Solution to the volume problem in serpentinization

Research Article| August 01, 1992 Solution to the volume problem in serpentinization David S. O'Hanley David S. O'Hanley 1Department of Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 0W0, Canada Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information David S. O'Hanley 1Department of Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 0W0, Canada Publisher: Geological Society of America First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 Geological Society of America Geology (1992) 20 (8): 705–708. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1992)020<0705:STTVPI>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 David S. O'Hanley; Solution to the volume problem in serpentinization. Geology 1992;; 20 (8): 705–708. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1992)020<0705:STTVPI>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 Kernel pattern consists of a rim of completely serpentinized peridotite surrounding a core of partly serpentinized, or unserpentinized, peridotite. It is found adjacent to shear zones in some serpentinites. Kernels are commonly rectangular, with length/width ratios of 1 to 3. The boundary between the completely serpentinized rim and the unserpentinized core is commonly cut at a high angle by cross-fractures. The cross-fractures, which contain either picrolite or chrysotile asbestos, taper out in the core and widen in the rim. They are almost always perpendicular to the core-rim boundary and point into the core of the kernel. In this sense they are radially distributed in the rim. The kernel pattern can be observed in thin section, in outcrop, and on the megascopic scale of tens of metres. Cross-fractures represent expansion fractures in serpentinite in the rim of the kernel caused by an increase in volume acompanying serpentinization of the peridotite in the core of the kernel. As the serpentinization front penetrates into the kernel, the serpentinized peridotite expands. However, the serpentinite in the rim cannot expand and must fracture to accommodate the increase in volume. As serpentinization proceeds, more expansion occurs, extending the fractures farther into the core and requiring the fractures in the existing serpentinite to widen. These fractures are subsequently filled by serpentine minerals. The resulting pattern consists of a rim of serpentinite, cut by serpentine veins, that surrounds a core of peridotite. Measured densities of cross-fractures in the rims of kernels are consistent with those expected from the magnitude of the volume change accompanying serpentinization of peridotite. 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.