Monogenetic scoria cone and associated lava flow volume estimates and their controlling factors

Estimating eruption volumes of volcanoes is crucial for studying the development and evolution of volcanoes and assessing volcanic hazards. Volume estimates for polygenetic volcanoes are well-explored but individual monogenetic volcanoes have received less attention. This could be attributed to the lower perceived hazards resulting from their smaller size and rare eruptive occurrences within volcanic fields. However, accurately determining the volume of individual monogenetic volcanoes is significant for understanding volcanic field development and evolution. Estimates of individual monogenetic eruptions may be challenging due to overlapping lava flows from different vents within a volcanic field or underestimation resulting from the breaching of small-volume scoria cones. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the morphometric parameters of scoria cones and the volumes of associated lava flows using the globally free Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) World 3D 30 m (AW3D30) DEM, the US National Elevation Dataset (NED) 10 m DEM, and related satellite images and terrain maps. The results show that the diameter of the scoria cone base (Wco) correlates best with the associated lava flow volume, and Wco is the parameter least affected by later onlapping lava flows. Numerous factors influence the volumes of monogenetic volcanic eruptions. The regional tectonic environment, such as tectonic setting and crust thickness, has been found to control Wco and hence the volume of monogenetic volcanoes. Subduction zones and thicker crust settings are characterized by the most voluminous monogenetic volcanoes. These environments facilitate the accumulation of magma, supporting larger volcanic eruptions. Magma density also correlates with monogenetic eruption volume. Lower density magma is more likely to erupt and form larger monogenetic volcanoes. Furthermore, pre-existing crustal weaknesses such as fault systems are the main factors affecting magma movement in monogenetic shallow plumbing systems and facilitate magma ascent to the surface. Local stresses appear to have a lesser influence on eruptive volumes. Magma source shape has minor influence on monogenetic eruption volumes. Evaluation of all these parameters will provide more robust estimates of potential eruption volumes, hence informing volcanic field hazards assessment.