Magma storage conditions of the last eruption of Teide volcano (Canary Islands, Spain)

Abstract

Phase equilibrium experiments were performed to determine the pre-eruptive conditions of the phonolitic magma responsible for the last eruption (about 1,150 yr B.P.) of Teide volcano. The Lavas Negras phonolite contains 30 to 40 wt% of phenocrysts, mainly anorthoclase, diopside, and magnetite. We have investigated pressures from 100 to 250 MPa, temperatures from 750 to 925°C, water contents from 1.3 to 10 wt%, at an oxygen fugacity (fO2) of 1 log unit above the Ni-NiO solid buffer. Comparison of the natural and experimental phase proportions and compositions indicates that the phonolite was stored at 900 ± 20°C, 150 ± 50 MPa, 3 ± 0.5 wt% dissolved H2O in the melt. The fO2 was probably close to the fayalite-magnetite-quartz solid buffer judging from results of other experimental studies. These conditions constrain the magma storage depth at about 5 ± 1 km below current summit of Teide volcano. Given that the island has not suffered any major structural or topographic changes since the Lavas Negras eruption, any remaining magma from this event should still be stored at such depth and probably with a similar thermal and rheological state.