U-series disequilibria in young (A.D. 1944) Vesuvius rocks: Preliminary implications for magma residence times and volatile addition

Abstract

The results of a preliminary U-series study of the timescale of magmatic processes at Vesuvius are presented. Phonotephrites of the 1944 eruption of Vesuvius show 0–15% 230 Th – 238 U and 350–1150% 226 Ra – 230 Th disequilibria. Apparent U–Th internal isochrons for a lava and a cumulate nodule suggest crystal residence times of 12 and 39 ka, respectively. A tephra sample shows isotopic heterogeneity, possibly related to mixing of younger crystal-laden melt and older crystals giving apparent U–Th ages of 0.4 and 18 ka, respectively. Mineral 226 Ra – 230 Th disequilibria on Ba-normalised internal isochron diagrams suggest Ra–Th ages of 1730–3300 years for the same rocks and phenocrysts. Minor 226 Ra / 230 Th heterogeneity between minerals and groundmass (or whole rock) is evidence of open-system Ra–Th behaviour. This heterogeneity suggests that there have been recent, post-crystallisation changes in melt composition that affected 226 Ra more than 230 Th . Continued crystallisation in a Ra-enriched magma has subsequently resulted in Ra–Th disequilibria probably as a result of addition via a fluid-rich phase. Magma differentiation, residence time, transport, and pervasive gas addition at Vesuvius apparently occur over geologically short periods.