The Hyblean xenolith suite (Sicily): an unexpected legacy of the Ionian–Tethys realm

The extensive study of a great number of deep-seated xenoliths from Tortonian tuff-breccia pipes in the Hyblean area (Sicily) revealed the following fundamental evidence: (1) typical continental crust rocks are completely absent in the entire xenolith suite; (2) mantle ultramafics are more abundant than gabbroids; (3) sheared oxide–gabbros, closely resembling those from oceanic fracture zones, are relatively common; (4) secondary mineral assemblages, compatible with alteration processes in serpentinite-hosted hydrothermal systems, occur both in peridotites and gabbros. Among the products of this hydrothermal activity, organic compounds, having abiotic origin via Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, occur in some hydrothermally altered gabbro and ultramafic xenoliths, as well as in hydrothermal clays. Moreover, the U–Pb dating of hydrothermal zircon grains, hosted in a xenolith of metasomatized tectonic breccia, indicated an Early–Middle Triassic age of the fossil hydrothermal system. Another line of evidence for the oceanic nature of the Hyblean–Pelagian basement is the complete absence of continental crust lithologies (granites, felsic metaigneous, and metasedimentary rocks) in outcrops and in boreholes, and the oceanic affinity of the Tertiary volcanic rocks from the Hyblean Plateau and the Sicily Channel (Pantelleria and Linosa Islands), which lack of any geochemical signature for continental crust contamination. A reappraisal of existing geophysical data pointed out that serpentinites form the dominant lithologies in the lithospheric basement of the Hyblean–Pelagian area down to a mean depth of 19 km, which represents the regional Moho considered as the serpentinization front, marking the transition from serpentinites to unaltered peridotites. On these grounds, we confirm that Hyblean xenoliths contain mineralogical, compositional, and textural evidence for tectonic, magmatic, and hydrothermal processes indicating the existence of fossil oceanic core complexes, in the geotectonic framework of the Paleo–Mesozoic, ultra-slow spreading, Ionian–Tethys Ocean forming the present Ionian–Hyblean–Pelagian domain.     

Petrology and Sr–Nd–Hf isotope geochemistry of gabbro xenoliths from the Hyblean Plateau: a MARID reservoir beneath SE Sicily?

In situ trace-element and isotopic (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr) data and whole-rock Sr–Nd–Hf data on 12 gabbro xenoliths from the Hyblean Plateau (south-eastern Sicily) illustrate the complex petrogenetic evolution of this lithospheric segment. The gabbros formed by precipitation of plagioclase + clinopyroxene from a HIMU-type alkaline melt, then were cryptically metasomatized by a low-Rb, high-⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr fluid, and finally infiltrated by an exotic, late Fe–Ti-rich melt with ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ~ 0.7055, carrying high concentrations of Sr, Rb and HFSE. The geochemical and isotopic features of both the metasomatizing fluid and the Fe–Ti-rich melt are compatible with their common derivation by the progressive melting of an amphibole–phlogopite–ilmenite metasomatic domain (MARID-type?) that probably resided within the subcontinental lithospheric mantle. Therefore, both the astenosphere and the lithosphere underneath the Hyblean Plateau contributed to the petrogenesis of the gabbros. Sm–Nd dating yields an age of 253 ± 60 Ma for the cumulitic pile, roughly coinciding with a hydrothermal event recorded by crustal zircons in the area. We suggest that the Hyblean Plateau suffered a thermal event—probably related to lithospheric thinning and upwelling and melting of the asthenosphere—in Permo-Triassic time (the opening of the Ionian Basin?). The induced perturbation in the lithosphere caused consequent melting of some previously metasomatised portions.     

