Simulation of magma ascent prior to the high risk caldera forming eruptions of Campi Flegrei in the frame of CFDDP

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Marcus Nowak
• Subject Area: Palaeontology ; Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry
• Term: from 2012 to 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 216178186

The Campi Flegrei Deep Drilling Project (CFDDP) offers the unique opportunity to sample a substantial sequence of volcanic rocks and ashes of the restless CF caldera. Experimental simulation of Campanian Ignimbrite (CI) magma storage and ascent and comparison with texture and structure analysis of drilled natural samples will give deep insight into the mechanisms of the CI super eruptions. In these coordinated projects at Hannover and Tübingen we will simulate the relevant magmatic processes experimentally at elevated P and T. Both projects are closely interrelated (i.e. same materials are studied), but covers different aspects. While the major focus in Hannover is on studies of thermodynamic properties of CI magmas (phase equilibria, volatile solubilities), the major focus in Tübingen will be on kinetics (i.e. behaviour of CI magmas under controlled decompression). Phase relations and decompression induced degassing and crystallization significantly affect dynamic properties of ascending and erupting magmas which are recorded in the textural patterns of the CI volcanic rocks and ashes. The experimental data will provide useful constraints for the interpretation of drilled CI rock and ash samples, providing useful tools for volcanic hazard assessment at the high risk Campanian Volcanic District and comparable volcanic systems.

• DFG Programme: Infrastructure Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1006: International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP)