Petrogenesis of isotopically unusual Pliocene olivine leucitites from Deep Springs Valley, California

High-K mafic alkalic lavas (5.4 to 3.2 wt% K₂O) from Deep Springs Valley, California define good correlations of increasing incompatible element (e.g., Sr, Zr, Ba, LREE) and compatible element contents (e.g., Ni, Cr) with increasing MgO. Strontium and Nd isotope compositions are also correlated with MgO; ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios decrease and ɛ_Nd values increase with decreasing MgO. The Sr and Nd isotope compositions of these lavas are extreme compared to most other continental and oceanic rocks; ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios range from 0.7121 to 0.7105 and ɛ_Nd values range from −16.9 to −15.4. Lead isotope ratios are relatively constant, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ∼17.2, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ∼15.5, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ∼38.6. Depleted mantle model ages calculated using Sr and Nd isotopes imply that the reservoir these lavas were derived from has been distinct from the depleted mantle reservoir since the early Proterozoic. The Sr-Nd-Pb isotope variations of the Deep Springs Valley lavas are unique because they do not plot along either the EM I or EM II arrays. For example, most basalts that have low ɛ_Nd values and unradiogenic ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios have relatively low ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (the EM I array), whereas basalts with low ɛ_Nd values and high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios have radiogenic ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios (the EM II array). High-K lavas from Deep Springs Valley have EM II-like Sr and Nd isotope compositions, but EM I-like Pb isotope compositions. A simple method for producing the range of isotopic and major- and trace-element variations in the Deep Springs Valley lavas is by two-component mixing between this unusual K-rich mantle source and a more typical depleted mantle basalt. We favor passage of MORB-like magmas that partially fused and were contaminated by potassic magmas derived from melting high-K mantle veins that were stored in the lithospheric mantle. The origin of the anomalously high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios and low ɛ_Nd values and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios requires addition of an old component with high Rb/Sr and Th/Pb ratios but low Sm/Nd and U/Pb ratios into the mantle source region from which these basalts were derived. This old component may be sediments that were introduced into the mantle, either during Proterozoic subduction, or by foundering of Proterozoic age crust into the mantle at some time prior to eruption of the lavas. Received: 28 February 1997 / Accepted: 9 July 1998     

Nd, Pb, and Sr isotope composition of juvenile magmatism in the Mesozoic large magmatic province of northern Chile (18–27°S): indications for a uniform subarc mantle

The Jurassic to Early Cretaceous magmatic arc of the Andes in northern Chile was a site of major additions of juvenile magmas from the subarc mantle to the continental crust. The combined effect of extension and a near stationary position of the Jurassic to lower Cretaceous arc favoured the emplacement and preservation of juvenile magmatic rocks on a large vertical and horizontal scale. Chemical and Sr, Nd, and Pb isotopic compositions of mainly mafic to intermediate volcanic and intrusive rock units coherently indicate the generation of the magmas in a subduction regime and the dominance of a depleted subarc mantle source over contributions of the ambient Palaeozoic crust. The isotopic composition of the Jurassic (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb: ∼ 18.2; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb: ∼ 15.55; ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd: ∼ 0.51277; ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr: ∼ 0.703–0.704) and Present (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb: ∼ 18.5; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb: ∼ 15.57; 143Nd/144Nd: ∼ 0.51288; ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr: ∼ 0.703–0.704) depleted subarc mantle beneath the Central and Southern Andes (18°–40°S) was likely uniform over the entire region. Small differences of isotope ratios between Jurassic and Cenozoic to Recent of subarc mantle-derived could be explained by radiogenic growth in a still uniform mantle source.Electronic Supplementary Material Supplementary material is available to authorised users in the online version of this article at .     

Petrogenesis and mantle source characteristics of the late Cenozoic Baekdusan (Changbaishan) basalts,North China Craton

Late Cenozoic intraplate basaltic rocks in northeastern China have been interpreted as being derived from a mantle source composed of DMM and EM1 components. To constrain the origin of the enriched mantle component, we have now determined the geochemical compositions of basaltic rocks from the active Baekdusan volcano on the border of China and North Korea. The samples show LREE-enriched patterns, with positive Eu and negative Ce anomalies. On a trace element distribution diagram, they show typical oceanic island basalt (OIB)-like LILE enrichments without significant Nb or Ta depletions. However, compared with OIB, they show enrichments in Ba, Rb, K, Pb, Sr, and P. The Nb/U ratios are generally within the range of OIB, but the Ce/Pb ratios are lower than those of OIB. Olivine phenocrysts are characterized by low Ca and high Ni contents. The radiogenic isotopic characteristics (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.70449 to 0.70554; ε_Nd = −2.0 to +1.8; ε_Hf = −1.7 to +6.1; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 17.26 to 18.12) suggest derivation from an EM1-like source together with an Indian MORB-like depleted mantle. The Mg isotopic compositions (δ²⁶Mg = −0.39 ± 0.17‰) are generally lower than the average upper mantle, indicating carbonates in the source. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios decrease with decreasing δ²⁶Mg values whereas the ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd and (Nb/La)_N ratios increase. These observations suggest the mantle source of the Baekdusan basalts contained at least two components that resided in the mantle transition zone (MTZ): (1) recycled subducted ancient (∼2.2–1.6 Ga) terrigenous silicate sediments, possessing EM1-like Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopic signatures and relatively high values of δ²⁶Mg; and (2) carbonated eclogites with relatively MORB-like radiogenic isotopic compositions and low values of δ²⁶Mg. These components might have acted as metasomatizing agents in refertilizing the asthenosphere, eventually influencing the composition of the MTZ-derived plume that produced the Baekdusan volcanism.     

Pb and Sr systematics of ultrapotassic and basaltic rocks from the central Sierra Nevada,California

This study presents Sr and Pb isotopic ratios and Rb, Sr, U, Th, and Pb concentrations of an ultrapotassic basaltic suite and related rocks from the central Sierra Nevada, California. The ultrapotassic suite yields a narrow range of Sr and Pb isotopic compositions (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr=0.70597–0.70653; ²⁰⁶Pb/ ²⁰⁴Pb=18.862–19.018; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=15.640–15.686; ²⁰⁸Pb/ ²⁰⁴Pb=38.833–38.950). Associated basalts containing ultramafic nodules have less radiogenic Sr (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶=0.70430–0.70521) and generally higher Rb/Sr ratios than the ultrapotassic suite. Leucitites from Deep Springs Valley, California, contain high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (71141–0.71240) and low ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (17.169–17.234) ratios, reflecting contamination by crustal granulite.The isotopic relationships support an origin of the ultrapotassic basaltic suite by partial melting of an enriched upper mantle source. Dehydration of a gently inclined oceanic slab beneath the Sierra Nevada may have provided Ba, K, Rb, Sr, and H₂O, which migrated into the overlying upper mantle lithosphere. The end of subduction 10 m.y. ago allowed increased asthenospheric heat flow into the upper mantle lithosphere. The increased heat flow enhanced fluid movement in the upper mantle and contributed towards isotopic homogenization of the upper mantle source areas. Continued heating of the enriched upper mantle caused partial melting and subsequent eruption of the ultrapotassic lavas.     

Compilation of radiogenic isotope data in Mexico and their petrogenetic implications

Seven hundred and twenty-five Sr, two hundred and forty-three Nd and one hundred and fifty-one Pb isotopic ratios from seven different Mexican magmatic provinces were compiled in an extensive geochemical database. Data were arranged according to the Mexican geological provinces, indicating for each province total number of analyses, range and mean of values and two times standard deviation (2σ). Data from seven provinces were included in the database: Mexican Volcanic Belt (MVB), Sierra Madre Occidental (SMO), Baja California (BC), Pacific Ocean (PacOc), Altiplano (AP), Sierra Madre del Sur (SMS), and Sierra Madre Oriental (SMOr). Isotopic values from upper mantle and lower crustal xenoliths, basement outcrops and sediments from the Cocos Plate were also compiled. In the MVB the isotopic ratios range as follows:⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr 0.703003-0.70841;¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd 0.512496-0.513098;²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 18.567-19.580;²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 15.466-15.647;²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 38.065-38.632. The SMO shows a large variation in⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ranging from ∼0.7033 to 0.71387.¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios are relatively less variable with values from 0.51191 to 0.51286. Pb isotope ratios in the SMO are as follows:²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 18.060-18.860;²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 15.558-15.636;²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 37.945-38.625. PacOc rocks show the most depleted Sr and Nd isotopic ratios (0.70232-0.70567 for Sr and 0.512631-0.513261 for Nd). Pb isotopes for PacOc show the following range:²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 18.049-19.910;²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴⁷Pb 15.425-15.734;²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 37.449-39.404. The isotopic ratios of the AP rocks seem to be within the range of those from the PacOc. Most samples with reported Sr and Nd isotopic data are spread within and around the “mantle array”. The SMO seems to have been formed by a mixing process between mantle derived magmas and continental crust. The MVB appears to have a larger mantle component, with AFC as the dominant petrogenetic process for the evolved rocks. There is still a need for Pb isotopic data in all Mexican magmatic provinces and of Nd isotopes in BC, AP, SMS, and SMOr.     

Nd,Sr and Pb isotopic and REE geochemical study of some Miocene submarine hydrothermal deposits (Kuroko deposits) in Japan

Neodymium, Sr and Pb isotopic compositions, along with rare earth element (REE) concentrations were determined for twelve black ores and one yellow ore from twelve localities of the Kuroko deposits, Japan. The ores were generated by submarine hydrothermal activity during the Miocene age. Neodymium isotopic compositions of the ores (_Nd: –4.9 to +6.5) mostly overlap with spatially associated igneous rocks. On a Nd versus Sr isotopic correlation diagram, however, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios are shifted from the associated igneous rocks towards the higher contemporaneous seawater ratio. REE patterns are highly variable, ranging from light REE enriched to depleted, and show no Ce anomalies, as would be expected if they were derived from seawater. These results suggest that the REEs contained in ores were mainly derived from the associated igneous rocks, but that the ore Sr is a mixture derived from both seawater and the igneous rocks. Most Pb isotopic compositions fall within the range defined by the associated igneous rocks (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=18.35–18.84, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=15.59–15.97 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=38.53–39.90), although several samples have very radiogenic compositions that were most likely derived from basement rocks. Our new Pb isotopic results display greater variation, and have a larger range of more radiogenic compositions than has been noted previously for these ores. In addition, the black ore with the most radiogenic Pb isotopic composition also has the least radiogenic Nd isotopic composition. This suggests that at least some of the Pb contained in the ores was derived mainly from older basement rocks. The large positive Eu anomalies for some black ores are consistent with a high-temperature origin for the parental fluids, irrespective of the source rock. The single yellow ore examined, however, has a small negative Eu anomaly, which may indicate derivation from a lower temperature fluid. Previous studies suggested that the Kuroko ores were formed in the presence of organic materials in an anoxic basin. Combined Nd, Sr, Pb and Os isotopic and REE abundance data indicate that multiple sources were involved in the genesis of Kuroko ores.     

Paleoproterozoic subduction-related metasomatic signatures in the lithospheric mantle beneath NE Brazil: inferences from trace element and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions of Neoproterozoic high-K igneous rocks

Late Neoproterozoic (ca. 580 Ma), high-K, mafic-intermediate rocks represent voluminous bimodal magmatism in the Borborema Province, northeast Brazil. These rocks show the following chemical signatures that reflect derivation from a subduction-modified lithospheric mantle source: (1) enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (Rb, Ba, K, Th) and light rare-earth elements (REE) (La/Yb_CN=11–70), (2) pronounced negative Nb anomalies, and (3) radiogenic Sr (0.71202–0.7059) and unradiogenic Nd (_Nd from −9.3–−20.1) isotopic compositions. T_DM model ages suggest that modification of the lithospheric mantle source (metasomatised garnet lherzolite) may have occurred in the Paleoproterozoic during the Transamazonian/Eburnean tectonics that affected the region. Interaction with asthenospheric fluids is believed to have partially melted this enriched source in the Neoproterozoic, probably as a result of asthenosphere-derived fluid percolation in the Brasiliano/Pan-African shear zones that controlled the emplacement of these mafic-intermediate magmas. The involvement of this asthenospheric component is supported by the nonradiogenic Pb isotopic ratios (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=16–17.3, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=15.1–15.6, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=36–37.5), which contrast with the enriched Sr and Nd compositions and thereby suggest the decoupling of Rb–Sr, Sm–Nd, and U–Pb systems at the time of intrusion of the mafic-intermediate magmas in the crust.     

The evolution of the lithospheric mantle along the N. African Plate: geochemical and isotopic evidence from the tholeiitic and alkaline volcanic rocks of the Hyblean plateau, Italy

The geochemical characteristics of primitive tholeiitic and alkaline volcanic rocks that erupted in the Plio-Pleistocene along fissures on the Hyblean plateau in Sicily (Italy) were used to constrain the mantle sources involved in the volcanic activity of this area of the Mediterranean. It is shown that some of the Hyblean plateau magmas with the most extreme isotopic compositions have combined radiogenic Nd, Sr and Pb, a feature that is distinct from the mixing end-members of the oceanic array. In addition, alkalinity in the basalts is found to be positively correlated with an increase in some HFSE ratios (e.g. Nb/Ta, Zr/Hf) and negatively correlated with ratios between HFSE and MREE (e.g. Ti/Eu), a characteristic that is attributed to a mantle source that has been modified by a carbonatitic metasomatic agent. This metasomatic enrichment had the effect of increasing the U/Pb of portions of the lower lithosphere, possibly by adding phases such as sodic pyroxene and apatite to the basalt-depleted lithosphere. It is suggested that rock types that formed by melting metasomatized portions of lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary affected by this recent enrichment in U/Pb fall along a trend with a shallow slope in a plot of ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb versus ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, and have Nd isotopic compositions that are as radiogenic as present day MORB. The isotopic compositions and trace-element concentrations of the Hyblean plateau basalts are, therefore, mostly consistent with the interaction of a MORB-type mantle source with a young lithosphere that was probably formed in the Phanerozoic and metasomatized by CO₂-rich fluids, possibly during the Jurassic. The absence of a geochemical component indicative of involvement of older Proterozoic lithosphere and continental crust in the evolution of these magmas distinguishes them from those erupted along the margins of the Tyrrhenian sea, and supports the suggestion that at least portions of the lithosphere underneath Sicily have oceanic affinity and may be genetically related to the adjacent Ionian abyssal plain. Received 4 June 1997 / Accepted 25 November 1997     

Geochemistry of Neogene magmatism at Spitsbergen Island

Petrological and geochemical data obtained on Neogene magmatism restricted to a deep fault in Andree Land at Spitsbergen Island, which was related to the overall restyling of the Arctic territory at 25–20 Ma, indicate that the derivation of the Neogene magmas was significantly affected by the continental pyroxenite mantle. The Neogene basalts are noted for a radiogenic isotopic composition of Pb (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb= 15.5–15.55, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.4–18.6, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴ Pb = 38.4–38.6) and Sr(⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7038–0.7048) at low ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0.5129. Melts of this type are the extremely enriched end member of the isotopic mixing of a depleted and enriched sources and determine a geochemical trend that passes through the compositions of alkaline magmas from Quaternary volcanoes at Spitsbergen and weakly enriched tholeiites of the Knipovich Ridge, which started to develop simultaneously with the onset of Neogene magmatism in the western part of Spitsbergen. The composition of the liquidus olivine (which is rich in NiO) indicates that melting occurred in the olivine-free mantle. Our data thus testify that a significant role in the genesis of the Neogene magmas was played by continental pyroxenite mantle.     

Isotopic relationships of volatile and lithophile trace elements in continental ultramafic xenoliths

The concentrations and isotopic compositions of Sr, Nd, Pb, He and C have been determined for suites of xenoliths from Bullenmerri (Australia), Ichinomegata (Japan), Geronimo (Arizona), and East Africa. The wehrlites and pyroxenites from Bullenmerri have Sr, Nd and Pb isotopic compositions that are generally similar to those found for alkali basalts in the region. The spinel lherzolites, in contrast, have higher ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and lower ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios. Whereas the isotopic compositions of He are generally within the range of mid-ocean-ridge basalts (MORB) and do not covary with those of other trace elements, there is an apparent correlation between the ¹³C/¹²C and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios for each of the two petrologic groups. These relationships, if substantiated for other xenolith suites, greatly limit the possible mechanisms for generating lithophile and volatile isotopic variations in the continental lithosphere. The helium isotopic compositions for all of the xenoliths fall within the range for MORB. This includes those from Ichinomegata, suggesting that the lower ³He/⁴He ratios found for He sampled at the surface at subduction zones result from mixing mantle He with near-surface crustal He rather than with subducted radiogenic He. Measured C isotopic compositions (relative to Peedee belemnite) for the Ichinomegata xenoliths include values that are both lighter and heavier than those in MORB, and are compatible with contributions from subducted carbon. The Nd and Sr isotopic compositions of the Ichinomegata xenoliths exhibit a correlation over a substantially greater range of values than typically observed for other light-rare-earth-element (LREE)-depleted xenoliths, and include more radiogenic Sr and less radiogenic Nd compositions. The carbon isotopic compositions found for the East African and Geronimo xenoliths extend to values that are lighter than those typically found for MORB.     

Nd,Sr, Pb,Ar, and 0 isotopic systematics of Sturgeon Lake kimberlite,Saskatchewan, Canada: constraints on emplacement age,alteration, and source composition

