The Petrology and Geochemistry of the Aniakchak Caldera-forming Ignimbrite, Aleutian Arc, Alaska

Aniakchak caldera, Alaska, produced a compositionally heterogeneousignimbrite 3400 years ago, which changes from rhyodacitic atthe base to andesitic at the top of the eruptive sequence. Interpretationsof compositionally heterogeneous ignimbrites typically includeeither in situ fractional crystallization of mafic magma andgeneration of a stratified magma body or replenishment of asilicic magma chamber by mafic inputs. Another possibility,silicic replenishment of a more mafic chamber, exists. Geochemicalcharacteristics of the caldera-forming rhyodacite and severallate pre-caldera rhyodacites indicate independent origins foreach, within a maximum of 5000 years prior to caldera formation.Isotopic considerations preclude derivation of the caldera-formingrhyodacite from the caldera-forming andesite. However, the caldera-formingrhyodacite can be explained as the residual liquid of a mostlycrystallized basalt, with addition of crustal material. TheAniakchak andesite probably formed in a shallow chamber by successivemixing events involving small volumes of basalt and rhyodacite,together with contamination. The pre-caldera rhyodacites representerupted portions of intruding silicic magma, whereas anotherportion homogenized with the resident mafic magma. The caldera-formingevent reflects a large influx of rhyodacite, which erupted beforesignificant mixing occurred and also triggered draining of muchof the andesitic magma from the chamber. KEY WORDS: Aniakchak; caldera-forming eruption; geochemistry; ignimbrite; silicic replenishment