Abstract
We present a mathematical model for the flow of a partial melt through its solid phase. The model is based on the conservation laws of two-phase flow, which reduce to a generalization of porous flow in a permeable medium, when the solid matrix deforms very slowly. The continuity equation for the melt contains a source term (due to melting), which is determined by the energy equation. In addition, the melt fraction is unknown, and a new equation, representing conservation of pore space, is introduced. This equation may also be thought of as a constitutive law for the melt pressure (which is not lithostatic). The model is non-dimensionalized and simplified. Some simple solutions are considered, and it is suggested that the occurrence of high fluid pressures in the solutions may initiate fractures in the lithosphere, thus providing a starting-up mechanism for magma ascent to the surface.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 63-96 |
| Number of pages | 34 |
| Journal | Geophysical and Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics |
| Volume | 33 |
| Issue number | 1-4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Sep 1985 |
| Externally published | Yes |