Rb-Sr isotopic dating of phlogopite megacryst samples separated from Sturgeon Lake kimberlite, Saskatchewan, yields a crystallization age of 98±1 Ma (2 , MSWD=1.2; ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr(t)=0.7059). The ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar analyses of a phlogopite megacryst sample indicate the presence of large amounts of excess ⁴⁰Ar and yield an excessively old age of 410 Ma. Assessment of the Ar data using isotope correlation plots indicates clustering of the data points about a mixing line between the radiogenic ⁴⁰Ar component at 98 Ma and a trapped component with uniform ³⁶Ar/⁴⁰Ar and Cl/⁴⁰Ar. Values of {ie212-1} as high as +20%. (VSMOW) for calcite from the groundmass and a whole-rock sample indicate pervasive lowtemperature alteration. The {ie212-2} of matrix carbonate is-11.3%. (PDB), slightly lighter than typical values from the literature. The {ie212-3} values of about +5%. (VSMOW) for brown phlogopite megacrysts may be primary, green phlogopites are interpreted to be an alteration product of the brown variety and are 2%. heavier. Initial Nd-Sr-Pb isotopic ratios for a whole-rock sample {ie212-4}; ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr=0.7063, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=18.67, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=15.54, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=38.97) suggest an affinity with group I kimberlites. Initial {ie212-5} values of +1.7 and +0.5 (⁸⁷Sr/ ⁸⁶Sr(t)=0.7053 and 0.7050) for eclogitic and lherzolitic garnet megacryst samples, and values of 0.0 for two phlogopite megacryst samples reflect an origin from an isotopically evolving melt due to assimilation of heterogeneous mantle. Lilac high-Cr lherzolitic garnet megacrysts give an unusually high {ie212-6} of +28.6 (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr=0.7046) indicating a xenocrystic origin probably from the lithospheric mantle. The very radiogenic ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of the kimberlite are consistent with melting of EM II (enriched) mantle components.     

From basalt to dacite: origin and evolution of the calc-alkaline series of Salina, Aeolian Arc, Italy

The island of Salina comprises one of the most distinct calc-alkaline series of the Aeolian arc (Italy), in which calc-alkaline, high-K calc-alkaline, shoshonitic and leucite-shoshonitic magma series are developed. Detailed petrological, geochemical and isotopic (Sr, Nd, Pb, O) data are reported for a stratigraphically well-established sequence of lavas and pyroclastic rocks from the Middle Pleistocene volcanic cycle (430–127 ka) of Salina, which is characterized by an early period of basaltic volcanism (Corvo; Capo; Rivi; Fossa delle Felci, group 1) and a sequence of basaltic andesites, and andesites and dacites in the final stages of activity (Fossa delle Felci, groups 2–8). Major and trace element compositional trends, rare earth element (REE) abundances and mineralogy reveal the importance of crystal fractionation of plagioclase + clinopyroxene + olivine/ orthopyroxene ± titanomagnetite ± amphibole ± apatite in generating the more evolved magma types from parental basaltic magmas, and plagioclase accumulation in producing the high Al₂O₃ contents of some of the more evolved basalts. Sr isotope ratios range from 0.70410 to 0.70463 throughout the suite and show a well-defined negative correlation with ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd (0.51275–0.51279). Pb isotope compositions are distinctly radiogenic with relatively large variations in ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (19.30–19.66), fairly constant ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (15.68–15.76) and minor variations in ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios (39.15–39.51). Whole-rock δ¹⁸O values range from +6.4 to +8.5‰ and correlate positively with Sr isotope ratios. Overall, the isotopic variations are correlated with the degree of differentiation of the rocks, indicating that only small degrees of crustal assimilation are overprinting the dominant evolution by crystal–liquid fractionation (AFC-type processes). The radiogenic and oxygen isotope composition of the Salina basalts suggests derivation from primary magmas from a depleted mantle source contaminated by slab-derived fluids and subducted sediments with an isotopic signature of typical upper continental crust. These magmas then evolved further to andesitic and dacitic compositions through the prevailing process of low-pressure fractional crystallization in a shallow magma reservoir, accompanied by minor assimilation of crustal lithologies similar to those of the Calabrian lower crust. Received: 29 November 1999 / Accepted: 16 April 2000     

A Study of REE and Pb,Sr and Nd Isotopes in Garnet—Lherzolite Xenoliths from Mingxi,Fujian Province

The REE and Pb, Sr, Nd isotopes in three xenoliths from limburgite and scoria-breccias, including spinel-lherzolite, spinel-garnet-lherzolite and phlogopite-gamet-lherzolite, were analysed. The REE contents of the xenoliths are 1.3 to 3.3 times those of the chondrites with their REE patterns characterized by weak LREE depletion. The¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd values of whole rocks and minerals range from 0.51306 to 0.51345 with εNd=+ 8.2− +15.8,²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴ Pb < 18.673, and²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb < 15.574. All this goes to show that the upper mantle in Mingxi at the depth of 67–82 km is a depleted mantle of MORB type, with⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶ Sr ratios 0.70237–0.70390. In Nd-Sr diagram the data points of whole rocks are all out of the mantle array, implying that the xenoliths from Mingxi have more radiogenic Sr isotopes than those of the mantle array.     

