Pyroclastic Rocks is the first modern comprehensive treatment of what they are and how they were formed. The subject is discussed against a background of plate tectonics theory and modern advances in volcanology, sedimentology and igneous petrology. The book provides a thorough discussion of magmatic volatiles and pyroclastic processes as well as magma-water interactions. Most of the book is concerned with the wide spectrum of pyroclastic rocks formed on land and under water and by fallout and various flowage mechanisms. Diagenetic processes by which pyroclastic particles are transformed into rocks are discussed in detail. The stratigraphic and tectonic importance of pyroclastic rocks are illustrated using selected case histories. This uniquely integrated account of pyroclastic processes, particles and rocks will prove a valuable aid in reconstructing dynamic aspects of earth evolution as well as predicting future volcanic hazards; understanding sedimentary basins containing petroleum and gas deposits; locating ore deposits in volcanic complexes and heat sources in geothermal prospecting; and facilitating stratigraphic analysis in complex volcanic terrains.

Autorentext
Hans-Ulrich Schmincke war von 1983-91 Generalsekretär der International Association of Volcanology und war Direktor der Abteilung Vulkanologie und Petrologie am Geomar-Forschungszentrum in Kiel. Er hat zahlreiche nationale und internationale Auszeichnungen erhalten, darunter den höchsten deutschen Wissenschaftspreis, den Leibniz-Preis der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft.

Inhalt
1 Introduction.- The Sedimentary Record: Volcanic Contribution.- Chemical Composition of Tephra.- Types of Pyroclastic Accumulations.- 2 Volcanoes, Volcanic Rocks and Magma Chambers.- Tectonic Setting of Volcanoes.- Form of Volcanoes.- Origin of Magmas and Classification of Volcanic Rocks.- Magma Chambers.- 3 Magmatic Volatiles and Rheology.- Volatiles.- Rheology.- Vesiculation.- 4 Explosive Volcanic Eruptions.- Types of Volcanic Activity.- Types of Eruptions.- Pyroclastic Eruptive Systems.- Hydroclastic Eruptive Processes.- Volcanic Energy.- 5 Pyroclastic Fragments and Deposits.- General Components.- Vitric Particles and Pyrogenic Crystals.- Structure.- Texture.- 6 Subaerial Fallout Tephra.- Components of Subaerial Fallout.- Areal Distribution.- Structures.- Fabric.- Size Parameters.- Eolian Fractionation.- 7 Submarine Fallout Tephra from Subaerial Eruptions.- Chemical Composition.- Structures of Submarine and Lacustrine Ash Layers.- Areal Thickness Distribution and Volume.- Grain Size and Sorting.- Regional Distribution and Tephrochronology.- 8 Pyroclastic Flow Deposits.- Historic Development of Concepts.- The Deposits.- Classification and Nomenclature.- The Flows.- Ignimbrite Vents: Speculation.- 9 Deposits of Hydroclastic Eruptions.- Definition of Terms.- Components of Hydroclastic Deposits.- Structures.- Base Surge Deposits.- Maar Volcanoes.- Littoral Cones.- Peperites.- 10 Submarine Volcaniclastic Rocks.- Deep Water Stage.- Shoaling Submarine Volcano.- Transition Submarine Subaerial.- Volcaniclastic Aprons.- Silicic Submarine Eruptions.- Subaqueous Pyroclastic Flows.- Nonwelded Deposits.- Welded Deposits.- 11 Lahars.- Debris Flows as Fluids.- Distribution and Thickness.- Surface of Lahars.- Basal Contact of Lahars.- Components of Lahars.- Grain-Size Distribution.- Vesicles.- Grading.- Fabric.- Comparison of Lahars with Other Kinds of Coarse-Grained Deposits.- Origin.- 12 Alteration of Volcanic Glass.- Diagenesis.- Alteration of Basaltic Glass.- Alteration ofSilicic Glass.- 13 Stratigraphic Problems of Pyroclastic Rocks.- Relation of Volcanic Activity to Rock Stratigraphy.- Tephrochronology.- Volcanic Facies.- Stratigraphic Examples.- 14 Pyroclastic Rocks and Tectonic Environment.- Convergent Margins, Magmatic Arcs, and Sedimentation.- The Pre-Cambrian.- References.- Locality Index.