Title: Reaction-induced microcracking: An experimental investigation of a mechanism for enhancing anatectic melt extraction
Abstract: Research Article| July 01, 1997 Reaction-induced microcracking: An experimental investigation of a mechanism for enhancing anatectic melt extraction J. A. D. Connolly; J. A. D. Connolly 1Institute for Mineralogy and Petrography, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich 8092, Switzerland Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar M. B. Holness; M. B. Holness 2Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JW, United Kingdom Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar D. C. Rubie; D. C. Rubie 3Bayerisches Geoinstitut, Bayreuth University, Bayreuth D-95440, Germany Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar T. Rushmer T. Rushmer 4Department of Geology, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont 05405 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (1997) 25 (7): 591–594. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1997)025<0591:RIMAEI>2.3.CO;2 Article history first online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation J. A. D. Connolly, M. B. Holness, D. C. Rubie, T. Rushmer; Reaction-induced microcracking: An experimental investigation of a mechanism for enhancing anatectic melt extraction. Geology 1997;; 25 (7): 591–594. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1997)025<0591:RIMAEI>2.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Melting reactions can create melt overpressure that may induce microcracking. To determine whether such microcracking can enhance rock permeability and melt extraction, we have studied the partial melting of a muscovite-bearing metaquartzite at 800 MPa and 950–1126 K. Melting begins at muscovite-quartz grain boundaries and results in progressive replacement of muscovite by melt pools containing mullite and biotite. The volume change for the reaction (0.021 m3 per m3 of original rock) generates randomly oriented microcracks that emanate from melting sites. The mean crack length in two-dimensional sections is 151 ± 5 µm and reflects the spacing between melting sites. Experiments in which quartz sand was loaded with the metaquartzite to act as a drain verified that the microcracks, together with the melt pools, form a connected network. The estimated network permeability is 10−14 ± 1 m2, at least four orders of magnitude greater than permeabilities characteristic of regional metamorphic environments. For reaction-induced microcracking to occur, the reaction must take place on a time scale such that creep cannot accommodate the associated volume change. Our analysis suggests that that requirement can be met on regional metamorphic time scales and that reaction-induced microcracking is a feasible mechanism of permeability enhancement during partial melting and devolatilization. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.
Publication Year: 1997
Publication Date: 1997-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 83
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