Magma storage in the crust
In this talk from GSA 2020, I summarize key highlights from work using thermo-mechanical models of magma reservoirs. In particular, I review how the combined effects of magma recharge, eruptions, viscoelastic response of the crust, and internal processes like crystallization and volatile exsolution impact the dynamics and eruptive behavior of magma reservoirs in the crust.
Some key questions we are trying to address using these models include:
How do magma chambers grow and evolve?
What controls the frequency and size of volcanic eruptions?
What is the role of magmatic volatiles on the dynamics and stability of magma reservoirs?
Surface-interior feedbacks
Processes occurring at the earth’s surface load the shallow crust in ways that may influence magma storage and transport. For example, the growth of a large volcanic edifice can load the crust in a way that may inhibit dike propagation to the summit. The rapid retreat of glaciers can unload the crust and potentially stimulate activity in magma reservoirs. The mechanical links between surface and crustal processes may lead to important feedbacks between Earth’s climate system and the interior.
We have multiple ongoing projects related to surface-interior links, such as:
Investigating magma-ice interactions in the Oregon Cascades
Modeling effects of glacial unloading on magma reservoir processes (sponsored by NSF Frontier Research in Earth Sciences program)
Understanding the influence of topography on dike propagation at Summer Coon Volcano (sponsored by NSF Petrology & Geochemistry program)