Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/94848
Title: Eruption versus intrusion? : arrest of propagation of constant volume, buoyant, liquid-filled cracks in an elastic, brittle host
Authors: Taisne, B.
Tait, S.
Keywords: DRNTU::Science::Physics::Geophysics and geomagnetism
Issue Date: 2009
Source: Taisne, B., & Tait, S. (2009). Eruption versus intrusion? Arrest of propagation of constant volume, buoyant, liquid-filled cracks in an elastic, brittle host. Journal of Geophysical Research, 114.
Series/Report no.: Journal of geophysical research
Abstract: When a volume of magma is released from a source at depth, one key question is whether or not this will culminate in an eruption or in the emplacement of a shallow intrusion. We address some of the physics behind this question by describing and interpreting laboratory experiments on the propagation of cracks filled with fixed volumes of buoyant liquid in a brittle, elastic host. Experiments were isothermal, and the liquid was incompressible. The cracks propagated vertically because of liquid buoyancy but were then found to come to a halt at a configuration of static mechanical equilibrium, a result that is inconsistent with the prediction of the theory of linear elastic fracture mechanics in two dimensions. We interpret this result as due to a three-dimensional effect. At the curved crack front, horizontal cracking is necessary in order for vertical propagation to take place. As the crack elongates and thins, the former becomes progressively harder and, in the end, impossible to fracture. We present a scaling law for the final length and breadth of cracks as a function of a governing dimensionless parameter, constructed from the liquid volume, the buoyancy, and host fracture toughness. An important implication of this result is that a minimum volume of magma is required for a volcanic eruption to occur for a given depth of magma reservoir.
URI: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/94848
http://hdl.handle.net/10220/8401
DOI: 10.1029/2009JB006297
Rights: © 2009 American Geophysical Union. This paper was published in Journal of Geophysical Research and is made available as an electronic reprint (preprint) with permission of American Geophysical Union. The paper can be found at DOI: [http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2009JB006297].  One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic or multiple reproduction, distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means, duplication of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modification of the content of the paper is prohibited and is subject to penalties under law.
Fulltext Permission: open
Fulltext Availability: With Fulltext
Appears in Collections:EOS Journal Articles

SCOPUSTM   
Citations 10

46
Updated on Mar 7, 2024

Web of ScienceTM
Citations 10

40
Updated on Oct 30, 2023

Page view(s) 20

739
Updated on Mar 18, 2024

Download(s) 10

361
Updated on Mar 18, 2024

Google ScholarTM

Check

Altmetric


Plumx

Items in DR-NTU are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.