Alkaline Trachyte Research Articles

Conditions of Rock Formation and Magma Sources of the Late Cenozoic Udokan Volcanic Plateau

The Udokan volcanic plateau (UVP), like other areas of the Late Cenozoic volcanic province of Central Asia, formed in the interval from the Middle Miocene to the Pleistocene. Its products have high alkalinity and vary in composition from alkaline picrobasalts and basanites to alkaline trachytes. Compositional changes were controlled by two differentiation trends, which corresponded to different conditions of the original magmas generation. Rocks with low SiO2 contents (45 wt. %) were formed from melts of low melting degrees that arose under conditions of elevated pressures and temperatures. Formation of rocks corresponding to the composition range 45–61 wt. %. % SiO2 was associated with the differentiation of basalt melts, which arose at shallower depths and at lower temperatures. The geochemical characteristics of the UVP basaltoids make them similar to OIB-type basalts. They are also close in Sr, Nd, and Pb isotopic composition, corresponding to the parameters of a moderately depleted mantle, which is close to the composition of oceanic basalt sources corresponding to the mantle of deep mantle plumes. The corresponding mantle component is present in the sources of other volcanic regions of the Late Cenozoic intraplate volcanic province of Central Asia, which indicates the involvement of the lower mantle plume in the formation of these regions.

Petrogenesis and tectonic significance of two bimodal volcanic stages from the Ediacaran Campo Alegre-Corupá Basin (Brazil): Record of metacratonization during the consolidation of Western Gondwana

The Ediacaran Campo Alegre-Corupá Basin in South Brazil developed in two stages, the synorogenic passive rift (Basin Stage ∼605–590 Ma) and the post-collisional caldera volcano (Caldera Stage ∼583–577 Ma), respectively. Volcanic rocks from the Basin Stage show a bimodal compositional spectrum with dominant basalt and subordinate silicic rocks. The basaltic rocks are transitional to mildly alkaline, exhibiting Ocean Island Basalt-like (OIB-like) trace element enrichment patterns, with depletion in Nb and Ta, however, and crustal-like Sr-Nd isotopic signatures, suggesting that they were derived from low degrees (∼5%) of partial melting of an enriched lithospheric mantle source. The silicic rocks are transitional to mildly alkaline trachydacites associated with subordinate rhyolites, exhibiting trace element compositions typical of A2-type granitoids, produced by fractional crystallization of the coeval basalts in the Moho. Volcanic rocks from the Caldera Stage are constituted mainly by alkaline trachytes and rhyolites, occurring primarily as pyroclastic sequences coupled to minor effusive lava flows and domes, also exhibiting trace element compositions typical of A2-type granitoids. They are associated with subordinated effusive transitional to mildly alkaline basalts with Island Arc Basalt-like (IAB-like) trace element signatures. Compared to the Basin Stage, the basalts from the Caldera Stage result from higher degrees (∼15 %) of partial melting of possibly the same enriched lithospheric-mantle sources during the lithospheric root collapse of a cratonic terrane. The silicic rocks from the Caldera Stage are also derived from the coeval basalts by fractional crystallization in the Moho. However, an additional stage of differentiation in the upper crust is required to explain their silica-enriched compositions and eruptive styles. Results from this study support a connection between the silicic volcanic rocks from the Caldera Stage and the plutonic bodies from the nearby A-type Graciosa Province. Lu-Hf isotopes from detrital zircon suggest an Andean arc-type tectonic setting during the Paleoproterozoic (∼2,185 Ma) history of the Luis Alves Terrane (LAT) basement. This tectonic setting was responsible for the arc-like signatures of the intraplate lithospheric-derived rocks of both bimodal volcanic sequences. Crustal-like Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic characteristics result from a protracted isotope evolution of their enriched mantle sources, and each tectono-magmatic stage results from a different extensional setting, which has implications for the metacratonization of the LAT.

