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Research ArticleArticles

On the importance of crystallization-differentiation for the generation of SiO2-rich melts and the compositional build-up of arc (and continental) crust

Oliver Jagoutz and Benjamin Klein
American Journal of Science January 2018, 318 (1) 29-63; DOI: https://doi.org/10.2475/01.2018.03
Oliver Jagoutz
Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
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  • For correspondence: jagoutz@mit.edu
Benjamin Klein
Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
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Abstract

In this paper we review processes responsible for the formation of granites in subduction systems. While there is robust evidence that strongly peraluminous, so-called S-type granites are formed by melting of metasediments in the (lower) crust, the processes that form metaluminous, so-called I-Type granites are less certain. We review four lines of evidence that have been presented in support of a dominantly crustal origin for these granites: 1) field observations; 2) isotopic compositions; 3) the missing cumulate problem; and 4) the bimodal distribution of igneous rock compositions. We show that in most cases the evidence is at least equally permissive of a process dominated by crystallization-differentiation. Moreover, we show that this mechanism is more efficient than re-melting and avoids additional difficulties associated with the source of heat and or fluids necessary for productive partial melting. Lastly, we show with a simple stochastic model that crystallization-differentiation also explains the first-order compositional and density stratification of arc crust and hence continental crust. We conclude that the structure of arc crust is comparable to oceanic crust at fast spreading ridges and may be controlled by analogous melt transport and stagnation mechanisms.

  • granite formation
  • hydrous crystallization
  • arc crust formation
  • continental crust formation
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American Journal of Science: 318 (1)
American Journal of Science
Vol. 318, Issue 1
1 Jan 2018
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On the importance of crystallization-differentiation for the generation of SiO2-rich melts and the compositional build-up of arc (and continental) crust
Oliver Jagoutz, Benjamin Klein
American Journal of Science Jan 2018, 318 (1) 29-63; DOI: 10.2475/01.2018.03

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On the importance of crystallization-differentiation for the generation of SiO2-rich melts and the compositional build-up of arc (and continental) crust
Oliver Jagoutz, Benjamin Klein
American Journal of Science Jan 2018, 318 (1) 29-63; DOI: 10.2475/01.2018.03
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  • Article
    • Abstract
    • INTRODUCTION
    • ARGUMENT 1: FIELD OBSERVATIONS
    • ARGUMENT 2: ISOTOPIC EVIDENCE FOR ASSIMILATION/PARTIAL MELTING
    • ARGUMENT 3: THE VOLUME ARGUMENT
    • ARGUMENT 4: THE DISTRIBUTION OF IGNEOUS ROCK COMPOSITIONS: A DEARTH(?) OF INTERMEDIATE COMPOSITIONS
    • CONCLUSION
    • ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
    • APPENDIX
    • REFERENCES
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Keywords

  • granite formation
  • hydrous crystallization
  • arc crust formation
  • continental crust formation

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