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Effects of scoria-cone eruptions upon nearby human communities

M.H. Ort^*,1, M.D. Elson^**,2, K.C. Anderson^,3, W.A. Duffield^,4, J.A. Hooten^,5, D.E. Champion^,6 and G. Waring^#,7

¹ Environmental Sciences and Geology, P.O. Box 4099, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona 86011, USA
² Desert Archaeology, 3975 N. Tucson Boulevard, Tucson, Arizona 85716, USA
³ Navajo Nation Archaeology Department, P.O. Box 6013, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona 86011, USA
⁴ Geology, P.O. Box 4099, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona 86011, USA
⁵ Red Willow Production, Southern Ute Indian Tribe, 14933 Highway 172, Ignacio, Colorado 81137, USA
⁶ U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA
⁷ 412 W. Juniper Avenue, Flagstaff, Arizona 86001, USA

Scoria-cone eruptions are typically low in volume and explosivity compared with eruptions from stratovolcanoes, but they can affect local populations profoundly. Scoria-cone eruption effects vary dramatically due to eruption style, tephra blanket extent, climate, types of land use, the culture and complexity of the affected group, and resulting governmental action. A comparison of a historic eruption (Parícutin, México) with prehistoric eruptions (herein we primarily focus on Sunset Crater in northern Arizona, USA) elucidates the controls on and effects of these variables. Long-term effects of lava flows extend little beyond the flow edges. These flows, however, can be used for defensive purposes, providing refuges from invasion for those who know them well. In arid lands, tephra blankets serve as mulches, decreasing runoff and evaporation, increasing infiltration, and regulating soil temperature. Management and retention of these scoria mulches, which can open new areas for agriculture, become a priority for farming communities. In humid areas, though, the tephra blanket may impede plant growth and increase erosion. Cultural responses to eruptions vary, from cultural collapse, through fragmentation of society, dramatic changes, and development of new technologies, to little apparent change. Eruptions may also be viewed as retribution for poor behavior, and attempts are made to mollify angry gods.

Key Words: Scoria cones • geoarchaeology • volcanic risk • agriculture • Sunset Crater • Parícutin