Teaming up with his Ph.D. advisor, Professor Mousumi Roy, Block collaborated with the University of Alaska at Fairbanks to enhance our understanding of the SMB. The study, titled “Pressurizing magma within heterogeneous crust: a case study at the Socorro Magma Body, New Mexico, USA,” was recently published in the Geophysical Research Letters journal.
The paper presents a modeling approach to illustrate the storage of magma in the crust within magma bodies (regions primarily composed of liquid magma) and “mush” zones (comprising mostly solid crystals with some liquid magma). These mush zones are believed to be too viscous for eruption but are likely weaker than the surrounding rock.
This project aimed to enhance our comprehension of the mechanisms underlying the distinctive pattern of central uplift and peripheral subsidence, commonly referred to as “sombrero deformation,” observed on the surface above the Socorro Magma Body (SMB). Situated in the mid-crust, the SMB constitutes a magma body devoid of magma transport or volcanic activity above it, rendering it an ideal “laboratory” for investigating the dynamics of mid-crustal magma bodies at large.
Block emphasized the significance of advancing our understanding of mid-crustal magma bodies. This knowledge is essential for gaining insights into the comprehensive crustal magma transport systems in which these bodies are situated. Since these systems play a pivotal role in fueling every volcanic eruption on Earth, conducting in-depth studies on them is of paramount importance.
In particular, Block and his research team focused on understanding the significance of “mush” within these systems. Mush refers to magma that has undergone crystallization to a viscosity that renders it unsuitable for eruption, yet it remains more deformable than the surrounding rock. The study delved into the role of mush in the dynamics and evolution of magma reservoirs, with the Socorro Magma Body (SMB) serving as a primary case study.
(b) InSAR measurements of the SMB, spanning the period from January 7, 2017, through December 21, 2021, depict the observed sombrero-style surface deformation. GPS stations are highlighted in red, and the SMB outline is marked in solid yellow, maintaining consistency with (a). The yellow ellipse with long dashes outlines the pressure source, while the larger yellow circle with short dashes illustrates the map extent of the compliant region (CR) in the SMB-realistic model.
(Geophysical Research Letters)
The project utilized surface deformation observations at the SMB to investigate the interaction between magma and mush. Previous measurements of surface deformation at the SMB revealed a persistent “sombrero” deformation, providing valuable data for the study.
The objective of this project was to utilize surface deformation measurements above the Socorro Magma Body (SMB) to gain a deeper understanding of the involvement of mush in the SMB. This research aims to contribute to geoscientists’ overall comprehension of crustal magma transport systems, potentially advancing knowledge about the intricate processes within these systems.
Block conducted computational research, involving the development of computer simulations for a simplified Socorro Magma Body (SMB) system. These simulations were executed on The University of New Mexico’s Center for Research Computing (CARC). The construction of these simulations drew insights from satellite radar data, which were analyzed by collaborators from the University of Alaska at Fairbanks. Through this process, Block demonstrated that his simulations aligned closely with the observed pattern of surface motions derived from the radar data analyzed by the University of Alaska at Fairbanks.
Block explained that the alignment between his computer models and observed data enables the utilization of model parameters, including the characteristics of a mushy or compliant region around the Socorro Magma Body (SMB). These parameters, derived from simulations, allow predictions to be made about the actual SMB systems, which are challenging to directly observe. The identified parameters offer a foundation for potential validation and testing in subsequent studies.
Recent satellite radar measurements align with the previously reported pattern, validating the enduring nature of the observed deformation over nearly a century. According to Block and Roy, this sustained pattern is likely attributed to the presence of a large, weak, compliant region surrounding the Socorro Magma Body (SMB), potentially identified as mush.
Their computational models successfully replicate the persistent sombrero deformation pattern, emphasizing the role of mush properties and magma body pressurization. The rarity of this pattern, the authors propose, may be explained by the specific combination of these factors.
The researchers discovered that their simulations achieved a strong agreement with observed data when incorporating a compliant region with lower viscosity than the surrounding background structure, coupled with periodic, asymmetric pressurization of the magma body. This compliant region, possibly indicative of mush or some other form of weakening, poses an intriguing avenue for future exploration and investigation.
There is no immediate threat of volcanic unrest from the Socorro Magma Body (SMB) or any other volcanic activity in New Mexico. However, the region beneath our feet serves as an invaluable testing ground, offering scientists an opportunity to enhance their understanding of volcanoes globally. Beyond its scientific significance, New Mexico’s diverse natural landscape and historical features, such as Valles Caldera, El Malpais, and Bandelier, have been profoundly shaped by magmatic activity.
The state of New Mexico, characterized by its volcanic influences, now stands poised to play a pivotal role in advancing knowledge and ensuring public safety regarding volcanic phenomena. Block emphasizes that this achievement is something all residents of New Mexico can take pride in, highlighting the state’s contribution to broader scientific understanding and efforts to mitigate volcanic risks.
The research team reached the conclusion that a compliant region, potentially exhibiting mush-like properties, surrounding an asymmetrically pressurizing source serves as a plausible approximation for the mechanics of the Socorro Magma Body (SMB). This conclusion was substantiated through the verification of ground surface velocity data, further supporting the validity of their computational models in representing the dynamics of the SMB.
Resources
- ONLINE NEWS Wascher, D. R. & University of New Mexico. (2023, December 6). Scientists investigate Socorro Magma Body to enhance volcanic understanding. Phys.org. [Phys.org]
- JOURNAL Block, G., Roy, M., Graves, E., & Grapenthin, R. (2023). Pressurizing magma within heterogeneous crust: a case study at the Socorro Magma Body, New Mexico, USA. Geophysical Research Letters, 50(20). [Geophysical Research Letters]
Cite this page:
APA 7: TWs Editor. (2023, December 7). The Socorro Magma Body: A Unique Opportunity to Understand Volcanoes Better. PerEXP Teamworks. [News Link]
