Using analogue experiments to explore fundamental processes during magma ascent

The propagation mechanics and fluid dynamics of magma-filled fractures, such as dykes and sills, are fundamental to the generation of sub-surface signals which indicate magma is on the move. Dykes play a major role transporting magma from depth to the surface, and modelling the dynamics of dyke growth remains a primary objective to improve the interpretation of a wide range of geophysical, petrological and geochemical evidence of magma ascent. We present results from scaled analogue experiments using Liverpool’s new Medusa Laser Imaging Facility to quantify the fluid flow dynamics and solid deformation during magma ascent in dykes. Our results detail the characteristics of dyke ascent from inception to eruption, with magma flow regimes and host-rock deformation mode dependent on dyke geometry, host-rock properties, density contrasts and magma rheology. Our results pose new conceptual models upon which the signals of magma movement in nature should be interpreted.