Applying insights from the 2018 Kilauea East Rift eruption to modeling scoria and spatter cone formation

Abstract

Observations of active eruptions can provide insights into spatter and scoria cone formation. As Kilauea's 2018 East Rift eruption developed and the outflow of lava localized at Fissure 8, a spatter cone began to grow. As apparent very early in the cone development, the Fissure 8 eruption produced a horseshoe shaped cone similar in plan view to many scoria and spatter cones observed worldwide. Important processes that impact cone shape in the 2018 Kilauea East Rift Eruption include directional winds and a strong effusion component. In other locations, sloped topography can also impact cone shape.