The value of measurements of density in the study of dolerites

The value of density measurements in the study of differentiated dolerite sills is discussed. It is shown that density measurements correspond closely with the results of chemical and modal analyses. There is a considerable statistical fluctuation in measured values of the density from relatively close specimens, and a similar fluctuation is to be expected in the results of chemical or modal analyses. Because of their speed, it is possible to make a large number of density measurements and take mean values over fifty foot intervals to indicate trends.

The density in a moderately thick tholeiite sheet normally increases linearly from the lower contact to a maximum several hundred feet above it, and then decreases to a minimum at the most silicic region which usually occurs several hundred feet below the upper contact. For a sheet of uniform thickness, the variation of density with depth appears to be roughly the same at all points. The density remained constant in a horizontal tunnel at a constant height above the lower contact, but irregular changes in density, possibly associated with changes in level of the roof or flow can occur, and a remarkable case of a rapid horizontal variation in density is discussed in some detail.