Sources of Magmas and Conditions of Rock Formation in the Late Cenozoic Udokan Volcanic Plateau

The Udokan volcanic plateau differs from other volcanic regions of the Late Cenozoic volcanic province of East Asia in the high alkalinity of volcanic rocks, their potassium specialization, and rock composition, varying from melaleucytitis and melanephelinites to alkaline trachytes. The presence of alkaline-salic rocks in volcanic associations makes it unique to the province. The reasons that determined the unique magmatism of the Udokan plateau are considered. The data of geochemical and isotopic studies have shown that the moderately enriched magma of the mantle plume served as a melt source in the region. The initial melts were formed under conditions of garnet stability at low degrees of melting. This contributed to their enrichment in alkalis and other incompatible elements that is especially characteristic of ultramafic rocks. It is established that fractionation processes controlled the distribution of the trace elements in the rocks of volcanic associations. Deep differentiation of the magmas to alkaline trachytes occurred in the peripheral magma chambers. Here, magmas interacted with intracrustal waters, which led to a change in their oxygen isotopic composition. It is shown that contamination did not play a decisive role in the formation of lava plateau rocks.

The rare metal deposits of the El Garra El Hamra syenites, South Western Desert, Egypt

The El Garra El Hamra complex is a small high-level plug (with associated volcanics) that was emplaced along an ENE-WSW trending dextral strike-slip fault corresponding to the Guinean-Nubian lineament. Owing to continued movement along this fault, the intrusion split into two parts that were displaced horizontally by approximately 580 m. The intrusion consists mainly of syenites (fresh and altered) and granites (altered) that are locally overlain by alkaline trachyte and rhyolite and are hosted by Nubian sandstones. The fresh syenites are composed of perthitic K-feldspars, albite, alkali pyroxenes (aegirine-augite and aegirine) and secondary alkali amphiboles (arfvedsonite and riebeckite). Accessory minerals include opaques, apatite, zircon, xenotime-(Y) and bastnäsite-(Ce). Calcite and hematite are alteration products. Geochemically, the syenites are peralkaline; their CIPW norms classify them as ranging between syenite and quartz syenite in compositions. They were emplaced in a within-plate tectonic setting along the Guinean-Nubian lineament (Kalabsha), close to the extension of the Chephren-Kom Ombo trend (a branch of the Trans-African Shear Zone). They were evolved from a magma compositionally similar to Ocean island basalt (OIB). Numerous dextral and sinistral strike-slip faults cut the intrusion and may have facilitated the circulation of fluids that altered them hydrothermally. These faults developed during or shortly after emplacement of the intrusion or perhaps during subsequent reactivation of the Guinean-Nubian and Trans-African shear zones and were accompanied by dykes that range in compositions from intermediate to acidic composition; most of which strike ENE-WSW. Hydrothermal alteration of the syenites locally led to extreme enrichment in rare metals (e.g. LREE, HREE, Zr, Hf, Th, U, Nb and Be) as the minerals zircon, gittinsite, bastnäsite-(Ce), parisite-(Ce), monazite–(Ce), REE-rich fluorapatite, chevkinite-(Ce), xenotime-(Y), pyrochlore, columbite-(Fe), Nb-rutile and thorite. Fluorite and barite are important gangue minerals.

Origin of Fe–Ti Oxide Mineralization in the Middle Paleoproterozoic Elet’ozero Syenite–Gabbro Intrusive Complex (Northern Karelia, Russia)

Magmatic oxide mineralization widely developed in syenite–gabbro intrusive complexes is an important Fe and Ti resource. However, its origin is hotly debatable. Some researchers believe that the oxide ores were formed through precipitation of dense Ti-magnetite in an initial ferrogabbroic magma (Bai et al., 2012), whereas others consider them as a product of immiscible splitting of Fe-rich liquid during crystallization of Fe–Ti basaltic magma (Zhou et al., 2013). We consider this problem with a study of the Middle Paleoproterozoic (2086 ± 30 Ma) Elet’ozero Ti-bearing layered intrusive complex in northern Karelia (Baltic Shield). The first ore-bearing phase of the complex is mainly made up of diverse ferrogabbros, with subordinate clinopyroxenites and peridotites. Fe–Ti oxides (magnetite, Ti-magnetite, and ilmenite) usually account for 10–15 vol %, reaching 30–70% in ore varieties. The second intrusive phase is formed by alkaline and nepheline syenites. Petrographical, mineralogical, and geochemical data indicate that the first phase of the intrusion was derived from a moderately alkaline Fe–Ti basaltic melt, while the parental melt of the second phase was close in composition to alkaline trachyte. The orebodies comprise disseminated and massive ores. The disseminated Fe–Ti oxide ores make up lenses and layers conformable to general layering. Massive ores occur in subordinate amounts as layers and lenses, as well as cross-cutting veins. Elevated Nb and Ta contents in Fe–Ti oxides makes it possible to consider them complex ores. It is shown that the Fe–Ti oxide mineralization is related to the formation of a residual (Fe,Ti)-rich liquid, which lasted for the entire solidification history of the first intrusive phase. The liquid originated through multiple enrichment of Fe and Ti in the crystallization zone of the intrusion owing to the following processes: (1) precipitation of silicate minerals in the crystallization zone with a corresponding increase in the Fe and Ti contents in an interstitial melt; and (2) periodic accumulation of the residual melt in front of this zone. Unlike liquid immiscibility leading to melt splitting into two phases, this liquid dissolved the residual components of the melt. Correspondingly, such an Fe-rich liquid has unusual properties and requires further study.

