Mixing of asthenospheric and lithospheric mantle-derived basalt magmas as shown by along-arc variation in Sr and Nd isotopic compositions of Early Miocene basalts from back-arc margin of the NE Japan arc

We report trace element and Sr–Nd isotopic compositions of Early Miocene (22–18 Ma) basaltic rocks distributed along the back-arc margin of the NE Japan arc over 500 km. These rocks are divided into higher TiO₂ (> 1.5 wt.%; referred to as HT) and lower TiO₂ (< 1.5 wt.%; LT) basalts. HT basalt has higher Na₂O + K₂O, HFSE and LREE, Zr/Y, and La/Yb compared to LT basalt. Both suite rocks show a wide range in Sr and Nd isotopic compositions (initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (SrI) = 0.70389 to 0.70631, initial ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd(NdI) = 0.51248 to 0.51285). There is no any systematic variation amongst the studied Early Miocene basaltic rocks in terms of Sr–Nd isotope or Na₂O + K₂O and K₂O abundances, across three volcanic zones from the eastern through transitional to western volcanic zone, but we can identify gradual increases in SrI and decreases in NdI from north to south along the back-arc margin of the NE Japan arc. Based on high field strength element, REE, and Sr–Nd isotope data, Early Miocene basaltic rocks of the NE Japan back-arc margin represent mixing of the asthenospheric mantle-derived basalt magma with two types of basaltic magmas, HT and LT basaltic magmas, derived by different degrees of partial melting of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle composed of garnet-absent lherzolite, with a gradual decrease in the proportion of asthenospheric mantle-derived magma from north to south. These mantle events might have occurred in association with rifting of the Eurasian continental arc during the pre-opening stage of the Japan Sea.     

Interrelations between coeval mafic and A-type silicic magmas from composite dykes in a bimodal suite of southern Israel, northernmost Arabian–Nubian Shield: Geochemical and isotope constraints

Late Neoproterozoic bimodal dyke suites are abundant in the Arabian–Nubian Shield. In southern Israel this suite includes dominant alkaline quartz porphyry dykes, rare mafic dykes, and numerous composite dykes with felsic interiors and mafic margins. The quartz porphyry chemically corresponds to A-type granite. Composite dykes with either abrupt or gradational contacts between the felsic and mafic rocks bear field, petrographic and chemical evidence for coexistence and mixing of basaltic and rhyolitic magmas. Mixing and formation of hybrid intermediate magmas commenced at depth and continued during emplacement of the dykes. Oxygen isotope ratios of alkali feldspar in quartz porphyry (13 to 15‰) and of plagioclase in trachydolerite (10–11‰) are much higher than their initial magmatic ratios predicted by equilibrium with unaltered quartz (8 to 9‰) and clinopyroxene (5.8‰). The elevation of δ¹⁸O in alkali feldspar and plagioclase, and extensive turbidization and sericitization call for post-magmatic low-temperature (≤ 100 °C) water–rock interaction. Hydrous alteration of alkali feldspar, the major carrier of Rb and Sr in the quartz–porphyry, also accounts for the highly variable and unusually high I(Sr) of 0.71253 to 0.73648.

The initial ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios, expressed by ε_Nd(T) values, are probably unaltered and show small variation in mafic and felsic rocks within a narrow range from + 1.4 to + 3.3. The Nd isotope signature suggests either a common mantle source for the mafic and silicic magmas or a juvenile crustal source for the felsic rocks (metamorphic rocks from the Elat area). However, oxygen isotope ratios of zircon in quartz porphyry [δ¹⁸O(Zrn) = 6.5 to 7.2‰] reveal significant crustal contribution to the rhyolite magma, suggesting that mafic and A-type silicic magmas are not co-genetic, although coeval. Comparison of ¹⁸O/¹⁶O ratios in zircon allows to distinguish two groups of A-type granites in the region: those with mantle-derived source, δ¹⁸O(Zrn) ranging from 5.5 to 5.8‰ (Timna and Katharina granitoids) and those with major contribution of the modified juvenile crustal component, δ¹⁸O(Zrn) varying from 6.5 to 7.2‰ (Elat quartz porphyry dykes and the Yehoshafat alkaline granite). This suggests that A-type silicic magmas in the northern ANS originated by alternative processes almost coevally.     

The origin of basic rocks of the Korosten AMCG complex, Ukrainian shield: Implication of Nd and Sr isotope data

