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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

computer model, crystal fragments, volcanic ash deposits, mineral crystals

College

Physical and Mathematical Sciences

Department

Geological Sciences

Abstract

For decades, geologists have used crystals fragments to characterize volcanic ash deposits. This requires identification and analysis of the mineral crystals and fragments contained in the ash. It is known that ash deposits can have two basic types of crystal fragments-those that are broken by impact in the explosive ejecta from the volcanic vent and those that are separated from larger crystal aggregates in the magma chamber. Crystals that have been broken are typically euhedral, while those have been separated from larger crystal conglomerates tend to be anhedral in shape. Characterization of ash deposits utilizing the differences in the two types of crystals has been inhibited by the lack of a systematic, quantitative method of identification and differentiation. A computer model for the characterization of crystal fragment analysis will be developed in this paper. The primary goal of this project is to numerically differentiate crystal fragments whose forms are a result of impact breakage (euhedral) from those whose forms are a result of their separation from larger crystal aggregates (anhedral). Ultimately, such information can establish the significance that the crystal’s shape has in regards to the volcanic processes that formed the ash deposit.

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