Flow in an experimental micro–magma chamber

The chemical evolution and eruptive behavior of magmas may be controlled largely by convective processes within magma chambers. According to a recent National Research Council Report [ Committee on Physics and Chemistry of Earth Materials , 1987], “the style of convection itself, whether it is turbulent, laminar, large‐scale, of multiple scales, tiered, or localized and intermittent, is very much at question.” In the U.S. National Report to the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics, Marsh [1987] reviewed recent theoretical and experimental developments related to the style of convection in magma chambers, noting both significant quantitative advances and also the many remaining uncertainties. With regard to double‐diffusive convection, he stated “as ever, the critical question concerns whether or not actual magma chambers convect in this style.” Similarly, Spera et al . [1986] , in discussion of double‐diffusive convection, cautioned against “applying results from saltwater tanks to magma chambers.”