The Korosten complex is a Paleoproterozoic gabbro–anorthosite–rapakivi granite intrusion which was emplaced over a protracted time interval — 1800–1737 Ma. The complex occupies an area of about 12 000 km² in the north-western region of the Ukrainian shield. About 18% of this area is occupied by various mafic rocks (gabbro, leucogabbro, anorthosite) that comprise five rock suites: early anorthositic A₁ (1800–1780 Ma), main anorthositic A₂ (1760 Ma), early gabbroic G₃ (between 1760 and 1758 Ma), late gabbroic G₄ (1758 Ma), and a suite of dykes D₅ (before 1737 Ma). In order to examine the relationships between the various intrusions and to assess possible magmatic sources, Nd and Sr isotopic composition in mafic whole-rock samples were measured. New Sr and Nd isotope measurements combined with literature data for the mafic rocks of the Korosten complex are consistent and enable construction of Rb–Sr and Sm–Nd isochronous regressions that yield the following ages: 1870 ± 310 Ma (Rb–Sr) and 1721 ± 90 Ma (Sm–Nd). These ages are in agreement with those obtained by the U–Pb method on zircons and indicate that both Rb–Sr and Sm–Nd systems have remained closed since the time of crystallisation. In detail, however, measurable differences in isotopic composition of the Korosten mafic rock depending on their suite affiliation were revealed. The oldest, A₁ rocks have lower Sr (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr₍₁₇₆₀₎ = 0.70233–0.70288) and higher Nd (εNd₍₁₇₆₀₎ = 1.6–0.9) isotopic composition. The most widespread A₂ anorthosite and leucogabbro display higher Sr and lower Nd isotopic composition: ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr₍₁₇₆₀₎ = 0.70362, εNd₍₁₇₆₀₎ varies from 0.2 to − 0.7. The G₃ gabbro–norite has slightly lower εNd₍₁₇₆₀₎ varying from − 0.7 to − 0.9. Finally, G₄ gabbroic rocks show relatively high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.70334–0.70336) and the lowest Nd isotopic composition (εNd₍₁₇₆₀₎ varies from − 0.8 to − 1.4) of any of the mafic rocks of the Korosten complex studied to date. On the basis of Sr and Nd isotopic composition we conclude that Korosten initial melts may have inherited their Nd and Sr isotopic characteristics from the lower crust created during the 2.05–1.95 Ga Osnitsk orogeny and 2.0 Ga continental flood basalt event. Indeed, εNd₍₁₇₆₀₎ values in Osnitsk rocks vary from 0.0 to − 1.9 and from 0.2 to 3.4 in flood basalts. We suggest that these rocks being drawn into the upper mantle might melt and give rise to the Korosten initial melts. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr₍₁₇₆₀₎ values also support this interpretation. We suggest that the Sr and Nd isotopic data currently available on mafic rocks of the Korosten complex are consistent with an origin of its primary melts by partial melting of lower crustal material due to downthrusting of the lower crust into upper mantle forced by Paleoproterozoic amalgamation of Sarmatia and Fennoscandia.     

Pre-Cenozoic intra-plate magmatism along the Central Andes (17–34°S): Composition of the mantle at an active margin

Sr–Nd–Pb isotope ratios of alkaline mafic intra-plate magmatism constrain the isotopic compositions of the lithospheric mantle along what is now the eastern foreland or back arc of the Cenozoic Central Andes (17–34°S). Most small-volume basanite volcanic rocks and alkaline intrusive rocks of Cretaceous (and rare Miocene) age were derived from a depleted lithospheric mantle source with rather uniform initial ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ( 0.5127–0.5128) and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ( 0.7032–0.7040). The initial ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios are variable (18.5–19.7) at uniform ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios (15.60 ± 0.05). A variety of the Cretaceous depleted mantle source of the magmatic rocks shows elevated Sr isotope ratios up to 0.707 at constant high Nd isotope ratios. The variable Sr and Pb isotope ratios are probably due to radiogenic growth in a metasomatized lithospheric mantle, which represents the former sub-arc mantle beneath the early Palaeozoic active continental margin. Sr–Nd–Pb isotope signatures of a second mantle type reflected in the composition of Cretaceous (one late Palaeozoic age) intra-plate magmatic rocks (¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd  0.5123, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr  0.704, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb  17.5–18.5, and ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb  15.45–15.50) are similar to the isotopic composition of old sub-continental lithospheric mantle of the Brazilian Shield.

Published Nd and Sr isotopic compositions of Mesozoic to Cenozoic arc-related magmatic rocks (18–40°S) represent the composition of the convective sub-arc mantle in the Central Andes and are similar to those of the Cretaceous (and rare Miocene) intra-plate magmatic rocks. The dominant convective and lithospheric mantle type beneath this old continental margin is depleted mantle, which is compositionally different from average MORB-type depleted mantle. The old sub-continental lithospheric mantle did not contribute to Mesozoic to Cenozoic arc magmatism.     

Possible correlation between a mantle plume and the evolution of Paleo-Tethys Jinshajiang Ocean: Evidence from a volcanic rifted margin in the Xiaru-Tuoding area, Yunnan, SW China

Several Paleozoic sutures in Southwestern China provide a record of the history of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean, whose birth and final closure are associated with the breakup and assembly of Gondwanaland. Recent studies indicate that there are widespread OIB-type mafic volcanic rocks within these suture zones and intervening terranes. This paper examines the geology and geochemistry of volcanic rocks in the Xiaruo-Tuoding area, a remnant passive margin succession of the Jinshajiang Paleo-Tethyan Ocean. The sedimentary and volcanic stratigraphy of this area is interpreted as a seaward dipping margin with a few continentward dipping normal faults. The available geochemistry of these volcanic rocks suggest that they are OIB-like basalts, characterised by SiO₂ = 42.78–50.46 wt.%, high TiO₂ contents (TiO₂ = 2.2–3.55 wt.%), moderate MgO = 4.15–6.49 wt.%, Mg# = 0.37–0.50, high Ti/Y ratios (mostly > 450), large ion lithosphere elements enrichment, high strength field elements and rare earth elements, with La/Nb = 1.04–1.39, Ce/Yb = 18.38–30, Sm/Yb = 2.16–3.52, (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)i = 0.705350–0.707867, and Nd(t) = − 1.43–1.90. These geochemical and isotopic signatures are generally similar to those of the Emeishan flood basalts, which together with stratigraphic constraints, demonstrate that these volcanics were formed in a volcanic rifted margin, probably associated with a mantle plume. A new model is proposed to interpret the evolution of the Jinshajiang Paleo-Tethyan Ocean and its possible relationship to the Emeishan mantle plume. In this model, we argue that the opening of the Jinshajiang Paleo-Tethyan Ocean in the Carboniferous was caused by a mantle plume. The mantle plume was active to the east along the western margin of the Yangtze Craton between 300 and 260 Ma, from which the voluminous Emeishan flood basalts were erupted at 260 Ma. The closure of the Jinshajiang Ocean occurred since the Middle Permian. Continuous westward subduction generated the Jiangda-Weixi magmatic arc to the west of the Jinshajiang suture. This subduction also partly destroyed and/or tectonically sliced the volcanic rifted margin. Some seaward dipping volcanic-sedimentary sequences on the east flank of the Jinshajiang Ocean were preserved, but are strongly deformed.     

