magmatic stoping

geology

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June 30, 2026

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Magmatic stoping is a geological process where intrusive igneous magmas create space for themselves by detaching and engulfing fragments of the surrounding rocks. This process is a form of magmatic concentration, where molten rock, or magma, rises through the Earth's crust. As the magma advances, it incorporates pieces of the invaded rock, altering its own composition. This assimilation can lead to changes in the magma's chemistry and can contribute to the formation of mineral deposits. The fragments of rock engulfed by the magma are known as xenoliths.123

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Reginald Aldworth Daly
…independently developed the theory of magmatic stoping, whereby molten magma rises through the Earth’s crust and shatters, but does not melt, the surrounding rocks. The rocks, being denser than the magma, then sink, making room for the magma to rise. This theory was instrumental in explaining the structure of many…
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…independently developed the theory of magmatic stoping, whereby molten magma rises through the Earth’s crust and shatters, but does not melt, the surrounding rocks. The rocks, being denser than the magma, then sink, making room for the magma to rise. This theory was instrumental in explaining the structure of many…
Read More