The 'small-world' nature of fracture/conduit networks: Possible implications for disequilibrium transport of magmas beneath mid-ocean ridges

In this contribution we show that natural fracture/conduit networks can be studied by using a new method based on Graph Theory. A number of natural networks at different length scales (from the meter to the millimeter) are analysed and results show that they have typical attributes of 'small-world' networks, a special class of networks characterized by high global and local transport efficiency. To our knowledge, this topological feature of natural fracture networks is recognized here for the first time. By starting from results on natural fracture/conduit networks, the possible implications are discussed by focusing on disequilibrium transport of magmas in the upper mantle beneath mid-ocean ridges. Results indicate that the 'small-world' topology of natural fracture/conduit networks is an important characteristic to ensure disequilibrium delivery of melts through the upper mantle, thus offering a good explanation of geochemical features of magmas. The remarkable point here is that the modelling of melt migration has been constrained by using real fracture network systems. The results presented in this work may contribute to a better understanding of melt migration in fracture network systems and of the way geochemical features of magmas may be influenced by their transport history. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.