Geochemical constraints on the origin of bimodal magmatism at the Okinawa Trough, an incipient back-arc basin

The magmatism at the axial zone of the middle Okinawa Trough, a young continental back-arc basin, comprises a bimodal basaltic–rhyolitic suite, accompanied by minor intermediate rocks. We report major and trace element and Sr–Nd isotopic data for the intermediate to silicic suites, to provide constraints on their petrogenesis. The rhyolites, recovered as lava and pumice, fall into three geochemical groups (type 1, 2, and 3 rhyolites). Type 1 rhyolites have ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.7040–0.7042) and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd (0.5128–0.5129) identical to those of associated basalts, and are characterized by highly fractionated REE patterns. Petrogenesis of type 1 rhyolites is explicable in terms of fractional crystallization of the associated basalt. In contrast, type 2 rhyolites and andesite have slightly higher ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.7044–0.7047) but similar ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd (0.5128) compared to those of the basalts. The compositions of type 2 rhyolite and andesite can be explained by assimilation and fractional crystallization (AFC) processes of the basalt magma; quantitative analysis suggests assimilation/fractional crystallization (M_a/M_c) ratios of ≤0.05. Hybrid andesite generated by mixing of evolved basalt and type 1 rhyolite is also present. We emphasize that mechanical extension in this part of the Okinawa Trough involves gabbroic lower crust that resulted from fractionation of mantle-derived basaltic magmas. Type 3 rhyolite occurs only as pumice, which makes its derivation questionable. This rhyolite has major and trace element compositions and Sr–Nd isotopic ratios, which suggests that it may be derived from volcanic activity on the southern Ryukyu volcanic front, and arrived in the Okinawa Trough by drifting on the Kuroshio Current.     

Origin of lamprophyres by the mixing of basic and alkaline melts in magma chamber in Beiya area, western Yunnan, China

Lamprophyres consisting mainly of diopside, phlogopite and K-feldspar formed in the early Tertiary around 60 Ma in the Beiya area and are characterized by low SiO₂ ± 46–50 wt.%), Rb (31–45 ppm) and Sr (225–262 ppm), high Al₂O₃, (11.2–13.1 wt.%), CaO (8.0–8.7 wt.%), MgO (11.5–12.1 wt.%), K₂O(4.9–5.5 wt.%), TiO₂ (2.9–3.3 wt.%) and REE (174–177 ppm), and compatible elements (e.g. Sc, Cr and Ni) and HSF elements (e.g. Th, U, Zr, Nb, Ta, Ti and Y), and low ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd 0.512372–0.512536, middle ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr 0.707322–0.707395, middle ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 18.50–18.59, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 15.60–15.65 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 38.75–38.8. These rocks developed peculiar quartz megacrysts with poly-layer reaction zones, melt inclusions, and partial melted K-feldspar and plagioclase inclusions, and plastic shapes. Important features of these rocks include: (1) hybrid composition of elements, (2) abrupt increase of SiO₂ content of the melt, recorded by zoned diopside, (3) development of sanidine and aegirine-augite reaction zones, (4) alkaline melt and partial melted K-feldspar and plagioclase inclusions, (5) deformed quartz inclusions associated with quartz megacrysts, (6) the presence of quartz megacrysts in plastic shape with their parent melts, (7) the occurrence of olivine, high-MgO ilmenite and spinel inclusions within earlier formed diopside, phlogopite and magnetite. Median ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values between Tertiary alkaline porphyries in the Beiya area and the western Yunnan and Tertiary basalt in the western Yunnan indicate that the Beiya lamprophyre melts were derivative and resulted from the mixing between basic melts that were related to the partial melting of phenocrysts of spinel iherzolite from a mantle source. The alkaline melts originated from partial melting along the Jinshajiang subduction ductile shear zone at the contact between the buried Palaeo-Tethyan oceanic lithosphere and the upper mantle lithosphere. The alkaline melts are composed of 65% sanidine (Or₇₀Ab₂₈An₂) and 35% SiO₂. The melt mixing occurred in magma chambers in the middle-shallow crust at 8–10 km before the derivative lamprophyre melts intruded into the shallow cover in Beiya area. This mixing of basic and alkaline melts might represent a general process for the formation of lamprophyre in the western Yunnan.     

Evolution of a post-batholith dike swarm in central coastal Queensland, Australia: arc-front to backarc?

