Late Holocene lava flow morphotypes of northern Harrat Rahat, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Implications for the description of continental lava fields
A "lava morphotype" refers to the recognizable and distinctive characteristics of the surface morphology of a lava flow after solidification, used in a similar way to a sedimentary facies. This classification method is explored on an example volcanic field in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where copious lava outpourings may represent an important transition between monogenetic and flood basalt fields. Here, young and well preserved mafic lava fields display a wide range of surface morphologies. We focussed on four post 4500 yrs. BP lava flow fields in northern Harrat Rahat <10 Ma) and propose a framework for describing systematic changes in morphotypes down flow. The morphotypes give insight into intrinsic and extrinsic parameters of emplacement, rheology and dominant flow behavior, as well as the occurrence and character of other lava structures. The Harrat Rahat lava flow fields studied extend up to 23 km from the source, and vary between 1 2 m and 12 m in thickness. Areas of the lava flow fields are between ~32 and ~61 km2, with individual flow field volumes estimated between ~0.085 and ~0.29 km3. They exhibit Shelly Slabby and Rubbly pahoehoe, Platy Cauliflower and Rubbly a'a, and Blocky morphotypes. Morphotypes reflect the intrinsic parameters of: composition, temperature, crystallinity and volatile content/vesicularity; along with external influences, such as: emission mechanism, effusion rate, topography and slope control of flow velocity. One morphotype can transition to another in individual flow units or lobes and they may dominate zones. Not all morphotypes were found in a single lava flow field. Pahoehoe morphotypes are related to the simple mechanical disaggregation of the crust, whereas a'a morphotypes are related to the transitional emergence and subsequent transitional disappearance of clinker. Blocky morphotypes result from fracturing and auto brecciation. A'a morphotypes (i.e. platy cauliflower rubbly a'a) dominate the lava flow field surfaces in northern Harrat Rahat, which suggests that core dominated flows were predominant during flow movement. Lava structures are well developed and well preserved and some may be related to some morphotypes. Down flow changes exhibit key illustrative and easy recognizable features in the lava flow fields and might provide insights into real time monitoring of future flows in this region.