular, vesicular pumiceous fragments or thin vesicle-wall fragments. The morphology of lithic fragments is dependent on the texture and mechanical properties of the rock units broken up during the eruption, most of the samples studied contain equant, angular to subrounded lithic fragments. Ash particles from eruptions of low-viscosity magmas are mostly droplets, droplet shape is in part controlled by surface tension, acceleration of the droplets after they leave the vent, and air friction. Shapes range from perfect spheres to a variety of twisted, elongate droplets with smooth, fluidal surfaces. The morphology of ash particles from phreatomagmatic eruptions is controlled by stresses within the chilled magma which result in fragmentation of the glass to form small blocky or pyramidal glass ash particles. Vesicle density and shape play only a minor role in determining the morphology of these ash particles.