Analogue modelling of segregation and ascent of magma

Segregation and ascent of magma was simulated in analogue experiments in which wet sand and stiff gelatine formed the analogues for solid rock. The liquid magma phase was simulated with either air that was pumped into the sample (ascent simulations) or CO₂ gas that was produced by fermentation within the sample (segregation simulations). The experiments were carried out in an upright flat glass tank to enable filming of the processes. Movies that are shown here indicate that the segregation and ascent is highly dynamic and non-linear, with intimately linked stepwise transport and accumulation. We suggest that stepwise transport and accumulation are part of a continuous process that links initial small scale melt formation and segregation to ascent through crust or mantle by dykes.