The Plagioclase-Magma Density Paradox Re-examined and the Crystallization of Proterozoic Anorthosites

Intermediate-composition plagioclase (An_40–60) is typicallyless dense than the relatively evolved basaltic magmas fromwhich it crystallizes and the crystallization of plagioclaseproduces a dense residual liquid, thus plagioclase should havea tendency to float in these magmatic systems. There is, however,little direct evidence for plagioclase flotation cumulates eitherin layered intrusions or in Proterozoic anorthosite complexes.The layered series of the Poe Mountain anorthosite, southeastWyoming, contains numerous anorthosite–leucogabbro blocksthat constrain density relations during differentiation. Allblocks are more mafic than their hosting anorthositic cumulates,their plagioclase compositions are more calcic, and each blockis in strong Sr isotopic disequilibrium with its host cumulate.Associated structures—disrupted and deformed layering—indicatethat (1) a floor was present during crystallization and thatplagioclase was accumulating and/or crystallizing on the floor,(2) compositional layering and plagioclase lamination formeddirectly at the magma–crystal pile interface, and (3)the upper portions of the crystal pile contained significantamounts of interstitial melt. Liquid densities are calculatedfor proposed high-Al olivine gabbroic parental magmas and Fe-enrichedferrodioritic and monzodioritic residual magmas of the anorthositestaking into account pressure, oxygen fugacity, P₂O₅, estimatedvolatile contents, and variable temperatures of crystallization.For all reasonable conditions, calculated block densities aregreater than those of the associated melt. The liquid densities,however, are greater than those for An_40–60 plagioclase,which cannot have settled to the floor. Plagioclase must eitherhave been carried to the floor in relatively dense packets ofcooled liquid plus crystals or have crystallized in situ. Asloping floor, possibly produced by diapiric ascent of relativelylight plagioclase-rich cumulates, is required to allow for drainingand removal of the dense interstitial liquid produced in thecrystal pile and may be a characteristic feature during thecrystallization of many Proterozoic anorthosites and layeredintrusions. KEY WORDS: magma; density; Proterozoic anorthosites; blocks; plagioclase     

Numerical modelling provides evidence of a Baltic Ice Stream during the Younger Dryas

In an effort to analyse the complex Younger Dryas event in central Scandinavia a finite-element method solution of the continuity equation has been used to describe the glaciological processes involved. In order to make the model compatible with the geologic evidence, it is suggested that the ice sheet was drained by a 'Baltic Ice Stream'. The Ice Stream was steered by differences in basal conditions. We also conclude that the climatic event responsible for the Younger Dryas stillstand was probably short (< 500 years), and that different regions of the ice sheet responded in different ways. During a simulated termination it was shown that there was broad agreement about the marginal positions in Sweden and Finland if it was assumed that there was a general sliding zone for elevations below 100 m. with an enhanced sliding zone through the centre of the Baltic and the Gulf of Bothnia. A stillstand near the position of the Younger Dryas moraines is attained with a climatic equilibrium line altitude (ELA) depression of 600 m for a period of 500 years. Agreement of simulated behaviour with observed behaviour is less consistent for the more maritime areas of western Sweden and western Norway.     

Rates of active deformation in the Aegean Sea and surrounding regions

Abstract Average strain rates are calculated from earthquakes in the period 1908-81 that occurred in the Aegean Sea extensional region, and in the convergent zone associated with the Hellenic Trench. In spite of large uncertainties resulting from the use of an M_S : M_o relationship, seismic N-S extensional rates in the Aegean are in the region 20–60 mm yr^-1 whereas seismic shortening rates in the Hellenic Trench are less than about 15 mm yr^-1. This is surprising because Africa and Eurasia are known to be converging, not separating. This apparent anomaly is caused by most of the convergence in the Hellenic Trench occurring aseismically. By contrast, the seismic extensional rates in the Aegean agree quite well with those expected from other arguments. The present day extensional rates are sufficiently high for McKenzie's instantaneous stretching model to be applicable. There is some evidence that these high extensional rates have operated throughout the last 5 Myr.     

