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Tracking magma dynamics by laser ablation (LA)‐ICPMS trace element analysis of glass in volcanic ash: The 1995 activity of Mt. Etna
Author(s) -
Schiavi F.,
Tiepolo M.,
Pompilio M.,
Vannucci R.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2005gl024789
Subject(s) - magma , trace element , geology , tephra , volcano , geochemistry , magma chamber , volcanic rock , mineralogy , igneous differentiation , petrology
Glass fragments in tephra erupted at Mt. Etna from May to December 1995 have been analyzed by laser ablation ICPMS. The trace element compositional variability of ashes deposited during this interval reveals the presence of discrete magma batches with different crystallization degrees in the shallow plumbing system. From May to October a highly crystalline magma is predominant within the conduit with only minor sporadic input of fresh and more primitive magma batches. After October new and less evolved magma batches become more prevalent and become progressively homogenized within more evolved resident magma. In December ashes closely match the chemistry of the volcanics subsequently erupted till February 1996. This study demonstrates that the trace element characterization of ashes has important implications for volcanic monitoring and is a useful tool for the forecasting of paroxysmal events at Mt. Etna.