Geomorphology and sedimentary features, and temporal component-change of lahar deposits at the northern foot of Chokai volcano, NE Japan

Abstract:

Chokai volcano is an andesitic stratovolcano that collapsed to the north ca.2500 years ago. The post-collapse fan deposits are distributed in the northern foot of the volcano, and to reveal their depositional process in terms of modern sedimentology, we carried out the geological study includung digging survey, as well as geomorphological analysis, mineralogy, and 14C chronology. Consequently, the geological study revealed that the fan deposits consist of more than 16 units, which are debris flow, hyperconcentrated flow and streamflow deposits. We give hare general name lahar deposits for these deposits. The lahar deposits have a total thickness of 30 m, and overlie the 2.5-ka Kisakata debris avalanche deposit. The lahar deposits form a part of volcanic fan and volcaniclastic apron of Chokai volcano. In proximal areas (steep or moderate sloped areas), the lahar flowed down as debris flows, and in the distal area (horizontal area) the lahars transformed into hyperconcentrated flow or stream flows but partly arrived the area as debris flow. The hyperconcentrated flows or stream flows reached the horizontal area at least four times, supposed by AMS dating (the ages of some lahar deposits are 2200, 1500-1600, 1000-1200, and 100-200 yBP). The lahar deposits contain clasts of altered andesite, fresh andesite, mudstone and sandstone. Proportions of altered andesite clasts to total clasts decrease upwards in stratigraphic sequence. Matrices of the lower eight units are composed of grayish-blue clay, and are different from those of the upper eight units, composed of brownish yellow volcanic sand. The stratigraphic variation in matrix component is consistent with the change in matrix mineral assemblage, possibly reflecting changes in the source materials from Chokai volcano.