Time scales of formation of zoned magma chambers: U-series disequilibria in the Fogo A and 1563 A.D. trachyte deposits, São Miguel, Azores

High precision measurements of 226Ra–230Th–238U disequilibria and Ba concentrations are reported for samples from two chemically zoned trachyte deposits from Fogo volcano, São Miguel, Azores. High-precision U-series disequilibria measurements by plasma ionization multicollector mass spectrometry were performed on pumice lapilli and volcanic glass separates from Fogo 1563 A.D. (∼ 0.14 km3) and the ∼ 4.7 ka Fogo A (∼ 0.7 km3) deposits in order to quantify the time scales of magmatic processes. Observed (226Ra)/Ba–(230Th)/Ba relationships in Fogo 1563 are compatible with a conventional instantaneous fractional crystallization model and a pre-eruptive magma residence time of ∼ 50 y. However, the Fogo A data cannot be explained by instantaneous fractional crystallization, and require a prolonged crystallization history. Continuous differentiation models better explain the observed 226Ra–230Th variations within the Fogo deposits and may be more realistic in general. Such models suggest magma residence times prior to eruption of ∼ 50–80 years for Fogo 1563, and ∼ 4.7 ka for the larger volume Fogo A eruption. These time scales represent liquid residence ages rather than the crystallization ages documented in most previous magmatic time scale studies, and allow constraints to be placed on the time scales necessary for the development of chemical zonation within the Fogo magma chamber. Our results indicate that calculated time scales are relatively insensitive to the precise nature of the continuous differentiation models, and further indicate that meaningful magma differentiation time scales can be obtained despite open system behavior, because the Ra–Th disequilibria are overwhelmingly controlled by feldspar fractionation. Calculated time scales are, however, extremely sensitive to DRa/DBa ratios. We therefore emphasize the crucial importance to better constrain the relative partitioning of Ra and Ba when employing Ra–Th disequilibrium data to constrain the rates and time scales of igneous processes.