Mantle Dynamics: A Nd, Sr, Pb and O Isotopic Study of the Cameroon Line Volcanic Chain

The Cameroon line comprises a 1600-km long Y-shaped chain of< 30 m.y. old volcanoes and <70 m.y. old plutons extendinginto mainland Africa from the Atlantic island of Pagalu. Thedistribution of basaltic volcanic centres is ideal for comparingsub-continental and sub-oceanic sources for basalts and forstudying the influence of the lithosphere on magma generation.We report Nd, Sr, Pb and O isotopic data for more than thirty(principally basaltic) samples from all the main volcanic centrestogether with data for two granulite facies xenoliths. Thosebasalts which display no obvious evidence of crustal contaminationyield initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios ranging from 0.7029 to 0.7035,Nd between +2 and +7 and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb between 19?0 and 20?6.The Nd and Sr isotopic compositions define a field on the lefthand side of the ‘mantle array’ (that is with relativelyunradiogenic Sr) and include some data which show overlap withcompositions observed for St. Helena. ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios extendto 40?4—amongst the more radiogenic observed for alkalibasalts. The Nd and Sr isotopic data are similar in oceanicand continental sectors indicating that the magmas are derivedfrom generally similar mantle sources. Despite this overallsimple picture, the source of the Cameroon line volcanics hasin fact been variable in both time and space. Pb is less radiogenicand Sr is more radiogenic in transitional to hypersthene-normativecompositions. There is a progression to more radiogenic leadisotopic compositions with time for the Cameroon line as a wholethat is most strikingly displayed in the 30 m.y. eruptive historyof Principe. These space-time data are difficult to reconcilewith conventional plume models or with some dispersed ‘plumpudding’ models. The heterogeneities require isolationtimes considerably longer than the age of the south Atlanticsea floor (120 Ma). The eruptive lavas with the most radiogenicPb observed (accompanied by unradiogenic Nd) precisely straddlethe continental edge (i.e. occur in both oceanic and continentalsectors) with no dependency on Nd and Pb concentrations. A modelis proposed which links these observations with the destructionof lithosphere, and the impregnation of the uppermost mantleby the St. Helena hot spot during the formation of the SouthAtlantic ocean. This mantle was subsequently melted to formthe Cameroon line which appears to be derived from a risinghot zone initiated by the early plume activity. The magmaticproducts reflect the mantle mixing that took place during continentalbreakup, the consequent cooling and thickening of the lithosphereand the continued interaction between rising plume componentsand this lithosphere. The depth from which magmas are currentlybeing tapped at the continent/ocean boundary is estimated atless that 150 km.     

Sr,Nd and Pb Isotopic Systematics of the Cenozoic Basalts of the Korean Peninsula and Their Implications for the Permo-Triassic Continental Collision Boundary

Sr, Nd and Pb isotopic compositions of the Cenozoic basalts were analyzed from Baengnyeongdo Island, Jeongok, Ganseong, and Jejudo Island of Korea. They reveal relatively enriched Sr and Nd isotopic compositions (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.70330∼0.70555, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0.51298∼0.51256) compared with MORB.²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb values of all the analyzed Korean basalts lie above the Northern Hemisphere Reference Line (NHRL) defined by Hart (1984). Pb isotopic compositions of basalts from Jejudo Islands (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.61∼19.12, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.54∼15.69, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.98∼39.72) are significantly more radiogenic than the rest (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 17.72∼18.03, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.44∼15.58, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 37.77∼38.64). The Cenozoic Korean basalts thus can be divided into two groups based on their Sr, Nd and Pb isotopic compositions. The north group reveals mixing between DMM and EM1 while the south group displays DMM-EM2 mixing. Such a distribution is the same as Chinese Cenozoic basalts and it can be interpreted that the subcontinental lithospheric mantle under Korea represents simple lateral continuation of the South and North China Blocks. We suggest that Korean continental collision zone cross the Korean Peninsula through the region between the north and south basalt groups of Korea.     

