Magma mixing in the Aleutian arc: evidence from cognate inclusions and composite xenoliths

The complexity of igneous processes in the Aleutian calc-alkaline magma series can be inferred from study of xenolithic fragments. Composite xenoliths and cognate inclusions provide direct evidence for magma—magma and wall-rock—magma mixing processes. Using distributions of Cr in clinopyroxene, compositional endmembers involved in mixing are identified within the xenoliths. The basaltic mixing endmember is more mafic than calc-alkaline lavas in the arc. Magma mixing and wall-rock assimilation within calc-alkaline basaltic to andesitic magmas is identified in phenocrystic assemblages as well as in xenoliths, and appears to be a widespread phenomenon in Aleutian calc-alkaline magmas.     

The petrochemistry of ophiolite gabbroic complexes. A key for the classification of ophiolites into low-Ti and high-Ti types

Ophiolites have been divided into two groups: high-Ti and low-Ti types. These can be discriminated by studying the fractionation trends of both gabbroic complexes (this work) and lavas and dykes [16], particularly in the TiO₂/M.I. diagram. The first type typically shows MORB-like magmas whereas in the second the magma types have a spectrum of composition from mid-ocean ridge basalts to island arc tholeiites and boninite-like magmas often occur.High-Ti ophiolites are petrologically and geochemically similar to major oceanic and ensialic back-arc basin crusts as well as oceanic crust generated during the intermediate and late-stage opening of intraoceanic back-arc basins.Parental magmas and fractionation processes of low-Ti ophiolites fit with an hypothesis of their formation in the early stage of opening of intraoceanic back-arc basins.     

Petrology of arc volcanic rocks and their origin by mantle diapirs

Calc-alkalic chemical trends characteristic of arc volcanic rocks mainly result from three mechanisms which act additively: (1) fractional crystallization involving separation of titanomagnetite; (2) selective concentration of plagioclase phenocrysts and selective depletion of titanomagnetite phenocryst compared with the actually fractionated proportion; and (3) mixing of magmas on continuous fractionation trends. The association of calc-alkalic and tholeiitic trends in a single composite volcano may not represent different fractional crystallization processes or different chemistries of primary magmas, but the calc-alkalic chemical trend can be considered as a mixing trend resulting from mixing of various magmas on associated tholeiitic chemical trends. Chemical variations of most arc volcanic rocks, including calc-alkalic ones, can accordingly be essentially accounted for by the low-pressure fractional crystallization of phenocrystic phases from primary basaltic magmas.Crystallization sequences of arc magmas which are strongly dependent on water content in magmas are deduced from the phenocryst assemblages. The crystallization sequence changes laterally across-arc, suggesting increasing water contents in magmas toward the back-arc side, as is also seen for other incompatible elements such as K and Rb. Systematic differences in the characteristic crystallization sequence are also observed among arcs, roughly correlating with the crustal thickness. Water content in magma, like other incompatible elements, tends to increase with increasing crustal thickness. The variation of incompatible elements including water roughly represents that of the degree of partial melting of the upper mantle, which is broadly controlled by the crustal thickness.The variation of water content indicates that arc magmas are not saturated with water during differentiation to late differentiates such as dacite or rhyolite. This strongly constrains the maximum water contents in primary basaltic magma, at most 2.5 wt.%. This value suggests that magma generation beneath arcs is dependent on dry solidus of peridotite. Diapiric uprise of the hot deeper mantle and associated adiabatic decompression would be necessary for mantle peridotite to attain the temperature as high as dry solidus. Diapirs that begin to rise from the subduction zone may stop at or near the crust-mantle boundary because of the surrounding density change, and their degree of partial melting is roughly controlled by their stopped depth assuming their similar temperature. Across-arc variation is also explained by the stopped depth of diapirs, but is not controlled by crustal thickness.     

