Characterization of tephra deposits using VNIR and MIR spectroscopy: A comprehensive terrestrial tephra spectral library

Laboratory spectral libraries of well-characterized natural samples are necessary for accurate interpretation of remote sensing spectral data. Tephra deposits, the result of explosive volcanic eruptions, are potentially found on all differentiated terrestrial bodies and are important chronologic and compositional marker beds on Earth. Here we present a visible/near-infrared (VNIR, 0.35–2.5 μm) and mid-infrared (MIR, 3.5–25 μm) spectral library composed of nineteen natural tephra samples from ten volcanic sources that span a range of compositions and components. The bulk, glass, and mineral phase compositions of each sample are measured and spectra from multiple size fractions of each sample were collected. The library can be found via the Terrestrial Analog portal (DOI: https://doi.org/10.5066/P9O54M4Q). •Library of visible-near-infrared and mid-infrared spectra of tephra samples.•Tephra span wide-range of terrestrial compositions, including alkaline endmembers.•Tephra compositions and phase assemblages were characterized.