Monzonites (MZ) and monzosyenites (MSY) associated with the Laramie anorthoside complex (LAC), Wyoming
The relationship between Proterozoic massif anorthosites and the associated syenitic rocks remains controversial. Unlike most such complexes, the LAC is unmetamorphosed and hence is ideally suited to petrologic and geochemical tests of a possible comagmatic origin. The authors detailed mapping and petrologic studies of the MZ and MSY show that these rocks were nearly anhydrous and crystallized at 3-5 kbar, 950-1050/sup 0/C, and oxygen fugacities several log units below FMQ buffer. They intrude the anorthosite, although the radiometric ages are identical within error. They have found strong petrologic evidence for a close genetic relationship between the anorthositic rocks and the MZ and MSY: mineral-chemical trends - as expressed by feldspars; augites, and low-Ca pyroxenes - are virtually continuous from the anorthosite through MZ to MSY. In contrast, recent geochemical studies of the LAC indicate that the MSY cannot represent a liquid complementary to the anorthosite. Their studies suggest a possible explanation: the MSY, like the anorthosite, may be a cumulate rather than a liquid. Fine-grained MZ that forms a border facies of the MSY probably represents a liquid. The authors are also considering several other highly evolved units as possible liquids residual to the MSY; such liquids should show strong negative Eu anomalies. Rare-earth studies on the fine-grained MZ and on other rocks are under way. A model for the possible comagmatic formation of the LAC is given by Lindsley and others.
- Research Organization:
- State Univ. New York, Stony Brook (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 6576966
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-8510489-
- Journal Information:
- Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States), Vol. 17; Conference: 98. annual meeting of the Geological Society of America, Orlando, FL, USA, 28 Oct 1985
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Genesis of monzonoritic rocks in the Rogaland anorthositic Province (S. W. Norway)
Proterozoic massif anorthosites and related rocks in Labrador: the anorthosite-charnockite connection