Plumbing system architecture and differentiation processes of the Nyiragongo volcano, DR Congo

The Nyiragongo volcano is one of the most alkali-rich volcanic centres on the planet (Na2O + K2O generally >10 wt.%, agpaitic index up to 1.34), characterized by a semi-permanently active lava lake which hosts silica-undersaturated (SiO2 < 40 wt.%), low viscosity lavas. To improve our understanding of this unique magmatic system, we present a set of 291 samples, acquired during new field excursions between 2017 and 2021. The major and trace element composition of all samples was measured, revealing a lithological range extending from primitive picrites (Mg# 82) erupted from parasitic cones to a variety of highly evolved nephelinites, leucitites, and melilitites erupted from the main edifice as recently as 2002, 2016, and 2021.

We measured major and trace element compositions from the full spectrum of minerals present in all sampled lithologies. From these we calculated that the main magma reservoirs feeding Nyiragongo are at approximately 9–15 and 21–33 km depth, in agreement with recent seismic observations. Fractional crystallization modelling using observed mineral compositions and proportions was performed to quantitatively link the lithologies to specific residual liquid fractions assuming evolution from an olivine-melilite parental melt.

Our modelling indicates that fractionation and cumulate formation in deep chambers reduces the remaining melt fraction to ~60%, after which melts are injected into upper, liquid dominated magma chambers where fractionation and accumulation of clinopyroxene, melilite, and feldspathoids dominates.

Characterisation of mineral textures and geochemistry reveals high crystal mobility in a repeatedly recharging plumbing system split between liquid-dominated, evolved magma chambers and more solid-dominated, primitive mushes, decreasing in liquid fraction with depth.