Xu Chu

2 months ago | pubs.usgs.gov | Martin Oeser |Kendra J. Lynn |Neil Bennett |Xu Chu

Melt inclusions are used to study the origin and evolution of magmas. The extent to which they represent equilibrium melt compositions, however, critically hinges on the ratio of crystal growth rate to diffusion rate in melts. If the rate of crystal growth is limited by the supply of nutrients and the dissipation of unwanted components, the trapped melt will be depleted in compatible elements and enriched in incompatible elements.