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Melt migration in basalt columns driven by crystallization-induced pressure gradients.
Hannes B Mattsson1, Luca Caricchi, Bjarne S G Almqvist
1Institute of Geochemistry and Petrology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Clausiusstrasse 25, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland.
Nature Communications
|May 5, 2011
Summary
A new melt-migration model explains semicircular structures in basalt columns. Crystallization-driven melt movement within cooling lava flows provides insights into columnar jointing formation.
Area of Science:
- Geology
- Volcanology
- Petrology
Background:
- Columnar-jointed lava flows and intrusions exhibit fascinating structures.
- Semicircular internal structures are common in basalt columns, but their formation mechanism is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and validate a melt-migration model for explaining macroscopic features in columnar-jointed basalts.
- To investigate the role of crystallization and volume decrease in columnar joint formation.
Main Methods:
- Macroscopic observations and detailed petrography of basalts from Hrepphólar, Iceland.
- Thermodynamic and rheological modeling of crystallization sequences.
- Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility (AMS) analysis of late-crystallizing titanomagnetite.
Main Results:
- The proposed melt-migration model is consistent with macroscopic, petrographic, and AMS data.
- Melt migration is favored in evolved basaltic lavas with early titanomagnetite saturation.
- Redistribution of melt within columns influences cooling processes.
Conclusions:
- Crystallization-driven melt migration offers a viable explanation for observed features in columnar jointing.
- The model highlights the importance of specific lava compositions and cooling dynamics.
- Further research can explore the broader implications of melt redistribution in volcanic systems.
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