Mesostufe

Mesostufe is a geological concept that describes a type of intermediate magma chamber located beneath stratovolcanoes. It is characterized by a shallow, partially molten body of rock that is typically around 1-5 kilometers in diameter and 1-2 kilometers in height. This chamber is formed when magma produced by partial melting of the Earth's crust cools and solidifies close to the surface, rather than being flung deep into the Earth's mantle as is the case with more typical magma chambers.

The term Mesostufe was first introduced by German geologist Wilhelm Foldvari in the 19th century to describe the unique geological features of the region surrounding the volcanic field in Southern Germany. However, modern research suggests that Mesostufe-like magma chambers may be far more widespread, existing in association with numerous stratovolcanoes around the world.

Mesostufe-like chambers are thought to be involved in the formation of typical stratovolcanoes, contributing to the generation of eruptions that produce characteristic pyroclastic flows, lahars, and more. The unique characteristics of Mesostufe have significant implications for the understanding of volcanic eruption dynamics and the interaction between magma and the surrounding crust.

Mesostufe has been studied extensively, particularly in the context of volcanic fields such as the Eifel region in Germany and Long Valley Caldera in California. The knowledge gained has contributed significantly to the development of models of volcanic activity and has improved our understanding of the processes that govern the behavior of stratovolcanoes. Ongoing research into Mesostufe is aimed at better understanding the complex interactions involved in magmatic systems, which will inform efforts to quantify volcanic hazard.