Decoding links between magmatic processes and eruption dynamics: whole-rock time series petrology of the 2021 Tajogaite eruption, La Palma
We present an integrated petrological study of the 2021 Tajogaite eruption, La Palma, examining magmatic processes that initiated, sustained, and terminated surface volcanic activity. High temporal resolution sampling of near-continuously erupted alkali-basalt lava and tephra over the 85-day event reveals magma plumbing system dynamics from compositional trends. Initial deposits were mineralogically varied, reflecting mobilisation of shallow, evolved mush perturbed by fresh deep, primitive magma influx (Stage 1 - initiation). Transition to more primitive, uniform compositions recorded progressively deeper tapping of pre-existing magmatic zonation (Stage 2 - evacuation). The final stage (Stage 3 - waning) was characterised by more evolved magma compositions on the same fractionation trend as Stage 2, with tephra glass compositions suggesting a proportionately larger role of mush interstitial melts. We suggest this reflects shutdown of mantle-derived magma supply, a key process in eruption waning and termination, and compression-driven melt extraction of less mobile melts. Correlation with geophysical monitoring data demonstrates how near-real-time petrological monitoring could improve understanding of when an eruption may end.
Authors
- Penny Wieser (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1070-8323)
- Olivia Barbee (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5618-2371)
- Marc‐Antoine Longpré (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7792-5448)
- Alexander G. Stewart (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4710-1963)
- Gavyn Rollinson (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0655-6304)
- Luca D’Auria (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7664-2216)
- Beverley Coldwell (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9240-6240)
- Katy J. Chamberlain (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2010-6182)
- Jane H. Scarrow (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8585-8679)
- David A. Neave (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6343-2482)
- Samantha Tramontano (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6827-5735)
- James Hickey (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5391-3415)
- Nemesio M. Pérez (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1410-7717)
- Matthew Pankhurst (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6844-9822)
- Daniel Morgan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3966-3365)
- William Hernández
Institutions
- Queens College, CUNY (US)
- Planetary Science Institute (US)
- University of Leeds (GB)
- American Museum of Natural History (US)
- University of Liverpool (GB)
- Universidad de La Laguna (ES)
- Universidad de Granada (ES)
- University of Exeter (GB)
- University of Manchester (GB)
- FORCE Technology (Denmark) (DK)
- Instituto Volcanológico de Canarias (ES)
- University of California, Berkeley (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Volcanica
- Published
- 2024-12-28
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.30909/vol.07.02.953980
- Citations
- 7
- Primary Topic
- Geological and Geochemical Analysis
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 3.74
Funders
- Sight Research UK
- Natural Environment Research Council