Volcano debris avalanche deposits in China
Chinese scientists have found the first evidence of volcanic debris
avalanche deposits in China, similar to those found after the 1980
eruption of Mount St. Helens in the United States.
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Deposits in
the debris avalanche zone. Picture courtesy: Google |
Professor Liu Xiang with Jilin University found that dozens of
hummocks near Wudalianchi Lake in Northeastern Heilongjiang province are
debris avalanche deposits from two volcanic eruptions that occurred in
1720 and 1721.
Liu's article on the discovery was published in the latest issue of
Geological Review, a journal sponsored by China Geological Society.
Liu points out in the article that Mount Laohei and Mount Huoshao at
the lake side are volcanos that took shape 160,000 years ago. Their
eruptions in the 1770s were accompanied with strong avalanches, which
produced the hummocks.
The largest distance of hummocks from the eruptions is as far as 2
km. The hummocks are composed of grey purple basaltic volcanic
agglomerate and volcanic breccia, which is the same as that of the rocks
on the two mountains, Liu said.
He said that globally, scientists have discovered evidence of more
than 20 volcanic avalanche events since 1500, but it is the first of
such evidence found in China.
Liu said hazards from the avalanches as well as that from the ensuing
pyroclastic flow and lahar could cause damage 50 to 60 km away from the
volcano. Early precautions should be taken to reduce casualties.
Scientists believe the volcanic study near Wudalianchi Lake is
significant in reducing hazards linked to volcano eruption disasters and
discovering environmental changes as well as exploring mineral
resources.
Wudalianchi, also known as 'Five Volcanic Lakes,' is seated at an
altitude of 596.9 metres above the sea level. It was formed when
volcanic magma erupted over three million years ago. - Xinhua
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