Conditions of crystallization of olivine shonkinites in the Inagli massif (Central Aldan)

The olivine shonkinites localized among dunites and alkali gabbroids in the northern part of the alkaline ultrabasic Inagli massif (northwestern part of Central Aldan) have been studied. The obtained data on the chemical and trace-element compositions of the rocks and minerals and the results of melt inclusion study showed that the olivine shonkinites crystallized from alkaline basanite melt enriched in Cl, S, CO2, and trace elements. Clinopyroxene crystallized at 1180-1200 °C from a homogeneous silicate-salt melt, which was probably separated into immiscible silicate and carbonate-salt fractions with temperature decreasing. The composition of the silicate fraction evolved from alkaline basanite to alkaline trachyte. The carbonate-salt fraction had an alkaline carbonate composition and was enriched in S and Cl. The same trend of evolution of clinopyroxene-hosted melts and the igneous rocks of the Inagli massif suggests that the alkali gabbroids, melanocratic alkali syenites, and pulaskites formed from the same magma, which had a near-alkaline basanite composition during its crystallization differentiation. The geochemical studies showed that the olivine shonkinites and glasses of homogenized melt inclusions in clinopyroxene grains have similar contents of trace elements, one or two orders of magnitude higher than those in the primitive mantle. The high contents of LILE (K, Rb, and Sr) and LREE in the olivine shoshonites and homogenized inclusions suggest the enriched mantle source, and the negative anomalies of HFSE and Ti are a specific feature of igneous rocks formed with the participation of crustal material. The slight depletion in HREE relative to LREE and the high (La/Yb)n ratios in the rocks and inclusion glasses (10.0-11.4 and 4.7-6.2, respectively) suggest the presence of garnet in the mantle source.

First data on REE-bearing silicates from volcanic rocks of Kamchatka

The first finds of the REE-bearing silicates in the Kamchatka island-arc system were reported from K-Na alkaline trachytes from a large volcanic body of Bolshoi volcano in the back-arc zone of the Sredinny Ridge volcanic belt (56°24′10″ N and 157°56′45″ E) of Kamchatka. Chevkinite microlites are found in a trachytic groundmass in association with microlites of ferropigeonite, ferroaugite, anorthoclase, Na-sanidine, richterite, apatite, Nb-bearing ilmenite, zirkelite, baddeleyite, and zircon. The chevkinites from the Bolshoi volcano trachytes have higher Nb and Zr and similar REE contents compared to the chevkinite-group minerals from igneous rocks formed in different geodynamic settings. The crystallization conditions for chevkinites from Bolshoi volcano were determined by comparing the compositions of trachytes and their mineral assemblages with those of trachytes from Belogolovskii volcano of Sredinny Ridge, Kamchatka. The results show that chevkinites were formed during prolonged crystallization of a trachytic magma under reducing conditions at \(\Delta \log f_{O_2 } \) ranging from −1.36 to −1.55 NNO, relatively low temperatures of 794–741°C, and moderate HF concentrations of magmatic fluids (0.003–0.0029 mol/dm3). These results, combined with the other data, are of crucial interest for studies of the REE budget during the evolution of high-alkaline magmas and can be used as indicators for determining the nature and role of different magma sources in the active continental margin setting of Kamchatka.

