Some studies of various Aberdeenshire granitic rocks

• Main Author: Walsworth-Bell, E. B.
• Published: University of Aberdeen 1975
• Subjects: 552
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.593617

This thesis concerns certain of the granitic rocks that are seen in the area of south-central and eastern Aberdeenshire. The western limit to the area of this study has been taken as the western termination of the Hill of Pare, this point representing a discontinuity of sorts. The area is very poorly exposed and the rocks themselves are variable from the median granites of Streckeissen's (1973) classification to almost pure hornblende rocks and follow the 'typical' calc-alkaline trend. Mapping work has been extensive (at least 250 km.2) and field relations are discussed. The area has been subdivided into various Units defined on the basis of hand specimen characteristics and geographic separability. Further, the visible field relations and certain other characteristics lead to the possible definition of Groups of units and the suggestion that more than one genetic sequence is represented. These Units, Groups of units and possible genetic sequences are studied statistically using major element geochemical data and some condensation of information is attempted using certain statistical averaging techniques. Through statistical analysis it has been possible to discriminate at the 100% level between the various Groups and the possibility of the application of such techniques to other Caledonian Granites could perhaps lead to a better understanding of the observed variation and complexity than is presently available.