Evidence for magma mixing in the Mariana arc system

Volcanoes of the Mariana arc system produce magmas that belong to several liquid lines of descent and that originated from several different primary magmas. Despite differences in parental magmas, phenocryst assemblages are very similar throughout the arc. The different liquid lines of descent are attributed to differences in degree of silica saturation of the primary liquids and in the processes of magmatic evolution (fractional crystallization vs magma mixing). Pseudoternary projections of volcanic rocks from several arc volcanoes are used to show differences between different magmatic suites. In most of the arc, parental liquids were Ol- and Hy-normative basalts that crystallized olivine, augite, and plagioclase (± iron-titanium oxide) and then plagioclase and two pyroxenes, apparently at low pressure. Eruptive rocks follow subparallel liquid lines of descent on element–element diagrams and on pseudoternary projections. Magmas at North Hiyoshi are Ne-normative and have a liquid line of descent along the thermal divide due to precipitation of olivine, augite, and plagioclase. Derived liquids are large ion lithophile element (LILE)-rich. Magmas at other Hiyoshi seamounts included an alkaline component but had more complex evolution. Those at Central Hiyoshi formed by a process dominated by mixing alkaline and subalkaline magmas, whereas those at other Hiyoshi seamounts evolved by combined magma mixing and fractional crystallization. Influence of the alkaline component wanes as one goes south from North Hiyoshi. Alkaline and subalkaline magmas were also mixed to produce magmas erupted at the Kasuga seamounts that are behind the arc front. The alkaline magmas at both Hiyoshi and Kasuga seamounts had different sources from those of the subalkaline magmas at those sites as indicated by trace element ratios and by _Nd.     

Periodical mixing of MORB magmas near East Pacific Rise 13°N: Evidence from modeling and zoned plagioclase phenocrysts

Thirty-six basalt samples from near East Pacific Rise 13°N are analyzed for major and trace elements. Different types of zoned plagioclase phenocrysts in basalts are also backscatter imaged, and major element profiles scanned and analyzed for microprobe. Basalts dredged from a restricted area have evolved to different extents (MgO=9.38wt%—6.76wt%). High MgO basalts are modeled for crystalliza-tion to MgO of about 7wt%, and resulted in the Ni contents (≈28 ppm) that are generally lower than that in observed basalts (>60 ppm). It suggests that low MgO basalts may have experienced more intensive magma mixing. High MgO (9.38wt%) basalt is modeled for self-"mixing-crystallization", and the high Ni contents in low MgO basalts can be generated in small scale and periodical self-mixing of new magma (high MgO). "Mixing-crystallization" processes that low MgO magmas experienced accord with recent 226Ra/230Th disequilibria studies for magma residence time, in which low MgO magmas have experi-enced more circles of "mixing-crystallization" in relatively longer residence time. Magma mixing is not homogeneous in magma chamber, however, low MgO magmas are closer to stable composition pro-duced by periodical "mixing-crystallization", which is also an important reason for magma diversity in East Pacific Rise. Zoned plagioclase phenocrysts can be divided into two types: with and without high An# cores, both of which have multiple reversed An# zones, suggesting periodical mixing of their host magmas. Cores of zoned plagioclase in low MgO (7.45wt%) basalt differ significantly with their mantle in An#, but are similar in An# with microlite cores (products of equilibrium crystallization) in high MgO (9.38wt%) basalt, which further shows that plagioclase phenocryst cores in low MgO basalts may have formed in their parental magmas before entering into the magma chamber.     

Inverse differentiation pathway by multiple mafic magma refilling in the last magmatic activity of Nisyros Volcano, Greece

Based on detailed field, petrographic, chemical, and isotopic data, this paper shows that the youngest magmas of the active Nisyros volcano (South Aegean Arc, Greece) are an example of transition from rhyolitic to less evolved magmas by multiple refilling with mafic melts, triggering complex magma interaction processes. The final magmatic activity of Nisyros was characterized by sub-Plinian caldera-forming eruption (40?ka), emplacing the Upper Pumice (UP) rhyolitic deposits, followed by the extrusion of rhyodacitic post-caldera domes (about 31–10?ka). The latter are rich in magmatic enclaves with textural and compositional (basaltic–andesite to andesite) characteristics that reveal they are quenched portions of mafic magmas included in a cooler more evolved melt. Dome-lavas have different chemical, isotopic, and mineralogical characteristics from the enclaves. The latter have lower ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and higher ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd values than dome-lavas. Silica contents and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values decrease with time among dome-lavas and enclaves. Micro-scale mingling processes caused by enclave crumbling and by widespread mineral exchanges increase from the oldest to the youngest domes, together with enclave content. We demonstrate that the dome-lavas are multi-component magmas formed by progressive mingling/mixing processes between a rhyolitic component (post-UP) and the enclave-forming mafic magmas refilling the felsic reservoir (from 15?wt.% to 40?wt.% of mafic component with time). We recognize that only the more evolved enclave magmas contribute to this process, in which recycling of cumulate plagioclase crystals is also involved. The post-UP end-member derives by fractional crystallization from the magmas leftover after the previous UP eruptions. The enclave magma differentiation develops mainly by fractional crystallization associated with multiple mixing with mafic melts changing their composition with time. A time-related picture of the relationships between dome-lavas and relative enclaves is proposed, suggesting a delay between a mafic magma input and the relative dome outpouring. We also infer that the magma viscosity reduction by re-heating allows dome extrusion without explosive activity.     

