Mario Gaeta

The Villa Senni Eruption (Alban Hills, central Italy): the role of H2O and CO2 on the magma chamber evolution and on the eruptive scenario

Abstract The Villa Senni Eruption Unit (VSEU) belongs to the Tuscolano-Artemisio phase of volcanic activity in the Alban Hills Volcanic District, the closest to Rome of the recent or active volcanoes of central Italy. The most important products of this eruption are represented by pyroclastic flow deposits, named lower and upper flow unit (LFU and UFU, respectively). Three main rock types form VSEU as follows: (1) juvenile K-foiditic scoria clasts of the LFU; (2) juvenile phonotephritic scoria clasts of the UFU; and (3) holocrystalline phonotephritic lithic inclusions (Italites) in the UFU. On the basis of the chemistry, mineralogy and petrography of the three studied rock types their phase relations have been discussed. Other petrologic constraints from laboratory melting experiments are presented and used to investigate the role of volatiles on the evolution of the magma chamber system. Some broad implications on withdrawal pattern are also presented. It has been verified the LFU rock type can be obtained from a parental melt of UFU composition by a CO2-controlled crystal-liquid fractionation of a solid assemblage close in composition to that of Italites. Because it can be proved that the storage of magma occurred at shallow depth within the Mesozoic carbonate country rocks, it is proposed that CO2 diffusion, originating from thermal decomposition of wall-rock carbonates, controlled the evolution trend of the melt at the periphery of the magma chamber, whereas the inner part of the magma body retained the volatile component (essentially H2O) of the original melt. The corresponding eruption model is therefore comprehensive of an early eruptive phase (LFU rock type) involving the more differentiated central magma bulb, whereas the late eruptive phase (UFU rock type) tapped the more mafic peripheral magma. The Italite xenoliths are believed to represent the chilled margins of the magma chamber.

Clinopyroxene-liquid thermometers and barometers specific to alkaline differentiated magmas

We present new thermometers and barometers based on clinopyroxene–liquid equilibria specific to alkaline differentiated magmas. The new models were calibrated through the regression analyses of experimental datasets obtained by merging phase equilibria experiments from the literature with new experiments performed by using trachytic and phonolitic starting compositions. The regression strategy was twofold: (1) we have tested previous thermometric and barometric equations and recalibrated these models using the new datasets; (2) we have calibrated a new thermometer and a new barometer including only regression parameters that closely describe the compositional variability of the datasets. The new models yield more precise estimates than previous thermometers and barometers when used to predict temperatures and pressures of alkaline differentiated magmas. We have tested the reliability of the new equations by using clinopyroxene–liquid pairs from trachytes and phonolites erupted during major explosive eruptions at the Phlegrean Fields and Mt. Vesuvius (central Italy). The test yielded crystallization conditions comparable to those determined by means of melt and fluid inclusion analyses and phase equilibria studies; this validates the use of the proposed models for precise estimates of crystallization temperatures and pressures in differentiated alkaline magmas. Because these magmas feed some of the most voluminous, explosive, and threatening volcanic eruptions in the world, a better understanding of the environmental conditions of their reservoirs is mandatory and this is now possible with the new models provided here.

Pyroclast Tracking Velocimetry illuminates bomb ejection and explosion dynamics at Stromboli (Italy) and Yasur (Vanuatu) volcanoes

A new image processing technique—Pyroclast Tracking Velocimetry—was used to analyze a set of 30 high-speed videos of Strombolian explosions from different vents at Stromboli (Italy) and Yasur (Vanuatu) volcanoes. The studied explosions invariably appear to result from the concatenation of up to a hundred individual pyroclast ejection pulses. All these pulses share a common evolution over time, including (1) a non-linear decrease of the pyroclast ejection velocity, (2) an increasing spread of ejection angle, and (3) an increasing size of the ejected pyroclasts. These features reflect the dynamic burst of short-lived gas pockets, in which the rupture area enlarges while pressure differential decreases. We estimated depth of pyroclast release to be approximately 1 and 8 m below the surface at Stromboli and Yasur, respectively. In addition, explosions featuring more frequent pulses also have higher average ejection velocities and larger total masses of pyroclasts. These explosions release a larger overall amount of energy stored in the pressurized gas by a combination of more frequent and stronger ejection pulses. In this context, the associated kinetic energy per explosion, ranging 103–109 J appears to be a good proxy for the explosion magnitude. Differences in the pulse-defining parameters among the different vents suggest that this general process is modulated by geometrical factors in the shallow conduit, as well as magma-specific rheology. Indeed, the more viscous melt of Yasur, compared to Stromboli, is associated with larger vents producing fewer pulses but larger pyroclasts.

Petrogenetic implications of Ba-sanidine in the Lionato Tuff (Colli Albani volcanic district, central Italy)

Abstract A vitric fiamme containing BaO-bearing sanidine (BaO = 11 wt.%) was sampled (via di Fioranello, Rome) in the pyroclastic products of the Lower Flow Unit (LFU) belonging to the Villa Senni Eruption Unit in the Colli Albani Volcanic District (Roman Comagmatic Province, Central Italy). The fiamme of the LFU is essentially made up of glass, in which scarce phenocrysts of BaO-bearing sanidine, leucite and Al2O3-bearing Ca-clinopyroxene occur. In this paper the various parameters controlling barium partitioning between alkali feldspar and LFU liquid, are discussed.

