The Skye main lava series : Liquid density and the absence of basaltic hawaiites
By: Cattell, A. C
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Material type: 
ArticleDescription: 681-684p.Subject(s): Lava series - Skye - Scotland | Basaltic hawaite lava - Skye - Scotland | Eocene skye main lava series | Petrology - Skye - Scotland
In:
Geological magazine : Vol. 126 Iss. 1-6 Year. 1989Summary: Abstract
Basaltic hawaiite lavas are virtually absent in the Eocene Skye Main Lava Series, in contrast to relatively abundant basalts and hawaiites. Fractional crystallization from basalt to basaltic hawaiite involves extraction of a large proportion of plagioclase, and liquid densities thereby increase. From basaltic hawaiite to hawaiite titanomagnetite is a significant fractionating phase, and liquid densities decline. The coincidence between a gap in erupted compositions and a density maximum implies that liquid density exerted a strong control on ‘eruptibility’ of magmas; basaltic hawaiites were too dense to be erupted. Density maxima occur in basalt suites if plagioclase fractionates before Fe–Ti oxides, and may explain compositional gaps in erupted magmas. Compositional gaps are not the inevitable result of density maxima; the density of the rock column above, and the fluid dynamics within, the magma chamber where differentiation occurs are also critical factors.
| Item type | Current location | Collection | Call number | Status | Date due | Barcode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Article
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Library and Information Centre Periodical Section | Bound Journal Collection | Not for loan | 002528_152 | ||
Serials/Scientific Journal
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Library and Information Centre Periodical Section | Bound Journal Collection | 550 GEO (Browse shelf) | Available | 002528 |
Abstract
Basaltic hawaiite lavas are virtually absent in the Eocene Skye Main Lava Series, in contrast to relatively abundant basalts and hawaiites. Fractional crystallization from basalt to basaltic hawaiite involves extraction of a large proportion of plagioclase, and liquid densities thereby increase. From basaltic hawaiite to hawaiite titanomagnetite is a significant fractionating phase, and liquid densities decline. The coincidence between a gap in erupted compositions and a density maximum implies that liquid density exerted a strong control on ‘eruptibility’ of magmas; basaltic hawaiites were too dense to be erupted. Density maxima occur in basalt suites if plagioclase fractionates before Fe–Ti oxides, and may explain compositional gaps in erupted magmas. Compositional gaps are not the inevitable result of density maxima; the density of the rock column above, and the fluid dynamics within, the magma chamber where differentiation occurs are also critical factors.
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