Gabbroic xenoliths in tuff-breccia pipes from the Hyblean Plateau: insights into the nature and composition of the lower crust underneath South-eastern Sicily, Italy

Summary Crust-derived xenoliths hosted by Miocene basaltic diatremes in the Hyblean Plateau (south-eastern Sicily, Italy) provide new information regarding the nature of a portion of the central Mediterranean lower crust. These xenoliths can be divided into three groups: gabbros (plagioclase + clinopyroxene + Fe–Ti oxides ± apatite ± amphibole ± Fe-rich green spinel), diorites (An-poor plagioclase, clinopyroxene ± Fe–Ti oxides ± orthopyroxene) and mafic granulites (plagioclase + clinopyroxene + green spinel ± orthopyroxene ± Fe–Ti oxides). Gabbros form the main subject of this paper. They represent cumulates whose igneous texture has been locally obliterated by metamorphic recrystallization and shearing. They were permeated by Fe–Ti-rich melts related to tholeiitic-type fractional crystallisation. Incompatible element ratios (Zr/Nb = 5–26; Y/Nb = 1.4–11) indicate that these cumulate gabbros derived from MORB liquids. Late-stage and hydrothermal fluids caused diverse, sometimes important, metasomatic trasformations. Petrographic and geochemical comparison with gabbroids from well-known geodynamic settings show that the Hyblean lower crustal xenoliths were probably formed in an oceanic or oceanic-continent transition environment.     

Underplating and assimilation–fractional crystallization of Mesozoic intrusions in the Tongling area,Anhui Province,East China: evidence from xenoliths and host plutons

This paper presents new petrographic observations and geochemical and microprobe analyses for the Laomiaojishan, Xiaotongguanshan, and Tianebaodanshan intrusions in the Tongguanshan mineral district, East China. The plutons vary in composition from quartz monzonitic diorite to pyroxene monzonitic diorite, and contain gabbroic to dioritic xenoliths. The Xiaotongguanshan intrusion yields a SHRIMP zircon U–Pb age of 139.5±2.9 Ma, indicating Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous magmatism in the Lower Yangtze River Valley. Relative to host rocks, the gabbro and diorite xenoliths are low in SiO₂ (52.03–54.61 wt‐%), Al₂O₃ (12.87–14.43 wt‐%), and total alkalis (Na₂O+K₂O; 5.26–6.30 wt‐%), but high in MgO (5.41–11.66 wt‐%); the host rocks have high SiO₂ (59.97–64.44 wt‐%), Al₂O₃ (16.43–17.59 wt‐%), and total alkalis (6.67–8.25 wt‐%), but are low in MgO (1.52–2.50 wt‐%). Concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs) in the xenoliths (165.70–190.40 ppm) are similar to those in the host rocks (166.12–185.95 ppm), although the ratio of light REEs to heavy REEs in the xenoliths (3.39–4.27) is lower than that in the host plutons (4.86–5.94). All of the analysed rocks show similar REE patterns, although the xenoliths display marked positive Eu anomalies and the host rocks show slightly negative Eu anomalies. Values of epsilon Nd (t) ranges from ?4.9 to ?9.9 in the gabbro xenoliths and from ?11.4 to ?11.9 in the host intrusives. Initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios are 0.7064–0.7073 in the xenoliths and 0.7072–0.7084 in the quartz monzonitic diorite host rocks. Crystallization temperatures of hornblende and plagioclase in the gabbro xenoliths, diorite xenoliths, and host rocks are 816, 773–790, and 664–725°C, respectively, based on an amphibole–plagioclase geothermometer. The pressures recorded by these phases indicate that they formed at depths of 26, 12–15, and 3–4 km, respectively, based on an aluminum‐in‐hornblende geobarometer. The petrological and geochemical features of the analysed intrusions and xenoliths are consistent with their derivation from basic to intermediate‐acidic magmas that possibly formed via a series of complex interactions between underplated, mantle‐derived basaltic magma and varying amounts of middle‐ to lower‐crustal material, followed by assimilation–fractional crystallization.     

