Crystal Size Distribution as a Key to Understanding Protocumulus Evolution in Layered Intrusions: Experiments, Calculations, and Practice of CSD Extraction

Abstract

The paper provides a review of calculations and experimental approaches to reproducing three types of crystal size distributions (log-linear, bimodal, lognormal CSD) and systematizes publications on CSD data in rocks of ten known layered massifs. For a more detailed discussion, the results for plagiodunite samples from the Yoko-Dovyren massif, northern Baikal region, Russia, harzburgite from the marginal zone of the Monchegorsk pluton, and urtites from the Lovozero intrusion, Murmansk region, Russia, were selected. Possible causes and scenarios for the formation of three types of CSD established for these intrusive objects are presented.