Properties of Rocks and Minerals - Diffusion, Viscosity, and Flow of Melts

Melt transport properties may be seen to be the key to understanding the molten state. It is the transport properties of silicate melts that moderate the efficiency of the processes that are ultimately responsible for the significance of the presence of such phases in the evolution of the Earth and the terrestrial planets. This field has experienced extensive experimental activity in the past decade. Significant technological advances in in situ investigation, together with theoretical advances in melt dynamics, have generated substantial improvements in our picture of the dynamics of melts and their consequences for melt transport properties. This chapter is designed to bring the reader into contact with the fundamental concepts and considerations involved in the treatment of diffusion, viscosity, and flow of melts. A rich reference list, including several extensive review papers, provides the backup for quantification of the individual applications and evaluations.