Comparative study of ultramafic xenoliths and associated lavas from South-Eastern Sicily: nature of the lithospheric mantle and insights on magma genesis

Isotope analyses of lavas from the Hyblean Plateau (SE Sicily) provided first order constraints for the characterization of the relative magma sources, contributing to a better understanding of the tectono-magmatic evolution of the northernmost part of the African plate. To integrate this research, we are currently studying ultramafic xenoliths of mantle provenance exhumed by the Hyblean alkaline volcanics. These mainly consist of anhydrous spinel-facies peridotites and subordinate pyroxenites/websterites. The paragenesis of the latter is extremely variable in terms of modal proportions and mineral composition, with clinopyroxene composition ranging from Cr-diopside to Al-augite, and variable amount of spinel ± garnet. New Sr-Nd isotopic analyses carried out on hand-picked (and leached) clinopyroxenes indicate that peridotites have ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ranging from 0.70288 to 0.70309, and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd from 0.51287 to 0.51292. This Sr-Nd isotopic fingerprint approaches that of the HIMU mantle end-member, regionally referred as EAR (European Astenospheric Reservoir) to emphasize a connection with a sub-lithospheric metasomatic component ubiquitous throughout Europe, the Mediterranean area and North Africa. The Sr-Nd analyses of pyroxenites also reveal an EAR affinity, but are slightly distinct from those of peridotites. They display ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ranging between 0.70305–0.70326 and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd between 0.51292–0.51299, overlapping the composition typical of the Hyblean alkaline lavas. This possibly implies that pyroxene-rich domain significantly contributed to the genesis of the Hyblean magmas. Therefore, the presented Sr-Nd isotopic ratios suggest that the role of the pyroxene-rich mantle portions was more important than commonly considered in the petrogenetic models of Hyblean magmas. This scenario would be coherent with recent evidences highlighting the importance of pyroxenites (together with peridotites) as contributing sources to basalt generation.     

The Magmatic–Hydrothermal Transition and Origin of Brine in the Oceanic Core Complex of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at 13° N

New data on local mineral associations and the microheterogeneity of minerals and fluid inclusions in gabbro were obtained for the gabbro–peridotite oceanic core complex with a long-lived detachment fault controlling the hydrothermal activity. It is assumed that the hydrothermal hydrogen-bearing fluid with a NaCl content of >30 wt % is formed in the seawater/harzburgite (~1/5) reaction of serpentinization. The brine residual after serpentinization interacted with gabbro at the final stages of crystallization of an intrusion and assimilated some components (K, REEs, and Ba) from the residual melt. The interaction was resulted in metamorphic transformations of gabbro at decreasing temperature below 500°C. The reaction of the decomposition of magmatic titanomagnetite with the transition of iron reduced to Fe²⁺ into newly formed chlorinebearing amphibole at 540–450°C and logf(O₂) from–20 to–24 is shown.

     

Crustal zircons and mantle sulfides: Archean to Triassic events in the lithosphere beneath south-eastern Sicily

Three types of zircon coexist in an unusual lower crustal xenolith from the Valle Guffari diatreme (Hyblean Plateau, Sicily): igneous Type 1 (near-euhedral, weakly zoned; Ce/Ce > 1); partially recrystallised Type 2 (ovoid, structureless; weak Ce anomaly); hydrothermal Type 3 (sugary, spongy-textured, probably related to F-rich aqueous fluids). U–Pb dating by LAM-ICPMS, supported by in situ Hf-isotope analysis, suggests that both Type 1 and Type 2 zircons were originally Archean (ca 2.7 Ga), though many of these grains have experienced severe Pb loss. The U–Pb ages of the hydrothermal zircons cluster around 246 Ma, interpreted as the timing of the hydrothermal event. Their ε_Hf (+ 8.5 to − 1.2) indicates the mixing of old crustal components and material from a juvenile source.

In situ Os-isotope analyses of sulfides hosted in peridotite xenoliths from Valle Guffari show Paleoproterozoic–Archean T_RD minimum ages, corresponding to the age of the oldest zircon grains in the crustal xenolith. Other peaks of T_RD ages suggest that multiple metasomatic events have affected the lithospheric mantle.

These observations suggest that the lower crust and the upper part of the lithospheric mantle beneath the Hyblean Plateau represent the northernmost portion of the African Plate. These two units have coexisted since at least late Archean time, and have remained linked through several episodes of crustal modification, including the Permo-Triassic hydrothermal event, which was probably related to the onset of rifting in the Ionian Basin.     