Geochemical fingerprint of the primary magma composition in the marine tephras originated from the Baegdusan and Ulleung volcanoes

The intraplate Baegdusan (Changbai) and Ulleung volcanoes located on the border of China, North Korea, and East/Japan Sea, respectively, have been explained by appeals to both hotspots and asthenospheric mantle upwelling (wet plume) caused by the stagnant Pacific plate. To understand the origin of the Baegdusan and Ulleung volcanism, we performed geochemical analyses on the tephra deposits in the East/Japan Sea basins originating from the Baegdusan and Ulleung volcanoes. The volcanic glass in the tephra from the Baegdusan and Ulleung volcanoes ranged from alkaline trachyte to peralkaline rhyolite and from phonolite to trachyte, respectively. The tephra from the two intraplate volcanoes showed highly enriched incompatible elements, such as Tb, Nb, Hf, and Ta, distinct from those of the ordinary arc volcanoes of the Japanese islands. The straddle distribution of the Th/Yb and Ta/Yb ratios of the tephra deposits from the Baegdusan volcano may originate from the alkali basaltic magma resulting from mixing between the wet plume from the stagnant Pacific plate in the transition zone and the overlying shallow asthenospheric mantle. In contrast, the deposits from the Ulleung volcano show a minor contribution of the stagnant slab to the basaltic magma, implying either partial melting of a more enriched mantle, smaller degrees of partial melting of a garnet-bearing mantle source, or a combination of both processes as the magma genesis. Our study indicated that the Baegdusan and Ulleung volcanoes have different magma sources and evolutionary histories.

GEOCHEMICAL AND MINERALOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF NATASH VOLCANICS, SOUTH EASTERN DESERT, EGYPT

The two ring structures of Western Ghurfa and Gaziret Khashm Natash as well as the ring dyke, G.El Ghurfa have extruded through the volcanic flows. The three rings range in composition from volcanicflows, represented by trachybasalt, trachyandesite, normal trachyte and alkaline trachyte and pyroclasticrocks (agglomerates, tuffs, pumice and scoria). The rings are semicircular to circular in outline range from1 km to 0.6 km.The high contents of uranium in the studied rocks are due to the presence of secondary uranium mineralssuch as meta-autunite and kasolite as well as the accessory minerals bearing uranium such as monazite,xenotime, zircon and allanite.The geochemical studies of the volcanic rocks revealed that the rock samples fall in the trachyte,trachyandesite , trachybasalt and basalt fields. These rocks were originated from alkaline magma, anddeveloped in continental basalt environment. The enrichment of the LREEs (182 - 391 ppm) is most due tothe presences of garnet in the source.

Geochemical and isotopic constraints on the petrogenesis of the Puesto La Peña undersaturated potassic complex, Mendoza province, Argentina: Geodynamic implications

Major and trace element and radiogenic and stable isotope data are reported for the Miocene Puesto La Peña undersaturated potassic complex, located in the Argentine Precordillera. The complex is composed of a pyroxenite core surrounded by a malignite–borolanite association, followed by radial and ring dikes composed of alkaline lamprophyres, tephrite to phonolite and intermediate varieties, porphyritic microledmorite, benmoreite, alkaline trachyte and a swarm of ultrabasic ouachitite dikes. Late trachytic to phonolitic volcanic necks and associated dikes crop out surrounding the malignitic–borolanitic massif.Major and trace element data are consistent with their derivation by partial melting from an enriched, probably lithospheric, metasomatized heterogeneous mantle involving spinel- and garnet-facies mantle sources. The trace element and isotope data indicate that all rock types are derived from a common parental magma and are thus cogenetic.Sr, Nd and Pb variations in the different studied lithologies are restricted, except for the evidence of Sr decoupling in the ouachitite samples. Their Sr–Nd isotope compositions follow the “mantle array” defined by oceanic basalts, within the OIB field, consistent with an intraplate depleted source. The genesis of the ouachitite is interpreted to be related to mixing between asthenospheric magma and melts from the lower lithosphere consisting of K-rich metasomatic layers. The Dupal like Pb isotopes signature suggests a mantle modification by introduction of continental crust material in the upper mantle; this is consistent with the Sr–Nd isotope data from the late silica-undersaturated felsic dikes and volcanic necks.Multistage mantle extraction would have occurred by the end of Neoproterozoic to lower Paleozoic times as indicated by the isotopic data. Partial melting was initiated by mantle upwelling decompression during lithosphere extension. Back-arc extensional conditions during the latest Early Miocene (19Ma), related to the geometry of the Pacific subducted plate beneath the South American plate, favored the tectonic conditions for magma ascent from a magmatic reservoir located at around 30km depth in the crust. A fractional crystallization process, primarily of clinopynoxene, plagioclase, alkali feldspar, nepheline and lesser biotite, magnetite, and apatite, first yielded the cumulate clinopyroxenite, followed by the malignite–borolanite association and the late dikes and volcanic necks. The morphology of the complex, as well as the relationship between their different facies, points to a cauldron subsidence model of emplacement.