Petrological variation of large-volume felsic magmas from Hakkoda-Towada caldera cluster: Implications for the origin of high-K felsic magmas in the Northeast Japan Arc

Abstract The Hakkoda‐Towada caldera cluster (HTCC) is a typical Late Cenozoic caldera cluster located in the northern part of the Northeast Japan Arc. The HTCC consists of five caldera volcanoes, active between 3.5 Ma and present time. The felsic magmas can be classified into high‐K (HK‐) type and medium‐ to low‐K (MLK‐) type based on their whole‐rock chemistry. The HK‐type magmas are characterized by higher K₂O and Rb contents and higher ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios than MLK‐type magmas. Both magmas cannot be derived from fractional crystallization of any basaltic magma in the HTCC. Assimilation‐fractional crystallization model calculations show that crustal assimilation is necessary for producing the felsic magmas, and HK‐type magmas are produced by higher degree of crustal assimilation with fractional crystallization than MLK‐type magmas. Although MLK‐type magmas were erupted throughout HTCC activity, HK‐type magmas were erupted only during the initial stage. The temporal variations of magma types suggest the large contribution of crustal components in the initial stage. A major volcanic hiatus of 3 my before the HTCC activity suggests a relatively cold crust in the initial stage. The cold crust probably promoted crustal assimilation and fractional crystallization, and caused the initial generation of HK‐type magmas. Subsequently, the repeated supply of mantle‐derived magmas raised temperature in the crust and formed relatively stable magma pathways. Such a later system produced MLK‐type magmas with lesser crustal components. The MLK‐type magmas are common and HK‐type magmas are exceptional during the Pliocene–Quaternary volcanism in the Northeast Japan Arc. This fact suggests that exceptional conditions are necessary for the production of HK‐type magmas. A relatively cold crust caused by a long volcanic hiatus (several million years) is considered as one of the probable conditions. Intensive crustal assimilation and fractional crystallization promoted by the cold crust may be necessary for the generation of highly evolved HK‐type felsic magmas.     

On the lateral variations in chemical composition and volume of quaternary volcanic rocks across Japanese arcs

The Fe/Mg+Fe) ratios (X_Fe) of the Quaternary basalts (SiO₂ < 53 wt.%) in the Japanese arcs were examined. The X_XFe of relatively magnesian basalts decreases from the volcanic front toward the Japan Sea across the arcs. Based on the partition coefficient of Mg-Fe²⁺ between olivine and liquid, it is suggested that all the basalts near the volcanic front, which are mostly tholeiitic basalts, are significantly fractionated, whereas many basalts near the Japan Sea, which are mostly alkali basalts, are little fractionated. The K₂ O content in the primary basalt magmas increases toward the Japan Sea. Combining the X_Fe and K₂ O data, it is suggested that relatively large amounts of tholeiitic magmas are produced near the volcanic front, but they fractionate during their ascent, whereas smaller amounts of alkali basalt magmas are formed near the Japan Sea, but they can ascend with less fractionation. The density of primary tholeiite magma is significantly larger than that of primary alkali basalt magmas. It is most likely that primary tholeiite magmas cannot ascend beyond the upper crust and would fractionate to produce less dense tholeiitic magmas near the volcanic front, whereas primary alkali basalt magmas can ascend through the upper crust without fractionation, as far as buoyancy is the principal ascending force. In the Japanese arcs, the stress field may be less compressional near the Japan Sea than near the volcanic front, so that magmas can ascend more rapidly in the latter region than in the former. These two factors may be responsible for the above mentioned chemical variations of basalt magmas across the arcs. The variation in volume of the Quaternary volcanic rocks across the arcs can be explained by the presence of a melt-rich zone above but nearly parallel to the subducted slab.     