Assimilation and fractionation in adjacent parts of the same magme chamber: Vandfaldsdalen macrodike,East Greenland

The Vandfaldsdalen macrodike, which lies in the Skaergaard region of East Greenland, is a remarkably zoned fossil magma chamber, with a granophyric cap overlying cumulate gabboros. The intrusion is distinctly bimodal, with a large compositional discontinuity at the contact between the gabbro and granophyre. Although the exposed part of the macrodike is in contact with Tertiary basalts and sediments, the granophyre originated by assimilation of xenoliths derived from the underlying Archean basement. Sr and Nd isotopic ratios throughout the cumulate sequence are remarkably similar, indicating insignificant contamination of the gabbro by the granophyre. Modelling of the compositional effects of cooling and crystallization indicate that the cumulate pile resulted from fractional crystallization, with the complicating effects of trapped liquid and post-cumulus fractionation. The uppermost rocks in the mafic part, of the chamber (SiO₂=62%; FeO^*=12.4%) resulted from about 85% fractional crystallization. A transgressive sill of strongly fractionated magma (SiO₂=67%; FeO^*=8.8%) formed from extracted intercumulus liquid that was the result of 90% fractional crystallization of the original magma. Mass-balance indicates that typical granophyre is made up of about 75% dissolved xenoliths, by weight, and 25% mantle-derived basaltic magma. The magmas were not measurably affected by material exchange across the interface between the gabbro and granophyre. This magma chamber evolved by both assimilation and fractional crystallization, but the residual liquids formed by fractional crystallization were unaffected by assimilation. Heat exchange between were unaffected by assimilation. Heat exchange between the two parts of the chamber was obviously important, but there was insignificant material exchange. The inability of fractional crystallization and assimilation to affect the same liquid is related to the dynamic behavior of this particular magma chamber, particularly the buoyancy of granophyre relative to evolving tholeiitic magma.     

Sicilian serpentinite xenoliths containing abiotic organics with nanodiamond clusters as key model for prebiotic processes

Rock fragments from the deepest parts of a buried hydrothermal system belonging to the Mesozoic Tethys Ocean entered as xenoliths in a Miocenic diatreme,hence brought to the surface,in the Hyblean Plateau(Sicily).Some xenoliths consist of strongly serpentinized ultramafic rocks bearing blebs of abiotic organic matter,where clusters of amorphous carbon nanoparticles,including nanodiamonds,are immersed.Such an occurrence conjures up established hypotheses that diamond surfaces are suitable catalytic platforms stimulating the assemblage of complex bio-organic molecules relevant to the emergence of life on Earth.The appearance of bio-organic molecules under primitive Earth conditions is one of the major unsolved questions on the origin of life.Here we report new micro-Raman spectra on blebs of abiotic organic matter from a selected xenolith.Diamond bands were related to hydrogenated nanocrystalline diamonds,with size of nearly 1-1.6 nm,formed from organics at low pressures and temperatures.In particular,diamond surfaces can give rise to crystalline interfacial water layers that may have played a fundamental role in the early biosphere evolution as a good medium for rapidly transporting positive charges in the form of hydrated protons.Nowadays,proton gradients in alkaline hydrothermal vents along oceanic ridges are generally viewed as key pre-biotic factors.In general,serpentinites span the entire geological record,including prebiotic times.These hydrous ultramafic rocks often display evidence of abiotic carbon species,both organic and inorganic,including nanodiamonds,being also capable to give rise to chemiosmotic processes and proton gradients necessary to the organisms,such as the"Last Universal Common Ancestor"(LUCA),in the prebiotic Earth.     

Helium and carbon gas geochemistry of pore fluids from the sediment-rich hydrothermal system in Escanaba Trough

Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Leg 169, which was conducted in 1996 provided an opportunity to study the gas geochemistry in the deeper part of the sediment-rich hydrothermal system in Escanaba Trough. Gas void samples obtained from the core liner were analyzed and their results were compared with analytical data of vent fluid samples collected by a submersible dive program in 1988. The gas geochemistry of the pore fluids consisted mostly of a hydrothermal component and was basically the same as that of the vent fluids. The He isotope ratios (R/R_A=5.6–6.6) indicated a significant mantle He contribution and the C isotopic compositions of the hydrocarbons [δ¹³C(CH₄)=−43‰, δ¹³C(C₂H₆)=−20‰] were characterized as a thermogenic origin caused by hydrothermal activity. On the other hand, the pore fluids in sedimentary layers away from the hydrothermal fields showed profiles which reflected lateral migration of the hydrothermal hydrocarbons and abundant biogenic CH₄. Helium and C isotope systematics were shown to represent a hydrothermal component and useful as indicators for their distribution beneath the seafloor. Similarities in He and hydrocarbon signatures to that of the Escanaba Trough hydrothermal system were found in some terrestrial natural gases, which suggested that seafloor hydrothermal activity in sediment-rich environments would be one of the possible petroleum hydrocarbon generation scenarios in unconventional geological settings.     

