Particles from the plume of Popocatépetl volcano, Mexico — the FESEM/EDS approach

Abstract

AbstractMagma-wall-rock interaction contributes gases to evolving magmatic systems, and removes volatiles into the country rock. These processes happen at depth, far away from direct observation. Micro-analysis of particles collected from volcanic plumes can provide information about these processes. For Popocatépetl volcano, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and field emission gun SEM (FESEM/EDS) analysis of contact-metamorphosed particles from fallout ash reveal the presence of wollastonite, hercynite and glass of non-volcanic, contact-metamorphic origin. Condensates from the passively degassing plume show a wide variety of chemical elements and are rich in phosphorus, indicating a possible non-magmatic source for this element.