Discrete magma injections drive the 2021 La Palma eruption

Toward a near real-time magma ascent monitoring by combined fluid inclusion barometry and ongoing seismicity

Fluid inclusion microthermometry on olivines, clinopyroxenes, and amphiboles was used during a volcanic eruption, in combination with real-time seismic data and rapid petrographic observations, for petrological monitoring purposes. By applying this approach to the study of 18 volcanic samples collected during the eruption of Tajogaite volcano on La Palma Island (Canary Islands) in 2021, changes in the magma system were identified over time and space. Magma batches with distinct petrographic and geochemical characteristics emerged from source zones whose depth progressively increased from 27 to 31 kilometers. The rise of magma of deeper origin is attested by fluid inclusions made of N2 and CO, markers of mantle outgassing. Magma accumulation occurred over different durations at depths of 22 to 27 and 4 to 16 kilometers. Time-integrated magma ascent velocities (including ponding times) were estimated at between 0.01 and 0.1 meters per second. This method is cost-effective and quickly identifies changes in the magma system during an eruption, enhancing petrological monitoring procedures.