Open AccessPrediction of silicate melt viscosity from electrical conductivity: A model and its geophysical implications
Author(s) -
Pommier Anne,
Evans Rob L.,
Key Kerry,
Tyburczy James A.,
Mackwell Stephen,
Elsenbeck Jimmy
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
geochemistry, geophysics, geosystems
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.928
H-Index - 136
ISSN - 1525-2027
DOI - 10.1002/ggge.20103
Subject(s) - rheology , viscosity , geophysics , geology , silicate , magma , electrical resistivity and conductivity , mineralogy , conductivity , petrology , thermodynamics , volcano , geochemistry , physics , astronomy , quantum mechanics
Our knowledge of magma dynamics would be improved if geophysical data could be used to infer rheological constraints in melt‐bearing zones. Geophysical images of the Earth's interior provide frozen snapshots of a dynamical system. However, knowledge of a rheological parameter such as viscosity would constrain the time‐dependent dynamics of melt bearing zones. We propose a model that relates melt viscosity to electrical conductivity for naturally occurring melt compositions (including H 2 O) and temperature. Based on laboratory measurements of melt conductivity and viscosity, our model provides a rheological dimension to the interpretation of electromagnetic anomalies caused by melt and partially molten rocks (melt fraction ~ >0.7).