Peperite is a common rock type generated in many volcanic and sub-volcanic environments. Its study is important for several reasons. Correct identification of peperite is critical in palaeoenvironmental reconstruction and relative chronology, as its presence can demonstrate contemporaneity of volcanism and sedimentation. Peperite may also record a snapshot of the processes that occur prior to hydromagmatic explosions, and which are otherwise not preserved in the resulting deposit. Its study can therefore provide information on the factors and mechanisms that influence the likelihood of such hazardous explosions. Peperite also indicates the presence of syn-volcanic sills that may be important sources of heat and/or fluids for co-eval hydrothermal systems.
