From planes to pipes: The emplacement of elongate intrusions in shallow magma plumbing systems

When magma migrates through the Earth’s crust, it forms large networks of interconnected sheet-like conduits called dykes and sills. To facilitate this movement, finger-like pipes (here referred to as elements) can emerge from the leading edges of sills and dykes. This research aims to better understand the three-dimensional geometry of elements, how surrounding rocks deform to make space for the magma, and how magma flows within elements. Presented outcomes have broad implications for better understanding large-scale magma transport through the Earth’s crust, assessing volcanic risks, and exploring for magmatic ore deposits.