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Organic block coatings in block-and-ash flow deposits at Merapi Volcano, central Java

E. DONOGHUE^*,, V. R. TROLL^*,, L. M. SCHWARZKOPF, G. CLAYTON^* and R. GOODHUE^*

^* Department of Geology, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
GeoDocCon, Unterpferdt 8, 95176, Konradsreuth, Germany

Author for correspondence: donoghue{at}tcd.ie

The 1954, 1994, 1998 and 2006 block-and-ash flow deposits from Merapi volcano, Indonesia, contain andesite blocks that display localized, dark surface coatings. These coated blocks are typically found in clusters, but may also occur isolated within the block-and-ash flow deposits. The coatings form irregular patches (tens of centimetres across) on block surfaces, and are characterized by a silver, metallic appearance. The origin and composition of the coatings have not previously been determined, and no comparable deposits have been described in detail from any other volcanically active region of the world. Carbon isotope analyses of coated and uncoated bulk rock material, and of a range of charred and uncharred wood samples, suggest that the dark block coatings at Merapi volcano are organic in origin. Scanning electron microscopy and reflected light microscopy indicate that such coatings may form due to the migration and subsequent deposition of organic carbon in cavities within the andesite blocks. The most recent field evidence from the 2006 block-and-ash flow deposits at Merapi indicates that in situ charcoalification of plant material after block deposition and/or during the final stages of flow, is the major mechanism that forms localized concentrations of block coatings. Isolated coated blocks may result either from recycling of older deposits, or, more likely, from charcoalification and redistribution of plant material caught between colliding lava blocks during flow.

Key Words: coating • andesite • charcoal • block-and-ash flow • Merapi volcano