The Magma Chamber Simulator (MCS) is a thermodynamically self-consistent computer code that simultaneously models complex magma mixing, crustal assimilation, and crystal fractionation processes in a user-constrained magmatic system. Using rigorous thermodynamics, MCS tracks its thermal, mass, and compositional (major/trace element, isotope, and phase equilibria) evolution.
MCS can be applied to a wide range of research subjects from the evolution and growth of the crust to origins of volcanic phenomena. More specifically, MCS can be used to model whole-rock, mineral, and melt inclusion major/trace element and isotopic data from natural systems. Among the many goals for such modeling are defining which processes dominate at a particular volcano/pluton, and documenting the temporal balance of mantle versus crust contributing to a magma system. MCS has broad appeal to interdisciplinary groups of petrologists, geochemists, and volcanologists, or anyone who is interested in how researchers try to replicate natural magmatic systems.
On this short course, we will provide an introduction on how MCS operates and what kind of input and output is related to it. To show this, we will run an example simulation accompanied with a visualization of the modeled system.
If they so wish, the attendees can run the example simulation on their personal computer or laptop. For those who want to do this, necessary information and instructions will be shared in the Session Materials.
Public information:
The Magma Chamber Simulator (MCS) is a thermodynamically self-consistent computer code that simultaneously models complex magma mixing, crustal assimilation, and crystal fractionation processes in a user-constrained magmatic system. Using rigorous thermodynamics, MCS tracks its thermal, mass, and compositional (major/trace element, isotope, and phase equilibria) evolution.
On this short course, we will provide an introduction on how MCS operates and what kind of input and output is related to it. To show this, we will run an example simulation accompanied with a visualization of the modeled system.
There is no need to register to the short course separately as long as you have registered to EGU2021. The short course will be open for all conference participants.
MCS is freely available for download at https://mcs.geol.ucsb.edu/code
Please follow the instructions on the website for installation.
NOTE! It is possible to run the example simulation using personal computer or laptop during the short course. If the attendees wish to do this, they should download and install MCS and test that it works BEFORE the short course. We also recommend that separate computers are used for viewing the short course and running the software. The input file or the link to it will be provided in the session materials.
Please do not hesitate to contact us, if there are any issues with installing or running the software.
IMPORTANT NOTE! A separate Q&A Zoom session with the hosts will take place right after the Short Course at about 17:00 (CEST). Send e-mail to Riikka (riikka.fred (at) helsinki.fi) or Ville (ville.z.virtanen (at) helsinki.fi) for log-in details about this session in case you are interested, but not participating in the short course (where we will distribute the information in the end). We will also use this separate session as a backup in case the one on the EGU platform crashes.