Carbon Enrichment in the Lithospheric Mantle: Evidence from the Melt Inclusions in Mantle Xenoliths from the Hainan Basalts

It is generally believed that the lithospheric mantle and the mantle transition zone are important carbon reservoirs. However, the location of carbon storage in Earth’s interior and the reasons for carbon enrichment remain unclear. In this study, we report CO₂-rich olivine-hosted melt inclusions in the mantle xenoliths of late Cenozoic basalts from the Penglai area, Hainan Province, which may shed some light on the carbon enrichment process in the lithospheric mantle. We also present ...     

Mantle hydrocarbons: abiotic or biotic?

Analyses of 227 rocks from fifty localities throughout the world showed that mantle derived rocks such as tectonized peridotites in ophiolite sequences (tectonites) arid peridotite xenoliths in alkali basalts contain heavier hydrocarbons (n-alkanes), whereas igneous rocks produced by magmas such as gabbro arid granite lack them. The occurrence of hydrocarbons indicates that they were not derived either from laboratory contamination or from held contamination; these compounds found in the mantle-derived rocks are called here "mantle hydrocarbons." The existence of hydrocarbons correlates with petrogenesis. For example, peridotite cumulates produced by magmatic differentiation lack hydrocarbons whereas peridotite xenoliths derived from the mantle contain them. Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric records of the mantle hydrocarbons resemble those of aliphatics in meteorites and in petroleum. Features of the hydrocarbons are that (a) the mantle hydrocarbons reside mainly along grain boundaries and in fluid inclusions of minerals; (b) heavier isoprenoids such as pristane and phytane are present; and (c) delta 13C of the mantle hydrocarbons is uniform (about -27%). Possible origins for the mantle hydrocarbons are as follows. (1) They were in organically synthesized by Fischer-Tropsch type reaction in the mantle. (2) They were delivered by meteorites and comets to the early Earth. (3) They were recycled by subduction. The mantle hydrocarbons in the cases of (1) and (2) are abiogenic and those in (3) are mainly biogenic. It appears that hydrocarbons may survive high pressures and temperatures in the mantle, but they are decomposed into lighter hydrocarbon gases such as CH4 at lower pressures when magmas intrude into the crust; consequently, peridotite cumulates do not contain heavier hydrocarbons but possess hydrocarbon gases up to C4H10.     

Origin of xenoliths in the trachyte at Puu Waawaa,Hualalai Volcano,Hawaii

Rare dunite and 2-pyroxene gabbro xenoliths occur in banded trachyte at Puu Waawaa on Hualalai Volcano, Hawaii. Mineral compositions suggest that these xenoliths formed as cumulates of tholeiitic basalt at shallow depth in a subcaldera magma reservoir. Subsequently, the minerals in the xenoliths underwent subsolidus reequilibration that particularly affected chromite compositions by decreasing their Mg numbers. In addition, olivine lost CaO and plagioclase lost MgO and Fe₂O₃ during subsolidus reequilibration. The xenoliths also reacted with the host trachyte to form secondary mica, amphibole, and orthopyroxene, and to further modify the compositions of some olivine, clinopyroxene, and spinel grains. The reaction products indicate that the host trachyte melt was hydrous. Clinopyroxene in one dunite sample and olivine in most dunite samples have undergone partial melting, apparently in response to addition of water to the xenolith. These xenoliths do not contain CO₂ fluid inclusions, so common in xenoliths from other localities on Hualalai, which suggests that CO₂ was introduced from alkalic basalt magma between the time CO₂-inclusion-free xenoliths erupted at 106±6 ka and the time CO₂-inclusion-rich xenoliths erupted within the last 15 ka.     

