TY - JOUR
T1 - Use and abuse of the terms calcalkaline and calcalkalic
AU - Arculus, Richard J.
PY - 2003/5
Y1 - 2003/5
N2 - The terms calcalkalic and calcalkalic are currently defined and used in multiple and non-equivalent ways. Generally, the variation of total Fe as FeO/MgO within evolving subalkaline rock suites is regarded as the most distinctive character of calcalkaline compared with tholeiitic suites, reflecting the relative timing of phase saturation with Fe-Ti oxides, plagioclase, and ferromagnesian silicates. Other classification schemes are widely used, including a minority of adherents to the original formalized definition of 'calcalkalic' by Peacock (1931, Journal of Geology 39, 54-67). Given the prevailing contradictory and confusing usage of these terms, which leads to miscommunication, it is proposed that the spectrum of subalkaline rocks be divided into high-, medium-, and low-Fe suites, complementing divisions made on the basis of K contents. The terms calcalkaline and calcalkalic should be restricted to rock suites that conform to Peacock's definition.
AB - The terms calcalkalic and calcalkalic are currently defined and used in multiple and non-equivalent ways. Generally, the variation of total Fe as FeO/MgO within evolving subalkaline rock suites is regarded as the most distinctive character of calcalkaline compared with tholeiitic suites, reflecting the relative timing of phase saturation with Fe-Ti oxides, plagioclase, and ferromagnesian silicates. Other classification schemes are widely used, including a minority of adherents to the original formalized definition of 'calcalkalic' by Peacock (1931, Journal of Geology 39, 54-67). Given the prevailing contradictory and confusing usage of these terms, which leads to miscommunication, it is proposed that the spectrum of subalkaline rocks be divided into high-, medium-, and low-Fe suites, complementing divisions made on the basis of K contents. The terms calcalkaline and calcalkalic should be restricted to rock suites that conform to Peacock's definition.
KW - Calcalkalic
KW - Calcalkaline
KW - Rock classification
KW - Subalkaline
KW - Tholeiitic
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0038656545&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1093/petrology/44.5.929
DO - 10.1093/petrology/44.5.929
M3 - Article
SN - 0022-3530
VL - 44
SP - 929
EP - 935
JO - Journal of Petrology
JF - Journal of Petrology
IS - 5
ER -