Experimental measurements of the viscosity and melt structure of alkali basalts at high pressure and temperature

• Published in: Scientific reports Vol. 12; no. 1; p. 2599
• Main Authors: Bonechi, Barbara, Stagno, Vincenzo, Kono, Yoshio, Hrubiak, Rostislav, Ziberna, Luca, Andreozzi, Giovanni B., Perinelli, Cristina, Gaeta, Mario
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 16-02-2022; Nature Publishing Group; Nature Portfolio
• Subjects: 704/2151; 704/2151/330; 704/2151/431; 704/2151/598; Basalt; High pressure; Humanities and Social Sciences; Magma; multidisciplinary; Science; Science (multidisciplinary); Upper mantle; Viscosity; Volcanic eruptions
• ISSN: 2045-2322; 2045-2322
• DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06551-7

Volcanic eruptions are shallow phenomena that represent the final stage of density- and viscosity- driven processes of melt migration from source rocks at upper mantle depths. In this experimental study, we investigated the effect of pressure (0.7–7.0 GPa) and temperature (1335–2000 °C) on the viscosity and the atomic melt structure of a synthetic anhydrous primitive alkaline basalt, an analogue of the pre-eruptive magma that likely feeds the Campi Flegrei Volcanic District at present day. Obtained viscosities (0.5–3.0 Pa s), mobility (0.1–0.4 g cm
3
 Pa
−1
 s
−1
) and ascent velocity (1.5–6.0 m yr
−1
) are presented to support geochemical and geophysical observations of Campi Flegrei as a critical volcanic district currently undergoing gradual magma recharge at depth.