Fragmentation, flow localization, and mingling in a magma transfer zone

Abstract

Meso- and microstructures provide evidence of the fragmentation, mingling, mixing and crystallization history of dioritic, tonalitic and leucogranite magmas in the Abbartello area, Corsica. Flow and ascent led to steep, E–W striking magmatic layering and foliation, and to a sub-vertical magmatic lineation. Crosscutting relationships reflect an intrusion sequence from diorite to tonalite and leucogranite. Upward flow and mingling of these magmas during shortening led to a large variety of magmatic structures. The mingled diorite–tonalite–granite sequence represents a km-sized magma transfer zone within a late-Variscan intrusive suite in southern Corsica.