Fractional crystallization in granites of the Sierra Nevada: how important is it?

Authors

J. B. Reid, Hampshire College
D. P. Murray, Hampshire College
O. D. Hermes, Hampshire College
E. J. Steig, Hampshire College

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

1-1-1993

Abstract

Although compositional variation in zoned calc-alkalic plutons is often ascribed to crystal fractionation, diagnostic large-scale field evidence of crystal accumulation in these slowly cooled bodies is generally missing. In many plutons, however, small-scale crystal cumulates have been preserved as layered schlieren and in microcosm may allow an assessment of the importance of crystal fractionation in their host pluton's development. Small, widely separated patches of schlieren in the Tuolumne Intrusive Series, Yosemite National Park, California, formed as cumulates. The data suggest that fractional crystallization did not produce the dominant chemical patterns seen in the Tuolumne and similar Sierra Nevada granites. -from Authors

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

Geology

Volume

21

Issue

7

Citation/Publisher Attribution

Reid, J. B., D. P. Murray, O. D. Hermes, and E. J. Steig. "Fractional crystallization in granites of the Sierra Nevada: how important is it?." Geology 21, 7 (1993). doi: 10.1130/0091-7613(1993)021<0587:FCIGOT>2.3.CO.