Time-scales of recent Phlegrean Fields eruptions inferred from the application of a 'diffusive fractionation' model of trace elements

The variation of chemical element compositions in two pyroclastic sequences (Astroni 6 and Averno 2, Phlegrean Fields, Italy) is studied. Both sequences are compositionally zoned indicating a variability of melt compositions in the magma chamber prior to eruption. A clear dichotomy between the behaviour of major vs. trace elements is also observed in both sequences, with major elements displaying nearly linear inter-elemental trends and trace elements showing a variable scattered behaviour. Together with previous petrological investigations these observations are consistent with the hypothesis that magma mixing processes played a key role in the evolution of these two magmatic systems. Recently it has been suggested that mixing processes in igneous systems may strongly influence the mobility of trace elements inducing a 'diffusive fractionation' phenomenon, whose extent depends on the mixing time-scale. Here we merge information from 1) numerical simulations of magma mixing, and 2) magma mixing experiments (using as end-members natural compositions from Phlegrean Fields) to derive a relationship relating the degree of 'diffusive fractionation' to the mixing time-scales. Application of the 'diffusive fractionation' model to the two studied pyroclastic sequences allowed us to apply the relationship derived by numerical simulations and experiments to estimate the mixing time-scales for these two magmatic systems. Results indicate that mixing processes in Astroni 6 and Averno 2 systems lasted for approximately 2 and 9 days, respectively, prior to eruption.