Assessing the potential for future explosive activity from Teide–Pico Viejo stratovolcanoes (Tenerife,Canary Islands)

Since the onset of their eruptive activity within the Cañadas caldera, about 180 ka ago, Teide–Pico Viejo stratovolcanoes have mainly produced lava flow eruptions of basaltic to phonoltic magmas. The products from these eruptions partially fill the caldera, and the adjacent Icod and La Orotava valleys, to the north. Although less frequent, explosive eruptions have also occurred at these composite volcanoes. In order to assess the possible evolution Teide–Pico Viejo stratovolcanoes and their potential for future explosive activity, we have analysed their recent volcanic history, assuming that similar episodes have the highest probability of occurrence in the near future. Explosive activity during the last 35000 years has been associated with the eruption of both, mafic (basalts, tephro–phonolites) and felsic (phono–tephrites and phonolites) magmas and has included strombolian, violent strombolian and sub-plinian magmatic eruptions, as well as phreatomagmatic eruptions of mafic magmas. Explosive eruptions have occurred both from central and flank vents, ranging in size from 0.001 to 0.1 km³ for the mafic eruptions and from 0.01 to < 1 km³ for the phonolitic ones. Comparison of the Teide–Pico Viejo stratovolcanoes with the previous cycles of activity from the central complex reveals that all them follow a similar pattern in the petrological evolution but that there is a significant difference in the eruptive behaviour of these different periods of central volcanism on Tenerife. Pre-Teide central activity is mostly characterised by large-volume (1–> 20 km³, DRE) eruptions of phonolitic magmas while Teide–Pico Viejo is dominated by effusive eruptions. These differences can be explained in terms of the different degree of evolution of Teide–Pico Viejo compared to the preceding cycles and, consequently, in the different pre-eruptive conditions of the corresponding phonolitic magmas. A clear interaction between the basaltic and phonolitic systems is observed from the products of phonolitic eruptions, indicating that basaltic magmatism is the driving force of the phonolitic eruptive activity. The magmatic evolution of Teide–Pico Viejo stratovolcanoes will continue in the future with a probably tendency to produce a major volume of phonolitic magmas, with an increasing explosive potential. Therefore, the explosive potential of Teide–Pico Viejo cannot be neglected and should be considered in hazard assessment on Tenerife.     

Crystal retention,fractionation and crustal assimilation in a convecting magma chamber,Nisyros Volcano,Greece

Nisyros island is a calc-alkaline volcano, built up during the last 100 ka. The first cycle of its subaerial history includes the cone-building activity with three phases, each characterized by a similar sequence: (1) effusive and explosive activity fed by basaltic andesitic and andesitic magmas; and (2) effusive andextrusive activity fed by dacitic and rhyolitic magmas. The second eruptive cycle includes the caldera-forming explosive activity with two phases, each consisting of the sequence: (1) rhyolitic phreatomagmatic eruptions triggering a central caldera collapse; and (2) extrusion of dacitic-rhyolitic domes and lava flows. The rocks of this cycle are characteized by the presence of mafic enclaves with different petrographic and chemical features which testify to mixing-mingling processes between variously evolved magmas. Jumps in the degree of evolution are present in the stratigraphic series, accompanied by changes in the porphyritic index. This index ranges from 60% to about 5% and correlates with several teochemical parameters, including a negative correlation with Sr isotope ratios (0.703384–0.705120). The latter increase from basaltic andesites to intermediate rocks, but then slightly decrease in the most evolved volcanic rocks. The petrographic, geochemical and isotopic characteristics can be largely explained by processes occurring in a convecting, crystallizing and assimilating magma chamber, where crystal sorting, retention, resorption and accumulation take place. A group of crystal-rich basaltic andesites with high Sr and compatible element contents and low incompatible elements and Sr isotope ratios probably resulted from the accumulation of plagioclase and pyroxene in an andesitic liquid. Re-entrainment of plagioclase crystals in the crystallizing magma may have been responsible for the lower ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr in the most evolved rocks. The gaps in the degree of evolution with time are interpreted as due to liquid segregation from a crystal mush once critical crystallinity was reached. At that stage convection halted, and a less dense, less porphyritic, more evolved magma separated from a denser crystal-rich magma portion. The differences in incompatible element enrichment of pre-and post-caldera dacites and the chemical variation in the post-caldera dome sequence are the result of hybridization of post-caldera dome magmas with more mafic magmas, as represented by the enclave compositions. The occurrence of the quenched, more mafic magmas in the two post-caldera units suggests that renewed intrusion of mafic magma took place after each collapse event.     

