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Week 6: Feb. 14 - Feb. 18

Phase diagrams (cont'd)
  • 3 component system without solid solution and a simple eutectic (Di-An-Fo) - continued
    • equilibrium crystallization
    • fractional crystallization
    • equilibrium melting
    • fractional melting
    • determining (a) proportions of solids to liquids, (b) total solid compositions and total liquid compositions, (c) instantaneous solid compositions
  • Melting occurs where the three phases are in mutual contact
  • Schematic Fo-Di-En diagram, melting of lherzolite and formation of basalt and residual harzburgite.
  • 3 component system with solid solution (Ab-An-Di)
  • Bowen's Reactions Series (Chapter 5 of Bowen, 1928, The Evolution of Igneous Rocks)
    • Continuous Reaction Series (e.g., Ab-An)
    • Discontinuous Reaction Series (e.g., Fo to En, pyx to hbl, hbl to bt)
    • confirmation of continuous and discontinuous reaction series from petrographic observations (zoning and coronas)
    • Bowen's reaction series is a summary of commonly observed reaction relations in the "ordinary subalkaline rocks"
    • fractional crystallization of basaltic subalkaline magmas
    • common rock associations possibly explained by Bowen's reaction series and fractional crystallization
    • cumulate rocks
The mantle and the generation of basalt
  • Review gross structure of Earth
  • Present locations where magmatism is occurring
    • mid-ocean ridges
    • continental rifts
    • subduction zones
    • hot spots
  • Sources of information about the mantle
    • seismology
    • xenoliths in alkali-rich magmas (kimberlites and alkali basalt)
    • meteorites
      • chondrites (undifferentiated meteorites) - primordial solar system material
      • achondrites - differentiated meteorites
        • "irons" = planetary core material
        • "stones" = planetary crust and mantle 
          • peridotitic achondrites (mantle)
          • basaltic achondrites (crust)
    • abyssal peridotites - exposed primarily along transform faults and fracture zones
    (to be continued ..)

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