A model for Scottish interstadial marine palaeotemperature 13,000 to 11,000 B.P.

From a study of molluscan assemblages it is suggested that sea temperatures, particularly in the period 12,500 to 12,000 B.P., were 3°C lower than they are today for all but surface waters, implying that the interstadial North Atlantic Drift was weaker than the present Drift where it extends into the Norwegian Sea. An early interstadial 'warm' event may relate to a period when temperatures in the Bay of Biscay exceeded those of the present day. A later 'warm' episode may correlate with the warmest part of the interstadial deduced from the deep sea succession west of Ireland.     

Aeolian saltation threshold: the effect of density ratio

Saltation threshold data from three wind tunnels and from hydraulic flumes are presented to show that the dimensionless threshold friction speed for small particles is a continuous function of particle-to-fluid-density ratio. In addition, the dimensionless threshold speed is a function of the grain-friction Reynolds number and an interparticle force term. The variation with density ratio seems to be due to the relative energy with which particles impact other particles to initiate saltation.     

Zoned calcites in Jurassic ammonite chambers: trace elements, isotopes and neomorphic origin

Zoned calcites were found in the phragmacone chambers of three Sonniniid ammonites from marine Middle Jurassic sandstones (Isle of Skye, U.K.). Each ammonite has a unique sequence of up to nine zones of calcite which fill or partially fill the chambers. Zones are defined by changes in the density of minute opaque inclusions and variation in trace-element composition. Proximal (early) calcites have undulose extinction and some exhibit the specific fabrics of fascicular-optic and radiaxial fibrous calcites. Microdolomite inclusions are found in one specimen. Early calcites, interpreted as replacements after a single isopachous fringe of acicular carbonate (probably high magnesium calcite), are succeeded by blocky ferroan calcite cement. In one specimen there are two distinct generations of calcite, in the others there is a continuous mosaic incorporating both early calcites and late cement. Isotopic composition of the early calcite zones demonstrates the initial importance of organic derived carbon (δ¹³C =— 26‰, δ¹⁸O ‰ O). Further cementation and mineralogical stabilization took place at increased temperatures and probably after modification of the pore water isotopic composition (calcites with δ¹³C =— O‰, δ¹⁸O～— 10‰). The distinctive fabrics and zonal patterns probably developed during the replacement of the precursor cement and are not primary growth features. Reversals in isotopic and trace element trends are believed to be related to the rate of neomorphic crystal growth and hence to the degree of exchange with external pore waters. Further increase in temperature, probably during Tertiary igneous activity, gave rise to the extremely light δ¹⁸O values of the late cements in the ammonite which had previously had least contact with external waters (cements with δ¹³C ～ O, δ¹⁸O ～— 20‰).     

Fragmented Urban Spaces? Ethnic Residential Areas in New Zealand Cities, 1996

Residential segregation of ethnic groups is a major feature of cities in multi‐cultural societies such as New Zealand's. Measuring the degree of segregation has been the focus of much attention over the last half century, but there are difficulties with comparative studies using most of the measures adopted. An alternative procedure which classifies residential areas according to a homogeneity‐heterogeneity continuum is applied here to 1996 census small‐scale data for each of New Zealand's 33 main urban areas, to identify the degree of segregation of various ethnic groups. It reports that most New Zealanders from all ethnic groups (defined by self‐identity) live in mixed rather than exclusive residential areas. The main ethnic enclaves/ghettos are occupied by Maori and Pacific Islanders, and are entirely concentrated in the North Island, especially in urban areas which have substantial Polynesian populations.     

