Numerical modeling reveals that heterogeneous nucleation drives crystal-melt segregation in solidifying magma, suggesting cumulates can form without buoyancy-driven processes.
Key Points
To determine whether heterogeneous nucleation can drive crystal-melt segregation and form igneous cumulates independently of buoyancy forces during early magma solidification.
Coupled a numerical model of magma solidification with a thermodynamic differentiation model of mid-ocean ridge basalt using Rhyolite-MELTS.
Tracked chemical differentiation using temperature- and composition-dependent partition coefficients.
Heterogeneous nucleation induced crystal clustering that generated distinct melt-rich and melt-poor domains in the absence of buoyancy forces.
Melt-poor domains acquired bulk compositions depleted in incompatible elements and displayed rare earth element signatures typical of igneous cumulates.