The ultimate summit eruption of Puy de Dôme volcano (Chaîne des Puys, French Massif Central) about 10,700 years ago

A recent study challenges the long-held belief that the Puy de Dôme volcano's eruption was non-explosive, instead revealing evidence of a significant explosive summit eruption approximately 10,700 years ago. Researchers discovered pyroclastic layers on the volcano's summit and flanks, containing fresh trachytic lapilli, basement lithics, basaltic lava, and clinker fragments, indicative of an open vent eruption. Radiocarbon dating of carbonized plant fragments suggests a prolonged period of volcanic rest, allowing vegetation to develop before the final eruption. This finding reshapes our understanding of the volcano's eruptive history within the Chaîne des Puys - Limagne fault tectonic arena.

Miallier, D., Boivin, P., Deniel, C., Gourgaud, A., Lanos, P., Sforna, M., & Pilleyre, T. (2010). The ultimate summit eruption of Puy de Dôme volcano (Chaîne des Puys, French Massif Central) about 10,700 years ago. Comptes Rendus. Géoscience, 342(11), 847–854. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crte.2010.09.004