A volcanic edifice exerts a large load at Earth's surface and modifies the
stress field at depth. We investigate how this affects upward dyke propagat
ion towards the surface. For given edifice dimensions and pressure conditio
ns in the deep magma source, there is a critical density threshold above wh
ich magmas cannot reach the surface. This density threshold is a decreasing
function of edifice height. For edifice heights in the range 0-3000 m, the
density threshold spans the density range of common natural magmas (betwee
n 2700 and 2300 kg m(-3)). With time, differentiation in a magma chamber ge
nerates increasingly evolved magmas with decreasing densities, which favour
s eruption. However, the edifice grows simultaneously at the surface, which
counterbalances this effect. The general tendency is to gradually prevent
more and more evolved magmas from reaching the surface. A volcanic edifice
acts as a magma filter which prevents eruption and affects the chemical evo
lution of the chamber through its control on magma withdrawal. Thus, one ma
y not consider that eruption products are random samples of an evolving mag
ma reservoir. The partial destruction of an edifice may lead to renewed eru
ption of primitive and dense magmas.