Factors controlling the distribution of heat production in selected UK granites

Webb, P.C.; Tindle, A. G. and Barritt, S. D. (1987). Factors controlling the distribution of heat production in selected UK granites. Geophysical Research Letters, 14(4) pp. 299–302.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/GL014i003p00299

Abstract

The variation of heat production with respect to magma evolution is examined in four UK granites in which fractional crystallization accounts for the range of rock compositions present. Accessory minerals are the dominant hosts of U and Th in these granites and their role in controlling variations of these heat producing elements is assessed. Melt compositional parameters determine which accessory minerals precipitate (solubility control) and influence the partitioning of radioelements between early-crystallizing (fractionating) minerals and residual liquid. As a result, parental magma compositions and the effect of critical properties, such as alkalinity, aluminosity and volatile contents (particularly F-complexing) on magma evolution are considered important in controlling the primary distribution of radioelements in granites.