Bowenâs reaction series
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Bowen's reaction series describes how minerals crystallize from cooling magma. It outlines two main series: a discontinuous series where minerals change composition as they cool (olivine, pyroxene, amphibole, biotite), and a continuous series where plagioclase feldspar changes from calcium-rich to sodium-rich.1
This series is crucial in petrology because it explains the formation of igneous rocks. Early, high-temperature crystals can react with the remaining liquid magma to form new minerals at lower temperatures. Variations in cooling rates, crystal separation, or loss of volatiles can affect the final mineral composition of the rock. Understanding this process helps geologists interpret the history and composition of rocks.1
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magmaâŠexpressed in the form of Bowenâs reaction series; early high-temperature crystals will tend to react with the liquid to form other minerals at lower temperatures. Two series are recognized: (1) a discontinuous reaction series, which from high to low temperatures is composed of olivine, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, amphibole, and
Read MoreâŠexpressed in the form of Bowenâs reaction series; early high-temperature crystals will tend to react with the liquid to form other minerals at lower temperatures. Two series are recognized: (1) a discontinuous reaction series, which from high to low temperatures is composed of olivine, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, amphibole, and
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igneous rockBowenâs reaction seriesThese two examples illustrate two principal reactions that occur during crystallization of common magmas, one discontinuous (the olivine-liquid-pyroxene reaction) and the other continuous (the plagioclase-liquid reaction). This was recognized first by the American petrologist Norman L. Bowen, who arranged the reactions inâŠ
Read MoreThese two examples illustrate two principal reactions that occur during crystallization of common magmas, one discontinuous (the olivine-liquid-pyroxene reaction) and the other continuous (the plagioclase-liquid reaction). This was recognized first by the American petrologist Norman L. Bowen, who arranged the reactions inâŠ
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