Submarine Fallout Tephra from Subaerial Eruptions

Abstract

Following classic studies of deep sea exploration in the 1940’s (Bramlette and Bradley, 1942; Neeb, 1943; Norin, 1948), a great deal of modern research has been done on marine ash layers, much of which is summarized by Kennett (1981). Marine ash layers were originally studied for their value as widespread stratigraphic markers, but deep penetration of the sea floor by drilling from the Glomar Challenger, compared to piston cores or dredging, has allowed assessment of paleovulcanicity extending as far back as Jurassic time, with major implications for understanding rates of sea floor spreading and the evolution of island arcs. Additionally, marine ash layers have supplied information about the cyclicity of volcanism, volcanic production rates and volumes, and the influence of large explosive eruptions on climate.