Petrograpic and material observations of basaltic lapilli tuff, 1979 and 2017 Surtsey drill cores, Iceland

A comparative petrographic analysis of basaltic lapilli tuff from Surtsey's 1979 and 2017 drill cores reveals evidence of rapid microbial activity, with tubular microstructures suggesting growth rates up to 30 µm in approximately 15 years. The study also identifies differential alteration processes in the volcano's structural and hydrothermal zones over time, while long-term storage significantly impacts glass stability. Narrow ash rims on pyroclasts indicate complex eruptive and depositional dynamics. Material measurements show varying oven-dry densities correlating with porosity and water absorption. This foundational work advances understanding of tephra alteration in volcanic and curatorial environments.

Jackson, M. D. (2020). Petrograpic and material observations of basaltic lapilli tuff, 1979 and 2017 Surtsey drill cores, Iceland. Surtsey Research, 14, 47–62. https://doi.org/10.33112/surtsey.14.4