A swarm of felsic and mafic dikes cuts a Late Carboniferous–Permian batholith called the Urannah Suite in central coastal Queensland. Late Permian–Triassic westward thrusting (Hunter–Bowen Orogeny) exposed this mid-crustal Suite and the crosscutting dikes, thus enabling examination of dikes that range in age from syn- to post-batholithic. Although both mafic and felsic dikes have the same dominant northerly strike, field, geochronologic and geochemical examination reveal that the swarm is composite; felsic dikes are older (285 Ma) and geochemically and isotopically distinct from mafic dikes (273–229 Ma). Dike compositions are compared to those of the host plutonic rocks, and to volcanic rocks the same age as the dikes. Whereas the felsic (older) dikes are compositionally similar to their host granites (initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr>0.7045), the mafic (younger) dikes are isotopically (Sr, Nd, Pb) less radiogenic. Moreover, several different types of mafic dikes are evident based on geochemistry; most of these have mixed characteristics in terms of tectonic classification. All but two dikes of basalt and basaltic andesite composition classify as ‘with-in plate' on Ti–Zr–Y tectonic classification plots. Many of the basalts have high TiO₂ contents (1.5–3.0 wt.%). Most of these have REE and spider diagram patterns like calc-alkaline tholeiites, the exceptions being a few alkali basalts recognized by their alkali content, and high Ti, Ce, Nb and Zr contents. When put into the context of all plutonic rocks in the area (late Paleozoic and Mesozoic), these dikes record a transition at 280 Ma, after which time, all magmatism in the region is less isotopically evolved (initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr=0.7033–0.7044). A model of slab retreat and hinge movement to the east in the latest Permian explains the change of geochemical signature from arc-front to backarc at about 280 Ma.     

Origin and geodynamic significance of Tertiary postcollisional basaltic magmatism in Serbia (central Balkan Peninsula)

Tertiary basaltic magmatism in Serbia occurred through three episodes: (i) Paleocene/Eocene, when mostly east Serbian mafic alkaline rocks (ESPEMAR) formed, (ii) Oligocene/Miocene, dominated by high-K calc–alkaline basalts, shoshonites (HKCA–SHO) and ultrapotassic (UP) rocks, and (iii) Pliocene episode when rocks similar to (ii) originated. In this study, the geodynamics inferred from petrogenesis of the (i) and (ii) episodes are discussed.

The ESPEMAR (62–39 Ma) occur mainly as mantle xenolith-bearing basanites. Their geochemical features, such as the REE patterns, elevated HFSE contents and depleted Sr–Nd isotope signatures, indicate a relatively small degree of melting of an isotopically depleted mantle source. Their mantle-normalized trace element patterns are flat to concave and “bell-shaped”, characteristic of an OIB source free of subduction component. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_i and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd_i isotope ratios (0.7030–0.7047 and 0.5127–0.5129, respectively) indicate a depleted source for the ESPEMAR similar to the European Asthenospheric Reservoir (EAR).

The HKCA–SHO rocks (30–21 Ma) occur as basalts, basaltic andesites and trachyandesites. They show enrichment in LILE and depletion in HFSE with all the distinctive features of calc–alkaline arc-type magmatism. This is coupled with somewhat enriched Sr–Nd isotope signature (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_i=0.7047–0.7064, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd_i=0.5124–0.5126). All these features are characteristic of subduction-related metasomatism and fluxing of the HKCA–SHO mantle source with fluids/melts released from subducted sedimentary material.

UP rocks (35–21 Ma) appear as (i) Si-rich lamproites and related rocks and (ii) olivine leucitites and related rocks. UP rocks have high-LILE/HFSE ratios with enrichment for some LILE around 1000× primitive mantle, troughs at Nb and Ti, and peaks of Pb in their mantle-normalized patterns. They also show highly fractionated REE patterns (La/Yb up to 27, La_N up to 400). The isotopic ratios approach crustal values (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_i=0.7059–0.7115 and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd_i=0.5122–0.5126), and that signature is typical for ultrapotassic rocks worldwide.

The Paleocene/Eocene episode and formation of the ESPEMAR is referred to as asthenospheric-derived magmatism. This magmatism originated through passive riftlike structures related to possible short relaxational phases during predominantly collisional and compressional conditions. The Oligocene/Miocene episode and formation of HKCA–SHO and UP rocks were dominated by lithospheric-controlled magmatism. Its origin is connected with the activity of a wide dextral wrench corridor generated along the axis of the Dinaride orogen which collapsed in response to thickened crust caused by earlier compressional processes.

To explain conditions of these two magmatic events, a three-stage geodynamic model has been proposed: (1) subduction–termination/collision stage (Paleocene/Eocene), (2) collision stage (Eocene) and (3) postcollision/collapse stage (Oligocene/early Miocene).     

Late Triassic granitoids of the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau: Geochronology, petrogenesis and implications for tectonic evolution

Late Triassic granitoids in the Songpan-Garzê Fold Belt (SGFB), on the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, formed at 230 to 220 Ma and can be divided into two groups. Group 1 are high-K calc-alkaline rocks with adakitic affinities (K-adakites), with Sr > 400 ppm, Y < 11 ppm, strongly fractionated REE patterns ((La/Yb)_N = 32–105) and high K₂O/Na₂O (≈ 1). Group 2 are ordinary high-K calc-alkaline I-types with lower Sr (< 400 ppm), higher Y (> 18 ppm) and weakly fractionated REE patterns ((La/Yb)_N < 20). Rocks of both groups have similar negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu = 0.50 to 0.94) and initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.70528 to 0.71086), but group 1 rocks have higher ε_Nd(t) (− 1.01 to − 4.84) than group 2 (− 3.11 to − 6.71). Calculated initial Pb isotope ratios for both groups are: ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.343 to 18.627, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.610 to 15.705 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.269 to 3759. Group 1 magmas were derived through partial melting of thickened and then delaminated TTG-type, eclogitic lower crust, with some contribution from juvenile enriched mantle melts. Group 2 magmas were generated by partial melting of shallower lower crustal rocks. The inferred magma sources of both groups suggest that the basement of the SGFB was similar to the exposed Kangding Complex, and that the SGFB was formed in a similar manner to the South China basement. Here, passive margin crust was greatly thickened and then delaminated, all within a very short time interval ( 20 Myr). Such post-collisional crustal thickening could be the tectonic setting for the generation of many adakitic magmas, especially where there is no spatial and temporal association with subduction.     

