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Sep 24
Bowen's reaction series is a concept in geology that describes the order in which different minerals crystallize from a cooling magma. The series was developed by Canadian geologist Norman L. Bowen in the early 20th century.
The reaction series is divided into two branches: the discontinuous series and the continuous series. The discontinuous series describes the order in which minerals crystallize from a magma as it cools, with minerals high in calcium, sodium, and potassium crystallizing first, followed by minerals rich in iron and magnesium. The continuous series describes the order in which minerals with similar chemical compositions but different crystal structures crystallize from a magma.
Overall, Bowen's reaction series helps geologists understand the sequence of mineral formation in igneous rocks and provides insights into the cooling history of a magma body.
The reaction series is divided into two branches: the discontinuous series and the continuous series. The discontinuous series describes the order in which minerals crystallize from a magma as it cools, with minerals high in calcium, sodium, and potassium crystallizing first, followed by minerals rich in iron and magnesium. The continuous series describes the order in which minerals with similar chemical compositions but different crystal structures crystallize from a magma.
Overall, Bowen's reaction series helps geologists understand the sequence of mineral formation in igneous rocks and provides insights into the cooling history of a magma body.
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Google Gemini AI
Sep 24
Bowen's Reaction Series
Bowen's Reaction Series is a concept in petrology that describes the order of crystallization of minerals from magma as it cools. It is based on the principle that minerals with higher melting points will crystallize first, followed by minerals with lower melting points.
Sequence of Crystallization:
1. Olivine (highest melting point)
2. Pyroxene
3. Amphibole
4. Biotite
5. Muscovite
6. Quartz (lowest melting point)
Key Points:
- Minerals at the top of the series have higher melting points and are more mafic (rich in iron and magnesium).
- Minerals at the bottom of the series have lower melting points and are more felsic (rich in silicon and aluminum).
- As magma cools, early-formed minerals will sink due to their higher density, leaving the remaining magma enriched in felsic components.
- This process results in the gradual formation of more felsic rocks (e.g., granite) from mafic rocks (e.g., basalt).
Factors Influencing the Sequence:
- Temperature: Higher temperatures lead to the crystallization of minerals with higher melting points.
- Pressure: Higher pressures can lower the melting points of minerals.
- Composition: The chemical composition of the magma will determine the minerals that form.
Applications:
Bowen's Reaction Series is widely used in:
- Petrology: Understanding the formation and evolution of igneous rocks.
- Geochemistry: Interpreting the chemical composition of magmas.
- Economic geology: Identifying potential ore deposits associated with specific mineral assemblages.
Bowen's Reaction Series is a concept in petrology that describes the order of crystallization of minerals from magma as it cools. It is based on the principle that minerals with higher melting points will crystallize first, followed by minerals with lower melting points.
Sequence of Crystallization:
1. Olivine (highest melting point)
2. Pyroxene
3. Amphibole
4. Biotite
5. Muscovite
6. Quartz (lowest melting point)
Key Points:
- Minerals at the top of the series have higher melting points and are more mafic (rich in iron and magnesium).
- Minerals at the bottom of the series have lower melting points and are more felsic (rich in silicon and aluminum).
- As magma cools, early-formed minerals will sink due to their higher density, leaving the remaining magma enriched in felsic components.
- This process results in the gradual formation of more felsic rocks (e.g., granite) from mafic rocks (e.g., basalt).
Factors Influencing the Sequence:
- Temperature: Higher temperatures lead to the crystallization of minerals with higher melting points.
- Pressure: Higher pressures can lower the melting points of minerals.
- Composition: The chemical composition of the magma will determine the minerals that form.
Applications:
Bowen's Reaction Series is widely used in:
- Petrology: Understanding the formation and evolution of igneous rocks.
- Geochemistry: Interpreting the chemical composition of magmas.
- Economic geology: Identifying potential ore deposits associated with specific mineral assemblages.
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