An experimental exploration of silicate melt thermodynamics

The thermodynamic activities of some selected simple components will be measured in a large range of silicate melt compositions relevant to natural magma compositions, to determine the compositional dependence of trace-element partition coefficients and volatile solubilities. The results will link simple-system investigations of the phase relationships of partial melting in the Earth's mantle with experimental and observational work on complex natural systems. The results are needed to develop a model of silicate melt thermodynamics that rests on sound theoretical foundations.