Another Look at the ~950 Year Old Glass Mountain Rhyolite Tephra: New Insights Into Volume, Eruption Column Height, and Geochemistry

Presentation Year

2026

College or Department

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Short Description of your Research or Creative Project (700 characters or less)

This study examines the ~950-year-old Glass Mountain rhyolite tephra at Medicine Lake Volcano (MLV) in northeastern California. I use field observations and mapping of the dispersal of erupted material to estimate the total volume of tephra erupted, the maximum height of the eruption column during the explosive phase, and how the eruption evolved over time in terms of mass flux, vent erosion, and magma supply. In addition, I use the petrologic and geochemical properties of samples to offer insights into the pre-eruptive storage conditions of the erupting magmas. MLV is designated as a "high-threat volcano" by the USGS highlighting the importance of understanding its recent eruptions.

Permission to Publish Work

Yes

Presentation File Upload

geology-merrill-bodhi-202973-3x4.pdf (1.94 MB)

Primary Contact: First Name

Bodhi

Primary Contact: Last Name

Merrill

Primary Contact: Email

bm1568@humboldt.edu

Primary Contact: I am a

Undergraduate Student

Primary Contact: Phone Number

7073826141

Indicate File Dimensions

4'x3'