Xenoliths in recent basaltic andesite flows from Arenal Volcano,Costa Rica: inference on the composition of the lower crust

Basaltic andesite flows erupted between 1973 and 1980 from Arenal Volcano contain abundant inclusions of anorthosite, olivine gabbro, and pyroxenites, and megacrysts of olivine and anorthite. The anorthosites with large (20 mm) anorthite grains (An_96-92) exhibit deformation twinning and granulation between grain boundaries. Some olivine gabbros have angular clasts of anorthite with bent twins, pyroxene, and olivine in a finer-grained matrix which is distinctly foliated. These textural features suggest that these inclusions were deformed. An exotic (xenolithic) origin is supported in part by the mineral compositions and the estimated temperatures of equilibration: a temperature of about 975° C is obtained by two-pyroxene and Fe-Ti oxide geothermometers for the gabbros, but two-pyroxene temperatures are higher (1064 to 1120° C) for the basaltic andesite host. The olivine gabbro is thought to have crystallized at a pressure between 8.5 and 9.5 kb; whereas the lava phenocrysts crystallized at a much lower pressure of less than 5 kb. These xenoliths probably represent fragments of the lower crust below Arenal volcano. The lava flows show evidence for some contamination especially from fragments of anorthite broken apart from the larger megacrysts and xenoliths. A few phenocrysts of plagioclase in the lava samples have deformation twins. The unusually high Al₂O₃ content (19.4 to 23.2 wt%) of the lava samples can be attributed directly to the addition of anorthite; in fact the observed chemical variation in the lava flows (the increasing alumina and lime contents with decreasing silica) can be explained by this contamination.     

Geochemistry and zircon geochronology of a gabbro–granodiorite complex in Tongxunlian,Inner Mongolia: partial melting of enriched lithosphere mantle

A complex of gabbro (with metamorphic pyroxenite xenoliths)–gabbroic diorite–granodiorite was recently discovered in Tongxunlian, Xilinhot city, Inner Mongolia. Zircon U–Pb isotopic dating showed that the gabbro and the granodiorite were formed ca. 319 ± 1 Ma and ca. 318 ± 1 Ma respectively, indicating that emplacement of the composite rocks occurred in the late Carboniferous. Positive ε_Hf(t) values of +12.0 to +14.1 and two‐stage model ages (T_DM2) of 418 to 537 Ma of these rocks are similar to the age of formation of metamorphic pyroxenite (560 Ma, based on Sm–Nd isochron dating) and suggest that the rocks were derived from depleted lithospheric mantle (metamorphic pyroxenite). Our findings revealed that all of these calc‐alkaline and metaluminous intrusive rocks formed from the fractional crystallization of comagmatic evolution in an island‐arc setting. Moreover, the gabbro–gabbroic diorite in the study region was characterized by a low TiO₂ content, a slight deficit of Nb, a surplus of Ta, and relatively low LREE/HREE ratios. Along with a relatively high Zr/Y ratio (4.0 to 5.6), these characteristics indicate that the rocks may have been formed by melting of the mantle wedge via metasomatism. Combination with other features of the rocks indicates a two‐episode tectonic model: we conclude that first, the fluid and Si‐rich melt metasomatism caused partial melting of the enriched lithospheric mantle, and these influences were then stored in the mantle; and second, slab breakoff resulted in upwelling of the upper mantle's soft fluid (stratum), which melted the enriched mantle of the lithosphere and formed the basaltic magma of the gabbro–gabbroic diorite. This study provides new geological evidence to support the Neoproterozoic subduction between the Paleo‐Asian Ocean plate and the Xilinhot microcontinent. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Growth of bultfonteinite and hydrogarnet in metasomatized basalt xenoliths in the B/K9 kimberlite, Damtshaa, Botswana: insights into hydrothermal metamorphism in kimberlite pipes