Crystal fractionation of granitic magma during its non-transport processes: A physics-based perspective

Granitic continental crust distinguishes the Earth from other planets in the Solar System. Consequently, for understanding terrestrial continent development, it is of great significance to investigate the formation and evolution of granite.Crystal fractionation is one of principal magma evolution mechanisms. Nevertheless, it is controversial whether crystal fractionation can effectively proceed in felsic magma systems because of the high viscosity and non-Newtonian behavior associated with granitic magmas. In this paper, we focus on the physical processes and evaluate the role of crystal fractionation in the evolution of granitic magmas during non-transport processes, i.e., in magma chambers and after emplacement. Based on physical calculations and analyses, we suggest that general mineral particles can settle only at tiny speed(~10~(-9)–10~(-7) m s~(-1))in a granitic magma body due to high viscosity of the magma; however, the cumulating can be interrupted with convection in magma chambers, and the components of magma chambers will tend to be homogeneous. Magma convection ceases once the magma chamber develops into a mush(crystallinity, F~40–50%). The interstitial melts can be extracted by hindered settling and compaction, accumulating gradually and forming a highly silicic melt layer. The high silica melts can further evolve into high-silica granite or high-silica rhyolite. At various crystallinities, multiple rejuvenation of the mush and the following magma intrusion may generate a granite complex with various components. While one special type of granites, represented by the South China lithium-and fluoride-rich granite, has lower viscosity and solidus relative to general granitic magmas, and may form vertical zonation in mineral-assemblage and composition through crystal fractionation. Similar fabrics in general intrusions that show various components on small lengthscales are not the result of gravitational settling. Rather, the flowage differentiation may play a key role. In general, granitic magma can undergo effective crystal fractionation; high-silica granite and volcanics with highly fractionated characteristics may be the products of crystal fractionation of felsic magmas, and many granitoids may be cumulates.     

Aftershocks in modern perspectives: Complex earthquake network,aging, and non-Markovianity

The phenomenon of aftershocks is studied in view of science of complexity. In particular, three different concepts are examined: (i) the complex-network representation of seismicity, (ii) the event-event correlations, and (iii) the effects of long-range memory. Regarding (i), it is shown that the clustering coefficient of the complex earthquake network exhibits a peculiar behavior at and after main shocks. Regarding (ii), it is found that aftershocks experience aging, and the associated scaling holds. And regarding (iii), the scaling relation to be satisfied by a class of singular Markovian processes is violated, implying the existence of the long-range memory in processes of aftershocks.     

On the behaviour of fluorine in volcanic processes

Volatile compunds play a very important role in both the evolution of magmas and the eruptive processes. Despite great interest in the knowledge of volatile distribution in magma chambers prior to eruptions, direct evidence of this kind is very difficult to obtain because a major quantity of gaseous species is released to the atmosphere during volcanic phenomena.Good estimates of volatile contents in magmas have been obtained by their distribution in coexisting mineral phases and microprobe analysis of glass inclusions; however, a sufficient set of data is not yet available to provide direct evidence of volatile concentrations in magma chambers before eruptive processes.Owing to their volatility, water, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, sulphur and chlorine compounds are largely concentrated in the explosive cloud. On the other hand, molecular species of fluorine, which are more soluble than water in magmatic melts, strongly partition into this latter phase rather than into the fluid. As a consequence, fluorine compounds are normally present in small concentrations in fumarolic gases and are not expected to degas appreciably from quenched volcanic products.With reference to the influence of weathering processes, recent research has shown that unaltered volcanic glasses have lost but a minor quantity of fluorine as a result of secondary reactions. Because of this, analytical data for fluorine in fresh igneous rocks would not differ significantly from the actual values pertaining to the magmatic stage.The distribution of fluorine in samples from Italy (Vesuvius, Vulcano, Lipari, Roccamonfina, Phlegraean Fields) and Greece (Santorini) appears to be correlated with the concentration of potassium, which is in accordance with theoretical assumptions and analytical results in other areas.According to experimental data, the presence of fluorine in magmas of silicate composition considerably enhances the solubility of water.Higher concentrations of water would mean a higher potential explosivity, and the possibility that the observed concentrations of fluorine can serve as a measure of different degrees of stored energy is considered.Contribution of C.N.R. Centro di Studio per la Mineralogia e la Geochimica dei Sedimenti.     

