Temperature dependence of elastic P- and S-wave velocities in porous Mt. Unzen dacite

Laboratory measurements of elastic properties of volcanic rocks are crucial for the modelling of volcano seismic activity. Compared to the large database reported in the literature for sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks, the data set for volcanic rocks is limited and mostly restricted to basalts. Data for more silica-rich rocks are sparse. In particular, velocity data for silica-rich volcanic rocks measured at elevated temperature are lacking. We measured the elastic P- and S-wave velocities and the velocity anisotropy of porous dacitic rocks from Unzen Volcano, Japan, exhibiting an open porosity of 3.3 to 24.3 vol.%. The measurements were done at temperatures of up to 600 °C and confining pressures of 100 MPa, corresponding to depths of ∼ 3000–4000 m. Samples with even higher porosities failed at the required pressures. The measurements were carried out in a cubic multi-anvil pressure apparatus, using the pulse transmission technique. In contrast to low-porosity magmatic and metamorphic rocks, the seismic velocities of the investigated volcanic rocks increased and the velocity anisotropies decreased with increasing temperature, due to further sample compaction. There is a close relationship between velocity, density and porosity. The higher the density (and the lower the porosity) the higher are the P- and S-wave velocities. These results can contribute to a better understanding of the propagation of seismic energy through the volcanic edifice.