HR: 08:15h
AN: V31A-02    [Abstracts]
TI: From Definition of „Volcano" to Conceptual Volcanology
AU: * Szakacs, A
EM: szakacs@sapientia.ro
AF: Sapentia University, Str. Matei Corvin 4, Cluj-Napoca, 400112, Romania
AB: Volcanology textbooks either use the classical hole-in-the-ground definition of a volcano or simply avoid a definition. Here I consider a possible systemic redefinition of the term volcano. Starting from the classical requirements of a definition, it is shown that only a definition which is part of a hierachically organised system of definitions can be accepted, because Nature is self-organised in hierachical entities, thus conceptual constructs should reflect the same type of organisation. Such a line of reasoning implies that a volcano should be defined by making an explicit mention of the hierarchy of systems to which it belongs. Therefore, volcano can be defined as either a subsystem (i.e. the eruptive subsystem) of the broader igneous system or as a particular type of igneous system (i.e. one reaching the surface of Earth). A volcano, viewed as a volcanic system, is composed of a magma-generation subsystem, a magma transport subsystem, magma storage subsystem(s), and an eruptive subsystem. The accurate definition and identification of each subsystem should allow distinction between individual volcanoes in both space and time. Minimal conventional requirements need to be agreed upon by volcanologists to identify and recognise a particular volcano from other volcanoes (including those partially occupying the same space but separated in time, or those partially overlapping in both space and time). For example, two volcanoes can be distinguished from each other if at least two of their respective subsystems are not shared, one of them being the shallowest magma-storage subsystem. Accurate definition of volcano using the systemic approach involves definition of other basic terms and concepts of volcanology in a similar way, eventually resulting in a hierarchical system of definitions that would lend volcanology a solid, consistent and coherent conceptual core increasing its scientific maturity. Conceptual volcanology can be envisaged as addressing the issue of accurate definition of basic terms and concepts in volcanology aiming to reach the conceptualisation level of more basic sciences.
DE: 8400 VOLCANOLOGY
DE: 8499 General or miscellaneous
SC: Volcanology, Geochemistry, and Petrology [V]
MN: 2007 Joint Assembly