Hydrocarbon gases associated with alkaline igneous activity: evidence from compositions of fluid inclusions

Abstract

The importance of volatile components in the generation and crystallization of alkaline rocks has been emphasized by a number of authors (see review by Kogarko, 1974). ane method of determining the character of the volatile components associated with natural magmatism is to study the volatiles trapped as fluid inclusions in minerals during formation of the rocks. Although there may often be difficulties in relating the volatiles observed in fluid inclusions in minerals to those present in the melt at the time of solidification, this approach is considered to provide a potential method for determining the characteristics of volatiles associated with formation of natural rocks.