Volcanism as a tracer in geodynamic processes

Abstract

The use of volcanological studies in the reconstruction of geodynamic processes is discussed, pointing out that a valuable contribution only follows from a critical evaluation of all available data. Any simplistic generalization that is based on a too fragmentary knowledge of the topic under discussion, leads to completely erroneous conclusions and suggests models that hardly fit a more general geological picture. Volcanological data actually contribute to a better knowledge, if the research that aims to understand the mechanism of magma origin and ascent strictly avoids any kind of constraining dogmatic premises.