Unleashing Volcanic Fury or Just a Snooze? Freezing Magmatic Processes in Motion with 4D Synchrotron Imaging

Understanding the dynamic processes within volcanic systems is crucial for advancing igneous petrology and mitigating volcanic hazards. Traditional imaging techniques often fall short in capturing the real-time, three-dimensional transformations occurring in volcanic materials under varying conditions. We present various studies from ESRF users employing static scans or in situ 4D (three spatial dimensions plus time) synchrotron-based X-ray microtomography to observe and quantify natural and synthetic magma's kinetics and morphological evolution under controlled thermal and pressure conditions.

Static scans of volcanic slags or volcanic bombs capture intricate frozen microstructural evidence of conduit processes such as magma ascent, expansion, and cooling with the preservation of features such as elongated vesicles and crystal clots that shed light on the interplay between degassing and crystallisation in dynamic volcanic systems.

Even minimal volumes of bubbles or crystals can significantly affect magma viscosity, potentially influencing eruptive dynamics. Utilising the high flux and coherence of synchrotron radiation, we achieved temporal and spatial resolutions sufficient to monitor rapid nucleation and growth of bubbles and microlites within the melt. 

Integrating 4D synchrotron imaging with advanced analytical tools such as digital volume correlation and dynamic segmentation offers insights into the microstructural evolution of volcanic materials. This approach provides valuable data for modelling and predicting volcanic activity. Our results underscore the potential of cutting-edge imaging technologies in unravelling the complexities of igneous petrology, contributing to the broader field of Earth sciences.