This book provides a common theoretical and practical basis to the multifaceted nature of magma mixing. This process represents a fundamental phenomenon both in the evolution of igneous rocks and in triggering explosive volcanic eruptions. The topic is attacked surgically merging field evidence, numerical models, and experiments in order to draw the most complete picture about this natural process. Arguments are discussed in the light of Chaos Theory and Fractal Geometry as new tools to understand the role of magma mixing as a fundamental petrological and volcanological process. The book is intended to be a source of information and a stimulus for new ideas in students, young and possibly more experienced researches.

Modeling of Magmatic and Allied Processes presents methods and models for the quantification of geological processes. Conceptual models for magmatic differentiation involving crystallization and mixing are presented and applied to field and textural data. Model equations for the degree of partial melting in presence perturbations of lithospheric geotherms and partitioning of trace/radioactive elements in the matrix and melts, and the formation of continents with melt additions are described. Diverse magmatic products are shown to result from differentiation processes rather than magmatic source heterogeneities. The degree of partial melting depends on mantle temperatures, for which parameterized thermal convection models are reviewed. Perturbations in geotherms caused by mantle heat flow, CO2 flux from great depths and tectonic thrusting are analyzed. The petrogenetic significance of accessory minerals of felsic magma evolution is assessed with the help of examples from Carpathian granitoids. Methods for simulating the 3-D Concentration and Distribution Models (DC-DMs) and fractal dimension of evolving magma systems are described with examples. The use of conventional scanning electron microscopy methods and electron microprobe to characterize and infer magmatic processes is explained, and the background and economic potential of hydrothermal systems are examined. The nature of oxidizing felsic magmas along with their potential for copper mineralization is discussed. In closing, the handling, calculation and plotting of geochemical data for igneous rock suites using the R-language-based software Geochemical Data Toolkit (GCDkit) along with plug-in modules for the forward and reverse mass-balance calculation of fractional crystallization are demonstrated.

A richly illustrated survey of rock microstructures in igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, from basic concepts to cutting-edge research.

With its integrated and cohesive coverage of the current research, Magmatic Systems skillfully explores the physical processes, mechanics, and dynamics of volcanism. The text utilizes a synthesized perspective--theoretical, experimental, and observational--to address the powerful regulatory mechanisms controlling the movement of melts and cooling, with emphasis on mantle plumes, mid-ocean ridges, and intraplate magmatism. Further coverage of subduction zone magmatism includes:Fluid mechanics of mixed magma migrationInternal structure of active systemsGrain-scale melt flowRheology of partial meltsNumerical simulation of porous media melt migrationNonlinear (chaotic and fractal) processes in magma transportIn all, Magmatic Systems will prove invaluable reading to those in search of an interdisciplinary perspective on this active topic.Key Features* Fluid mechanics of magma migration from surface region to eruption site* Internal structure of active magmatic systems* Grain-scale melt flow in mantle plumes and beneath mid-ocean ridges* Physics of magmatic systems and magma dynamics

Igneous and metamorphic petrology has over the last twenty years expanded rapidly into a broad, multifaceted and increasingly quantitative science. Advances in geochemistry, geochronology, and geophysics, as well as the appearance of new analytical tools, have all contributed to new ways of thinking about the origin and evolution of magmas, and the processes driving metamorphism. This book is designed to give students a balanced and comprehensive coverage of these new advances, as well as a firm grounding in the classical aspects of igneous and metamorphic petrology. The emphasis throughout is on the processes controlling petrogenesis, but care is taken to present the important descriptive information so crucial to interpretation. One of the most up-to-date synthesis of igneous and metamorphic petrology available. Emphasis throughout on latest experimental and field data. Igneous and metamorphic sections can be used independently if necessary.