Petrogenesis of the Campanian Ignimbrites: a review

Intensive research over >200 years has contributed to a rich tectonic, geochemical, and thermophysical database on the Campanian Volcanic Zone, particularly with regard to the voluminous 39.28 ± 0.11 ka Campanian Ignimbrite. New observations on pre- and post-Campanian Ignimbrite deposits provide a basis for identifying long-term petrogenetic patterns. Recent work also stands out for its novel exploitation of diverse computational methods. Such methods are now widely accessible but are generally still not routinely applied. This review summarizes and appraises these aspects of Campanian Volcanic Zone research, highlighting major advances. New data have provided a foundation on which to test hypotheses and construct quantitatively constrained predictions. Consensus emphasizes the importance of fractional crystallization and open-system mechanisms including magma mixing and assimilation during magma evolution. Eruption triggers inherent to fractional crystallization and magma ascent have been quantified. However, debate centers on the eruptive significance of unrest signals because associated data permit more than one interpretation.