Nd,Pb, and Sr isotope composition of Late Mesozoic to Quaternary intra-plate magmatism in NE-Africa (Sudan,Egypt): high-μ signatures from the mantle lithosphere

The isotopic composition of mafic small-volume intra-plate magmatism constrains the compositions of the sub-continental mantle sources. The Nd, Pb, and Sr isotope signatures of widespread late Mesozoic to Quaternary intra-plate magmatism in NE Africa (Sudan, South Egypt) are surprisingly uniform and indicate the presence of a high-μ (μ = ²³⁸U/²⁰⁴Pb) source in the mantle. The rocks are characterized by small ranges in the initial isotopic composition of Nd, Pb, and Sr and most samples fall within ε Nd ca. 3–6, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ca. 19.5–20.5, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ca. 15.63–15.73, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ca. 39–40 and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ca. 0.7028–0.7034. We interpret this reservoir as lithospheric mantle that formed beneath the Pan-African orogens and magmatic arcs from asthenospheric mantle, which was enriched in trace elements (U, Th, and light REE). Combining our new data set with published data of intra-plate magmatic rocks from the Arabian plate indicates two compositionally different domains of lithospheric mantle in NE-Africa–Arabia. The two domains are spatially related to the subdivision of the Pan-African orogen into a western section dominated by reworked cratonic basement (NE-Africa; high-μ lithospheric mantle) and an eastern section dominated by juvenile Pan-African basement (easternmost NE-Africa and Arabia; moderate μ lithospheric mantle). The compositions of the Pan-African lithospheric mantle and the MORB-type mantle of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden spreading centers could explain the Nd–Pb-Sr isotopic compositions of the most pristine Afar flood basalts in Yemen and Ethiopia by mixtures of the isotopic composition of regional lithospheric and asthenospheric sources. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic constraints on the nature of the mantle sources involved in the genesis of the high-Ti tholeiites from northern Paraná Continental Flood Basalts (Brazil)

There has been little research on geochemistry and isotopic compositions in tholeiites of the Northern region from the Paraná Continental Flood Basalts (PCFB), one of the largest continental provinces of the world. In order to examine the mantle sources involved in the high-Ti (Pitanga and Paranapanema) basalt genesis, we studied Sr, Nd, and Pb isotopic systematics, and major, minor and incompatible trace element abundances. The REE patterns of the investigated samples (Pitanga and Paranapanema magma type) are similar (parallel to) to those of Island Arc Basalts' REE patterns. The high-Ti basalts investigated in this study have initial (133 Ma) ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.70538–0.70642, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd of 0.51233–0.51218, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb of 17.74–18.25, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb of 15.51–15.57, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb of 38.18–38.45. These isotopic compositions do not display any correlation with Nb/Th, Nb/La or P₂O₅/K₂O ratios, which also reflect that these rocks were not significantly affected by low-pressure crustal contamination. The incompatible trace element ratios and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions of the PCFB tholeiites are different to those found in Tristan da Cunha ocean island rocks, showing that this plume did not play a substantial role in the PCFB genesis. This interpretation is corroborated by previously published osmium isotopic data (initial γ_Os values range from +1.0 to +2.0 for high-Ti basalts), which also preclude basalt generation by melting of ancient subcontinental lithospheric mantle. The geochemical composition of the northern PCFB may be explained through the involvement of fluids and/or small volume melts related to metasomatic processes. In this context, we propose that the source of these magmas is a mixture of sublithospheric peridotite veined and/or interlayered with mafic components (e.g., pyroxenites or eclogites). The sublithospheric mantle (dominating the osmium isotopic compositions) was very probably enriched by fluids and/or magmas related to the Neoproterozoic subduction processes. This sublithospheric mantle region may have been frozen and coupled to the base of the Parana basin lithospheric plate above which the Paleozoic subsidence and subsequent Early Cretaceous magmatism occurred.     

Controls on magmatism in an island arc environment: study of lavas and sub-arc xenoliths from the Tabar–Lihir–Tanga–Feni island chain, Papua New Guinea

