Relations between deformation and upper crustal magma emplacement in laboratory physical models

Abstract

This paper presents analogue models for the emplacement of granitic magmas in upper crustal levels with different mechanical layering during shortening, extension and strike–slip deformation. In particular, we investigated how a weak layer embedded in the upper brittle crust can control the level of magma emplacement. The adopted experimental setup was used to examine the control of soft rocks on the movement of magma through a deforming brittle crust. Model results indicate that the occurrence of a weak (soft) layer embedded in brittle (stiff) material has an impact on the level of magma emplacement. The level of emplacement during both extension and shortening was systematically deeper for models with a soft layer than for purely brittle models. During strike–slip deformation the magma pierced the surface in both purely brittle and brittle–ductile models.