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Over the last decade, field investigations, laboratory experiments, geophysical exploration and petrological, geochemical and numerical modelling have provided insight into the mechanisms of phreatic and hydrothermal eruptions. These eruptions are driven by sudden flashing of ground- or hydrothermal water to steam and are strongly influenced by the interaction of host rock and hydrothermal system. Aquifers hosted in volcanic edifices, calderas and rift environments can be primed for instability by alteration processes affecting rock permeability and/or strength, while magmatic fluid injection(s), earthquakes or other subtle triggers can promote explosive failure. Gas emission, ground deformation and seismicity may provide short- to medium-term forerunner signals of these eruptions, yet a definition of universal precursors remains a key challenge. Looking forward in the next 10 years, improved warning and hazard assessment will require integration of field and experimental data with models combining case studies, as well as development of new monitoring methods integrated by machine learning approaches.

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<p>Turrialba is a basaltic to andesitic Holocene stratovolcano that after decades of quiescence re-activated in 1996 and has been highly active ever since. Turrialba is characterized by a highly active magmatic-hydrothermal system, and we propose that hydrothermal sealing and volatile accumulation are the mechanisms responsible for the reactivation and persistent phreatic activity at Turrialba since 2010. Evidence of sealing is found in pyroclastic breccias from phreatic eruptions as high concentrations of hydrothermal minerals coupled with low intrinsic permeability. The suite of volcanic breccias studied erupted from the main vent between 2014 and 2019 and has an alteration mineral assemblage of SiO<sub>2</sub>polymorphs ± gypsum ± natroalunite ± pyrite. The mineral assemblage is indicative of acid sulphate alteration within the advanced-argillic alteration facies characterized by temperatures of approximately 200-350°C as indicated by the presence of gypsum and natroalunite, the high temperature endmember of the alunite series. Acid sulphate alteration is the result of extreme base leaching by acidic fluids (pH<4) with a high sulphate content. Measurements of permeability and porosity yielded variable porosity and very low to non-existent permeability in all hydrothermal breccia samples. Back-scatter electron (BSE) images reveal nano-, micro- and macro-scale fracture networks discontinuously filled with hydrothermal gypsum and pyrite which are responsible for diminished permeability, supporting the conclusion that hydrothermal sealing is active at Turrialba. Diminished permeability associated with the formation of a seal inhibits the escape of gases, causing them to accumulate below the seal and pressurize the system. Eventual seal failure releasing overpressure and possibly dynamic rapid seal formation result in the frequent phreatic eruptions seen at Turrialba.</p>