Pre-eruptive magmatic conditions at Augustine Volcano, Alaska, 2006: Evidence from amphibole geochemistry and textures

Abstract

Variations in the geochemistry and texture of amphibole phenocrysts erupted from Augustine Volcano in 2006 provide new insights into pre- and syn-eruptive magma storage and mixing. Amphiboles are rare but present in all magma compositions (low- to high-silica andesites) from the 3 month long eruption. Unzoned magnesiohornblende in the high- and low-silica andesites exhibit limited compositional variability, relatively high SiO 2 (up to 49·7 wt %), and relatively low Al 2 O 3 (< 11·1 wt %). Intermediate-silica andesites and quenched mafic enclaves contain amphiboles that vary in composition (e.g. SiO 2 40·8–48·9 wt %, Al 2 O 3 6·52–15·2 wt %) and classification (magnesiohornblende–magnesiohastingsite–tschermakite). Compositional variation in amphibole is primarily controlled by temperature-dependent substitutions. Both high- and low-silica andesites represent remnant magmas that were stored in the shallow crust at 4–8 km depth, remaining distinct owing to a complex subsurface plumbing system. Intermediate-silica andesites and quenched mafic inclusions represent pre-eruptive hybrids of resident high- and low-silica andesite magmas and an intruding basalt. Amphiboles in explosive phase high-silica andesites are largely euhedral and unreacted, consistent with the high magma flux rates from depth during this phase (up to 13 800 m 3 s –1 ). Phenocrysts from the other lithologies have reaction rims that range from 1 to >1000 μm in thickness. Reaction rim microlite sizes correlate with reaction rim thicknesses. Reaction rims <50 μm thick contain microlites 1–10 μm in length whereas reaction rims >80 μm thick contain microlites 10–100 μm in length. Differentiating between heating- and decompression-induced amphibole reaction rim formation is problematic because of a lack of experimental constraints. We attempt a new approach to assessing reaction rim formation, based on a kinetic theory of crystal nucleation and growth, in which the differences in reaction rim textures represent different degrees of amphibole disequilibrium. Large crystals and low number densities suggest relatively lower levels of disequilibrium resulting in growth-dominated crystallization. Smaller crystals and larger number densities are indicative of higher nucleation rates and a high driving force.