Spatio-temporal constraints on magma storage and ascent conditions in a transtensional tectonic setting: The case of the Terceira Island (Azores)

Abstract

The mafic magmatism of the last 50 ka on Terceira Island, Azores archipelago, occurred along three segments of the fissure zone that crosses the island. The two subaerial segments developed with different trends over pre-existing, quiescent or extinct, central volcanoes. The Serreta submarine ridge is the offshore segment of the fissure zone that erupted recently in 1998-2001. The combined study of CO2+H2O fluid inclusions hosted in mafic minerals and rock geochemistry of the magmas, reveals different storage and ascent conditions among the fissure zone segments. The maximum pressure of fluid trapping for all the fissure systems occurred at the Moho Transition Zone, between 498 and 575 MPa (20.3-21 km deep). At this depth interval all magmas stagnated for some time, before ascending toward the surface, experiencing fractional crystallization and degassing. Magmas of the southeastern and Serreta segments of the fissure zone ascended rapidly through the crust without further stops. Those of the central segment experienced a multi-step ascent, with fluid trapping at 406 and 209 MPa (16.5-8.5 km deep) and associated geochemical evolution toward trachybasalt.