An analytical approach to understanding the morphologies of
glaciovolcanic caves and chimneys
Abstract
Gas and vapour emissions from subglacial or subnivean volcanoes are
capable of melting voids and passageways, here termed glaciovocanic
caves and chimneys, in the overlying ice/snow. Glaciovolcanic caves
(sub-horizontal) and chimneys (vertical) have been documented within a
variety of volcanic regions around the world, with their formation
sometimes preceding volcanic eruptions. Studying the formation and
evolution of glaciovolcanic caves and chimneys and their relation to
changes within the associated volcanic and glacial systems, therefore
has potential to inform glaciovolcanic hazard assessments. In 2016,
glaciovolcanic chimneys were discovered within Job Glacier in the Mt.
Meager Volcancic Complex, British Columbia, Canada. The hypothesis that
the chimneys formed as a result of glacier thinning, rather than due to
an increase in volcanic activity, has yet to be tested. Here we seek to
describe the morphology of these glaciovolcanic features, with respect
to glaciological conditions and geothermal heat fluxes, using analytical
models. By adapting existing analytical models of subglacial
hydrological channels to account for the flow of geothermal gases
instead of water, we derive the opening and closure rates for
glaciovolcanic caves and chimneys. We use idealized glacier geometries
and simplified descriptions of the energy transfer between the
geothermal gases and the ice walls to facilitate our analysis.
Steady-state geometries are found by balancing the melt opening,
internal energy loss and the closure due to ice creep, and presented as
functions of glacier thickness and geothermal heat flux. Our analytical
results will be used to guide numerical simulations with more complex
geometries and transient glaciovolcanic conditions. A better
understanding of these complex interactions will facilitate more
effective assessment of potential precursory signals of volcanic
activity.