Model for the possible origin of anorthosite-syenite associations like the Laramie anorthosite complex (lac)

Conference · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1985 · Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States)

OSTI ID:6454403

Lindsley, D H; Kolker, A; Fuhrman, M; Frost, B R

Proterozoic massif anorthosites (ANT) have several unique attributes. Compared to typical tholeiitic layered mafic intrusions, they are distinctly evolved, with low mg numbers and high Ab/An ratios, and are also more potassic, with 1-2 wt% K/sub 2/O - 5-10% normative Or that occurs as antiperthite. They are closely associated in time and space with still more potassic rocks (MSY: monzonites, syenites, mangerites, etc.) considered by some to be comagmatic with the ANT and by others to be partial melts of the country rock. If the MSY are comagmatic, the parent magma is must be relatively potassic. Such a magma might pond and fractionate at the base of thin continental crust, with olivines and pyroxenes sinking and plagioclase floating, thereby depleting the magma in Mg and Eu. Crystal mushes of plagioclase would then intrude the crust diapirically to depths of 8-15 km, forming ANT. With continued fractionation the K- and Fe-enriched liquid would begin crystallizing ternary feldspars (as found at LAC); these too would float, forming crystal mushes (MSY) that would rise diapirically and intrude the ANT. The cumulate MSY would have no Eu anomaly (or a small positive one) as found at LAC; the liquid would have a strong negative Eu anomaly. Some contamination of the MSY suite by partial melts from the country rock is likely. This model can explain the virtual continuum in mineral compositions from ANT to MSY reported for LAC by Fuhrman and others (this volume). Parent magmas might be trachyandesitic; another candidate is the biotite gabbro found throughout the LAC.

• Research Organization: State Univ. New York (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6454403
• Report Number(s): CONF-8510489-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States) Journal Volume: 17
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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58 GEOSCIENCES
580300* -- Mineralogy
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ANORTHOSITES
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FEDERAL REGION VIII
GABBROS
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GEOLOGIC MODELS
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PETROGENESIS
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