Part I: Solid Earth | Chapter 3

Igneous Petrology

From magma genesis to crystalline rock: the physics and chemistry of melting

3.1 Magma Generation

Magma is generated when rocks in the mantle or crust partially melt. Three principal mechanisms lower the solidus or raise the local temperature above it: decompression melting, flux melting (addition of volatiles), and heat addition.

Solidus Depression by Water

Water dramatically lowers the solidus temperature of mantle peridotite. The dry peridotite solidus is approximately:

$$T_{\text{solidus}}^{\text{dry}}(P) \approx 1100 + 3.5 P \quad (°\text{C}, P \text{ in kbar})$$

With water present, the solidus drops by several hundred degrees. The wet peridotite solidus can be approximated as:

$$T_{\text{solidus}}^{\text{wet}}(P) \approx 1000 + 0.1 P^2 - 5P \quad (°\text{C}, P \text{ in kbar})$$

The depression $\Delta T = T^{\text{dry}} - T^{\text{wet}}$ can exceed 300°C at subduction zone pressures. This is why island arc volcanism occurs — water released from the subducting slab lowers the solidus of the overlying mantle wedge.

Derivation: Decompression Melting

At mid-ocean ridges, melting occurs because upwelling mantle follows an adiabatic path that crosses the solidus. The mantle adiabatic gradient is:

$$\left(\frac{dT}{dz}\right)_{\text{adiabat}} = \frac{\alpha g T}{c_p}$$

where $\alpha \approx 3 \times 10^{-5}$ K$^{-1}$ is thermal expansion, $g = 9.8$ m/s$^2$,$T \approx 1600$ K is potential temperature, and $c_p \approx 1200$ J kg$^{-1}$ K$^{-1}$. This gives:

$$\left(\frac{dT}{dz}\right)_{\text{adiabat}} \approx \frac{3 \times 10^{-5} \times 9.8 \times 1600}{1200} \approx 0.4 \text{ °C/km}$$

The solidus gradient is steeper ($\sim 3$ °C/km near the surface), so the adiabat eventually crosses the solidus during ascent. The depth of initial melting depends on mantle potential temperature $T_p$:

$$z_{\text{melt}} = \frac{T_p - T_{\text{solidus}}(z=0)}{\left(\frac{dT_{\text{solidus}}}{dz}\right) - \left(\frac{dT}{dz}\right)_{\text{adiabat}}}$$

For $T_p = 1350$°C and a surface solidus of ~1100°C with a solidus gradient of 3°C/km:

$$z_{\text{melt}} \approx \frac{1350 - 1100}{3 - 0.4} \approx 96 \text{ km}$$

The melt fraction increases as the mantle continues to rise above this depth. The isentropic productivity is approximately:

$$\left(\frac{\partial F}{\partial P}\right)_S \approx \frac{1}{T} \frac{\Delta S_{\text{fus}}}{c_p} \frac{dT_{\text{solidus}}}{dP} \approx 1\text{-}2 \%/\text{kbar}$$

3.2 Fractional Crystallization

Bowen's Reaction Series

N.L. Bowen (1928) established that minerals crystallize from cooling magma in a predictable sequence. The series has two branches:

Discontinuous (Ferromagnesian)

  1. Olivine (~1800°C)
  2. Pyroxene (~1200°C)
  3. Amphibole (~1100°C)
  4. Biotite (~900°C)

Continuous (Plagioclase)

  1. Ca-rich (anorthite) (~1500°C)
  2. Intermediate
  3. Na-rich (albite) (~1100°C)

Both converge to: K-feldspar, Muscovite, Quartz (~700°C)

Derivation: Rayleigh Fractionation

When crystals are immediately removed from the melt (perfect fractional crystallization), the evolution of trace element concentrations follows the Rayleigh distillation law.

Consider a trace element with bulk partition coefficient $D = C_s / C_L$, where$C_s$ is the concentration in the solid and $C_L$ in the liquid. For an infinitesimal amount of crystallization $dF$ (where $F$ is melt fraction remaining):

$$C_L F = C_L(F + dF)(F + dF) + D \cdot C_L \cdot (-dF)$$

Mass balance on the trace element during crystallization of mass $dm$:

$$d(C_L F) = -D \cdot C_L \cdot dF$$$$F \, dC_L + C_L \, dF = -D \cdot C_L \, dF$$$$F \, dC_L = -(D-1) C_L \, dF$$$$\frac{dC_L}{C_L} = (D-1) \frac{dF}{F}$$

Note: since $F$ decreases as crystallization proceeds, and we lose mass $dF < 0$ from the liquid, we write $dF$ as a decrease. Integrating from $F = 1$ (initial) to $F$:

$$\int_{C_0}^{C_L} \frac{dC_L}{C_L} = (D-1) \int_1^F \frac{dF}{F}$$$$\ln\frac{C_L}{C_0} = (D-1) \ln F$$
$$\boxed{C_L = C_0 F^{(D-1)}}$$

Key behaviors:

  • Incompatible elements ($D \ll 1$): $C_L/C_0 = F^{(D-1)} \approx F^{-1}$ — concentration increases dramatically as $F \to 0$. Examples: Rb, Ba, Nb, Zr
  • Compatible elements ($D \gg 1$): $C_L/C_0 = F^{(D-1)} \to 0$ quickly — element is depleted from melt. Examples: Ni ($D \approx 10$ in olivine), Cr
  • Perfectly compatible ($D = 1$): $C_L = C_0$ — no fractionation

For batch (equilibrium) melting, the contrasting equation is:

$$C_L = \frac{C_0}{D + F(1 - D)}$$

3.3 Binary Phase Diagrams

Eutectic Systems: Diopside-Anorthite

The diopside (CaMgSi$_2$O$_6$) — anorthite (CaAl$_2$Si$_2$O$_8$) system is a classic eutectic. These two minerals do not form solid solutions (simplified), so the phase diagram has two liquidus curves meeting at the eutectic point.

The liquidus temperature for each component is depressed by the presence of the other, described approximately by the freezing point depression:

$$\ln X_A = -\frac{\Delta H_{\text{fus},A}}{R}\left(\frac{1}{T} - \frac{1}{T_{m,A}}\right)$$

where $X_A$ is the mole fraction, $\Delta H_{\text{fus}}$ is the enthalpy of fusion, and $T_{m,A}$ is the melting temperature of pure A. The eutectic is where both curves intersect. For Di-An:

  • Diopside melting point: $T_m^{\text{Di}} = 1392$°C
  • Anorthite melting point: $T_m^{\text{An}} = 1553$°C
  • Eutectic: ~1274°C at ~42 wt% An (58% Di)

Solid Solution: The Olivine System

The forsterite-fayalite system exhibits complete solid solution. Both liquidus and solidus curves span the composition range. At any temperature between liquidus and solidus, the equilibrium compositions of melt and crystal are given by the lever rule:

$$\frac{\text{mass of liquid}}{\text{mass of solid}} = \frac{X_{\text{bulk}} - X_{\text{solid}}}{X_{\text{liquid}} - X_{\text{bulk}}}$$

Forsterite ($T_m = 1890$°C) crystallizes at higher temperatures than fayalite ($T_m = 1205$°C), so the first olivine to crystallize from a melt is always more Mg-rich than the bulk composition.

Peritectic Systems

In a peritectic system, an early-formed phase reacts with the liquid to produce a new phase. The classic example is the forsterite-silica system, where enstatite forms by peritectic reaction:

$$\text{Mg}_2\text{SiO}_4 \text{ (forsterite)} + \text{SiO}_2 \text{ (melt)} \rightarrow 2\text{MgSiO}_3 \text{ (enstatite)}$$

At the peritectic point, three phases coexist (forsterite + enstatite + liquid), giving$F = 2 - 3 + 1 = 0$ (invariant at constant pressure). The peritectic temperature is ~1557°C.

3.4 IUGS Classification

The TAS Diagram

The Total Alkali-Silica (TAS) diagram is the standard IUGS classification for volcanic rocks. It plots $(\text{Na}_2\text{O} + \text{K}_2\text{O})$ vs. $\text{SiO}_2$ (both in weight percent). Key boundaries:

  • Ultrabasic: SiO$_2$ < 45% (picrite, komatiite)
  • Basic: 45-52% (basalt, basanite)
  • Intermediate: 52-63% (andesite, trachyandesite)
  • Acid: >63% (dacite, rhyolite, trachyte)

The alkali-silica dividing line between alkaline and subalkaline series is approximated by:

$$(\text{Na}_2\text{O} + \text{K}_2\text{O}) = 0.37 + 0.14 \times \text{SiO}_2 - 0.0005 \times \text{SiO}_2^2$$

CIPW Normative Mineralogy

The CIPW norm (Cross, Iddings, Pirsson, Washington) converts a bulk chemical analysis into a theoretical mineral assemblage assuming anhydrous, equilibrium crystallization. The algorithm proceeds in a fixed sequence:

  1. Convert oxide weight percentages to molecular proportions: $n_i = \text{wt\%}_i / M_i$
  2. Allocate accessory minerals (apatite from P$_2$O$_5$, ilmenite from TiO$_2$)
  3. Distribute Al$_2$O$_3$: first to orthoclase (with K$_2$O), then albite (Na$_2$O), then anorthite (CaO)
  4. Remaining CaO goes to diopside (with MgO, FeO)
  5. Remaining MgO + FeO forms hypersthene or olivine
  6. Excess or deficit SiO$_2$ determines: quartz (oversaturated) vs nepheline (undersaturated)

The presence of normative quartz or nepheline is a fundamental classification criterion: quartz-normative rocks are silica-oversaturated (tholeiitic basalts), while nepheline-normative rocks are silica-undersaturated (alkaline basalts).

