Questions from Simulation #1 (17 pts)

• Is Simulation #1 the cooling of magma underground or lava on the surface? How do you know?

• What are the first minerals to crystallize?

• What happens to Ca, calcium, in your simulation at 1192°C? You might have to go back and pause the simulation right at the beginning for you to find any Ca atoms in the magma, then track them as the temperature goes to 1192°C. This happens quickly, so watch carefully. What mineral formed that would have used it?

• What happens to Na, sodium, in your simulation at 1085°C? What mineral formed that would have used it?

• What happens to K, potassium, in your simulation at 1085°C? What mineral formed that would have used it?

• If you look, you notice that plagioclase feldspar crystallizes at a variety of temperatures. What about its composition do you think allows this to happen?

• What happens to amphibole as the magma cools from 1098°C to 1085°C?

• Which minerals form as the temperature cools to 1085°C? Which of these minerals likely replaced the amphibole? Explain your reasoning.

• What is the last mineral to form?

• What elements are still left as atoms in the magma at 885°C?

DETAILED ASSIGNMENT

20210330083259exercise_6_crystallization_simulation