Rheology of crystal-bearing natural magmas: Torsional deformation experiments at 800 °C and 100 MPa

Our data indicate that the viscosity of crystal-rich magma is strongly dependent on the strain rate. This implies that magma ascending in a volcanic conduit shows a plug-type flow because the viscosity decreases near the conduit rim where the strain rate is high. Additionally, if shear localises near the rim, a currently unrecognised mechanism may contribute to outgassing from the central portion of the conduit because outgassing is difficult to facilitate without shear deformation.