Abstract

An interesting aspect of the evolution of continental magmatic arcs is that, despite continued ocean-plate subduction beneath them, the production of melts, the growth of the magmatic systems, and the associated volcanic eruptions are all highly episodic. There is considerable evidence that magmatism in arcs is episodic in space and time at scales ranging from entire arcs to single volcanoes. Long segments of continental arcs can simultaneously flare-up with magmatic activity within a ~30 Myr window and be followed by lulls in which volumetrically little magma is added to the arc. Magmatic episodicity at typically shorter durations is also well established at the scale of single magmatic plutonic or volcanic systems. New data from the Antarctic Peninsula and the Patagonian Andes will be used to demonstrate arc episodicity at a range of scales during the Mesozoic.

I will also provide some background information/images to the logistics of field work in Antarctica.

All welcome to attend, free for members of the Sedgwick Club, £2 for non-members. Refreshments provided!