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3D quantification of nanolites using X-ray ptychography reveals syn-eruptive nanocrystallisation impacts magma rheology

Author

Listed:
  • Emily C. Bamber

    (Via Granarolo 64
    Oxford Road)

  • Fabio Arzilli

    (University of Camerino)

  • Silvia Cipiccia

    (University College London
    Fermi Avenue)

  • Darren J. Batey

    (Fermi Avenue)

  • Giuseppe Spina
  • Margherita Polacci

    (Oxford Road)

  • Ali Gholinia

    (Oxford Road)

  • Heath Bagshaw

    (The University of Liverpool)

  • Danilo Genova

    (Via Granarolo 64)

  • Richard Brooker

    (University of Bristol)

  • Daniele Giordano
  • Pedro Valdivia

    (Via Granarolo 64
    Universitätsstraße 30)

  • Mike R. Burton

    (Oxford Road)

Abstract

Nanoscale crystals are becoming increasingly recognised in the products of volcanic eruptions, spanning a range of magma compositions. The crystallisation of nanolites impacts magma rheology, ascent dynamics, and eruptive style. Their impact can be enhanced due to their capacity to aggregate and develop neighbouring chemically differentiated boundary layers. However, their 3D interaction, spatial distribution, and morphology is not currently understood. Here we present a cutting-edge, 3D nanometre-scale visualisation and quantification of nanolites in scoriae of the Las Sierras-Masaya basaltic Plinian eruptions, acquired using X-ray ptychography. We find that Ti-magnetite nanolites aggregate, forming elongate, irregular structures in 3D. Their crystallisation extracts Fe and Ti from the melt, resulting in differentiated boundary layers with higher viscosity. Syn-eruptive crystallisation of nanolites and their interaction is estimated to have increased magma viscosity by 2–3 orders of magnitude, therefore, they likely had a strong control on magma rheology, increasing the potential of magma fragmentation.

Suggested Citation

  • Emily C. Bamber & Fabio Arzilli & Silvia Cipiccia & Darren J. Batey & Giuseppe Spina & Margherita Polacci & Ali Gholinia & Heath Bagshaw & Danilo Genova & Richard Brooker & Daniele Giordano & Pedro Va, 2025. "3D quantification of nanolites using X-ray ptychography reveals syn-eruptive nanocrystallisation impacts magma rheology," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-15, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-62444-z
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62444-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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