Quantitative analysis and scaling of sheared granitic magmas

We present a quantitative treatment of the macroscopic behaviour of a sheared granitic magma using Plot's theory [Biot, 1941] and a shear-dilatancy sensitive material model for the solids. The calculations are relevant to a magma in the solidosity range 0.55-0.7. The resulting excess pore pressure distribution is a function of the position and the time. Results are presented in graphical form. A scaling emerges that enables the results to be presented in nondimensional form. A sensitivity study is carried out of the parameters describing the rheology of the solid matrix (including permeability features). The model enables the estimate of pressure and flow rates, thus opening a way of understanding the features in the granite crystal mush that are caused by upflowing magma. At high strain rates (10(-10) s(-1)) flow rates due to shear far exceed melt movement due to buoyancy effects.