Tephra, Lava flow and Nuee Ardente Hazard Assessment and Zoning of Bazman Volcano, SE Iran

Bazman volcano is a member of the volcanic arc of Makran subduction zone. According to previous eruptions, its future likely eruption may be accompanied by lava flow, tephra, and nuee ardente generation. Such indicators as mild erosion, thermal springs, fresh lavas, and continued subduction of the oceanic plate of the Oman sea reveal that Bazman can be reactivated in the future. Its eruption is estimated to be the volcano to sub-Plinian type with VEI of 3-5. For zoning the hazards, ARC GIS, ENVI as well as VORIS softwares were employed by using DEM and satellite pictures. For the construction of the tephra fallout map the convection-dispersion model, and for the construction of nuee ardente spread-out map, the Malin and Sheridan (1982) model were employed. Also, a simulation model was used for the generation of lava spreading map. According to the study, in accordant with prevailing western winds, the ashes will move towards the east. However, lava flows may spread in the north, west, and east direction. Nuee ardentes can spread in almost all directions. Bazman town is not under threat, but some parts of Bam-Iranshahr road may be threatened by ashes and lava flows. Additionally, ashes may reach several remote and small villages but the risk to them is low.