The petrology and geochemistry of the Creag Dubh composite sill, Whiting Bay, Arran, Scotland

Abstract

SummaryAnalysis of 17 samples for both major and trace elements reveals that, unlike most other Tertiary composite intrusions, the Creag Dubh sheet possesses silicic margins and a doleritic centre. The two rock types grade together rapidly without chilling at the upper and lower internal contacts. However, there is evidence for mixing of the two magma types prior to or during emplacement with the production of limited amounts of intermediate hybrids. The central dolerite appears to be later than the marginal felsites which in places back-vein the dolerite. The sequence of intrusion is tentatively related to the upward draining of a strongly zoned magma chamber.