Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Igneous layering through oscillatory nucleation and crystal settling in well-mixed magmas

  • Published:
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Oscillatory or competitive nucleation about a binary (or perhaps pseudo binary) eutectic and ensuing crystal growth and settling is a commonly suggested means of producing layering in magmatic systems. A quantitative model is presented of this, outwardly, relatively simple process of crystal nucleation, growth, and settling in an otherwise initially crystal-free magma. Avrami-style kinetics of crystallization in an always wellmixed body, buried in conductive wall rock, are coupled to a Stokes-like formulation of crystal settling in magma whose viscosity depends on temperature and crystallinity. Two dimensionless numbers (Se, the settling number and Av, the Avrami or kinetic number) govern all the results. Av and Se measure the relative importance of crystallization time and settling time, respectively, relative to the overall cooling time. For any value of Av, which increases strongly with the maximum nucleation and growth rates and cooling time, layering is possible only over a range or window of values of Se. Both above and below this window a single layer (crystalline below, vitric above) forms, and within this window the number of layers increases systematically with increasing Av and Se. Grain size within any single layer generally coarsens upward. Because the characteristic settling and cooling times both depend on body thickness, the lower limit of the settling window is also dependent on sheet thickness. Within the confines of this model and for nucleation and growth rates set by those observed in natural systems, layering is unlikely in sheet-like magmas thinner than about 100 m. When the body is not always well-mixed and crystallization is within inward-propagating solidification fronts, it is expected that this minimum body thickness will increase.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Berman RG (1988) Internally consistent thermodynamic data for minerals in the system Na2O−K2O−CaO−MgO−FeO −Fe2O3−Al2O3−SiO2−TiO2−H2O−CO2. J. Petrol 29: 445–552

    Google Scholar 

  • Boudreau AE (1987) Pattern formation during crystallization and the formation of fine-scale laycring. In: Parsons I (ed) Origins of igneous layering. D Reidel Publ Co, Dordrecht, pp 453–472

    Google Scholar 

  • Bowen NL (1915) The later stages of the evolution of the igneous rocks. J Geol 23:1–91

    Google Scholar 

  • Erandeis G, Jaupart C (1986) On the interaction between convection and crystallization in cooling magma chambers. Earth Planet Sci Lett 77:345–361

    Google Scholar 

  • Brandeis G, Jaupart C (1987) The kinetics of nucleation and crystal growth and scaling laws for magmatic crystallization. Contrib Mineral Petrol 96:24–34

    Google Scholar 

  • Brandcis G, Jaupart C, Allègre CJ (1984) Nucleation, crystal growth and the thermal regime of cooling magmas. J Geophys Res 89:10161–10177

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown PE, Chambers AD, Becker SM (1987) A large soft-sediment fold in the Lilloise Intrusion, East Greenland. In Parsons I (ed) Origins of igncous layering. D Reidel Publ Co, Dordrecht, pp 125–144

    Google Scholar 

  • Carslaw HS, Jaeger JC (1959) Conduction of heat in solids. Clarendon Press, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  • Cashman KV (1993) Relationship between plagioclase crystallization and cooling rate in basaltic melts. Contrib Mineral Petrol 113:126–142

    Google Scholar 

  • Cashman KV, Marsh BD (1988) Crystal size distribution (CSD) in rocks and the kinetics and dynamics of crystallization. II. Makaopuhi Lava Lake. Contrib Mineral Petrol 99:292–305

    Google Scholar 

  • Congdon RD (1991) Solidification of the Shonkin Sag Laccolith: mineralogy, petrology, and experimental phase equilibria (unpublished). PhD thesis, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore

  • Dowty E (1980) Crystal growth and nucleation theory and the numerical simulation of igneous crystallization. In: Hargraves RB (ed) Physics of magmatic processes. Princeton University Press, Princeton N.J., pp 419–485

    Google Scholar 

  • Fujii T (1974) Crystal settling in a sill. Lithos 7:133–137

    Google Scholar 

  • Gibb FGF, Henderson CMB (1992) Convection and crystal settling in sills. Contrib Mineral Petrol 109:538–545

    Google Scholar 

  • Gray NH, Crain IK (1969) Crystal settling in sills: a model for suspension settling. Can J Earth Sci 6:1211–1216

    Google Scholar 

  • Gunn BM (1966) Modal and clement variation in Antarctic tholeiites. Geochim et Cosmochim Acta 30:881–920

    Google Scholar 

  • Hawkes DD (1967) Order of abundant crystal nucleation in natural magma. Geol Mag 104:473–486

    Google Scholar 

  • Hort M (1991) Thermokinetische Modellrechnungen zur Kristallisation magmatischer Schmelzen (unpublished, in German) PhD thesis, Inst Planetologt, Univ Münster