Geochemistry of post-collisional mafic lavas from the North Anatolian Fault zone, Northwestern Turkey

Extensive magmatic activity developed at the northwestern part of the Anatolian block and produced basaltic lavas that are situated along and between the two segments of the North Anatolian Fault zone. This region is a composite tectonic unit formed by collision of continental fragments after consumption of Neotethyan ocean floor during the late Cretaceous. Northwestern Anatolian basalts and evolved lavas exhibit both tholeiitic and calc-alkaline characteristics. Mafic lavas are moderately enriched in LILE (except depleted part of Yuvacık and İznik samples) and depleted in HFSE (but not Zr, Hf) relative to primitive mantle values, suggesting derivation from a MORB-like mantle source that is unexpected in this subduction environment. Sr and Nd isotopes are close to the mantle array and vary beyond analytical error (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr 0.70404–0.70546, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd 0.51270–0.51289). These geochemical features may result from two possible processes: (1) melting of a MORB-like mantle source that was modified by subduction-released fluids and melts or (2) modification of mafic liquids derived from a dominantly MORB-like source by crustal or lithospheric mantle material. Geochemical characteristics of the lavas (e.g., Ba/Rb, Rb/Sr, Ba/Zr, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, Sr/P) vary systematically along the fault zone from east to west, consistent with a decrease in the degree of melting from east to west or a change in the nature of the source composition itself. Thus, the difference in incompatible elements and Sr–Nd isotopic ratios seems to result from small-scale mantle heterogeneity in a post-collisional tectonic environment.     

Provenance of the Neoproterozoic Maricá Formation (Sul-rio-grandense Shield, Southern Brazil): Petrographic and Sm–Nd isotopic constraints

This paper reports the integrated application of petrographic and Sm–Nd isotopic analyses for studying the provenance of the Neoproterozoic Maricá Formation, southern Brazil. This unit encompasses sedimentary rocks of fluvial and marine affiliations. In the lower fluvial succession, sandstones plot in the “craton interior” and “transitional continental” fields of the QFL diagram. Chemical weathering probably caused the decrease of the ¹⁴⁷Sm/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios to 0.0826 and 0.0960, consequently lowering originally > 2.0 Ga T_DM ages to 1.76 and 1.81 Ga. ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios are also low (0.511521 to 0.511633), corresponding to negative ε_Nd present-day values (− 21.8 and − 19.6). In the intermediate marine succession, sandstones plot in the “dissected arc” field, reflecting the input of andesitic clasts. Siltstones and shales reveal low ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios (0.511429 to 0.511710), ε_Nd values of − 18.1 and − 23.6, and T_DM ages of 2.16 and 2.37 Ga. Sandstones of the upper fluvial succession have “dissected arc” and “recycled orogen” provenance. ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd isotopic ratios are also relatively low, from 0.511487 to 0.511560, corresponding to ε_Nd values of − 22.4 and − 21.0 and T_DM of 2.07 Ga. A uniform granite–gneissic basement block of Paleoproterozoic age, with subordinate volcanic rocks, is suggested as the main sediment source of the Maricá Formation.     

Geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions of the Eocene Dölek and Sariçiçek Plutons, Eastern Turkey: Implications for magma interaction in the genesis of high-K calc-alkaline granitoids in a post-collision extensional setting

The major and trace elements and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes of the host rocks and the mafic microgranular enclaves (MME) gathered from the Dölek and Sariçiçek plutons, Eastern Turkey, were studied to understand the underlying petrogenesis and geodynamic setting. The plutons were emplaced at  43 Ma at shallow depths ( 5 to 9 km) as estimated from Al-in hornblende geobarometry. The host rocks consist of a variety of rock types ranging from diorite to granite (SiO₂ = 56.98–72.67 wt.%; Mg# = 36.8–50.0) populated by MMEs of gabbroic diorite to monzodiorite in composition (SiO₂ = 53.21–60.94 wt.%; Mg# = 44.4–53.5). All the rocks show a high-K calc-alkaline differentiation trend. Chondrite-normalized REE patterns are moderately fractionated and relatively flat [(La/Yb)_N = 5.11 to 8.51]. They display small negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu = 0.62 to 0.88), with enrichment of LILE and depletion of HFSE. Initial Nd–Sr isotopic compositions for the host rocks are ε_Nd(43 Ma) = − 0.6 to 0.8 and mostly I_Sr = 0.70482–0.70548. The Nd model ages (T_DM) vary from 0.84 to 0.99 Ga. The Pb isotopic ratios are (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 18.60–18.65, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 15.61–15.66 and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 38.69–38.85. Compared with the host rocks, the MMEs are relatively homogeneous in isotopic composition, with I_Sr ranging from 0.70485 to 0.70517, ε_Nd(43 Ma) − 0.1 to 0.8 and with Pb isotopic ratios of (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 18.58–18.64, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 15.60–15.66 and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 38.64–38.77. The MMEs have T_DM ranging from 0.86 to 1.36 Ga. The geochemical and isotopic similarities between the MMEs and their host rocks indicate that the enclaves are of mixed origin and are most probably formed by the interaction between the lower crust- and mantle-derived magmas. All the geochemical data, in conjunction with the geodynamic evidence, suggest that a basic magma derived from an enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle, probably triggered by the upwelling of the asthenophere, and interacted with a crustal melt that originated from the dehydration melting of the mafic lower crust at deep crustal levels. Modeling based on the Sr–Nd isotope data indicates that  77–83% of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle involved in the genesis. Consequently, the interaction process played an important role in the genesis of the hybrid granitoid bodies, which subsequently underwent a fractional crystallization process along with minor amounts of crustal assimilation, en route to the upper crustal levels generating a wide variety of rock types ranging from diorite to granite in an extensional regime.     

