The mechanism of magmatic differentiation involving the removal of denser, early formed high temperature mineral phases is ________.
A)assimilation
B)crystal settling
C)magma mixing
D)zone refining

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Crystal settling happens when certain minerals that form at high temperatures and pressures sink to the bottom of a magma chamber due to their density. This process can lead to the removal of denser, early-formed high temperature mineral phases, which is a mechanism of magmatic differentiation. Assimilation involves the incorporation of foreign materials into a magma body, magma mixing involves the blending of two or more magmas to form a new mixture, and zone refining is a metallurgical process used to purify materials.

The Mechanism of Magmatic Differentiation Involving the Removal of Denser