Cenozoic intra-plate magmatism in the Darfur volcanic province: mantle source, phonolite-trachyte genesis and relation to other volcanic provinces in NE Africa

Chemical and Sr, Nd and Pb isotopic compositions of Late Cenozoic to Quaternary small-volume phonolite, trachyte and related mafic rocks from the Darfur volcanic province/NW-Sudan have been investigated. Isotope signatures indicate variable but minor crustal contributions. Some phonolitic and trachytic rocks show the same isotopic composition as their primitive mantle-derived parents, and no crustal contributions are visible in the trace element patterns of these samples. The magmatic evolution of the evolved rocks is dominated by crystal fractionation. The Si-undersaturated strongly alkaline phonolite and the Si-saturated mildly alkaline trachyte can be modelled by fractionation of basanite and basalt, respectively. The suite of basanite–basalt–phonolite–trachyte with characteristic isotope signatures from the Darfur volcanic province fits the compositional features of other Cenozoic intra-plate magmatism scattered in North and Central Africa (e.g., Tibesti, Maghreb, Cameroon line), which evolved on a lithosphere that was reworked or formed during the Neoproterozoic.

Geochemistry, mineralogy, and radioactivity of Upper Cretaceous Abu Khruq Ring Complex, South Eastern Desert, Egypt

The upper Cretaceous Abu Khruq ring complex (ARC) is located in the South Eastern Desert between latitudes 24°00′10′′ and 24°03′15′′ N, and longitudes 33°54′50′′ and 33°58′ E and has a roughly circular shape with a diameter of 7 km. ARC is built up by major extrusion of alkaline volcanic rocks comprising mainly rhyolite porphyry and alkaline trachyte rocks at the center of the ring complex followed by successive intrusions of alkaline gabbro and syenitic rocks comprising quartz syenite (oversaturated), syenite (saturated), and nepheline syenite (undersaturated). Petrographical and geochemical studies were carried out for the rocks of the forming ARC. For mineralogical and radioactive investigations, samples were collected from the most promising locations representing the hematitized nepheline syenite, nepheline syenite pegmatites, and quartz syenite. The most important minerals comprise: phosphuranylite, zircon, monazite, xenotime, plumbopyrochlore, pyrite, huttonite, apatite, REE mineral, rutile, and atacamite. The hematitized nepheline syenite is the most U- and Th-rich rocks, where eU content in this rock ranges from 375 to 788 ppm with an average 502 ppm and the average eTh content is 2,345 ppm ranging from 1,918 to 3,067 ppm. The pegmatite syenite and quartz syenite contain relatively low concentrations of U and Th, where the average eU content are 11 and 16 ppm and average eTh contents are 27 and 327 ppm, respectively.

Paleozoic and early mesozoic magmatism manifestations in the early Precambrian structure of the South Yenisei Ridge

This study characterizes some issues of the Paleozoic and Mesozoic tectonomagmatic evolution of Precambrian structures from the southwestern margin of the Siberian craton. The relationship between the Devonian and Triassic magmatic events is demonstrated from the example of the Severnaya rift-related structure, South Yenisei Ridge. U-Pb SHRIMP dating yielded ages of 387 ± 5 Ma for leucogranites and 240 ± 3 Ma for the overlying alkaline trachytes. These ages show good agreement with Ar-Ar geochronological data (392–387 Ma) obtained for micas from paragneisses and leucogranite dykes of the Yenisei suture zone, the extension of which is superimposed by the studied rift-related structure. The previous geological evidence and the Devonian age estimate first obtained for magmatic rocks of the Yenisei Ridge allow us to interpret the studied leucogranites as products of Devonian continental rifting, similar to volcanic and intrusive rocks of the North Minusa depression and Agul graben. Like other localities within the western margin of Siberian craton, the formation of Triassic alkaline rocks may be related to the Siberian superplume activity.

