NSF Org:	EAR Division Of Earth Sciences
Recipient:	THE RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
Initial Amendment Date:	January 24, 1994
Latest Amendment Date:	May 28, 1997
Award Number:	9316656
Award Instrument:	Continuing Grant
Program Manager:	Sonia Esperanca EAR  Division Of Earth Sciences GEO  Directorate for Geosciences
Start Date:	January 15, 1994
End Date:	December 31, 1997 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount:	$147,000.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date:	$147,000.00
Funds Obligated to Date:	FY 1994 = $103,200.00 FY 1995 = $43,800.00
History of Investigator:	Marcus Bursik (Principal Investigator) mib@buffalo.edu Michael Sheridan (Co-Principal Investigator)
Recipient Sponsored Research Office:	SUNY at Buffalo 520 LEE ENTRANCE STE 211 AMHERST NY  US  14228-2577 (716)645-2634
Sponsor Congressional District:	26
Primary Place of Performance:	SUNY at Buffalo 520 LEE ENTRANCE STE 211 AMHERST NY  US  14228-2577
Primary Place of Performance Congressional District:	26
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI):	LMCJKRFW5R81
Parent UEI:	GMZUKXFDJMA9
NSF Program(s):	Petrology and Geochemistry
Primary Program Source:	app-0194  app-0195  app-0196
Program Reference Code(s):	0000, 9196, EGCH, ENVI, OTHR
Program Element Code(s):	157300
Award Agency Code:	4900
Fund Agency Code:	4900
Assistance Listing Number(s):	47.050

ABSTRACT

9316656 Bursik The primary hypothesis to be tested is that the manner in which elutriated ash clouds (of which 'coignimbrite' ash clouds are a subset) are generated is strongly dependent upon the interaction of pyroclastic flows and surges with the topography surrounding a volcano. Our objectives are therefore to understand ash cloud generating mechanisms and flow and surge mechanisms especially as they are affected by topography. The proposed research will consist of detailed sedimentological measurements, laboratory experiments and theoretical modeling. Field work will consist of a novel sampling strategy applied to the 1982 deposits of El Chichon volcano, Mexico, at closely spaced sites lying along traverse that traverse that parrallel flow directions. The sampling strategy will yield quantitative data that can be used to test theoretical models of flow behavior. Laboratory experiments will be conducted in conjunction with the analysis of the field data and the development of theoretical models to provide constraints on interpretations of field data and validation theory. The proposed activity will yield increased understanding of the mechanisms through which ash clouds are elutriated from pyroclastic flows and surges.

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