Magmagenesis in a subduction-related post-collisional volcanic arc segment: the Ukrainian Carpathians

Calc-alkaline magmatism in the south-west Ukraine occurred between 13.8 and 9.1 Ma and formed an integral part of the Neogene subduction-related post-collisional Carpathian volcanic arc. Eruptions occurred contemporaneously in two parallel arcs (here termed Outer Arc and Inner Arc) in the Ukrainian part of the Carpathians. Outer Arc rocks, mainly andesites, are characterized by LILE enrichment (e.g. K and Pb), Nb depletion, low compatible trace element abundances, high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, high δ¹⁸O and low ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd isotopic ratios (0.7085–0.7095, 7.01–8.53, 0.51230–0.51245, respectively). Inner Arc rocks are mostly dacites and rhyolites with some basaltic and andesitic lavas. They also show low compatible element abundances but have lower ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, δ¹⁸O and higher ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios (0.7060–0.7085, 6.15–6.64, 0.5125–0.5126, respectively) than Outer Arc rocks. Both high-Nb and low-Nb lithologies are present in the Inner Arc. Based on the LILE enrichment (especially Pb), a higher fluid flux is suggested for the Outer Arc magmas compared with those of the Inner Arc.

Combined trace element and Sr–Nd–O isotopic modelling suggests that the factors which controlled the generation and evolution of magmas were complex. Compositional differences between the Inner and Outer Arcs were produced by introduction of variable proportions of slab-derived sediments and fluids into a heterogeneous mantle wedge, and by different extents of upper crustal contamination. Degrees of magmatic fractionation also differed between the two arcs. The most primitive magmas belong to the Inner Arc. Isotopic modelling shows that they can be produced by adding 3–8% subducted terrigenous flysch sediments to the local mantle wedge source. Up to 5% upper crustal contamination has been modelled for fractionated products of the Inner Arc. The geochemical features of Outer Arc rocks suggest that they were generated from mantle wedge melts similar to the Inner Arc primitive magmas, but were strongly affected by both source enrichment and upper crustal contamination. Assimilation of 10–20% bulk upper crust is required in the AFC modelling, assuming an Inner Arc parental magma. We suggest that magmagenesis is closely related to the complex geotectonic evolution of the Carpathian area. Several tectonic and kinematic factors are significant: (1) hydration of the asthenosphere during subduction and plate rollback directly related to collisional processes; (2) thermal disturbance caused by ascent of hot asthenospheric mantle during the back-arc opening of the Pannonian Basin; (3) clockwise translational movements of the Intracarpathian terranes, which facilitated eruption of the magmas.     

Perspectives on basaltic magma crystallization and differentiation: Lava-lake blocks erupted at Mauna Loa volcano summit, Hawaii

Explosive eruptions at Mauna Loa summit ejected coarse-grained blocks (free of lava coatings) from Moku'aweoweo caldera. Most are gabbronorites and gabbros that have 0–26 vol.% olivine and 1–29 vol.% oikocrystic orthopyroxene. Some blocks are ferrogabbros and diorites with micrographic matrices, and diorite veins (≤ 2 cm) cross-cut some gabbronorites and gabbros. One block is an open-textured dunite.

The MgO of the gabbronorites and gabbros ranges  7–21 wt.%. Those with MgO > 10 wt.% have some incompatible-element abundances (Zr, Y, REE; positive Eu anomalies) lower than those in Mauna Loa lavas of comparable MgO; gabbros (MgO < 10 wt.%) generally overlap lava compositions. Olivines range Fo_83–58, clinopyroxenes have Mg#s  83–62, and orthopyroxene Mg#s are 84–63 — all evolved beyond the mineral-Mg#s of Mauna Loa lavas. Plagioclase is An_75–50. Ferrogabbro and diorite blocks have  3–5 wt.% MgO (TiO₂ 3.2–5.4%; K₂O 0.8–1.3%; La 16–27 ppm), and a diorite vein is the most evolved (SiO₂ 59%, K₂O 1.5%, La 38 ppm). They have clinopyroxene Mg#s 67–46, and plagioclase An_57–40. The open-textured dunite has olivine  Fo_83.5. Seven isotope ratios are ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr 0.70394–0.70374 and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd 0.51293–0.51286, and identify the suite as belonging to the Mauna Loa system.

Gabbronorites and gabbros originated in solidification zones of Moku'aweoweo lava lakes where they acquired orthocumulate textures and incompatible-element depletions. These features suggest deeper and slower cooling lakes than the lava lake paradigm, Kilauea Iki, which is basalt and picrite. Clinopyroxene geobarometry suggests crystallization at < 1 kbar P. Highly evolved mineral Mg#s, < 75, are largely explained by cumulus phases exposed to evolving intercumulus liquids causing compositional ‘shifts.’ Ferrogabbro and diorite represent segregation veins from differentiated intercumulus liquids filter pressed into rigid zones of cooling lakes. Clinopyroxene geobarometry suggests < 300 bar P. Open-textured dunite represents olivine-melt mush, precursor to vertical olivine-rich bodies (as in Kilauea Iki). Its Fo_83.5 identifies the most primitive lake magma as  8.3 wt.% MgO. Mass balancing and MELTS show that such a magma could have yielded both ferrogabbro and diorite by ≥ 50% fractional crystallization, but under different fO₂: < FMQ (250 bar) led to diorite, and FMQ (250 bar) yielded ferrogabbro. These segregation veins, documented as similar to those of Kilauea, testify to appreciable volumes of ‘rhyolitic’ liquid forming in oceanic environments. Namely, SiO₂-rich veins are intrinsic to all shields that reached caldera stage to accommodate various-sized cooling, differentiating lava lakes.     

