The cooling history at depth of magmatic systems lead to processes governing the rheological changes of igneous rocks that are actively debated in modern geology. Dynamic thermal gradients operating in magmatic systems establish a solidification front comprising the whole range from solidus to liquidus. The cooling mechanisms of magmas are recorded in igneous textures, structures and geochemical signatures. However, it is difficult interpreting plutonic rocks since they record the whole crystallization process but they are linked to the final stage of the solidification. High pressure experiments, volcanic or subvolcanic rocks, enclaves or mushes in igneous rocks offer us a snapshot of the solidification process and are very helpful for a better understanding of magmatic differentiation.

Magma cooling processes are studied by two natural observations: (1) compositional and textural zoning in shallow plutons and (2) variations in the eruptive products of volcanoes. These observations may lead to conclude that magma differentiation, melt segregation, fluid mobilization and thermal structure are closely related. Differentiation processes in magmatic systems have interesting implications for the society as the metal enrichment, migration of ore-bearing fluids and degassing.

The application of thermal numerical and experimental modelling has been proved by far to be an important piece for the study of magmatic cooling processes. The further comparison of modelling results with the information given by nature is essential in understanding the dynamics and origin of those processes recorded in igneous rocks.

Apart from the need for experimental and numerical data, field relations are considered of prima facie in understanding magma generation and emplacement. Detailed field relations are used in two ways. First, they are the basis for work hypotheses that are essential to address laboratory and numerical simulations. Second, they are used to test laboratory and numerical results. We encourage field, petrological, geochemical approaches, together with experimental and numerical modelling, about solidification mechanisms. To aim this issue, the proposed Research Topic addresses these questions:

• What information do chilled margins (as enclaves or mushes) and high-pressure experiments give us about the cooling history of magmas at the place they crystallized?
• How numerical and experimental modelling can help us to gain intuition about the magma solidification?
• Are the inferences from modelling registered in field relations, microstructures and mineralogy of igneous rocks?

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Frontiers in Earth Science

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