WEHRLITE Meaning and
Definition
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Wehrlite is a geological term used to describe a specific type of ultramafic rock, which is primarily composed of minerals such as olivine and clinopyroxene. It is an igneous rock that typically forms as a result of solidification or crystallization of magma deep within the Earth's mantle.
Wehrlite is characterized by its relatively high content of olivine, which typically constitutes more than 90% of the rock's composition. This abundant olivine gives wehrlite a green to brownish-green color and a coarse-grained texture. Other minerals present in wehrlite include clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, and various accessory minerals.
The formation of wehrlite is associated with processes such as partial melting and fractional crystallization of mantle material. It is commonly found in areas that have experienced extensive tectonic activities, including regions with active plate boundaries or areas associated with the formation of large igneous provinces.
Wehrlite is an important rock type in the study of Earth's mantle as it provides insights into the processes occurring deep within the planet. It serves as a valuable indicator of the composition and evolution of the mantle and can assist in understanding the dynamics of plate tectonics, magma generation, and the formation of different rock types.
Common Misspellings for WEHRLITE
- qehrlite
- aehrlite
- sehrlite
- eehrlite
- 3ehrlite
- 2ehrlite
- wwhrlite
- wshrlite
- wdhrlite
- wrhrlite
- w4hrlite
- w3hrlite
- wegrlite
- webrlite
- wenrlite
- wejrlite
- weurlite
- weyrlite
- wehelite
- wehdlite
Etymology of WEHRLITE
The word "wehrlite" derives from the name of the German geologist and petrologist, Karl Wehrle (1865-1934). Wehrlite is a term used in petrology to describe particular types of ultramafic rocks rich in olivine and orthopyroxene minerals. The name was assigned to these rocks in honor of Karl Wehrle, who made significant contributions to the study of igneous rocks.
