Abstract
Modal stratification or layering on the scale of centimetres to metres is a common macroscopic feature of many basic intrusions. In some cases this rhythmic layering is accompanied by gradual changes in the composition of mineral solid solutions (cryptic layering) and by the entry and exit of certain minerals (phase layering). These compositional variations, which evidently reflect progressive fractional crystallization, are generally assumed to be orthogonal to rhythmic layering, as predicted by crystal settling models for the origin of layered basic intrusions, and they have been used to establish ‘cumulate stratigraphy’ of many layered intrusions1. In the southern part of the synorogenic Fongen–Hyllingen complex2, Norway, well developed rhythmic layering is markedly discordant to phase and cryptic layering. Regressions in the cryptic and phase layering that are believed to reflect magma addition are also discordant to the rhythmic layering. These features raise questions as to the stratigraphical significance of phase layering and add to the mounting evidence in favour of in situ crystallization for the origin of layered igneous rocks3,4.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Wager, L. R. & Brown, G. M. Layered Igneous Rocks (Oliver & Boyd, Edinburgh, 1968).
Wilson, J. R., Esbensen, K. H. & Thy, P. J. Petrol. 22, 584–627 (1981).
McBirney, A. R. & Noyes, R. M. J. Petrol. 20, 487–554 (1979).
Campbell, I. H. Lithos 11, 311–323 (1978).
Olesen, N. Ø, Hansen, E. S., Kristensen, L. H. & Thyrsted, T. Leid. geol. Meded. 49, 259–276 (1973).
Wilson, J. R. & Olesen, N. Ø Norsk. geol. Tidsskr. 55, 423–439 (1975).
Wilson, J. R., Esbensen, K. H. & Thy, P. Nature 290, 325–326 (1981).
Nilsen, O. Norsk. geol. Tidsskr. 53, 213–231 (1973).
Naslund, H. R. Yb. Carnegie Instn. Wash. 75, 640–644 (1976).
Irvine, T. N. in Physics of Magmatic Processes 325–383 (Princeton University Press, 1980).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Wilson, J., Larsen, S. Discordant layering relations in the Fongen–Hyllingen basic intrusion. Nature 299, 625–626 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1038/299625a0
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/299625a0
This article is cited by
-
High-temperature fluid–rock interactions in a layered syenite pluton
Nature (1986)
-
Igneous petrology: Discordance in layered intrusions
Nature (1985)
-
Cumulate chemistry and its bearing on the origin of layering: Evidence from the Fongen-Hyllingen basic complex, Norway
TMPM Tschermaks Mineralogische und Petrographische Mitteilungen (1983)
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.