Quantifying Igneous Differentiation
There are several methods of directly measuring and quantifying igneous differentiation processes;
- Whole rock geochemistry of representative samples, to track changes and evolution of the magma systems
- Using the above, calculating normative mineralogy and investigating trends
- Trace element geochemistry
- Isotope geochemistry
- Investigating the contamination of magma systems by wall rock assimilation using radiogenic isotopes
In all cases, the primary and most valuable method for identifying magma differentiation processes is mapping the exposed rocks, tracking mineralogical changes within the igneous rocks and describing field relationships and textural evidence for magma differentiation.
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