Melt production, redistribution and accumulation in mid-crustal source rocks, with implications for crustal-scale melt transfer

Abstract

Ascent of granitic melt initiates under suprasolidus conditions in the mid- to lower crust before continuing through subsolidus rocks to higher crustal levels. Whereas migration of melt in suprasolidus rocks can occur in pervasive net-like structures and involve relatively small melt volumes, ascent through the subsolidus crust requires more focused, dyke-like structures and larger volumes to prevent freezing. Migmatites in the Aus granulite terrain, southern Namibia, preserve evidence that large-scale melt redistribution and accumulation occurred in the near-source region under suprasolidus conditions. Melt that was mainly produced in metapelitic rocks utilised pervasive small-scale leucoso..