  • Hort M, Spohn T (1991b) Numberical simulation of the crystallization of multicomponent melts in thin dikes or sills. 2. Effects of heterocatalytic nucleation and composition. J Geophys Res 96:485–499

    Google Scholar 

  • Hort M, Spohn T (1991b) Crystallization calculations for a binary melt cooling at constant rates of heat removal: implications for the crystallization of magma bodics. Earth Planet Sci Lett 107:463–474

    Google Scholar 

  • Hulburt CS (1939) Igneous petrology of the Highwood Mountain, Montana. I. The laccoliths. Geol Soc Am Bull 50:1043–1112

    Google Scholar 

  • Hunter RH (1987) Textural equilibrium in layered igneous rocks. In: Parsons I (ed) Origins of igneous layering. D Reidel Publ Co, Dordrecht pp 473–504

    Google Scholar 

  • Irvine TN (1987) Magmatic density currents and postcumulus processes. Am J Sci 280A:1–58

    Google Scholar 

  • Irvine TN (1987) Layering and related structures in the Duke Island and Skaergaard Intrusions: similarities, differences, and origins. In: Parsons I (ed) Origins of igneous layering. D Reidel Publ Co, Dordrecht, pp 185–246

    Google Scholar 

  • Jacger JC (1968) Cooling and solidification of igneous rocks. In: Hess HH, Poldervaart A (ed) Basalts: the poldervaart treatise on rocks of basaltic composition, vol 2. John Wiley and Sons, New York, pp 503–536

    Google Scholar 

  • Kingery WD, Bowen HK, Uhlmann DR (1976) Introduction to ceramics. John Wiley and Sons, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirkpatrick RJ (1976) Powards a kinetic model for the crystallization of magma bodies. J Geophys Res 81:2565–2571

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirkpatrick RJ (1976) Nucleation and growth of plagioclase, Makaopuhi and Alac lava lakes, Kilauea volcano, Hawaii. Geol Soc Am Bull 88:78–84

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirkpatrick RJ (1981) Kincties of crystallization of igneous rocks. Rev Mineral 8:321–398

    Google Scholar 

  • Kogarko LN, Khapaev VV (1987) The modelling of formation of apatite deposits of the Khibina massif (Kola penisula). In: Parsons I (ed) Origins of igneous layering. D Reidel Publ Co. Dordrecht, pp 589–612

    Google Scholar 

  • Koyaguchi T, Hallworth MA, Huppert HE, Sparks RSJ (1990) Sedimentation of particles from a convecting fluid. Nature 343:447–450

    Google Scholar 

  • Lofgren GE (1980) Experimental studies on the dynamic crystallization of silicate melts. In: Hargraves RB (ed) Physics of magmatic processes. Princeton University Press, Princeton, N.J., pp 487–551

    Google Scholar 

  • Lowenstein TK, Hardie LA (1985) Criteria for the recognition of salt-pan evaporites. Sedimentology 32:627–644

    Google Scholar 

  • Maaløe S (1978) The origin of rhythmic layering. Mineral Mag 42:337–345

    Google Scholar 

  • Maaløe S (1978) Rhythmic layering of the Skaergaard Intrusion. In: Parsons I (ed) Origins of igneous layering. D Reidel Publ Co, Dordrecht, pp 247–262

    Google Scholar 

  • Mangan M, Marsh BD (1992) Solidification front formation in phenocryst-free sheet-like magma bodies. J Geol 100:605–620

    Google Scholar 

  • Marsh BD (1981) On the crystallinity, probability of occurrence, and rheology of lava and magma. Contrib Mineral Petrol 78:85–98

    Google Scholar 

  • Marsh BD (1988a) Crystal capture, sorting, and retention in convecting magma. Geol Soc Am Bull 100:1720–1737

    Google Scholar 

  • Marsh BD (1988b) Crystal size distribution (CSD) in rocks and the kinetics and dynamics of crystalization. I. Theory. Contrib Mineral Petrol 99:277–291

    Google Scholar 

  • Marsh BD (1989a) Magma chambers. Ann Rev Earth Planet Sci 17:439–474

    Google Scholar 

  • Marsh BD (1989b) On convective style and vigor in sheet-like magma chambers. J Petrol 30:479–530

    Google Scholar 

  • Marsh BD (1991) Reply. J Petrol 32:855–860

    Google Scholar 

  • Marsh BD, Maxey MR (1985) On the distribution and separation of crystals in convecting magma. J Volcanol Geothermal Res 24:95–150

    Google Scholar 

  • Martin D (1990) Crystal settling and in situ crystallization in aqueous solutions and magma chambers. Earth Planet Sci Lett 96:336–348

