| Abstract: | Fractional crystallization in open systems is modelled in a general mathematical form. The estimation of element concentrations in liquid and solid phases is done by means of a system of coupled nonlinear first order differential equations. With special, physically founded assumptions on distribution coefficients and source terms in the equations several special cases can be derived which are known in the literature.As an application, correlations between solid-phase concentrations of major elements, trace elements and isotopes are derived which can be used for the interpretation of geological processes. Especially the changes of strontium and rubidium concentrations of magmatic rocks are discussed in the progression of magma differentiation. In a second example the evolution of trace elements in the West-Erzgebirge (G.D.R.) as an open crystallizing magmatic system is discussed. |
