The quantification and understanding of diffusion rates and mechanisms in minerals and melts offers the unique capability to answer many geological questions that are otherwise inaccessible. In volcanology, diffusion chronometry can be used to determine magmatic ascent rates and timescales between magma recharge and eruption; in metamorphic petrology, diffusivities can be used to quantify cooling rates of orogens, or timescales of collision and exhumation. In geothermobarometry, it is important to understand diffusivities of the relevant elements to assess the potential for re-equilibration. Likewise, the ages obtained by radiometric dating methods may also be affected by diffusion of the parent or daughter isotopes. New developments in in-situ microanalytical techniques are expanding our ability to rapidly collect large amounts of high-quality data, continuously leading to new and exciting research directions.
This session will provide a forum for geoscientists from a wide range of disciplines to discuss and debate the most ‘timely’ topic of the earth sciences. We encourage contributions from petrologists, volcanologists, geochronologists and (geo)chemists working in any area related to diffusion, or where the potential of diffusion studies can be demonstrated. Contributions resulting from experiments, studies of natural samples, theoretical work or analytical developments are encouraged.