The Neogene ignimbrite flare-up of the Altiplano Puna Volcanic Complex (APVC) of the Central Andes produced one of the best-preserved large silicic volcanic fields on Earth. At least 15 000 km3 of magma erupted as regional-scale ignimbrites between 10 and 1 Ma, from large complex calderas that are typical volcano-tectonic depressions (VTD). Simple Valles-type calderas are absent. Integration of field, geochronological, petrological, geochemical and geophysical data from the APVC within the geodynamic context of the Central Andes suggests a scenario where elevated mantle power input, subsequent crustal melting and assimilation, and development of a crustal-scale intrusive complex lead to the development of APVC. These processes lead to thermal softening of the sub-APVC crust and eventual mechanical failure of the roofs above batholith-scale magma chambers to trigger the massive eruptions. The APVC ignimbrite flare-up and the resulting VTDs are thus the result of the time-integrated impact of intrusion on the mechanical strength of the crust, and should be considered tectonomagmatic phenomena, rather than purely volcanic features. This model requires a change in paradigm about how the largest explosive eruptions may operate.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.