Role of magma mixing in the pre-eruptive dynamics of the Aeolian Islands volcanoes (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy)

Abstract

We combined literature and experimental data to determine the role of magma mixing in the pre-eruptive dynamics of the Aeolian Islands volcanoes. As a first step, we systematically reviewed the evidence supporting the hypothesis of mixing-triggered eruptions in the Aeolian archipelago, providing textural, chemical, and rheological constraints. The existing data highlighted the significant role of magma mixing in many eruptions within the Aeolian archipelago. Examples include the Upper Pollara and Porri volcano eruptions at Salina, Monte Guardia, and the AD 1230 Monte Pilato eruption at Lipari, as well as the present-day activity at Stromboli. Then, we focused on Vulcano Island, chosen as a case study because it represents one of the volcanoes posing the highest risk in the Aeolian archipelago. At Vulcano Island, we highlighted the role of magma mixing in the AD 1739 and 1888–90 eruptions. Finally, we investigated mixing-to-eruption timescales for the AD 1739 eruption, performing mixing experiments, and evaluated the progressive decay of the chemical concentration variance with time. Results pointed to mixing-to-eruption timescales of the order of 29 ± 9 h and magma ascent rates ranging between 3×10−2 and 5×10−2 m s−1. We finally emphasized that the presented results may have significant implications in the context of volcanic hazard mitigation and planning of emergency activities.