The role of polybaric crystallization in genesis of andesitic magmas: Phase equilibria simulations of the Bezymianny volcanic subseries

Abstract

Using the updated COMAGMAT model, the crystallization sequences of a Bezymianny Volcano basaltic andesite (Kamchatka, Russia) are simulated in a wide range of thermodynamic conditions (P–T–fO2) as a function of H2O concentration. Comparison of the modeled liquid lines of descent with petrochemical trends of the volcanic suite indicates the parental melts contain 1.5–2wt.% H2O stored under 490–520MPa pressure in the magma plumbing system beneath Bezymianny Volcano. The initial magma originates as a result of the polybaric evolution of mantle-derived high-Mg basaltic magmas of the adjacent Kliuchevskoi Volcano. The subsequent evolution of derivative hydrous and alumina-rich basaltic andesite magmas may proceed under polybaric conditions with an average decompression of ~12MPa per 1% of crystallization. In the course of polybaric crystallization, compositions of pyroxene-bearing andesites can be numerically reproduced and the modeled liquid compositions follow the natural liquid line of descent. However, hornblende-bearing magmas cannot be produced as a result of continued crystallization from parental basaltic andesite through the stage of pyroxene-bearing andesite formation. They require high water contents and high pressures of crystallization. In this case, liquid composition should deviate from the chemical trend defined by the whole rock compositions.