Phase equilibrium constraints on the production and storage of peralkaline silicic magmas: insights from Kenya and Pantelleria.

The origin of peralkaline silicic rocks is still obscure and stands perhaps as one of the last major unsettled issues in classic igneous petrology. The debate goes back to the end of the 18th century and despite intensive petrological, geochemical and laboratory efforts the consensus has yet to emerge as to which mechanisms produce peralkaline derivatives. Bowen (1937) first proposed that the shift from metaluminous to peralkaline field was due to extensive fractionation of calcic plagioclase. Perhaps the best illustration of such an hypothesis is provided by the Boina rock series in the Ethiopian rift studied by Barberi et al. (1975). However, such an hypothesis still awaits experimental c…

Phase equilibrium constraints on pre-eruptive conditions of recent felsic explosive volcanism at Pantelleria Island, Italy.

International audience; We present experimental phase equilibria carried out on a pantelleritic bulk-rock composition with a peralkalinity index [PI = molar (Na2O + K2O)/Al2O3] = 1*4, which is representative of the most energetic pumice fall eruption of the resurgent post-caldera volcanism on Pantelleria island. For the explored conditions (P = 25-150 MPa; T = 680-800°C; H2Omelt up to 6 wt %; fO2 ≤ NNO, where NNO is nickel-nickel oxide buffer) clinopyroxene is the liquidus phase followed by alkali feldspar and then quartz. The crystallization of amphibole is limited to temperatures below 700°C. Aenigmatite crystallizes near the liquidus for P ≥ 100 MPa. When clinopyroxene is the sole liquid…

Crystallization of Pantelleria basalt: preliminary reults