New perspective views volcanoes as part of much larger transcrustal magmatic systems
In short: Researchers reviewing decades of volcanic evidence found that magmatic processes extend far beyond shallow magma chambers. Their review suggests that instead of focusing only on the upper crust, we must consider massive, vertically extensive systems that span the entire crustal thickness.
The review reconciles the slow, tectonic-driven melt generation in the lower crust with the rapid accumulation of magma in the upper crust. By examining how melt-rich layers grow and destabilize, the authors provide a unified view of how magma ascends and forms ephemeral shallow chambers. However, the paper is a review of existing evidence rather than a new experimental study.
Why it matters: Understanding volcanoes requires looking deep into the crust, not just at shallow magma chambers.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Source: Research: Cashman et al. (2017). Vertically extensive and unstable magmatic systems: A unified view of igneous processes. Science. · other-oa
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/nature-research-new-perspective-views-volcanoes-as-part-of-much-larger-trans.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Geology · More in Nature · Latest · A–Z · All topics
