Quest for low-degree mantle melts

Article Abstract:

The composition of silicate melts produced at anhydrous, near-solidus conditions, at pressures of 1 GPa from a lherzolite composition as determined by M.B. Baker and colleagues is different from the earlier findings. The discrepancy may be due to the use of time-dependent diffusion and time-dependent pore filling of the diamond aggregates. The disequilibrium melting of natural mineral starting mixes and uncertainty in water content also affect the calculations. However, Baker and colleagues contend that they never claimed an anhydrous composition and further experiments support their results.

Author: Green, David H., O'Neill, Hugh St. C., Baker, M.B., Hirschmann, M.M., Ghiorso, M.S., Stolper, E.M., Falloon, Trevor J., Ballhaus, Chris G., Wasylenki, L.E.
Research, Usage, Earth, Silicates, Mantle (Geology), Analytic geochemistry

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Melts caught in the act

Article Abstract:

An illustration of a rare mantle melt from the Mid-Atlantic ridge provides new information on the melting process that occurs in the earth's interior. This particular description features relatively low amounts of lanthanide elements as compared to other mid-ocean ridges. This discovery was made possible with the availability of sophisticated equipment that could analyze minerals with up to parts-per-billion resolution.

Author: Elthon, Don
Observations, Magmatism

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The making of metal deposits

Article Abstract:

A cycle of growth, collapse and subsequent accumulation of high and Low temperature chimneys over the transatlantic geotraverse (TAG) sulphide mound is responsible for the increasing size of the TAG mound. This is revealed in a study of a (TAG) sulphide mound under Ocean Drilling Program on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Large channels of anhydrite are also unearthed in the drilling of the TAG mound.

Author: Koski, Randolph A.
Analysis, Discovery and exploration, Hydrothermal vents, Marine sediments, United States. National Science Foundation. Ocean Drilling Program

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Subjects list: Natural history, Mid-Atlantic Ridge
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