Sanbe volcano: Long-term evolution of an arc magmatic system

A suite of samples was studied that represents the major explosive eruptions of Sanbe volcano, SW Japan. We demonstrate how rate of magma flux into the Trans-Crustal Magmatic System (TCMS) presents a major control on the type and style of the subsequently forthcoming eruptions. Erupted products can be separated into two distinct groups. An older group is characterized by highly evolved, high-K, LILE-rich rhyolitic magmas, showing a supressed adakitic trace element signature (otherwise characteristic for the young stratovolcanoes in the SW Japan arc) with low Ca, Sr concentrations and a negative Eu anomaly. In contrast, the younger group (dominantly of andesitic—dacitic composition) displays a strong adakitic trace element signature with characteristic steep REE profiles and high Sr concentrations. An Eu anomaly is generally lacking here. The two groups are also distinct in their petrographic features, with the early group being almost aphyric showing simple log linear crystal size distributions and homogeneous, uniform mineral chemistries. In contrast, products of the younger group show complex crystal size distributions with diverse mineral compositions and abundant disequilibrium features. Our study shows that an initial high melt-production rate allowed dehydration melting of lower crustal rocks leading to the formation of highly evolved K-rich magmas. These magmas intruded into the shallow crust and produced two large Plinian rhyolitic, caldera forming eruptions. Subsequently the primary magma production rate decreased and the lower crust became too refractory for additional dehydration melting by these lower volume magma batches, causing the conventional adakitic magmatism to produced several additional eruptions of smaller magnitude, mainly of Sub-Plinian or Pelean styles.