Mantle diversity beneath the Colombian Andes, Northern Volcanic Zone: Constraints from Sr and Nd isotopes

In order to provide mantle and crustal constraints during the evolution of the Colombian Andes, Sr and Nd isotopic studies were performed in xenoliths from the Mercaderes region, Northern Volcanic Zone, Colombia. Xenoliths are found in the Granatifera Tuff, a deposit of Cenozoic age, in which mantle- and crustal-derived xenoliths are present in bombs and fragments of andesites and lamprophyres compositions. Garnet-bearing xenoliths are the most abundant mantle-derived rocks, but websterites (garnet-free xenoliths) and spinel-bearing peridotites are also present in minor amounts. Amphibolites, pyroxenites, granulites, and gneisses represent the lower crustal xenolith assemblage. Isotopic signatures for the mantle xenoliths, together with field, petrographic, mineral, and whole-rock chemistry and pressure–temperature estimates, suggest three main sources for these mantle xenoliths: garnet-free websterite xenoliths derived from a source region with low P and T (16 kbar, 1065 °C) and MORB isotopic signature, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio of 0.7030, and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratio of 0.5129. Garnet-bearing peridotite and websterite xenoliths derived from two different sources in the mantle: i) a source with intermediate P and T (29–35 kbar, 1250–1295 °C) conditions, similar to that of sub-oceanic geotherm, with an OIB isotopic signature (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio of 0.7043 and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratio of 0.5129); and ii) another source with P and T conditions similar to those of a sub-continental geotherm (>38 kbar, 1140–1175 °C) and OIB isotopic characteristics (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio=0.7041 and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratio=0.5135).     

Contribution of syncollisional felsic magmatism to continental crust growth: A case study of the Paleogene Linzizong volcanic Succession in southern Tibet

The Linzizong volcanic succession (~ 65–45 Ma) and the coeval batholiths (~ 60−40 Ma) of andesitic to rhyolitic composition represent a magmatic response to the India–Asia continental collision that began at ~ 70–65 Ma and ended at ~ 45–40 Ma with convergence continuing to present. These syncollisional felsic magmatic rocks are widely distributed along much of the > 1500 km long Gangdese Belt immediately north of the India–Asia suture (Yarlung–Zangbo) in southern Tibet. Our study of the Linzizong volcanic rocks from the Linzhou Basin (near Lhasa) suggests that syncollisional felsic magmatism may in fact account for much of the net contribution to continental crust growth. These volcanic rocks show a first-order temporal change from the andesitic lower Dianzhong Formation (64.4–60.6 Ma), to the dacitic middle Nianbo Formation (~ 54 Ma), and to the rhyolitic upper Pana Formation (48.7–43.9 Ma). The three formations show no systematic but overlapping Nd–Sr isotope variations. The isotopically depleted samples with ε_Nd(t) > 0 indicate that their primary sources are of mantle origin. The best source candidate in the broad context of Tethyan ocean closing and India–Asia collision is the remaining part of the Tethyan ocean crust. This ocean crust melts when reaching its hydrous solidus during and soon after the collision in the amphibolite facies, producing andesitic melts parental to the Linzizong volcanic succession (and the coeval batholiths) with inherited mantle isotopic signatures. Ilmenite as a residual phase (plus the effect of residual amphibole) of amphibolite melting accounts for the depletion of Nb, Ta and Ti in the melt. The effect of ocean crust alteration plus involvement of mature crustal materials (e.g., recycled terrigeneous sediments) enhances the abundances of Ba, Rb, Th, U, K and Pb in the melt, thus giving the rocks an “arc-like” geochemical signature. Residual amphibole that possesses super-chondritic Nb/Ta ratio explains the sub-chondritic Nb/Ta ratio in the melt; residual plagioclase explains the slightly depleted, not enriched, Sr (and Eu) in the melt, typical of continental crust. These observations and reasoning plus the remarkable compositional similarity between the andesitic lower Dianzhong Formation and the model bulk continental crust corroborates our proposal that continental collision zones may be sites of net crustal growth (juvenile crust) through process of syncollisional felsic magmatism. While these interpretations are reasonable in terms of straightforward petrology, geochemistry and tectonics, they require further testing.     

Post-collision neogene volcanism of the Eastern Rif (Morocco): magmatic evolution through time

