Bowen's Reaction Series

What is the first mineral to crystallize in a magma chamber as it cools?

• quartz

• olivine

• mica

If a magma chamber slowly cools to solid rock underground, where would you expect to find the ultramafic rocks located?

• at the top

• in the middle

• at the bottom

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-3

As a magma chamber is cooling, where would you expect the first minerals to crystallize?

• at the top

• in the middle

• at the bottom

Minerals that crystallize at higher temperatures tend to be low in

• Iron

• Calcium

• Silicon

• Magnesium

Minerals that crystallize at lower temperatures tend to be low in

• Iron

• Potassium

• Silicon

• Oxygen

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

The mineral that melts first as rock heats up would be

• Calcium Plagioclase

• Potassium Feldspar

• Sodium Plagioclase

• Biotite

Which of the following would crystallize first as magma cools.

• Pyroxene

• Quartz

• Amphibole

• Sodium Plagioclase

During a geology class, Jackson asked, 'What is the highest temperature at which minerals first crystallize according to Bowen's Reaction Series?'

Answer explanation

According to Bowen's Reaction Series, the highest temperature at which minerals first crystallize is 1400°C.

Hannah and Michael are studying geology. Outline the main principles of Bowen's Reaction Series to help them understand the process of mineral formation.

Answer explanation

Bowen's Reaction Series outlines the order in which minerals crystallize from a cooling magma based on their melting points, with high-temperature minerals forming first and low-temperature minerals forming last. As the high temperature minerals crystallise they remove heavier elements such as iron and magnesium from the magma. This leaves lighter elements to form the remaining minerals which are less dense.

During a geology field trip, James and Maya discovered different types of igneous rocks. Which type of igneous rock is associated with the highest temperature in Bowen's Reaction Series?

• Ultramafic

• Basaltic

• Andesitic

• Granitic

Answer explanation

The correct type of igneous rock associated with the highest temperature in Bowen's Reaction Series is Ultramafic.