The North-Chilean Coast Range — an example for the development of an active continental margin

Analysis of extended plutons in the Coast Range of North Chile between 25°30′ and 26°35′ led to the recognition of a complex magmatic and structural evolution from the Upper Paleozoic to the Tertiary. The ascension of the intrusive bodies is dictated by deep-seated block tectonics. Generally the chemistry changes from S-type magmas in the Paleozoic to I-type magmas in the Mesozoic and Cainozoic. This is accompanied by a change in the structural geology of the continental margin which we present in six hypothetic phases (Devonian-Tertiary). We are only at the beginning of an encompassing synthesis of the genesis of the Andean orogen.     

Petrology and chemistry of two “large” granite clasts from the moon

Pristine granite clasts in Apollo-14 breccias 14321 and 14303 have estimated masses of 1.8 and 0.17 g, respectively. The 14321 clast is ～ 60% K-feldspar and 40% quartz, with traces of extremely Mg-poor mafic silicates and ilmenite. The 14303 clast is roughly 33% plagioclase, 32% K-feldspar, 23% quartz, 11% pyroxene, and 1% ilmenite; pyroxene and ilmenite are moderately Mg-rich; plagioclase and pyroxene are strongly zoned. Both clasts are severely brecciated, but monomict (pristine). Both have abundant graphic intergrowths of K-feldspar with quartz. Unlike the majority of similar Earth rocks, both clasts are devoid of hydrous phases. The bulk composition of the 14321 clast is similar to those of several other lunar granitic samples, but the 14303 clast is unique: it bears as close a resemblance to KREEP as it does to other lunar granites. Silicate liquid immiscibility may explain why the granites are low in REE relative to KREEP.     

Solubility of corundum in supercritical water

Isothermal (670–700°C) solubility of corundum in supercritical water, within the stability range of corundum as a phase of the system Al₂O₃-H₂O, has been determined by the weight loss method. Experiments were performed in the pressure range 2.5 to 6 kbar in cold seal hydrothermal equipment at 670 ± 5°C using gold tubing. The overall uncertainty of the solubility values obtained was 8%. Experiments in the pressure range 10 to 20 kbar were performed in a piston cylinder apparatus at 700°C using sealed gold capsules held by supporting steel containers. The overall uncertainty of the solubility values obtained was estimated to be 10%.All data could be fitted by the linear equation S_[ppmAl2O3] = ?12.37 + 7.24 · p[_kbar] with correlation coefficient r = 0.9963. Separate fits of hydrothermal and piston cylinder results yielded a small difference between the two data sets, which is due rather to the experimental uncertainty than to the small temperature difference.     

The matrices of unequilibrated ordinary chondrites: Implications for the origin and history of chondrites

The matrices of sixteen unequilibrated ordinary chondrites (all witnessed falls) were studied microscopically in transmitted and reflected light and analyzed by electron microprobe. Selected specimens were also studied by scanning electron microscopy. These studies indicate that the fine-grained, opaque, silicate matrix of type 3 unequilibrated chondrites is compositionally, mineralogically and texturally distinct from the chondrules and chondrule fragments and may be the low temperature condensate proposed by Larimer and Anders (1967, 1970). Examination of the matrices of unequilibrated chondrites also shows that each meteorite has been metamorphosed, with the alteration ranging in intensity from quite mild, where the matrix has been only slightly altered, to a more severe metamorphism that has completely recrystallized the opaque matrix. Most of the metamorphic changes in the matrix occurred without significant effects on the compositions or textures of the chondrules. The metamorphic alteration probably resulted from a combination of processes including thermal metamorphism and the passage of shock waves. The present appearance of each unequilibrated chondrite is a result of the particular temperature and pressure conditions under which it and its components formed, plus the subsequent metamorphic alteration it experienced.     

Subsolidus orthopyroxene-clinopyroxene systematics in the system CaO-MgO-SiO2 to 60 kb: a re-evaluation of the regular solution model

On the basis of an increased set of experimental data, covering the miscibility gap between orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene from 2 to 60 kb with a temperature range of 850–1,500° C, we present a new version of a regular solution model. The model with two independent regular solutions for opx and cpx is capable of reproducing experimental data in the system CaO-MgO-SiO₂ over a large range of temperatures and pressures. It is qualitatively in agreement with observed stability regions for an Fe-free low-Ca pyroxene, termed pigeonite. The model is constrained by and thus consistent with calorimetric measurements on pyroxenes. The simple form of equations provides a good starting point for the development of more reliable thermometers based on the miscibility gap.Abbrevations Used in the Text cpx clinopyroxene - di diopside, CaMgSi₂O₆ - en enstatite, Mg₂Si₂O₆ - pig pigeonite - opx orthopyroxene - H (i) molar enthalpy difference (of reaction i) - S (i) molar entropy difference of reaction (i) - V (i) molar volume difference of reaction (i) - X[i]j mole fraction of i in phase j     

Das Alter der Dolerolenus-Fauna

Zusammenfassung Neue Funde von Dolerolenidae aus Spanien und Marokko beweisen, daß dieDolerolenus-Fauna (Olenopsis-Fauna) älter ist als dieHolmia-Fauna von N-Europa. (Bisher hatte man dieOlenopsis-Fauna für hoch-unter-kambrisch oder gar noch jünger gehalten.) AuchBigotina gehört zu den Dolerolenidae. Demnach ist der Archaeocyathiden-Kalk der Normandie ein Äquivalent des unterkambrischen Kalk-Dolomit-Horizontes von S-Europa und SE-Deutschland.     

Contributions to the mineral chemistry of Hawaiian rocks

Detailed examination of rhyodacite from a new locality on Kauaopuu Ridge, Oahu, Hawaii (the second occurrence of rhyodacite in the Hawaiian volcanic province) yields the following results and conclusions: i) Bulk composition, mineral content, texture, and geographic location indicate that the newly found rhyodacite is part of the Mauna Kuwale rhyodacite flow described by Macdonald (1940); ii) Mineral phases include plagioclase (An_53–23), biotite, orthopyroxene, Ti-rich hornblende, titaniferous magnetite, and ilmenite; iii) Groundmass glass, about 75% by volume, is similar in bulk composition to oceanic rhyolite such as that of Easter Island and Iceland; iv) Similarity in composition between rhyodacite groundmass glass, described here, and bulk composition of oceanic rhyolite from Easter Island and Iceland, suggests that the latter could conceivably have formed by crystal fractionation of a rhyodacitic magma.