Igneous thermometers and barometers based on plagioclase + liquid equilibria: Tests of some existing models and new calibrations

Abstract

Although many formulations of plagioclase + liquid equilibria have been calibrated in the last decade, few models specifically address the issue of temperature (T) prediction. Moreover, for those that do, T error is not addressed, greatly limiting their use as geothermometers. Several recent models of plagioclase-liquid equilibria are thus tested for their ability to recover T from their calibration data, and predict T from experiments not used for calibration. The models of Sugawara (2001) and Ghiorso et al. (1995, 2002) outperform earlier calibrations. These models perform reasonably well at T > 1100 °C, though recovery and prediction of T is less precise for hydrous compositions. In addition, these models cannot be integrated with geo-hygrometers, or other mineral-melt thermometers and barometers; the following expression predicts T with up to 40% greater precision: