Sector-zoned augite megacrysts in Aleutian high alumina basalts: implications for the conditions of basalt crystallization and the generation of calc-alkaline series magmas

Several high alumina basalts from the Aleutian volcanic centers of Cold Bay and Kanaga Island contain large (up to 1.5 cm diameter) megacrysts of sector-zoned augite. The megacrysts are invariably euhedral with well developed {001}, {010} and {111} forms. All crystals display concentric bands that are rich in mineral and glass inclusions. The sector zonation typically occurs as well developed (010), (100), (111) and (110) sectors which grew at different rates. A comparison of the width of synchronous growth bands indicates that following relative growth rates: (111) ≫ (100) ∼ (110) > (010). Compositionally, SiO₂ and MgO abundances decrease, and TiO₂, Al₂O₃, FeO and Na₂O abundances increase in the different sectors in the order (111), (100) ∼ (110), (010). This order is identical to that deduced for the relative growth rates, implying that growth rate clearly had a role in the development of the sector zonation. Calculated pre-eruption H₂O contents of the basalts range from 1 to 3 wt% but actual (measured) post-eruption H₂O contents range from 0.01 to 0.3 wt%. Deteurium isotopic values are heavily depleted and range from −110 to −141‰ . Together these indicate significant vapor (H₂O) exsolution prior to eruption. Maximum H₂O abundances in primitive glass inclusions, thought to be most representative of the host liquid reservoir at the time of melt entrapment, systematically decrease from the core to the rim of one augite megacryst studied in detail. We conclude that the presence of sector-zoned augite is due to augite supersaturation and rapid crystallization brought about by magma decompression and volatile (H₂O) exsolution. The calculated pre-eruption H₂O contents of 1–3 wt% limit vapor exsolution and basalt crystallization to depths of less than 3 and more likely 1.5 km. Very rapid crystallization at very shallow depths makes it unlikely that the time scales between initial crystallization and final eruption are sufficient to permit appreciable amounts of fractional crystallization. Given that high alumina basalt fractionation is the dominant process for generating more evolved andesite, dacite and rhyolite magmas of the calc-alkaline suite, the inability of parental high alumina basalt to yield such derivative magmas in the low pressure environment places the likely site of fractionation in the high pressure environment, at or near the base of the crust. Received: 1 December 1997 / Accepted: 23 December 1998