LAYERED IGNEOUS BODIES AS A CONSEQUENCE OF SELF-ORGANIZATION PROCESSES

Abstract

On the basis of a synergetic approach, the phenomenon of layering in igneous melts is considered as a manifestation of self-organization under specific physicochemical conditions. It is assumed that plastic deformation waves and plastic flow waves generate compression (+ΔP) and extension (-ΔP) zones in the melt, which produce layers with different compositions. In the zones of excess pressure, crystallization begins from the densest phases characterized by the highest chemical affinity (olivine, pyroxene, amphiboles, and biotite). The resulting chemical gradients cause concentration fluxes of Mg and Fe into the crystallization zone and, consequently, the appearance of corresponding leucocratic layers enriched in Si, Al, Ca, and alkalis. Autowaves are responsible for second-order layering within the leucocratic layers. Mega- and mesorhythms formed in such a way compose igneous layered complexes.