Group convenes to discuss deformation‐enhanced fluid flow

Abstract

An international group of geologists met in Edinburgh, Scotland, in September 1995 to discuss recent progress in understanding the interrelationships between rock deformation and fluid flow. Channeled flow of magmas or volatile fluids in crustal fractures is a familiar concept, but the emphasis of research into deformation‐enhanced fluid flow is moving toward an analysis of rock transport properties during ductile, rather than brittle, deformation. This subject is applicable to the complete spectrum of fluid‐bearing environments in the Earth including the movement of volatiles (for example, H2O and CO2) during crustal metamorphism, and the extraction of basaltic melt from the mantle. Under the aegis of the Metamorphic, Tectonic and Volcanic Studies Groups of the Geological Society of London, and the Mineralogical Society, a 3‐day meeting was convened to bring together scientists working on all aspects of this diverse problem. The meeting concentrated on several major themes: segregation, ascent, and emplacement of granitic magmas; the extraction of basalt from partially molten mantle; and devolatilization of metamorphic rocks.