Large-volume and shallow magma intrusions in the Blackfoot Reservoir
Volcanic Field (Idaho, USA)
Abstract
The Blackfoot Reservoir volcanic field (BRVF), Idaho, USA, is a bimodal
volcanic field that has hosted explosive silicic eruptions during at
least two episodes, as recently as 58 ka. Using newly collected
terrestrial and marine gravity data, two large negative anomalies (−16
mGal) are modeled as shallow (<1 km) laccoliths beneath a
NE-trending alignment of BRVF rhyolite domes and tuff rings. Given the
trade-off between density contrast and model volume, best-fit gravity
inversion models yield a total intrusion volume of 50−120 km3; a density
contrast of −600 kg m-3 results in model intrusion
volume of 63 km3. A distinctive network of 340°−360° trending faults
lies directly above and on the margins of the mapped gravity anomalies.
Most of these faults have 5−10 m throw; one has throw up to ∼50 m. We
suggest that the emplacement of shallow laccoliths produced this fault
zone and also created a ENE-trending fault set, indicating widespread
ground deformation during intrusion emplacement. The intrusions and
silicic domes are located 3−5 km E of a regional, 20 mGal step in
gravity. We interpret this step in gravity as a change in the thickness
of the Upper Precambrian to lowermost Cambrian quartzites in the Meade
thrust sheet, part of the Idaho-Wyoming Thrust Belt. Silicic volcanism
in the BRVF is a classic example of volcanotectonic interaction,
influenced by regional structure and creating widespread deformation.
Exogeneous and endogenous domes are numerous in the region. We suggest
volcanic hazard assessments should account for potentially large-volume
silicic eruptions in the future.