    Google Scholar 

  • Martin D, Nokes R (1988) Crystal settling in a vigorously convecting magma chamber. Nature 332:534–536

    Google Scholar 

  • Martin D, Nokes R (1989) A fluid dynamical study of crystal settling in convecting magmas. J Petrol 30:1471–1500

    Google Scholar 

  • McBirney AR, Noyes RM (1979) Crystallization and layering of the Skaergaard intrusion. J Petrol 20:487–554

    Google Scholar 

  • Morse SA (1979) Kiglapait geochemistry. I. Systematics, sampling, and density. J Petrol 20:555–590

    Google Scholar 

  • Parsons I, Becker SM (1987) Layering, compaction and post-magmatic processes in the Klokken Intrusion. In: Parsons I (ed) Origins of igneous layering. D Reidel Publ Co, Dordrecht, pp 29–92

    Google Scholar 

  • Rao CNR, Rao KJ (1978) Phase transitions in solids. McGraw-Hill, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Richet P, Bottinga Y (1986) Thermochemical properties of silicate glasses and liquids: a review. Rev Geophys 24:1–25

    Google Scholar 

  • Rabins B, Haukvik L, Jansen S (1987) The organization and internal structure of cyclic units in the Honnigsvåg intrusive suite, North Norway: implications for intrusive mechanisms, double diffusive convection and pore magma-infiltration. In: Parsons I (ed) Origins of igneous layering. D Reidel Publ Co, Dordrecht, pp 287–312

    Google Scholar 

  • Roscoe R (1952) The viscosity of suspensions of rigid spheres. Br J Appl Phys 3:267–269

    Google Scholar 

  • Ryerson FJ, Weed HC, Piwinskii AJ (1988) Rheology of subliquidus magmas. 1. Picritic compositions. Geophys Res 93:3421–3436

    Google Scholar 

  • Shaw HR (1969) Rheology of basalts in the melting range. J Petrol 10:510–535

    Google Scholar 

  • Shaw HR, Wright TL, Peck DL, Okamura R (1968) The viscosity of basaltic magma: an analysis of field measurements in Makaopuhi lava lake, Hawaii. Am J Sci 266:225–264

    Google Scholar 

  • Shirley DN (1987) Differentiation and compaction in the Palisade Sill, New Jersey. J Petrol 28:835–865

    Google Scholar 

  • Simkin T (1967) Flow differentiation in picritic sills of North Skye. In: Wyllie RJ (ed) Ultramafic and related rocks. John Wiley and Sons, New York, pp 64–69

    Google Scholar 

  • Sparks RSJ, Huppert HE, Kerr RC, McKenzie DP, Tait SR (1985) Postcumulus processes in layered intrusions. Geol Mag 122:555–568

    Google Scholar 

  • Spohn T, Hort M, Fischer H (1988) Numerical simulation of the crystallization of multicomponent melts in thin dikes or sills. 1. The liquidus phase. J Geophys Res 93:4880–4894

    Google Scholar 

  • Stolper EM (1980) A phase diagram for mid-ocean ridge basalts: preliminary results and implications for petrogenesis. Contrib Mineral Petrol 74:13–27

    Google Scholar 

  • Toramaru A (1991) Model for nucleation and crystal grwoth in cooling magmas. Contrib Mineral Petrol 108:106–117

    Google Scholar 

  • Wager LR (1959) Differing powers of crystal nuclcation as a factor producing diversity in layered igneous intrusions. Geol Mag 96:75–80

    Google Scholar 

  • Wager LR, Brown GM (1968) Layered igneous rocks. Oliver and Boyd, Edinburgh

    Google Scholar 

  • Walker D, Longhi J, Kirkpatrick RJ, Hays F (1976) Differentiation of an Appollo 12 picrite magma. Proc Lunar Planet Sci 7:1365–1389

    Google Scholar 

  • Weinstein SA, Yuen DA, Olson PL (1988) Evolution of crystal-settling in magma-chamber convection. Earth Planet Sci Lett 87:237–248

    Google Scholar 

  • Worster MG, Huppert HE, Sparks RSJ (1990) Convection and crystallization in magma cooled from above. Earch Planet Sci Lett 101:78–89

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, 21218, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Matthias Hort & Bruce D. Marsh

  2. Institut für Planetologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Wilhelm Klemm-Strasse 10, D-48149, Münster, Germany

    Tilman Spohn

Authors
  1. Matthias Hort
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Bruce D. Marsh
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Tilman Spohn
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Hort, M., Marsh, B.D. & Spohn, T. Igneous layering through oscillatory nucleation and crystal settling in well-mixed magmas. Contr. Mineral. and Petrol. 114, 425–440 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00321748

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00321748

Keywords

Search

Navigation