Experimental constraints on evolution of leucite-basanite magma at 1 and 10-4 GPa: implications for parental compositions of Roman high-potassium magmas

The separate effects of pressure (10 −4 and 1.0 GPa), water, CO 2 , oxygen fugacity and calcium doping on the liquid line of descent of a primitive leucite-basanite magma (SiO 2 = 47.06 wt%, MgO = 12.76 wt% and Mg# = 75.1) from the Montefiascone Volcanic Complex (Vulsini volcanoes, central Italy) were experimentally investigated in the 1350–1160 °C temperature range. Results indicate that low-pressure liquidus temperatures are ≤1280 °C and that the high-pressure T liquidus is 1350 °C under anhydrous conditions; the latter is lowered to ~ 1275 °C by the addition of 3 wt% water. Cr-spinel is always the liquidus phase. At comparable f O 2 values, high and low pressure runs produced the same phase assemblage (spinel + olivine + clinopyroxene) up to 50 % crystallization, although olivine was partially or totally replaced by phlogopite in hydrous experiments. An increase in oxygen fugacity and the addition of CaO determine an increase in both the degree of melt crystallization and the stability field of clinopyroxene. These determine contrasting effects on the composition of residual liquids: the former increases SiO 2 content, whereas the latter induces the desilication of melts. The replacement of olivine by phlogopite, induced by increasing amounts of water, leads to the production of glass with lower potassium contents. Comparison of the natural and experimental melts shows that many of major and trace element variations exhibited by high-K primitive ( i.e. , high Mg/Mg + Fe) magmas at Montefiascone, are consistent with their derivation from a single parental leucite-basanite melt by fractional crystallization of different proportions of mineral phases, plus carbonate assimilation. The changes in phases stability and melt composition caused by carbonate assimilation may also have fundamental implications for the origin of the calcic high-magnesium leucitites and melilitites. In particular, the complex metasomatic interactions that can develop at the interface between potassic magmas and carbonate wall rocks, may lead to melting of calcite. This low-viscosity melt readily mixes with the surrounding magma inducing the crystallization of Ca-Tschermak-rich pyroxene and hercynitic spinel, affecting significantly the SiO 2 , CaO and alumina composition of the resulting hybrid melt. A key finding of our study is that magmas such as the studied leucite-basanite may be considered parental to the wide spectrum of mafic high-K compositions in the Roman Province, which have been traditionally considered as representing near primary magmas reflecting distinct mantle source compositions and/or processes.

Strontian fluoro-magnesiohastingsite in Alban Hills lavas (Central Italy): constraints on crystallization conditions

Abstract A magmatic calcic amphibole (M4Ca≥1.50) characterized by large Sr and F contents (SrO>1 wt.%, F>2.5 wt.%) is described. According to the crystal-chemical formula, the amphibole can be classified as a strontian fluoro-magnesiohastingsite and the presence of Sr cations in the A sites is suggested. The amphibole occurs in the groundmass of ultrapotassic lavas from the Alban Hills Volcanic District (Central Italy). This peculiar chemical composition is due to the lavas’ groundmass compositional trend occurring under low silica-activity conditions. We suggest that the occurrence of F amphiboles allows us to consider the Alban Hills Volcanic District magmas to be as rich in F as other ultrapotassic magmas.

An improved clinopyroxene-based hygrometer for Etnean magmas and implications for eruption triggering mechanisms

Abstract We have refined the clinopyroxene-based hygrometer published by Armienti et al. (2013) for a better quantitative understanding of the role of H2O in the differentiation of Etnean magmas. The original calibration data set has been significantly improved by including several experimental clinopyroxene compositions that closely reproduce those found in natural Etnean products. To verify the accuracy of the model, some randomly selected experimental clinopyroxene compositions external to the calibration data set have been used as test data. Through a statistic algorithm based on the Mallows’ CP criterion, we also check that all model parameters do not cause data overfitting, or systematic error. The application of the refined hygrometer to the Mt. Etna 2011–2013 lava fountains indicates that most of the decreases in H2O content occur at P < 100 MPa, in agreement with melt inclusion data suggesting abundant H2O degassing at shallow crustal levels during magma ascent in the conduit and eruption to the surface.