Middle Paleozoic and Early Mesozoic anorogenic magmatism of the South Yenisei Ridge: first geochemical and geochronological data

In this paper we present complex geological, petrographic and geochronological data of the study of intermediate and acid composition intrusive and volcanogenic rocks from the Porozhnaya massif of the South Yenisei Ridge. For the first time in the Yenisei Ridge Devonian and Triassic U-Pb age values (SHRIMP method) have been obtained for leucogranites—387 ± 5 Ma and alkaline trachytes—240 ± 3 Ma, which allows us to attribute them to two different complexes, despite the fact that these rocks were formed within the same Severnaya riftogenic structure. Geochronological Ar-Ar data (392–387 Ma) for micas from paragneisses and leucogranitic dikes of the Yenisei suture zone on whose extension the Severnaya riftogenic structure is located are also given in this study. These data on Devonian tectonic-magmatic events in the South Yenisei Ridge agree well with coeval events of continental rifting—the formation of intrusive and volcanogenic rocks of the Agul graben in the Prisayan region and the Minusa basin in the Altai-Sayan folded area. The forming of alkaline trachytes and alkaline syenites of the Severnaya riftogenic structure, for which an age of 240 ± 3 Ma has been established, is related to the trap magmatism of the Siberian platform.

Viscosity of hydrous Etna basalt: implications for Plinian-style basaltic eruptions

Water dissolved in a silicate melt can strongly influence its physical properties and thus magma behavior during crystallization, degassing, foaming and fragmentation. Etna is a basaltic volcano whose activity is dominated by effusive eruptions which have long represented a threat to the densely populated, surrounding area. Recently, recognition of the products of a Plinian eruption (122 B.C.) has raised further issues for hazard assessment at Etna and other basaltic volcanoes. Constraining the behavior of Etna magma under conditions relevant to both effusive and explosive hazards requires viscosity data under conditions near the glass transition. Here we have investigated the viscosity of hydrous Etna lava in order to better understand eruptive processes which characterize this volcano. The experimental methods which have been used include piston cylinder synthesis of the hydrated melts, micropenetration viscometry for low-temperature viscosity measurements, and near-infrared spectroscopy for the evaluation of sample homogeneity and measurements of water content. Additionally, scanning calorimetric determinations were performed to check whether incipient crystallization had occurred. Sample compositions were determined using electron microprobe analysis and 57Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy. Results from this study are compared with previous reports of trachytic, phonolitic and model calc-alkaline rhyolite (HPG8) compositions. The viscosity of the basaltic melt (dry and wet) has been parameterized in terms of temperature and water content via the non-Arrhenian equation: log10 η=–4.643+(5,812.44–427.04×H2O)/(T(K)–499.31+28.74×ln(H2O)) where η is the viscosity in Pa s, H2O is the water content in wt%, and T is the temperature in Kelvin. We observe that the viscosity of alkali basalt (at more than 0.5 wt% H2O) is similar to that of an alkaline trachyte (Agnano–Monte Spina eruption, Phlegrean Fields) and much higher than that of a peralkaline phonolite (Teide, Tenerife) at similar silica contents and NBO/T. For water contents above 1.5 wt%, the viscosity of the basalt is similar to that of rhyolitic melts with similar water contents. At temperatures ranging from 1,050 to 1,150 °C and with water contents between 0.5 and 2.3 wt% (eruptive conditions), the viscosities calculated using the equation defined in this study are (1) in reasonable agreement with those calculated using Shaw's model, and (2) much lower than those experimentally determined in a previous study. However, outside these temperature and water content ranges, the agreement with Shaw's model (1972) breaks down.

Role of fractional crystallization in the descent: Basalt ? trachyte

The role of fractional crystallization in the descent: basalt → trachyte is critically examined. For each “simple basalt” magma type — alkaline, critically undersaturated, and oversaturated — there is a possible trachyte derived by way of fractional crystallization. Olivine removal is the main physical control that may interfere with trachytic trends at low pressure. Higher pressures widen the field of the initial basic compositions from which alkaline trachytes may fractionate. Bowen's hypothesis of trachyte formation from an undercooled basic magma is not supported by recent experimental data. Inefficiency and lack of scope of the fractional crystallization process, in the late stage of differentiation, may lead to an excess of trachytes over trachyandesites. In general, more time, taken in the basic and the salic stages of the descent, due to steeper liquidus and solidus, would result in a greater abundance of the basic and the salic rock types, compared to the intermediate varieties.