Alkaline Magma Series
The alkaline magma series is a chemically distinct range of magma compositions that describes the evolution of an Alkaline volcanic rock, alkaline mafic magma into a more evolved, silica-rich end member. Geochemical characterization Rocks in the alkaline magma series are distinguished from rocks in the subalkaline tholeiitic and calc-alkaline magma series by their high content of alkali metal oxides (K2O plus Na2O) relative to silica (SiO2). They are distinct from the rare peralkaline volcanic rock, peralkaline magmas, which have excess alkali oxides relative to alumina (Na2O + K2O > Al2O3). Alkaline magmas tend to show high titanium oxide (TiO2) content, typically in excess of 3% by weight. Other incompatible elements, such as phosphorus and LREE, light rare earth elements, are also elevated. This is attributed to a very low degree of partial melting of the source rock, with only 5% or less of the source rock going into the magma melt. Petrography All alkaline series magmas a ...
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Magma
Magma () is the molten or semi-molten natural material from which all igneous rocks are formed. Magma is found beneath the surface of the Earth, and evidence of magmatism has also been discovered on other terrestrial planets and some natural satellites. Besides molten rock, magma may also contain suspended crystals and gas bubbles. Magma is produced by melting of the mantle or the crust in various tectonic settings, which on Earth include subduction zones, continental rift zones, mid-ocean ridges and hotspots. Mantle and crustal melts migrate upwards through the crust where they are thought to b