Processes in Convection cells / magma intrusion

[Atr cheema]

Yes this is a bit broader question but I want to know which processes play their role in movement of magma. If one wants to model magma movement through rocks, which processes should one not miss at all and which equations discuss these processes?. As a starter I can that we can use Navier Stokes equations for velocity fields, continuity equation for pressure distribution and etc.

 

[CapnGranite]

Numerical modelling of magma dynamics coupled to tectonic deformation of lithosphere and crust
http://gji.oxfordjournals.org/content/195/3/1406.abstract
I thought this paper would now be open access, but it isn't. It was written in late 2012. The references cited lists many papers that present alternative models.

“How to Build a Volcano”: Followup from Dr. Ed Llewellin
http://blogs.agu.org/magmacumlaude/2011/08/23/how-to-build-a-volcano-followup-from-dr-ed-llewellin/

http://foalab.earth.ox.ac.uk/flows_news.php
Laboratory for Geophysical Flows
Collaborative Space for Experimental Fluid Mechanics
Department of Earth Sciences | University of Oxford

I haven't worked with magmas per se in a couple years and everything I read was printed out and not saved on the computer. I'd have to go through those papers to find ones relevant to modeling. Most of those are about Yellowstone, but the Yellowstone magma system could serve as a case study. I do know that the AGU journals, meetings posters and paper presentations can answer your questions. Go to sites.agu.org.

 

[Huyen401]

First of all, I would like to say that this is a very interesting and complex question. Magma movement is influenced by various processes and understanding them is crucial for accurately modeling it.

One of the key processes in magma movement is convection. This is the transfer of heat through the movement of the magma itself. Convection can occur through both advection (bulk flow) and diffusion (molecular movement). This process is important in determining the direction and speed of magma movement.

Another important process is buoyancy. Magma is less dense than the surrounding rocks and therefore tends to rise towards the surface. This is known as buoyant ascent and it plays a major role in the movement of magma.

In addition, there are also processes such as compaction, deformation, and fracturing that can influence magma movement. These processes can affect the permeability and porosity of the surrounding rocks, which in turn affects the movement of magma.

When it comes to equations, as you mentioned, the Navier-Stokes equations are commonly used to model magma movement. These equations describe the motion of a fluid, taking into account factors such as viscosity, density, and pressure.

Other equations that are important in understanding magma movement include Darcy's law, which relates flow rate to pressure gradients, and the continuity equation, which describes the conservation of mass.

Furthermore, it is important to consider thermal equations such as the heat equation, which describes the transfer of heat through a medium, and the energy equation, which takes into account energy sources and sinks.

Overall, to accurately model magma movement, one should not miss any of these important processes and equations. They all play a critical role in understanding the complex dynamics of magma movement through rocks.