Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
4714854 Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research 2007 23 Pages PDF
Abstract

The Earth's magmatism produces both volcanic and plutonic rocks. These two rock types share many similarities, but also display significant differences that have led to a tendency to view (and study) them as separate realms. This review tries to bridge the gap to provide more incentive to integrate data from all magmatic rocks in a hope to better understand the processes that led to the differentiation of the Earth and generation of a silicic continental crust. We strongly reinforce recent statements made in the literature suggesting that most disparities between volcanic and plutonic rocks can be resolved if volcanic rocks are seen as erupted melt-rich regions (magma “chambers”) expelled from crystal-rich (mushy) reservoirs, which later crystallize to form plutons.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Earth and Planetary Sciences Geochemistry and Petrology
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