Effects of scoria-cone eruptions upon nearby human communities

Abstract

Research Article| March 01, 2008 Effects of scoria-cone eruptions upon nearby human communities M.H. Ort; M.H. Ort 1Environmental Sciences and Geology, P.O. Box 4099, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona 86011, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar M.D. Elson; M.D. Elson 2Desert Archaeology, 3975 N. Tucson Boulevard, Tucson, Arizona 85716, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar K.C. Anderson; K.C. Anderson 3Navajo Nation Archaeology Department, P.O. Box 6013, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona 86011, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar W.A. Duffield; W.A. Duffield 4Geology, P.O. Box 4099, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona 86011, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar J.A. Hooten; J.A. Hooten 5Red Willow Production, Southern Ute Indian Tribe, 14933 Highway 172, Ignacio, Colorado 81137, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar D.E. Champion; D.E. Champion 6U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar G. Waring G. Waring 7412 W. Juniper Avenue, Flagstaff, Arizona 86001, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar GSA Bulletin (2008) 120 (3-4): 476–486. https://doi.org/10.1130/B26061.1 Article history received: 20 Jun 2006 rev-recd: 17 Sep 2007 accepted: 19 Sep 2007 first online: 02 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation M.H. Ort, M.D. Elson, K.C. Anderson, W.A. Duffield, J.A. Hooten, D.E. Champion, G. Waring; Effects of scoria-cone eruptions upon nearby human communities. GSA Bulletin 2008;; 120 (3-4): 476–486. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/B26061.1 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGSA Bulletin Search Advanced Search Abstract Scoria-cone eruptions are typically low in volume and explosivity compared with eruptions from stratovolcanoes, but they can affect local populations profoundly. Scoria-cone eruption effects vary dramatically due to eruption style, tephra blanket extent, climate, types of land use, the culture and complexity of the affected group, and resulting governmental action. A comparison of a historic eruption (Parícutin, México) with prehistoric eruptions (herein we primarily focus on Sunset Crater in northern Arizona, USA) elucidates the controls on and effects of these variables. Long-term effects of lava flows extend little beyond the flow edges. These flows, however, can be used for defensive purposes, providing refuges from invasion for those who know them well. In arid lands, tephra blankets serve as mulches, decreasing runoff and evaporation, increasing infiltration, and regulating soil temperature. Management and retention of these scoria mulches, which can open new areas for agriculture, become a priority for farming communities. In humid areas, though, the tephra blanket may impede plant growth and increase erosion. Cultural responses to eruptions vary, from cultural collapse, through fragmentation of society, dramatic changes, and development of new technologies, to little apparent change. Eruptions may also be viewed as retribution for poor behavior, and attempts are made to mollify angry gods. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.