Experimental Simulations of Magma Storage and Ascent

Abstract

One of the key issues in utilizing precursor signals of volcanic eruption is to reliably interpret geophysical and geochemical data in terms of magma movement towards the surface. An important first step is to identify where the magma is stored prior to ascent. This can be studied through phase-equilibrium experiments designed to replicate the phase assemblage and compositions of natural pyroclasts or by measuring volatiles in melt inclusions from previous eruptions. The second crucial step is to characterize the magmatic conditions and processes that will guide the eruption style. This may be addressed through controlled dynamic decompression or deformation experiments to examine the different rates that govern the kinetics of syn-eruptive degassing, crystallization, and strain. Comparing the compositional and textural characteristics of these experimental products with the natural samples can be used to retrieve magma ascent conditions. These experimental simulations allow interpretation of direct observations and in situ measurements of syn-eruptive processes leading to more accurate forecasting of future eruptive scenarios.