discontinuous reaction series

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences | 1999 | 700+ words | Copyright

discontinuous reaction series A sequence of mineral reactions each of which takes place at a specific temperature during the cooling of a magma. A high-temperature mineral will remain in equilibrium with a cooling magma until it reaches its reaction temperature. At this point the mineral completely reacts with the melt and dissolves away to produce a new mineral in equilibrium with the melt. This second mineral remains in equilibrium with the magma as the magma continues to cool until its reaction temperature is also reached. The process then repeats itself. The principle of discontinuous reaction was first advanced by Norman Bowen in 1928. In sub-alkaline magmas the discontinuous reaction olivine—pyroxene—amphibole— biotite is commonly observed.

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AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "discontinuous reaction series." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "discontinuous reaction series." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-discontinuousreactionsers.html

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "discontinuous reaction series." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-discontinuousreactionsers.html

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