Volcanological and magmatological evolution of Stromboli volcano (Aeolian Islands): The roles of fractional crystallization,magma mixing,crustal contamination and source heterogeneity

The present paper reports the results of a detailed stratigraphical, petrological and geochemical investigation on the island of Stromboli, Aeolian arc, Southern Tyrrhenian sea. Major and trace element data determined on a large quantity of samples from well-established stratigraphic positions indicate that the magmatological evolution of the island through time was more complex than previously known. The activity of the exposed part of Stromboli, which occurred over a time span of about 100 000 years, started with the emission of high-K calc-alkaline (HKCA) volcanics, which were covered by calc-alkaline (CA), shoshonitic (SHO), high-K calc-alkaline (HKCA) and potassic (KS) products. The most recent activity consists of HKCA lavas and the present-day SHO-basaltic volcanics emitted by mildly explosive “strombolian” activity. Most of the products are lavas, with minor amounts of pyroclastic rocks emplaced mainly during the early stages of activity. The transition from the SHO to the KS cycle was associated with the collapse of the upper part of the volcanic apparatus; the transition from KS to the present-day SHO activity has been found to have occurred at the time of the sliding of the western portion of the volcano that generated the “Sciara del Fuoco” depression. The rock series cropping out at Stromboli show variable enrichment in potassium, incompatible trace elements and radiogenic Sr which increase from CA through HKCA, and SHO up to KS rocks. Major, trace element and Sr-isotopic data agree in indicating that the HKCA and SHO series evolved by crystal/liquid fractionation starting from different parental liquids, whereas crustal assimilation appears to have been the leading process during the evolution of KS volcanics. Mixing processes also played a role although they can be well documented only when they occurred between magmas with different isotopic and geochemical characteristics. Geochemical modelling based on trace element and isotopic data indicates that the mafic magmas of the different volcanic series may be generated by melting of an upper mantle heterogeneously enriched in incompatible elements and radiogenic Sr by addition, via subduction, of different amounts of crustal material. Geochemical data, however, are also in agreement with the alternative hypothesis that the most mafic magmas of the different series have been generated by combined processes of fractional crystallization, assimilation and mixing of a CA magma in a deep-sited magma chamber; the mafic magmas formed by these complex processes were successively emplaced in a shallow reservoir where they evolved by simple fractional crystallization (HKCA and SHO series) and by assimilation of crustal material (KS). The occurrence of changes in the geochemical signatures of the magmas at the time of the structural modification of the volcano is believed to favour the hypothesis that the variable composition observed in the volcanic rocks of Stromboli is the result of processes occurring within the volcanic system.     

Basalt-andesite-rhyolite-H2O: Crystallization intervals with excess H2O and H2O-undersaturated liquidus surfaces to 35 kolbras,with implications for magma genesis

Three rocks representing the calc-alkaline rock series gabbro-tonalite-granite or basalt-andesite-rhyolite were reacted with varying percentages of water in sealed capsules between 600 and 1300°C and pressures to 36 kbars, corresponding to depths of more than 120 km within the earth. For each rock we present complete P-T diagrams with excess water, and the water-undersaturated liquids surface projected from P-T-X_H2O space mapped with contours for constant H₂O contents and with the fields for near-liquidus minerals. All changes in liquidus and solidus slopes can be correlated with changes in mineralogy from less dense to more dense, or with expansion of crystallization fields, without appeal to changes in molar volume of H₂O in liquid and vapor phases. The results indicate that tholeiites and andesites of the calc-alkaline series with compositions similar to the rocks studied are not primary magmas from mantle peridotite at depths greater than about 50 km. Primary andesitic magmas from shallower levels would require very high water contents and we do not believe such magmas could normally reach the surface. The liquids results are consistent with the derivation of andesites with little dissolved water as primary magmas from subducted ocean crust (quartz eclogite), but multi-stage models are preferred. Temperatures required for the generation of andesites by fusion of continental crust are higher than considered reasonable. The evidence precludes the generation of primary rhyolites or granites from the mantle of subducted oceanic crust at mantle depths. Primary rhyolite or granite magmas with moderate water contents (saturated or undersaturated) can be generated in the crust at reasonable temperatures, and could reach near-surface levels before vesiculation. Water-undersaturated granite liquid with residual crustal minerals could constitute plutonic magmas of intermediate composition.     

