Fig. 12
Results of distinct element method (DEM) models of reaction-induced fracturing of serpentinite during metasomatism (modified after Okamoto et al. 2021). a Rock model composed of the reactive serpentinite surrounded by unreactive pelitic schist. b–c Fluid pressure and reaction ratio of (b) solid volume-increasing and (c) solid volume-decreasing metasomatic reactions. In the model, the reaction rate is a function of the concentration of the metasomatic agent S (e.g., silica), which is transported by diffusion. Branching fractures into the serpentinite body are produced during the solid volume-decreasing reactions. Pf = fluid pressure, Pmin = minimum fluid pressure in the model