Metamorphic assemblages within Karoo basalt xenoliths, found within volcaniclastic kimberlite of the B/K9 pipe, Damtshaa, Botswana, constrain conditions of kimberlite alteration. Bultfonteinite and chlorite partially replace the original augite-plagioclase assemblage, driven by the serpentinisation of the kimberlite creating strong chemical potential gradients for Si and Mg. Hydrogarnet and serpentine replace these earlier metamorphic assemblages as the deposits cool. The bultfonteinite (ideally Ca₂SiO₂[OH,F]₄) and hydrogarnet assemblages require a water-rich fluid containing F⁻, and imply hydrothermal alteration dominated by external fluids rather than autometamorphism from deuteric fluids. Bultfonteinite and hydrogarnet are estimated to form at temperatures of ca. 350–250°C, which are similar to those for serpentinisation. Alteration within the B/K9 kimberlite predominantly occurs between 250 and 400°C. We attribute these conditions to increased efficiency of mass transfer and chemical reactions below the critical point of water and a consequence of volume-increasing serpentinisation and metasomatic reactions that take place over this temperature range. A comparison of the B/K9 kimberlite with kimberlites from Venetia, South Africa suggests that the composition and mineralogy of included xenoliths affects the alteration assemblages within kimberlite deposits.     

Carbon isotope systematics of individual hydrocarbons in hydrothermal petroleum from Escanaba Trough, northeastern Pacific Ocean

We submitted individual aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in samples of hydrothermal petroleum from Escanaba Trough to compound specific isotope analysis to trace their origins. The carbon isotope compositions of the alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (means -27.5 and -24.7%, respectively) reflect a primarily terrestrial organic matter source.     

Geochemical Characteristics and Geological Significance of Early Permian Baya’ertuhushuo Gabbro in South Great Xing’an Range

Field geological investigation and geochemical analysis are carried out on Baya’ertuhushuo Gabbro in South Great Xing’an Range. Field investigation reveals that the gabbro is a magmatic intrusion rather than a component of an ophiolite suite as previously thought. Zircon laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (LA-ICP-MS) U-Pb dating indicates the gabbro was formed in 274–275?Ma, just as the widespread volcanic rocks of Dashizhai Formation (P1d), monzogranites and miarolitic alkali-feldspar granites in the study area. The gabbro has SiO2 content between 47.23 wt% and 50.17 wt%, high MgO and FeOT contents of 6.95–11.29 wt% and 7.32–12.24wt%, respectively, and it belongs to low-K tholeiitic series in the SiO2-K2O diagram. The Chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns and primitive mantle-normalized spider diagrams of the gabbro are similar to those of Normal Mid-Ocean Ridge Basalt (N-MORB) except for the enrichment of large ion lithophile elements (LILE), such as Rb, Ba and K. In trace element tectonic discriminative diagrams, the samples are mainly plotted in the N-MORB field, and Zircon in?situ Lu-Hf isotopic analysis also indicates the gabbro originated from depleted mantle. Through synthetic studies of the geochemical characteristics and petrogenesis of Baya’ertuhushuo gabbro, volcanic rocks of Dashizhai Formation and granitoids in the area, it is suggested that the early Permian magmatism in the Xilinhot-Xiwuqi area formed in the tectonic setting of asthenosphere upwelling, which was caused by breaking-off of the subducted Paleo-Asian Ocean slab.     

N-MORB crust beneath Fuerteventura in the easternmost part of the Canary Islands: evidence from gabbroic xenoliths

