How We Deduce Mantle Composition and Structure From Basalts - Igneous Petrology - GEO GIRL

This course examines why basalt is important for understanding Earth's mantle, compares alkali and tholeiitic basalts, and uses basalt composition to interpret mantle structure and partial melting. It also introduces magma-generating environments including mid-ocean ridges, subduction zones, and hotspots.

Syllabus

why is basalt important?
2 types of basalt
basalt tetrahedron
differences between alkali and tholeiitic basalt
nepheline quartz phase diagram
4 ways we determine mantle composition & structure
layers of Earth's interior
what induces partial melting of the mantle?
what composition results from mantle melting?
different or same source for alkalis & tholeiites?
4 types of magma generating environments
upcoming videos!