COMPUTATIONAL MODELING OF THE 1991 BLOCK AND ASH FLOWS AT COLIMA VOLCANO, MÉXICO

Abstract

A new numerical code for simulating flows of granular material, TITAN2D, is used to model the Merapi-type block and ash flows resulting from the 1991 eruption of Colima Volcano, México. The 1991 block and ash flows reached distances of up to 4 km from the vent with a total estimated volume of 8 × 105 m3. The block and ash flows were modeled using a digital elevation model (DEM) of the region and compared to field data using a quantitative center-line comparison method. Input parameter values, which dictate flow dynamics, were varied to demonstrate the effect these parameters have on the program output. Analysis showed that the TITAN2D model performs best in replicating the center lines of the 1991 Colima block and ash flows when using an initial volume value representative of a single flow event rather than a total deposit volume. © 2006 Geological Society of America.