Gabbro xenoliths reported in this paper were collected in northern Fuerteventura, the Canary Island located closest to the coast of Africa. The xenoliths are very fresh and consist of Ti–Al-poor clinopyroxene + plagioclase (An_87–67) + olivine (Fo_72–86) ± orthopyroxene. Clinopyroxene and orthopyroxene are constantly and markedly depleted in light rare earth elements (LREE) relative to heavy REE (HREE), as expected for cumulus minerals formed from highly refractory N-MORB-type melts. In contrast, whole-rock Primordial Mantle-normalized trace element patterns range from mildly S-shaped (mildly depleted in Pr–Sm relative to both the strongly incompatible elements Rb–La and the HREE) to enriched. Estimates show that the trace element compositions of the rocks and their minerals are compatible with formation as N-MORB gabbro cumulates, which have been infiltrated at various extents (≤1% to >5%) by enriched alkali basaltic melts. The enriched material is mainly concentrated along grain boundaries and cracks through mineral grains, suggesting that the infiltration is relatively recent, and is thus associated with the Canary Islands magmatism. Our data contradict the hypothesis that a mantle plume was present in this area during the opening of the Atlantic Ocean. No evidence of continental material that might reflect attenuated continental crust in the area has been found. Gabbro xenoliths with REE and trace element compositions similar to those exhibited by the Fuerteventura gabbros are also found among gabbro xenoliths from the islands of La Palma (western Canary Islands) and Lanzarote. The compositions of the most depleted samples from these islands are closely similar, implying that there was no significant change in chemistry during the early stages of formation of the Atlantic oceanic crust in this area. Strongly depleted gabbros similar to those collected in Fuerteventura have also been retrieved in the MARK area along the central Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The presence of N-MORB oceanic crust beneath Fuerteventura implies that the continent–ocean transition in the Canary Islands area must be relatively sharp, in contrast to the situation both further north along the coast of Morocco, and along the Iberian peninsula.     

The South Um Mongul Cu-Mo-Au prospect in the Eastern Desert of Egypt: From a mid-Cryogenian continental arc to Ediacaran post-collisional appinite-high Ba-Sr monzogranite

The South Um Mongul prospect is a Cu-Mo-Au porphyry system. It is covered by porphyritic dacite and hornblende gabbro. Both units are intruded by monzogranite, which encloses xenoliths of both units. Using LA-ICP-MS U-Pb zircon method, the dacite is dated at ca. 773 ± 6.9 Ma, while the gabbro and the monzogranite are dated at 603 ± 3.5 and 558 ± 4.6 Ma, respectively. The dacite age is consistent with the mid-Cryogenian subduction-related magmatic stage and the gabbro-monzogranite age is comparable to the Ediacaran post-collisional magmatic stage during the evolution of the Arabian-Nubian Shield. The dacite is akin to high-K I-type granitoids and its primitive mantle-normalized trace element patterns show negative Nb anomalies and enrichment in LILE (large ion lithophile elements), Th and U over HFSE. These geochemical characteristics are similar to those of felsic magma formed in a subduction-related tectonic setting. The high La/Yb_cn (7.2–30.9), Nb/Yb (2.63–4.41) and Th/Yb (2.07–3.04) ratios of the dacite are comparable to continental rather than oceanic arc systems. Its low Sm/Yb ratios (1.84–3.13) support the primitive nature of the crust beneath the continental arc and derivation from a garnet-free lower crustal source. The dacite has low Sr/Y ratios (5–9) and its Eu/Eu^⁎ ratios range from 0.66 to 0.83. Similar to dacite, the primitive mantle-normalized trace element patterns of the post-collisional suite show a subduction-related geochemical signature. However, the gabbro is characterized by Th/Ta ratios (3.4–14.8), which are comparable with the within-plate tectonic setting. The subduction-related geochemical signature is inherited from long subduction history beneath the Arabian-Nubian Shield. Both the gabbro and monzogranite are characterized by high Ba (404–590 ppm and 936–1590 ppm, respectively) and Sr (611–708 ppm and 624–793 ppm, respectively) contents, which make them analogous to the Caledonian appinite-high Ba-Sr granite assemblage. The formation of these rocks is related to the Ediacaran lithospheric erosion accompanying slab break-off. This process induced asthenospheric upwelling, which led to partial melting of the lithosphere previously metasomatised by subducted sediments involving carbonates impregnated by hydrothermal barite. Melting of this lithosphere led to the formation of the hornblende gabbro. Underplating by the mafic magma led to melting of the lower crust and the formation of high Ba-Sr monzogranite in the area. The high Sm/Yb (2.94–4.19) and Sr/Y (52–74) ratios of the monzogranite may indicate the presence of garnet in the melted amphibolitic lower crust. The higher Sr/Y ratios, lower HFSE (high field strength elements) contents and the absence of pronounced Eu anomalies in monzogranite relative to dacite suggest the productive nature of the post-collisional magma relative to the continental arc magma in this prospect.