Geothermobarometry

Geothrmobaromety is a branch of geology that involves determining the temperature(geo-

thermo) and pressure(barometry) condition under which rock formed or were subjected to
metamorphism

A powerful technique based on the work of experimental petrology is the calculation of

equilibrium temperature and pressure from the measured distribution of elements between
coexisting phases.

Goal of geothermobarometry
To determine the pressure and temperature condition under which rock reached equilibrium

• Important in deciphering evolution o crust and magmatic system

• Importance in identification of potential ore deposits
E.g.- diamond bearing kimberlite etc.

Possible approach
Qualitative
Qualitative approaches in geothermobarometry involve the identification and interpretation
of mineral assemblages, textures, and zoning patterns in rocks to infer general temperature
and pressure conditions. While these methods don't provide precise quantitative values,
they offer valuable insights into the geological history and conditions of a rock

• Mineral Assemblages: Observing the minerals present in a rock and their

relationships can provide qualitative information about the temperature and
pressure range in which the rock formed.
• Texture and Zoning Patterns: Examining textures like porphyroblasts (large crystals
within a finer-grained matrix) and zoning patterns within minerals can indicate the
pressure and temperature variations during metamorphic or igneous processes.
• Metamorphic Grade: Assessing the overall metamorphic grade of a rock, which
involves the intensity of metamorphism and the mineral transformations it
underwent, can give qualitative indications of temperature and pressure conditions.
• Reaction Textures: Identifying reaction textures where one mineral transforms into
another can suggest the temperature and pressure conditions of metamorphic
reactions.
Semiqualitative
-Use of petrogenetic grid
❖ A petrogenetic grid is a graphical representation of the stability fields of minerals or
mineral assemblages as a function of two or more variables, often temperature (T)
and pressure (P). These grids are used in petrology and geothermobarometry to
understand the conditions under which rocks form and undergo metamorphism.
❖ The petrogenetic grid typically consists of lines or boundaries that delineate the
stability fields of different minerals or mineral assemblages. These boundaries are
based on experimental and observational data and represent the conditions at
which certain minerals are in equilibrium with each other.
❖ Researchers and geologists use petrogenetic grids to interpret the mineral
assemblages observed in rocks. By locating a point on the grid that corresponds to
the mineral assemblage present in a rock sample, they can estimate the
temperature and pressure conditions under which that rock formed or experienced
metamorphism.
❖ These grids are valuable tools for gaining insights into the petrogenesis of rocks and
understanding the geological processes that shaped them. They are often specific
to certain rock types or mineral systems, reflecting the unique conditions associated
with different geological environments.
Problems
• Position of phase boundaries can depend on presence or absence of other phases
• Changes in activity of end members in a solid solution changes position of phase
boundaries
- Rember most phase diagrams are determined for pure end members

Illustration
Holland (1983)

Position of the reaction curve Jadeite + Quartz = Albite changes in position with different
amounts of the diopside component in Jadeite
 Another qualitative example
Garnet rimmed by plagioclase

Experiments tells us that

garnet breaks down to
plagioclase as pressure
decreases. This reaction
records a decompression
event one that brought the
rock to surface

Quantitative
Quantitative approaches in geothermobarometry involve the use of numerical methods and
calculations to estimate specific temperature and pressure conditions during geological
processes. These methods aim to provide more precise and quantitative values for the
thermodynamic conditions of rock formation or metamorphism. Some common
quantitative approaches include:

• Mineral Equilibria Modeling: Using thermodynamic models to calculate the

equilibrium conditions of minerals in a rock based on their compositions. This
involves solving complex equations to determine the specific temperature and
pressure.
• Phase Equilibria Diagrams: Utilizing phase diagrams to quantify the stable mineral
assemblages at different temperature and pressure conditions, allowing for the
determination of the P-T (pressure-temperature) path of a rock.
• Thermobarometry Equations: Applying mathematical relationships derived from
experimental data to estimate pressure and temperature. Examples include garnet-
biotite thermometry or plagioclase-liquid thermobarometry.
• Chemical Thermobarometry: Using chemical compositions of minerals or bulk
rock to estimate temperature and pressure conditions based on empirical
relationships established through experimental and field observations.
The pressure and temperature condition of metamorphism can be estimated through the
models of geothermobarometry

EXCHANGE THERMOMETRY
An exchange thermometer, in the context of geothermobarometry, is a method used to
estimate the temperature conditions of metamorphism or rock formation based on the
exchange of elements between minerals. This technique is often applied to mineral pairs
that undergo chemical exchange during geological processes.

For example, in metamorphic rocks, certain mineral pairs like garnet-biotite or garnet-
plagioclase may exhibit chemical exchanges that are sensitive to temperature. By
analyzing the composition of these minerals and quantifying the extent of chemical
exchange, geologists can use exchange thermometry equations to estimate the
temperature at which the rock underwent metamorphism.

The exchange thermometer relies on the principle that the rate of chemical exchange
between minerals is temperature-dependent. This method provides a quantitative way to
infer the thermal history of rocks, particularly in metamorphic environments. However, like
any geothermometric method, it comes with certain assumptions and limitations, and its
application requires careful consideration of the specific mineral pairs and geological
context.

It is of two types

A. Intracrystalline exchange
Interchange of two similar atoms between different sites in one mineral.
E.g.- systematic partitioning of Mg and Fe2+ in octahedral M1 an M2 pyroxene.
B. intercrystalline exchange
interchange of two similar atoms between different sites in dissimilar phases.
E.g.- Fe-Mg exchange between Garnet-Biotite
Mg-Garnet + Fe- Biotite = Fe-Garnet + Mg- Biotite
SOLVUS THERMOMETERS
❖ The property of mixing and unmixing of end member components in a solid solution
phase is also a temperature dependent process. The miscibility gap (solvus) of two
end members of a solid solution phase can be expressed in temperature-
composition space (T-X). Estimating the modal ratios of the two end members, we
get the value of temperature from the curve itself. This is commonly known as Solvus
thermometry.
❖ Experimentally well-constrained miscibility relationships between alkali feldspar –
plagioclase feldspar (two-feldspar) and orthopyroxene-clinopyroxene (two
pyroxene) are commonly used as thermometers.
❖ However, we have to remember that the temperature estimated from the solvus is
the minimum estimate of unmixing, while the actual temperature would be higher
than the estimated value. Moreover, the parabola-shaped unmixing curve shows
temperature maximum (consulate point) at the central part of the composition axis.
Thus, for a given system, the maximum temperature is given by two end members
when they show nearly equal modal volume.
❖ For example, in case of feldspar solvus, mesoperthite (where alkali and plagioclase
feldspar show nearly equal modal volumes) provides the maximum temperature
estimates (Fig. 4). Feldspar solvus thermometry is very common in practice and it
gives independent estimate for varieties of metamorphic rocks.

Some types of solvus thermometer are

NET TRANSFER REACTIONS
Many geobarometers are based on net-transfer reaction, i.e., reactions that cause
the production and consumption of phases. Such reactions often result in large
volume changes, so the equilibrium constant is pressure-sensitive.
An example(garnet-plagioclase-olivine):
3Fe2SiO4 + 3CaAl2SiO8 ↔ Ca3Al2Si3O12 + 2Fe3Al2Si3O12

GASP Geobarometer