Dike propagation through layered rocks

Dike penetration through a succession of upper crustal layers with different densities is studied with a new numerical code. For an individual layer to significantly affect dike ascent, its thickness must be of order 1 when scaled to the characteristic length-scale for the inflated nose region that...

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Main Authors: Taisne, B., Jaupart, C.
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: 2012
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/10356/87710
http://hdl.handle.net/10220/8358
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author Taisne, B.
Jaupart, C.
author_facet Taisne, B.
Jaupart, C.
author_sort Taisne, B.
collection NTU
description Dike penetration through a succession of upper crustal layers with different densities is studied with a new numerical code. For an individual layer to significantly affect dike ascent, its thickness must be of order 1 when scaled to the characteristic length-scale for the inflated nose region that develops below the dike tip. This characteristic length is L*∝(μQ)1/6 (G/(1 − ν))1/2 (Δρg)−2/3, where μ and Δρ are the viscosity and buoyancy of magma, G and ν are elastic moduli for the encasing rocks, Q is the magma flow rate and g gravity. For basaltic dikes, L* is ≈1 km, which is of the same order of magnitude as the typical thickness of sedimentary strata and volcanic deposits. In such conditions, dike ascent proceeds irregularly, with large changes of velocity and width at an interface. Scaling laws for the ascent rate and dike width are derived. Penetration through low-density layers is determined by a local buoyancy balance in the inflated nose region of the dike, independently of the total buoyancy of the magma column between source and tip. In such conditions, a dike develops an internal overpressure that may be large enough to generate a horizontally propagating sill. For this to occur, the thickness of the low-density layers must exceed a threshold value, which depends only on the rock strength and on the average negative buoyancy of magma. For basaltic melt, we estimate that this threshold thickness cannot be less than about 700 m and is 2 km on average.
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spelling ntu-10356/877102020-09-26T21:30:36Z Dike propagation through layered rocks Taisne, B. Jaupart, C. Dike penetration through a succession of upper crustal layers with different densities is studied with a new numerical code. For an individual layer to significantly affect dike ascent, its thickness must be of order 1 when scaled to the characteristic length-scale for the inflated nose region that develops below the dike tip. This characteristic length is L*∝(μQ)1/6 (G/(1 − ν))1/2 (Δρg)−2/3, where μ and Δρ are the viscosity and buoyancy of magma, G and ν are elastic moduli for the encasing rocks, Q is the magma flow rate and g gravity. For basaltic dikes, L* is ≈1 km, which is of the same order of magnitude as the typical thickness of sedimentary strata and volcanic deposits. In such conditions, dike ascent proceeds irregularly, with large changes of velocity and width at an interface. Scaling laws for the ascent rate and dike width are derived. Penetration through low-density layers is determined by a local buoyancy balance in the inflated nose region of the dike, independently of the total buoyancy of the magma column between source and tip. In such conditions, a dike develops an internal overpressure that may be large enough to generate a horizontally propagating sill. For this to occur, the thickness of the low-density layers must exceed a threshold value, which depends only on the rock strength and on the average negative buoyancy of magma. For basaltic melt, we estimate that this threshold thickness cannot be less than about 700 m and is 2 km on average. Published version 2012-08-10T03:23:23Z 2019-12-06T16:47:42Z 2012-08-10T03:23:23Z 2019-12-06T16:47:42Z 2009 2009 Journal Article Taisne, B., & Jaupart, C. (2009). Dike propagation through layered rocks. Journal of Geophysical Research, 114. https://hdl.handle.net/10356/87710 http://hdl.handle.net/10220/8358 10.1029/2008JB006228 en Journal of geophysical research © 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/10.1029/2008JB006228]. 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. application/pdf
spellingShingle Taisne, B.
Jaupart, C.
Dike propagation through layered rocks
title Dike propagation through layered rocks
title_full Dike propagation through layered rocks
title_fullStr Dike propagation through layered rocks
title_full_unstemmed Dike propagation through layered rocks
title_short Dike propagation through layered rocks
title_sort dike propagation through layered rocks
url https://hdl.handle.net/10356/87710
http://hdl.handle.net/10220/8358
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