Alkaline Volcanism in Magmatic Arcs: Petrologic and Volcanologic Investigations in the Tuxtla Volcanic Field, Veracruz, Mexico

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This project is to determine the relationships between magmatic evolution and tectonic history in the Tuxtla Volcanic Field, veracruz, Mexico, a magmatic arc where both alkaline and calc- alkaline magma types have erupted. The PI will try to determine the relationship between volcanism and tectonism by characterizing the isotopic and trace element composition of the magmatic source, and determining the age of initiation of volcanism and its relationship to tectonic events occurring in the area at the time. The depth at which melting and fractionation took place will also be studied, and the entire area will be compared to other areas of the calc-alkaline Mexican Volcanic Belt. A volcanic hazards assesment is also planned. Geologic mapping will be used to determine stratigraphic relationships. Chemical and isotopic analyses will aid in determining the characteristics of the magma source and its evolution through time, and, combined with mineralogical analyses, will help unravel the chemical evolution of the magmas and determine the temperatures and pressures involved in magmatic evolution. Potassium-Argon and radiocarbon age dating of rocks will be used to determine the age of initiation of volcanism, the rates of magmatic evolution and the recent eruptive history. Completion of the project should give a better understanding of the relationships between alkaline and calc-alkaline magmatism and tectonism in the Mexican Volcanic Belt and elsewhere. In addition, it will provide information critical to the well being of inhabitants of the area in the event of future volcanic eruption.