Objective of this project is to understand role of fractional crystallization in generating magmatic diversity of mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB) by carrying out phase equilibrium experiments at pressures of up to 15 kilobars on selected MORB compositions. Will also compare lab results with data from a number of spreading centers in Atlantic and Pacific. %%% Experiments on melting and fractionation of MORBs of different compositions, temperatures and pressures are needed to understand the formation of the oceanic crust. Dr. Grove is perhaps the only scientist who is presently doing the necessary experiments in the pressure range covered in this project. The data that will be generated are essential.
