The invariability of trace element distribution in zircon crystals from both plutonic and volcanic rocks (Ratschbacher et al., 2024), potentially reflecting scale-invariance of the processes responsible for trace element incorporation, aligns with the concept of scale invariance of growing interface properties (Takeuchi et al., 2011). This suggests that the observed similarity in trace element distribution within zircon crystals across different rock types may be explained by the scale-invariant nature of the processes governing trace element incorporation during crystal growth.

Here are some key points to consider:

Consistent Processes: The similar trace element compositions suggest that the underlying processes, such as crystallization and mixing of melts, operate at comparable scales in both rock types.

Geochemical Equilibrium: The conditions under which zircon crystallizes, including temperature and pressure, may be similar across different geological settings, leading to consistent trace element partitioning.

Mixing of Melts: The requirement for open-system behavior, where multiple melt compositions interact, supports the idea that similar processes occur at different scales, resulting in comparable trace element distributions.

Statistical Analysis: The lack of significant differences in average trace element variability indicates that the processes affecting zircon composition are robust and scale-invariant, despite the distinct environments of formation.

In summary, the observed invariability in trace element distribution in zircon from both plutonic and volcanic rocks likely reflects a fundamental consistency in the processes that govern their incorporation, suggesting a scale-invariant nature of these geological processes.

References

Ratschbacher, B. C., Keller, C. B., & Cooper, K. M. (2024). Insights into magma reservoir dynamics from a global comparison of volcanic and plutonic zircon trace element variability in individual hand samples. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, 25, e2024GC011681. https:// doi.org/10.1029/2024GC011681

Takeuchi, Kazumasa A., Masaki Sano, Tomohiro Sasamoto, and Herbert Spohn. “Growing Interfaces Uncover Universal Fluctuations behind Scale Invariance.” Scientific Reports 1, no. 1 (July 11, 2011): 34. https://lnkd.in/g2jPAXJ6.