An experimental investigation of volatile exsolution in evolving magma chambers

Previous laboratory experiments investigating the fluid dynamics of replenished magma chambers have been extended to model effects resulting from the release of gas. Turbulent transfer of heat between a layer of dense, hot and volatile-rich mafic magma overlying cooler more evolved magma can lead to crystallization and exsolution of volatiles in the lower layer. Small gas bubbles can cause the bulk density to decrease to that of the upper layer and thus produce sudden overturning and initiate mixing, followed by further exsolution of gas and explosive eruption. These processes have been modelled in the laboratory using a chemical reaction between sodium or potassium carbonate and nitric acid to release small bubbles of CO₂. We have investigated both the initial overturning produced by gas release in the lower layer, and the subsequent evolution of gas due to intimate mixing of the two layers. The latter experiments, in which the reactants remained isolated in the two layers until overturning occurred, demonstrated unambiguously that the fluxes of chemical components across the interfaces between convecting layers are very slow compared to the flux of heat. This shows that the evolution of layers of magma of different origins and composition can take place nearly independently of each other. The magmas can coexist in the same stratified chamber, until their bulk densities become equal and they mix together. The processes illustrated in these experiments could occur in H₂O-bearing magmas such as in the calcalkaline association and in CO₂-bearing mafic magmas such as in silica undersaturated suites.     

U-series disequilibrium in arc magmas induced by water-magma interaction

Volcanic rocks from subduction zones are widely believed to originate by partial melting of mantle lherzolite modified by the addition of a fluid or melt extracted from the down-going slab. U-series disequilibrium in such magmas is commonly attributed to this particular melting process. A detailed study of U-series isotopes in the 650 y. B.P. eruptive sequence of Mt. Pelée (Martinique) shows that plinian products are in radioactive equilibrium, whereas dome-forming products of the same eruption are characterized by ²³⁸U-²³⁰Th disequilibrium. The same features apply to other plinian and dome-forming products of this volcano and systematically correspond to different eruptive styles. We attribute these characteristics to variable superficial interaction of magmas with the hydrothermal system during the final stages of eruption rather than to deep magma genesis processes. This conclusion might be generally applicable to arc magmas.     

Sr and Nd isotope geochemistry of coexisting alkaline magma series,Cantal, Massif Central,France

Sr and Nd isotope analyses are presented for Tertiary continental alkaline volcanics from Cantal, Massif Central, France. The volcanics belong to two main magma series, silica-saturated and silica-undersaturated (with rare nephelinites). Trace element and isotopic data indicate a common source for the basic parental magmas of both major series; the nephelinites in contrast must have been derived from a mantle source which is isotopically and chemically distinct from that which gave rise to the basalts and basanites.⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr initial ratios range from 0.7034 to 0.7056 in the main magma series (excluding rhyolites) and¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios vary between 0.512927 and 0.512669; both are correlated with increasing SiO₂ in the lavas. The data can be explained by a model of crustal contamination linked with fractional crystallisation. This indicates that crustal magma chambers are the sites of differentiation since only rarely do evolved magmas not show a crustal isotopic signature and conversely basic magmas have primitive isotopic ratios unless they contain obvious crustal-derived xenocrysts. Potential contaminants include lower crustal granulites or partial melts of upper crustal units. Equal amounts of contamination are required for both magma series, refuting hypotheses of selective contamination of the silica-saturated series.The isotopic characteristics of the apparently primary nephelinite lavas demonstrates widespread heterogeneity in the mantle beneath Cantal. Some rhyolites, previously thought to be extremely contaminated or to be crustally derived, are shown to have undergone post-emplacement hydrothermal alteration.     

Geochemical heterogeneities and dynamics of magmas within the plumbing system of a persistently active volcano: evidence from Stromboli