3.5 Magma Mixing and Crustal Assimilation

Binary Magma Mixing

When two magmas of different compositions mix, the resulting hybrid composition for any element or isotope ratio lies on a straight line in element-element space (for elements) or a hyperbola in isotope-element space. For a fraction $f$ of magma B mixed with $(1-f)$ of magma A:

$$C_{\text{mix}} = f \cdot C_B + (1-f) \cdot C_A$$

For isotope ratios (e.g., $^{87}\text{Sr}/^{86}\text{Sr}$), the mixing relationship becomes hyperbolic because isotope ratios are weighted by elemental concentrations:

$$\left(\frac{^{87}\text{Sr}}{^{86}\text{Sr}}\right)_{\text{mix}} = \frac{f \cdot C_B^{\text{Sr}} \cdot R_B + (1-f) \cdot C_A^{\text{Sr}} \cdot R_A}{f \cdot C_B^{\text{Sr}} + (1-f) \cdot C_A^{\text{Sr}}}$$

where $R_A$ and $R_B$ are the isotope ratios of end-members A and B.

AFC: Assimilation-Fractional Crystallization

DePaolo (1981) developed the AFC model to describe the simultaneous assimilation of country rock and fractional crystallization. The key parameter is:

$$r = \frac{\dot{M}_a}{\dot{M}_c}$$

where $\dot{M}_a$ is the rate of assimilation and $\dot{M}_c$ is the rate of crystallization. The trace element evolution follows:

$$\frac{C_L}{C_0} = F^{-z} + \frac{r}{r-1} \frac{C_a}{z C_0}\left(1 - F^{-z}\right)$$

where $z = (r + D - 1)/(r - 1)$, $F$ is the remaining melt fraction,$C_a$ is the concentration in the assimilant, and $D$ is the bulk partition coefficient. This model explains why granites have elevated $^{87}\text{Sr}/^{86}\text{Sr}$ratios compared to their basaltic parents.

Texture and Cooling Rate

The texture of an igneous rock records its cooling history. Crystal nucleation rate$J$ and growth rate $G$ both depend on the degree of undercooling$\Delta T = T_{\text{liquidus}} - T$:

$$J \propto \exp\left(-\frac{\Delta G^*}{kT}\right) \cdot \exp\left(-\frac{E_a}{kT}\right)$$

where $\Delta G^*$ is the activation energy for nucleation and $E_a$ is the activation energy for diffusion. At small undercooling, growth dominates and few large crystals form (phaneritic texture). At large undercooling, nucleation dominates and many small crystals form (aphanitic texture). Extreme undercooling produces glass.

  • Phaneritic: Slow cooling in plutonic environment (granite, gabbro)
  • Aphanitic: Rapid cooling at surface (basalt, rhyolite)
  • Porphyritic: Two-stage cooling — large phenocrysts in fine groundmass
  • Glassy: Very rapid quenching (obsidian, pumice)
  • Pegmatitic: Very slow cooling with fluxing volatiles ($> 1$ cm crystals)

3.6 Volcanic Eruption Dynamics

Magma Viscosity

The viscosity of silicate melts varies over many orders of magnitude and controls eruption style. The Arrhenius relationship gives:

$$\eta = A \exp\left(\frac{E_a}{RT}\right)$$

Viscosity increases with SiO$_2$ content (more polymerized melt), decreasing temperature, and increasing crystal content. Water dramatically reduces viscosity by breaking Si-O-Si bridges. Typical values:

  • Basalt at 1200°C: $\eta \approx 10^1 - 10^2$ Pa·s
  • Andesite at 1000°C: $\eta \approx 10^3 - 10^4$ Pa·s
  • Rhyolite at 800°C (dry): $\eta \approx 10^8 - 10^{12}$ Pa·s
  • Rhyolite at 800°C (6 wt% H$_2$O): $\eta \approx 10^4 - 10^5$ Pa·s

Conduit Flow and Eruption Rate

For steady Poiseuille flow through a cylindrical conduit of radius $R_c$ and length $L$:

$$Q = \frac{\pi R_c^4}{8\eta} \frac{\Delta P}{L}$$

where $\Delta P = (\rho_{\text{rock}} - \rho_{\text{magma}})gL + P_{\text{chamber}}$ is the driving pressure. The strong dependence on conduit radius ($R_c^4$) means small changes in conduit geometry profoundly affect eruption rate. The mass eruption rate is:

$$\dot{M} = \rho_{\text{magma}} Q = \frac{\pi \rho R_c^4 \Delta P}{8\eta L}$$

Eruption styles are classified by their Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI), which correlates with magma viscosity and volatile content. Effusive eruptions (VEI 0-1) characterize low-viscosity basalts; Plinian eruptions (VEI 5-8) involve highly viscous, volatile-rich magmas that fragment explosively.

Computational Simulations

Binary Eutectic Phase Diagram: Diopside-Anorthite

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Rayleigh Fractionation Curves for Trace Elements

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TAS Classification of Volcanic Rocks

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Magma Generation: Decompression Melting and Solidus Curves

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Magma Viscosity and Eruption Dynamics

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