An interpretative view of open-vent volcanoes

Open-vent volcanoes are special systems where the dynamics of sustained magmatic processes can be thoroughly investigated and new monitoring tools tested applied. However, various aspects remain puzzling at open-vent for which forecasting their behaviour an important challenge. Recent papers highlight very rapid improvements in spaceborne instruments, data acquisition techniques, treatment modelling over last decade illustrate fundamental contribution long time-series data, either discontinuous or continuous, development multiparameter studies. Here we provide interpretative overview main characteristics on basis selected examples chosen to representative diversity magma composition, eruptive activity geodynamic context. We choose typical (Stromboli, Yasur Erebus), some them hosting a lava lake (Erta ‘Ale, Nyiragongo, Villarrica, Ambrym Masaya), those with vigourous activity, associated long-lasting eruption (Arenal, Fuego, Popocatépetl, Santiaguito). briefly review surface report values SO2 flux derived supply rate emphasis key results found behaviour. show role viscosity its implication degassing. present current models used explain how volcano could maintained, such as by simultaneous rise fall degassing degassed (bi-directional flow models) few thermal lakes conduit. Finally, discuss sulphur evolution three nearby triple junction Central America (Pacaya,