Indicazioni petrogenetiche dai granati birifrangenti dei proietti sialici nelle vulcaniti alcalino potassiche dei Monti Sabatini (Lazio)

A petrogenetic model is proposed to explaine the conditions favouring crystallization of birefringent grandite garnets in the volcanics of Latium. The numerous findings of ejecta, both of metasomatic and of magmatic derivation according to their textural characters, within the Sabatini Mts. pyroclastics, allowed the qualitative study of the subsolidus reaction leading to the formation of grandite garnets in the hypabyssal phonolite dykes. Such a reaction is related to decarbonation of the basament rocks and may evolve, in a closed system, into a pneumatolitic stage characterized by high T and P (CO2, H2O) under which a grandite garnet acquires a crystal symmetry lower than cubic independently upon its chemical composition.RiassuntoViene proposto un modello petrogenetico in cui si sviluppano le condizioni più favorevoli per la cristallizzazione di granati granditici birifrangenti. II ritrovamento nei prodotti idromagmatici del settore orientale del distretto vulcanico Sabatino di numerosi proietti di origine ipoabissale, distinti, sulla base delle caratteristiche tessiturali e chimiche, in magmatici e metasomatici, ha permesso di studiare, dal punto di vista qualitativo), la reazione, in condizione di subsolidus, che porta alla formazione del granato granditico nei dicchi fonolitici. Tale reazione é legata al processo di decarbonatazione delle rocce del substrato e può evoivere, in un sistema chiuso, in una fase pneumatolitica di alta temperatura ricca di CO2 e H2O in cui il granato granditico, indifferentemente dalla sua composizione chimica, può crescere con una simmetria cristallina inferiore a quella cubica.

Sulfur and REE zoning in apatite: the example of the Colli Albani magmatic system

We investigate the distribution of major and trace elements in apatite crystals hosted in granular alkaline rocks composed mainly of leucite and clinopyroxene, representative of the hypabyssal crystallization of a magma body in the Quaternary ultra-potassic Colli Albani Volcanic District (CAVD), which was emplaced into thick limestone units along the Tyrrhenian margin of Italy. Results show that the analyzed crystals are the SrO-richest (up to 4.6 wt%) fluorapatite (F =2.6-3.7 wt%) of the Italian alkaline rocks. The strontium enrichment is caused by the lack of other Sr-compatible mineral phases, such as plagioclase, alkali feldspar and melilite, in these leucite- and clinopyroxene-bearing rocks. The studied samples show core-rim zoning with rims enriched in Si, S, and REE whereas the cores are enriched in Ca and P. The LREE-oxides contents of apatite, reaching 4.2 wt%, represent more than 95% of the total REE budget; SiO2 contents range from 1.3 to 3.6 wt%, and SO3 concentrations between 0.6 and 1.4 wt%.

Snapshots of primitive arc magma evolution recorded by clinopyroxene textural and compositional variations: The case of hybrid crystal-rich enclaves from Capo Marargiu Volcanic District (Sardinia, Italy)

Abstract Capo Marargiu Volcanic District (CMVD) is an Oligo-Miocene calc-alkaline complex located in northwestern Sardinia (Italy) and characterized by the widespread occurrence of basaltic to andesitic domes. One of these domes hosts abundant crystal-rich enclaves with millimeter-to-centimeter sized clinopyroxenes showing intriguing textural features as a result of complex magma dynamics. To better understand the mechanisms governing the early evolution of the CMVD magmatic system, such clinopyroxene phenocrysts have been investigated in terms of their major, trace element, and isotopic compositions. Three distinct clinopyroxene populations have been identified, i.e., Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3. Type 1 appears as the sub-rounded cores of diopsidic clinopyroxenes with overgrowth textures corresponding to Type 2 and Type 3. These latter populations may also occur as single isolated crystals. Type 2 diopsidic pyroxene exhibits oscillatory zoning and spongy cellular textures with Type 3 overgrowths, whereas Type 3 are polycrystalline augitic glomerocrysts with occasional Type 2 overgrowths. The crystal overgrowths are striking evidence of magma recharge dynamics. Type 1 (CpxMg#83–92), Type 2 (CpxMg#75–82), and Type 3 (CpxMg#72–79) are, respectively, in equilibrium with Sardinian mantle-derived high-Mg basalts (HMB with meltMg#56–73), least differentiated basaltic andesites (BA with meltMg#45–56) and evolved basaltic andesites (EBA with meltMg#41–50). Type 1 and Type 2 are diopsidic phenocrysts that have evolved along a similar geochemical path (i.e., linear increase of Al, Ti, La, and Hf contents, as well as negligible Eu-anomaly) controlled by olivine + clinopyroxene + amphibole fractionation. This differentiation path is related to phenocryst crystallization from hydrous HMB and BA magmas stalling at moderate crustal pressures. The occurrence of globular sulfides within Type 1 suggests saturation of the HMB magma with a sulfide liquid under relatively low redox conditions. Moreover, Type 1 clinopyroxenes show variable 87Sr/86Sr ratios ascribable either to assimilation of crustal material by HMB magma or a mantle source variably contaminated by crustal components. In contrast, Type 3 augitic phenocrysts recorded the effect of plagioclase and titanomagnetite fractionation (i.e., low Al and Ti contents associated with high La and Hf concentrations, as well as important Eu-anomaly) from more degassed EBA magmas ponding at shallow depths. Rare titanite associated to Type 3 and titanomagnetite crystals point to high oxidizing conditions for EBA magmas. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios of both Type 2 and Type 3 are almost constant, suggesting a limited interaction of BA and EBA magmas with the country rock. The overall textural and compositional features of Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 clinopyroxene phenocrysts lead to the conclusion that CMVD was characterized by a polybaric plumbing system where geochemically distinct magmas crystallized and mixed under variable environmental conditions.