Dynamic evolution of flow structures and viscosity during basaltic magma
emplacement and crystallization in an upper-crustal sill
Abstract
An upper-crustal intrusive network in the 201.5 Ma, rift-related Central
Atlantic Magmatic Province is exposed in the western Newark basin (PA,
USA). Alpha-MELTS modeling was used to track magma evolution starting
with initial pyroxene crystallization at depth (1000-500 MPa);
plagioclase crystallized during ascent in the upper crust. For magma
emplaced at 5-6 km depth (170 MPa), six MELTS models were generated to
bracket different composition, H2O (1-3 wt.%), and crystallinity (28-49
vol.%). Corresponding magma viscosities evolved from 3 to 1624 Pa-sec
(predicted using Giordano et. al 2008; Moitra and Gonnermann 2014).
Detailed crystal mush structures in a diabase sill are revealed in a
dimension stone quarry. Ubiquitous asymmetric modal layers a few mm
thick comprising plag-rich layers (PRL, 75% modal plag) overlying more
pyx-rich layers outline the tops of hundreds of dm-m scale flow lobes in
the quarry. Tabular plag in PRL show shape-preferred orientations,
tiling, and pressure shadows around larger pyx that resemble analog
experiments on particle slurries and indicate flow with limited
mechanical compaction. During magma emplacement, recursive interactions
of propagation, sorting, and crystallization self-organized as flow
lobes with plag entrained and aligned along lobe tops. Our calculations
show plag separation can reduce bimodal suspension viscosity; a positive
feedback likely enhanced by shear thinning and crystal alignments. EDS
analyses and X-ray maps show that plag has oscillatory-zoned cores
(An82-67) with patchy-zoned mantles (An67) filled in by An66-63. In PRL,
plag are cemented together by An62-55; Na-rich rims occur next to
qtz-Kspar pockets. By the end of cementation, PRL liquid volume was
significantly reduced to 11-18% compared with 28-45% in overall magma
based on MELTS models for An62-55 plag. Diabase suspension viscosity
increased to >6000 Pa-sec; PRL viscosity cannot be modeled
by equations based on random packing. PRL with aligned interlocking
crystals were more rigid and less permeable than surrounding diabase.
Upward flow of magma after modal layer development was channelized into
pipes truncated and deflected by PRL. Thus, lateral flow during
emplacement developed sub-vertical heterogeneities that exemplify
complex mush rheology over m-scale distances.