DiffSim: a user-friendly tool for precise magmatic timescale determination and error propagation via major element diffusion chronometry in magmatic phases

Abstract

Diffusion chronometry is a technique gaining interest in the scientific community related to volcanology and petrology; however, modelling can be challenging for non-expert users. Here, we present DiffSim, a user-friendly standalone freeware that allows users to calculate magmatic timescales simulating 1D diffusion of major elements in olivine, orthopyroxene, titanomagnetite, and melt (inclusions). The freeware works solving the Fick’s second law equation (for both Cartesian and spherical polar coordinates, depending on the phase) using finite differences through the Crank-Nicolson method. Users must specify the initial composition vs. distance profile, the time resolution, and the intensive conditions (such as temperature, pressure, and oxygen fugacity). For orthorhombic phases, such as olivine and orthopyroxene, users must also specify the plunge and the trend of the (001)-axis and the angle traverse of the 2D section being studied. The best-fitting profile, comparing the natural (measured) and the modelled (calculated) profiles, is obtained using the least-squares fitting method in accordance with the total time specified by the user for performing the diffusion modelling. To determine the uncertainties of the timescale calculation, DiffSim propagates errors based on the uncertainties associated with each intensive condition and the experimental diffusivity measurements. DiffSim is available as executable freeware, allowing researchers and students to use diffusion chronometry to elucidate information about crustal processes with ease and precision.