Interpretation of field relationships of Diorites and associated rocks with particular reference to northwest Guernsey, Channel Islands

Abstract

AbstractIn northwest Guernsey, excellently exposed sections of coast reveal a wide variety of diorites and associated rocks which are particulariy instructive in understanding field relationships in diorite complexes generally. In this area, three groups of rocks may be distinguished. A Diorite Group consists of even grained diorite, acicular diorite and appinite, believed to be related to each other by fractionation. This group was intruded by a Granodiorite Group which contains diorite xenoliths. In turn, both of these were intruded by an Inhomogeneous Suite of rocks varying from meladiorite through to tonalite. Field evidence and geochemistry show that this last, highly variable suite of rocks was formed by the unusual process of fractional crystallization coupled with disruption and partial redigestion of early solid fractionates by derivative liquids, leading to the marked inhomogeneity. Such a mechanism may be more generally applicable but clear evidence for it seems to be restricted to rocks of dioritic composition. The margins of the Inhomogeneous Suite usually consist of tonalite which has piped into the surrounding diorites of the Diorite Group, and the two rock groups are thought to have been at least partially liquid at the same time. The exact shape of pipes may prove to be a useful indicator of physicai conditions at the time of magma emplacement in this and other intimate associations of magmas of contrasted composition. Although the Diorite Group was emplaced first, dark (apparently chilled) margins sometimes occur in diorites of this Group where they are in contact with the later Inhomogeneous Suite. In such intimate associations as this, dark margins must be interpreted with extreme caution.