Behavior of trace elements during magmatic processes - A summary of theoretical models and their applications

Progress in understanding the behavior of trace elements during the processes that produce igneous rocks has been made possible by the parallel development of theoretical models to describe that behavior and analytical techniques that permit precise measurement of trace-element concentrations in igneous rocks and minerals. The result of this progress is that trace-element studies may now be used to place strong limits on both the degree of partial melting or fractional crystallization involved in the production of a given magma and the identity and quantity of the residual phases. A summary of quantitative trace-element theory and partition coefficient data for igneous rocks is presented.