This project involves the development of a quantitative model to describe the processes involved during metamorphic differentiation in rock systems. The model will draw upon nonequilibrium thermodynamic theory and existing data on chemical kinetics, transport laws, and chemical speciation in metamorphic fluids, and will allow quantitative prediction of the space-time evolution of metamorphic textures from initially homogeneous, fine-grained materials. The specific objective of the project is to develop a two-dimensional simulator program based on reaction transport equations coupled with viscous flow laws, incorporating pressure-solution and interfacial energy effects as the driving forces for differentiation. The results of this research will provide a better understanding of the geochemical self-organization processes involved during metamorphism.