The Tabar–Lihir–Tanga–Feni (TLTF) islands of Papua New Guinea mainly comprise high-K calc-alkaline and silica undersaturated alkaline rocks that have geochemical features typical for subduction-related magmatism. Numerous sedimentary, mafic, and ultramafic xenoliths recovered from Tubaf seamount, located on the flank of Lihir Island, provide a unique opportunity to study the elemental and isotopic composition of the crust and mantle wedge beneath the arc and to evaluate their relationships to the arc magmatism in the region. The sedimentary and mafic xenoliths show that the crust under the islands is composed of sedimentary sequences and oceanic crust with Pacific affinity. A majority of the ultramafic xenoliths contain features indicating wide spread metasomatism in the mantle wedge under the TLTF arc. Leaching experiments reveal that the metasomatized ultramafic xenoliths contain discrete labile phases that can account for up to 50% or more of elements such as Cu, Zn, Rb, U, Pb, and light REE (rare-earth elements), most likely introduced in the xenoliths via hydrous fluids released from a subducted slab. The leaching experiments demonstrated that the light REE enrichment pattern can be more or less removed from the metasomatized xenoliths and the residual phases exhibit REE patterns that range from flat to light REE depleted. Sr–Nd isotopic data for the ultramafic residues show a coupled behavior of increasing ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr with decreasing ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios. The labile phases in the ultramafic xenoliths, represented by the leachates, show decoupling between Sr and Nd with distinctly more radiogenic ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr than the residues. Both leachates and residues exhibit very wide range in their Pb isotopic compositions, indicating the involvement of three components in the mantle wedge under the TLTF islands. Two of the components can be identified as Pacific Oceanic mantle and Pacific sediments. Some of the ultramafic samples and clinopyroxene separates, however, exhibit relatively low ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb at elevated ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb suggesting that the third component is either Indian Ocean-type mantle or Australian subcontinental lithospheric mantle. Geochemical data from the ultramafic xenoliths indicate that although the mantle wedge in the area was extensively metasomatized, it did not significantly contribute to the isotopic and incompatible trace element compositions of TLTF lavas. Compared to the mantle samples, the TLTF lavas have very restricted Pb isotopic compositions that lie within the Pacific MORB range, indicating that magma compositions were dominated by melts released from a stalled subducted slab with Pacific MORB affinity. Interaction of slab melts with depleted peridotitic component in the mantle wedge, followed by crystal fractionation most likely generated the geochemical characteristics of the lavas in the area. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Geochemical variations in the Cocos Plate subducting beneath Central America: implications for the composition of arc volcanism and the extent of the Galápagos Hotspot influence on the Cocos oceanic crust

New geochemical data from the Cocos Plate constrain the composition of the input into the Central American subduction zone and demonstrate the extent of influence of the Galápagos Hotspot on the Cocos Plate. Samples include sediments and basalts from Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Site 1256 outboard of Nicaragua, gabbroic sills from ODP Sites 1039 and 1040, tholeiitic glasses from the Fisher Ridge off northwest Costa Rica, and basalts from the Galápagos Hotspot Track outboard of Central Costa Rica. Site 1256 basalts range from normal to enriched MORB in incompatible elements and have Pb and Nd isotopic compositions within the East Pacific Rise MORB field. The sediments have similar ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and only slightly more radiogenic ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb isotope ratios than the basalts. Altered samples from the subducting Galápagos Hotspot Track have similar Nd and Pb isotopic compositions to fresh Galápagos samples but have significantly higher Sr isotopic composition, indicating that the subduction input will have a distinct geochemical signature from Galápagos-type mantle material that may be present in the wedge beneath Costa Rica. Gabbroic sills from Sites 1039 and 1040 in East Pacific Rise (EPR) crust show evidence for influence of the Galápagos Hotspot ∼100 km beyond the morphological hotspot track.     

Adakite-like porphyries from the southern Tibetan continental collision zones: evidence for slab melt metasomatism

We present new whole rock trace element and Pb-isotope data for a suite of Neogene adakitic rocks that formed during the post-collisional stage of the India-Asia collision in an east-west- trending array along the Yalu Tsangpo suture. Compared to classic ‘adakites’ that form along certain active convergent plate margins, the Tibetan adakitic rocks show even stronger enrichment in incompatible elements (i.e. Rb, Ba, Th, K and LREEs) and even larger variation in radiogenic (Pb, Sr, Nd) isotope ratios. Tibetan adakitic rocks have extraordinarily low HREE (Yb: 0.34–0.61 ppm) and Y (3.71–6.79 ppm), high Sr/Y (66–196), high Dy_n/Yb_n and La_n/Yb_n. They show strong evidence of binary mixing both in isotopic space (Sr-Nd, common Pb, thorogenic Pb) and trace element systematics. The majority of the adakitic rocks in south Tibet, including published and our new data, have variational Mg# (0.32–0.70), clear Nb (and HFSE) enrichment, the lowest initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios, and the highest ¹⁴⁴Nd/¹⁴³Nd ratios of all Neogene volcanic rocks in south Tibet. These results indicate an involvement of slab melts in petrogenesis. Major and trace element characteristics of the isotopically more enriched adakites are compatible with derivation from subducted sediment but not with assimilation of crustal material. Thus, the south Tibetan adakitic magmas are inferred to have been derived from an upper mantle source metasomatised by slab-derived melts. An interesting observation is that temporally coeval and spatially related lamproites could be genetically related to the adakitic rocks in representing partial melts of distinct mantle domains metasomatised by subducted sediment. Our favoured geodynamic interpretation is that along-strike variation in south Tibetan post-collisional magma compositions may be related to release of slab melts and fluids along the former subduction zone resulting in compositionally distinct mantle domains.