Mesoproterozoic deep-water reefs from Borden Peninsula, Arctic Canada

A superbly exposed stromatolite reef complex occurs in the Victor Bay Formation near Strathcona River on northern Baffin Island. Individual reefs are up to 130 m thick and nearly 1 km in length, and their development was clearly related to their position in the facies spectrum and to sea-level dynamics. In the first sea-level cycle, metre-scale reefs grew amongst mid-ramp calcarenites and outer-ramp shales during slow sea-level rise; a 25-m-thick oblate reef tract, separating mid-ramp and outer-ramp facies, formed during the highstand. The greatest period of reef growth was during the second sea-level cycle. Pinnacle reefs nucleated on the karsted upper surface of the oblate reef tract and aggraded rapidly in response to rising sea-level, producing structures with more than 75 m of depositional relief. A gradual symmetrical succession of stromatolite growth forms, from stratiform to cylindrical columns to conical columns and then back through cylindrical columns to stratiform, is mirrored by evidence in offreef deposits for deepening to a maximum flooding surface and then shallowing. The tops of these high-standing reefs were karsted during the following regression, while dolomite ‘cryptodomes’ grew as sheets on their submerged flanks and as progradational tongues extending basinward of the reefs. Continued sea-level fall resulted in subaerial exposure of the entire reef complex and the extensive formation of surface and subsurface karst. These Proterozoic slope buildups are similar to Phanerozoic deep-water reefs in size, shape, prevalence of synsedimentary lithification, presence of Neptunian dykes and in their well-developed vertical zonation of reefbuilders. However, they differ in being constructed exclusively by stromatolites rather than being mud mounds with small skeletal elements, and in lacking halos of perireefal sand- and gravel-sized calcareous debris. Their responses to changes in sea-level were strikingly similar to those shown by their younger counterparts, and suggest that sequence-stratigraphic concepts derived from studies of Phanerozoic reefs can also be applied to the Proterozoic.     

Dehydration-melting of Biotite Gneiss and Quartz Amphibolite from 3 to 15 kbar

We performed vapor-absent melting and crystallization experimentson two bulk compositions that model metamorphic rocks containinga single hydrous phase: a biotite gneiss [37% bio (mg-number55), 34% qtz, 27% plg (An₃₈), 2% ilm] and a quartz amphibolite[54% hbl (mg-number 60), 24% qtz, 20% plg (An₃₈), 2% ilm]. Experimentswere performed at 3 and 5 kbar in internally heated pressurevessels (IHPV), and at 7, 10, 125 and 15 kbar in piston cylinderapparatus (PC), from the vapor-absent solidi to (at least) thetemperature at which the hydrous mineral disappeared. Dehydration-meltingbegins at similar temperatures in both bulk compositions, rangingfrom T850C at P = 3 kbar T930C at P = 15 kbar. The hydrousmineral disappears 50C above the solidus in both systems, exceptin IHPV experiments at f(O₂) above Ni–NiO, in which biotitestability extends up to atleast 80C above the solidus. At theT at which the hydrous minerals disappear the biotite gneissproduces 2–3 times more melt than the quartz amphibolite(50–60 wt% vs 20–30 wt%). In both systems, variationsin melt productivity with P are controlled by three competingfactors: (1) the positive d P/dT slopes of the solidi, (2) decreasingH₂O activity with increasing P at constant H₂O content, and(3) Na₂O activity, which increases with P concomitantly withbreakdown of plagioclase. Melt productivities at T = 920–950Care maximized at intermediate pressures (7 kbar). The biotitegneiss produces strongly peraluminous granitic melts (SiO₂>70wt%) and residual assemblages of quartz norite (P>125 kbar)or garnet pyroxenite (P>125 kbar). The quartz amphiboliteproduces strongly peraluminous granodioritic melts (SiO₂>70wt%) that coexist with clinopyroxene + orthopyroxene + plagioclase+ quartz at P>10 kbar)garnet. The results of coupled meltingand crystallization experiments on the quartz amphibolite suggestthat strongly peraluminous granitoid rocks (e.g. cordierite-bearingand two-mica granites) can be derived from melting of Al-poorprotoliths. KEY WORDS: dehydration-melting; biotite gneiss; amphibolite; felsic magmas ^*Corresponding author