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Article
Large-Volume and Shallow Magma Intrusions in the Blackfoot Reservoir Volcanic Field (Idaho, USA)
Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth
  • M. S. Hastings, University of South Florida
  • C. B. Connor, University of South Florida
  • P. Wetmore, University of South Florida
  • R. Malservisi, University of South Florida
  • L. J. Connor, University of South Florida
  • M. Rodgers, University of South Florida
  • P. C. Femina, The Pennsylvania State University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2021
Keywords
  • gravity,
  • volcanic field,
  • inversion,
  • volcanotectonic,
  • Basin and Range,
  • silicic eruptions
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1029/2021JB022507
Disciplines
Abstract

he Blackfoot Reservoir volcanic field (BRVF), Idaho, USA, is a bimodal volcanic field that has hosted silicic eruptions during at least two episodes, as recently as 58 ka. Using newly collected ground and boat-based gravity data, two large negative anomalies (-16 mGal) are modeled as shallow (< 1  km) intrusions beneath a NE-trending alignment of BRVF rhyolite domes and tuff rings. Given the trade-off between density contrast and model volume, best-fit gravity inversion models yield a total intrusion volume of 50-120 km3; a density contrast of -400 kg m-3 results in two intrusions, each ~9 km x 4.5 km and about 0.5 km thick, with cumulative volume of 100 km3. A network of 340°-360° trending faults lies directly above and on the margins of the mapped gravity anomalies. Most of these faults have 5-10 m throw; one has throw up to ~50 m. We suggest that the emplacement of shallow sill-like intrusions produced this fault zone and also created a ENE-trending fault set, indicating widespread ground deformation during intrusion emplacement. The intrusions and silicic domes are located 3-5 km E of a regional, 20 mGal step in gravity. We interpret this step in gravity as thickening of the Upper Precambrian to lowermost Cambrian quartzites in the Meade thrust sheet, part of the Idaho-Wyoming Thrust Belt. Silicic volcanism in the BRVF is a classic example of volcanotectonic interaction, influenced by regional structure and creating widespread deformation. We suggest volcanic hazard assessments should consider the possibility of large-volume silicic eruptions in the future.

Rights Information
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
Citation / Publisher Attribution

Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, v. 126, issue 11, art. e2021JB022507

Citation Information
M. S. Hastings, C. B. Connor, P. Wetmore, R. Malservisi, et al.. "Large-Volume and Shallow Magma Intrusions in the Blackfoot Reservoir Volcanic Field (Idaho, USA)" Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth Vol. 126 Iss. 11 (2021)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/paul_wetmore/34/