Evidence for multiple pulses of crystal-bearing magma during emplacement of the Doros layered intrusion, Namibia

Based on combined field, petrographic, geochemical and geophysical evidence, we propose an origin for the Doros Complex by a minimum of seven closely spaced influxes of crystal-bearing magmas, each with phenocryst contents between 5% and 55%. These findings represent a departure from the traditional single-pulse liquid model for the formation of layered mafic intrusions and suggest the presence of an underlying magmatic mush column, i.e., a large, complex system of interconnected conduits and staging chambers that host a range of co-existing magmas of different compositions and crystal contents.