Neogene volcanism in the Eastern Rif (Morocco) comprises a series of calc-alkaline, potassic calc-alkaline, shoshonitic and alkaline volcanic rocks. According to new stratigraphical, along with new and previous chronological and geochemical data, the orogenic volcanism was successively (1) calc-alkaline (basaltic andesites and andesites: 13.1 to 12.5 Ma, rhyolites: 9.8 Ma), (2) K-calc-alkaline (basaltic andesitic to rhyolitic lavas and granodiorites: 9.0 to 6.6 Ma), and (3) shoshonitic (absarokites, shoshonites, latites, trachytes: 7.0 to 5.4 Ma). The later Pliocene volcanism was basaltic and alkaline (5.6 to 1.5 Ma). The calc-alkaline and K-calc-alkaline series exhibit lower K₂O (0.7–5.3 wt.%), Nb (8–19 ppm) contents and higher ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.70773–0.71016) than the shoshonitic series (K₂O: 2.4–7.2 wt.%, Nb: 21–38 ppm, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr: 0.70404–0.70778). Pliocene alkaline basalts have a sodic tendency (Na₂O/K₂O: 1.7–3.5), high Nb content (up to 52 ppm), and low ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio (0.70360–0.70413). The variations through time of K₂O, Nb and Sr isotopic ratio reflect different mantle sources: (i) calc-alkaline, potassic calc-alkaline and shoshonitic series are derived from a mantle source modified by older subduction, (ii) alkaline basalts are derived mainly from an enriched mantle source. Through time, incompatible elements such as Nb increased while ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr decreased, suggesting a decreasing influence of metasomatized mantle (inherited subduction). Such evolution is related to the post-collision regimes operating in this area, and could be linked to the succession of extensional, compressional and strike-slip fault tectonics.     

Modeling of subduction components in the Genesis of the Meso-Cenozoic igneous rocks from the South Shetland Arc, Antarctica

Isotope data and trace elements concentrations are presented for volcanic and plutonic rocks from the Livingston, Greenwich, Robert, King George and Ardley islands (South Shetland arc, Antarctica). These islands were formed during subduction of the Phoenix Plate under the Antarctica Plate from Cretaceous to Tertiary. Isotopically (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_o ratios vary from 0.7033 to 0.7046 and (¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd)_o ratios from 0.5127 to 0.5129. εNd values vary from +2.71 to +7.30 that indicate asthenospheric mantle source for the analysed samples. ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios vary from 38.12 to 38.70, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios are between 15.49 and 15.68, and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb from 18.28 to 18.81. The South Shetland rocks are thought to be derived from a depleted MORB mantle source (DMM) modified by mixtures of two enriched mantle components such as slab-derived melts and/or fluids and small fractions of oceanic sediment (EM I and EM II). The isotopic compositions of the subduction component can be explained by mixing between at least 4 wt.% of sediment and 96 wt.% of melts and/or fluids derived from altered MORB.     

Geochemical and isotopic constraints on the age and origin of the Nidar Ophiolitic Complex, Ladakh, India: Implications for the Neo-Tethyan subduction along the Indus suture zone

The Nidar ophiolite complex is exposed within the Indus suture zone in eastern Ladakh, India. The suture zone is considered to represent remnant Neo-Tethyan Ocean that closed via subduction as the Indian plate moved northward with respect to the Asian plate. The two plates ultimately collided during the Middle Eocene. The Nidar ophiolite complex comprises a sequence of ultra-mafic rocks at the base, gabbroic rocks in the middle and volcano-sedimentary assemblage on the top. Earlier studies considered the Nidar ophiolite complex to represent an oceanic floor sequence based on lithological assemblage. However, present study, based on new mineral and whole rock geochemical and isotopic data (on bulk rocks and mineral separates) indicate their generation and emplacement in an intra-oceanic subduction environment. The plutonic and volcanic rocks have nearly flat to slightly depleted rare earth element (REE) patterns. The gabbroic rocks, in particular, show strong positive Sr and Eu anomalies in their REE and spidergram patterns, probably indicating plagioclase accumulation. Depletion in high field strength elements (HFSE) in the spidergram patterns may be related to stabilization of phases retaining the HFSE in the subducting slab and / or fractional crystallization of titano-magnetite phases. The high radiogenic Nd- and low radiogenic Sr-isotopic ratios for these rocks exclude any influence of continental material in their genesis, implying an intra-oceanic environment.

Nine point mineral–whole rock Sm–Nd isochron corresponds to an age of 140 ± 32 Ma with an initial ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd of 0.513835 ± 0.000053 (E_Nd t = + 7.4). This age is consistent with the precise Early Cretaceous age of Hauterivian (132 ± 2 to 127 ± 1.6 Ma) to Aptian (121 ± 1.4 to 112 ±1.1 Ma) for the overlying volcano-sedimentary (radiolarian bearing chert) sequences based on well-preserved radiolarian fossils (Kojima, S., Ahmad, T., Tanaka, T., Bagati, T.N., Mishra, M., Kumar, R. Islam, R., Khanna, P.P., 2001. Early Cretaceous radiolarians from the Indus suture zone, Ladakh, northern India. In: News of Osaka Micropaleontologists (NOM), Spec. Vol., 12, 257–270.) and cooling ages of 110–130 Ma based on ³⁹Ar/⁴⁰Ar for Nidar–Spontang ophiolitic rocks (Mahéo, G., Berttrand, H., Guillot, S., Villa, I. M., Keller, F., Capiez, P., 2004. The South Ladakh Ophiolites (NW Himalaya, India): an intra-oceanic tholeiitic arc origin with implications for the closure of the Neo-Tethys. Chem. Geol., 203, 273–303.). As these gabbroic and volcanic rocks are interpreted to be arc related, the new Sm–Nd age data may indicate that intra-ocean subduction in the Neo-Tethyan ocean may have started much before  140 ± 32 Ma as this date is interpreted as the age of crystallization of the arc magma. Present and published age data on the arc magmatic rocks from the Indus suture zone may collectively indicate episodic magmatism with increasing maturity of the arc from more basic (during ~ 140 ± 32 Ma) when the arc was immature through intermediate (andesitic/granodioritic) at ~ 100 Ma to more felsic (rhyolitic/dioritic) magmatism at ~ 50–45 Ma, when the Indian and the Asian plates collided.