Oxygen isotope diffusion: applications to thermometry and fluid flow

Abstract

Interdiffusion of stable isotopes will strongly influence the fractionations and intracrystalline zonation of slowly cooled igneous and metamorphic rocks. Previous attempts to quantify the effects of stable isotope interdiffusion during cooling (Dodson, 1973; Javoy, 1977; Giletti, 1986) have revealed its importance, but were based on an inaccurate description of the interdiffusion process. The Fast Grain Boundary (FGD) model for interdiffusion (Eiler et al., 1991 GSA; 1992 in press) provides the first model for accurately quantifying the dependence of stable isotope closure temperatures and diffusion profiles on grain size, grain shape, cooling rate, and mineral abundance.

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