Project

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Crustal growth processes: an integrated field and experimental approach on calc-alkaline magmas

English title Crustal growth processes: an integrated field and experimental approach on calc-alkaline magmas
Applicant Müntener Othmar
Number 120054
Funding scheme Project funding (Div. I-III)
Research institution Institut de Minéralogie et Géochimie Université de Lausanne
Institution of higher education University of Lausanne - LA
Main discipline Mineralogy
Start/End 01.04.2008 - 31.03.2011
Approved amount 372'261.00
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All Disciplines (2)

Discipline
Mineralogy
Geochemistry

Keywords (8)

Igneous petrology; Crystallization of hydrous magmas; REE; H2O saturation; geochemistry; island-arc magmatism; igneous epidote; experimental petrology

Lay Summary (English)

Lead
Lay summary
In this research project we will address questions that are related to the formation of the continental crust, the uppermost shell of the Earth which is on average about 30 km thick. We will in particular address the question how granitic magmas obtain their specific major and trace element signature and why some granitic rocks from the early continental crust in the Archean are different than modern continental crust.To obtain such information we will combine field, experimental and analytical chemical work on the phase relations and compositions of magmas that fractionate in the lower crust. These data allow us to get constraints on internal differentiation processes of the continental crust. Since many major silicates that occur in the continental crust are stable over a considerable pressure and temperature range, and since most of them are likely to change their major and trace element composition as a function of pressure, temperature and composition, the relative crystallization sequence is crucial for the chemical evolution of evolved, tonalitic to granitic magmas in both present-day and Archean continental crust. An improved understanding of these processes might permit insights into a better understanding of porphyry ore deposits. The project will provide rigorous tests about the importance of processes that take place in the lower crust (dehydration melting vs. igneous crystallization), will be a key for the future investigations of various granulite facies terrains, and might provide some new constraints on the genesis of ‘adakitic’ magmas, that are thought to be formed by partial melting of subducting oceanic crust or by melting of mafic rocks at the base of the crust. Ultimately, we anticipate that this project contributes to an improved understanding how juvenile, intracrustal differentiation works. On a more general scale, our investigations might provide constraints on our understanding of Archean petrogenetic processes and geodynamic environments.
Direct link to Lay Summary Last update: 21.02.2013

Responsible applicant and co-applicants

Employees

Name Institute
Dessimoz Mathias

Associated projects

Number Title Start Funding scheme
135511 Crustal growth processes: an integrated field and geochemical approach 01.06.2011 Project funding (Div. I-III)
135511 Crustal growth processes: an integrated field and geochemical approach 01.06.2011 Project funding (Div. I-III)

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