We report here the most complete dataset for major and trace elements, as well as Sr isotopic compositions, of magmas erupted by Stromboli since the onset of present-day activity 1,800 years ago. Our data relate to both porphyritic scoria and lava originating in the uppermost parts of the feeding system, plus crystal-poor pumice produced by paroxysmal explosive eruption of deep-seated, fast ascending, magma. The geochemical variations recorded by Stromboli’s products allow us to identify changes in magma dynamics affecting the entire plumbing system. Deep-seated magmas vary in composition between two end-members having different key ratios in strongly incompatible trace elements and Sr isotopes. These features may be ascribed to mantle source processes (fluid/melt enrichment, variable degrees of melting) and occasional contamination by deep, mafic, cumulates. Temporal trends reveal three phases during which magmas with distinct geochemical signatures were erupted. The first phase occurred between the third and fourteenth centuries AD and was characterised by the eruption of evolved magmas sharing geochemical and Sr isotopic compositions similar to those of earlier periods of activity (<12 ka—Neostromboli and San Bartolo). The second phase, which began in the sixteenth century and lasted until the first half of the twentieth century, produced more primitive, less radiogenic, magmas with the lowest Ba/La and Rb/Th ratios of our dataset. The last phase is ongoing and is marked by a magma having the lowest Sr isotopic composition and highest Rb/Th ratio of the dataset. While this new magma can be clearly identified in the pumice erupted during the last two paroxysmal eruptions of 2003 and 2007, shallow degassed magma extruded during this time span records significant geochemical and isotopic heterogeneities. We thus suggest that the shallow reservoir has been only partially homogenised by this new magma influx. We conclude that compositional variations within the shallow magma system of a persistently active volcano provide only a biassed signal of ongoing geochemical changes induced by deep magma refilling. We argue that source changes can only be identified by interpreting the geochemistry of pumice, because it reliably represents magma transferred directly from deep portions of the plumbing system to the surface.     

Geochemical homogeneity of a long-lived,large silicic system; evidence from the Cerro Galán caldera,NW Argentina

By applying a number of analytical techniques across a spectrum of spatial scales (centimeter to micrometer) in juvenile components, we show that the Cerro Galán volcanic system has repeatedly erupted magmas with nearly identical geochemistries over >3.5 Myr. The Cerro Galán system produced nine ignimbrites (∼5.6 to 2 Ma) with a cumulative volume of >1,200 km³ (DRE; dense rock equivalent) of calc-alkaline, high-K rhyodacitic magmas (68–71 wt.% SiO₂). The mineralogy is broadly constant throughout the eruptive sequence, comprising plagioclase, quartz, biotite, Fe–Ti oxides, apatite, and titanite. Early ignimbrite magmas also contained amphibole, while the final eruption, the most voluminous Cerro Galán ignimbrite (CGI; 2.08 ± 0.02 Ma) erupted a magma containing rare amphibole, but significant sanidine. Each ignimbrite contains two main juvenile clast types; dominant “white” pumice and ubiquitous but subordinate “grey” pumice. Fe–Ti oxide and amphibole-plagioclase thermometry coupled with amphibole barometry suggest that the grey pumice originated from potentially hotter and deeper magmas (800–840°C, 3–5 kbar) than the more voluminous white pumice (770–810°C, 1.5–2.5 kbar). The grey pumice is interpreted to represent the parental magmas to the Galán system emplaced into the upper crust from a deeper storage zone. Most inter-ignimbrite variations can be accounted for by differences in modal mineralogy and crystal contents that vary from 40 to 55 vol.% on a vesicle-free basis. Geochemical modeling shows that subtle bulk-rock variations in Ta, Y, Nb, Dy, and Yb between the Galán ignimbrites can be reconciled with differences in amounts of crystal fractionation from the “grey” parent magma. The amount of fractionation is inversely correlated with volume; the CGI (∼630 km³) and Real Grande Ignimbrite (∼390 km³) return higher F values (proportion of liquid remaining) than the older Toconquis Group ignimbrites (<50 km³), implying less crystal fractionation took place during the upper-crustal evolution of these larger volume magmas. We attribute this relationship to variations in magma chamber geometry; the younger, largest volume ignimbrites came from flat sill-like magma chambers, reducing the relative proportion of sidewall crystallization and fractionation compared to the older, smaller-volume ignimbrite eruptions. The grey pumice clasts also show evidence of silicic recharge throughout the history of the Cerro Galán system, and recharge days prior to eruption has previously been suggested based on reversely zoned (OH and Cl) apatite phenocrysts. A rare population of plagioclase phenocrysts with thin An-rich rims in juvenile clasts in many ignimbrites supports the importance of recharge in the evolution and potential triggering of eruptions. This study extends the notion that large volumes of nearly identical silicic magmas can be generated repeatedly, producing prolonged geochemical homogeneity from a long-lived magma source in a subduction zone volcanic setting. At Cerro Galán, we propose that there is a zone between mantle magma input and upper crustal chambers, where magmas are geochemically “buffered”, producing the underlying geochemical and isotopic signatures. This produces the same parental magmas that are delivered repeatedly to the upper crust. A lower-crustal MASH (melting, assimilation, storage, and homogenization) zone is proposed to act as this buffer zone. Subsequent upper crustal magmatic processes serve only to slightly modify the geochemistry of the magmas.