Depósitos volcaniclásticos: términos y conceptos para una clasificación en español

Abstract

The terms used to defi ne the clastic deposits related to volcanic activity have important implications for the society in volcanic regions. Taking into account the importance of using a common terminology when considering natural hazards in the Spanish-speaking world, this study presents a classifi cation of volcaniclastic deposits. This classifi cation attempts to integrate the terminology related to the formational and depositional processes (eruptive and non-eruptive) taking place at volcanoes with the resulting volcaniclastic deposits and their constituent components. The classifi cation emphasizes on how both physical and temporal variations in volcanic activity are responsible for observed differences in the related deposits. The purpose of this classifi cation is to be a reference for the Spanish-speaking scientifi c community in order to avoid the numerous inconsistencies derived from the existing translations from multiple authors. Additionally, we present a fl ow diagram in both Spanish and English to illustrate that this classifi cation system can be used to defi ne and classify consolidated/lithifi ed, and unconsolidated deposits. The appropriate classifi cation of volcaniclastic deposits and their constituents can ultimately improve the defi nition and communication of potential volcanic hazards. Keywords: volcanic terminology, volcaniclastic deposit, epiclastic deposit, juvenile clast, accessory clast, accidental clast, Latin-American examples. MURCIA, H.F., BORRERO, C.A., PARDO, N., ALVARADO, G.E., ARNOSIO, M. & SCOLAMACCHIA, T., 2013: Depósitos volcaniclásticos: términos y conceptos para una clasificación en español.-Rev. Geol. Amér. Central, 48: 15-39.