Skip to main content
Journal cover image

Volatile fluid overpressure in layered intrusions and the formation of potholes

Publication ,  Journal Article
Boudreau, AE
Published in: Australian Journal of Earth Sciences
January 1, 1992

Potholes that develop in layered intrusions show morphologic similarities with sedimentary features known as pockmarks. By analogy with pockmark formation theory, it is suggested that the cumulate section below the pothole region develops significant overpressures as solidifying intercumulus liquid separates a volatilerich fluid phase. A fluid overpressure develops as fluid separates from the intercumulus liquid faster than the fluid can escape from the crystal pile. The increase in pore pressure expresses itself as a dome-shaped swelling on the chamber floor and in the uppermost part of the crystal pile, which eventually fractures and results in the violent escape of fluid. The combination of fluidization of the cumulates and incongruent melting, caused by the depression of liquidus temperature as a result of volatile elements added to less evolved liquid and crystal assemblages, leads to the formation of the pothole. Excess sulphide precipitation should accompany the fluid-liquid mixing event as S-bearing fluids dissolve in fluid-undersaturated liquids, producing the associated platiniferous sulphide-mineralized zones. © 1992, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Australian Journal of Earth Sciences

DOI

EISSN

1440-0952

ISSN

0812-0099

Publication Date

January 1, 1992

Volume

39

Issue

3

Start / End Page

277 / 287

Related Subject Headings

  • Geology
  • 51 Physical sciences
  • 41 Environmental sciences
  • 37 Earth sciences
  • 05 Environmental Sciences
  • 04 Earth Sciences
  • 02 Physical Sciences
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
NLM
Boudreau, A. E. (1992). Volatile fluid overpressure in layered intrusions and the formation of potholes. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 39(3), 277–287. https://doi.org/10.1080/08120099208728023
Boudreau, A. E. “Volatile fluid overpressure in layered intrusions and the formation of potholes.” Australian Journal of Earth Sciences 39, no. 3 (January 1, 1992): 277–87. https://doi.org/10.1080/08120099208728023.
Boudreau AE. Volatile fluid overpressure in layered intrusions and the formation of potholes. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences. 1992 Jan 1;39(3):277–87.
Boudreau, A. E. “Volatile fluid overpressure in layered intrusions and the formation of potholes.” Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, vol. 39, no. 3, Jan. 1992, pp. 277–87. Scopus, doi:10.1080/08120099208728023.
Boudreau AE. Volatile fluid overpressure in layered intrusions and the formation of potholes. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences. 1992 Jan 1;39(3):277–287.
Journal cover image

Published In

Australian Journal of Earth Sciences

DOI

EISSN

1440-0952

ISSN

0812-0099

Publication Date

January 1, 1992

Volume

39

Issue

3

Start / End Page

277 / 287

Related Subject Headings

  • Geology
  • 51 Physical sciences
  • 41 Environmental sciences
  • 37 Earth sciences
  • 05 Environmental Sciences
  • 04 Earth Sciences
  • 02 Physical Sciences