Petrology of the 1979 eruption of Soufriere volcano,St. Vincent,Lesser Antilles

Major element, trace element, and Sr isotope data are used to study the temporal variation in the chemistry of the ejecta from the 1979 eruption of Soufriere volcano, St. Vincent, and to compare the compositions of the 1979 and 1971/2 magmas. Both the 1971/2 and 1979 products were basaltic andesites almost identical in petrography. A small temporal variation in chemistry is apparent in the 1979 samples but these cannot be related to the 1971/2 lava by fractional crystallisation of phenocryst phases, and the two eruptions may therefore have sampled different batches of magma. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of the two magmas were identical within analytical error.Microprobe analyses of phenocryst phases and glasses from the 1979 ejecta are presented. Clinopyroxene phenocryst cores with very high Mg/Fe ratios indicate that the basaltic andesites are products of fractionation of magnesian parents. Such magmas are represented by lavas on St. Vincent similar to the microphyric alkali picrites found to the south in Grenada. A common origin for the basaltic andesites of both islands by fractional crystallisation of picritic magmas is suggested. Dacitic glass is abundant in the groundmass of scoria blocks from the eruption. It does not represent the liquid originally in equilibrium with the phenocryst phases, but rather this liquid modified by quench crystallisation. Published interpretations suggesting that dacitic glass compositions in tephra from eruptions of the Soufriere are evidence of mixed-magma eruptions are therefore rejected.     

A petrogenetic model for the igneous complex in the Spanish Peaks region,Colorado

Twenty representative rocks ranging from lamprophyric to granitic composition, from the Spanish Peaks igneous Complex, south-central Colorado, were analyzed for Sr isotopic compositions and their concentrations of K, Rb, Sr and Ba. The various igneous rocks from this Cenozoic complex do not have a comagmatic relationship from the evidence of their Sr isotopic compositions. Due to the generally low Sr⁸⁷/Sr⁸⁶ isotopic ratios, the possibility of the highly radiogenic underlying Precambrian basement as the source of magma generation can be ruled out. The sources for the magmas of this igneous complex must be in the upper mantle or the lower crust. Model calculations using elemental distribution coefficients and assumed mantle materials suggest that the abundant lamprophyric magmas in this region could be derived from a phlogopite-bearing hornblende peridotite by a small degree of partial melting (<5%) at lower pressure environment (<50 km). Other possibilities for lamprophyric magma generation were also examined. The slightly higher Sr⁸⁷/Sr⁸⁶ ratios observed in the granitic rocks are interpreted as reflecting the nature of this source-the lower crust. Alternatively, they may suggest a limited contamination of the original liquid by upper crustal material. For the entire igneous complex, mixing of two independent magmas, lymprophyric and granitic, is suggested to be the mechanism responsible for the complicated and diverse chemical characteristics.     

Geochemical Evidence for a Rift-Related Origin of Bimodal Volcanism at Meseta Rio San Juan,North-Central Mexican Volcanic Belt

This study reports new geochemical and Sr and Nd isotope data for 11 samples of hynormative late Miocene (～6.5 Ma) basalt, basaltic andesite, and rhyolitic volcanic rocks from Meseta Rio San Juan, located in the states of Hidalgo and Queretaro, Mexico, in the north-central part of the Mexican Volcanic Belt (MVB). The in situ growth-corrected initial isotopic ratios of these rocks are as follows: ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr 0.703400-0.709431 and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd 0.512524-0.512835. For comparison, the isotopic ratios of basaltic rocks from this area show very narrow ranges as follows: ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr 0.703400-0.703540 and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd 0.512794-0.512835. The available geological, geochemical, and isotopic evidence does not support the generation of the basic and intermediate magmas by direct (slab melting), nor by indirect (fluid transport to the mantle) participation of the subducted Cocos plate. The basaltic magmas instead could have been generated by partial melting of the upper mantle. The evolved basaltic andesite magmas could have originated from such basaltic magmas through assimilation coupled with fractional crystallization. Rhyolitic magmas might represent partial melting of different parts of the underlying heterogeneous crust. Their formation and eruption probably was facilitated by extensional tectonics and upwelling of the underlying mantle. The different petrogenetic processes proposed here for basaltic and basaltic andesite magmas on one hand and rhyolitic magmas on the other might explain the bimodal nature of Meseta Rio San Juan volcanism. Finally, predictions by the author about the behavior of Sr and Nd isotopic compositions for subduction-related magmas is confirmed by published data for the Central American Volcanic Arc (CAVA).     

40Ar/39Ar and Rb-Sr geochronology of the Qingyang batholith,Anhui Province,China

The geochronology and genesis of the Qingyang batholith were investigated using⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar and Rb-Sr isotopic techniques. The Qingyang is a composite batholith consisting of two major rock types granodiorite and granite in the Yangtze fold belt.⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar spectra for biotite and amphibole separates are internally concordant. The concordance of the minerals and spectra indicate no thermal disturbance of the ages, and rapid cooling of the rocks. The granodiorite has an age of 137.6±1.4 m.y. and the granite 122.7±1.2 m.y. Whole-rock Rb-Sr analysis yields ages consistent with the⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dates. Thus, the Qingyang batholith was formed in two major stages in the late Jurassic and early Cretaceous. The batholith is not Triassic as was previously proposed. Special⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar analysis of two granodiorite samples has precisely documented a 1.0 m.y. apparent age difference between these samples. Several factors could account for this difference, but different emplacement times seem most convincible. The granodiorite and granite show little variation in initial⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio (about 0.7085). The high initial Sr ratios suggest that the magmas were formed by anatexis of older crustal materials.     

Major Addition of Magma at the Pyroxenite Marker in the Western Bushveld Complex, South Africa

A major, but gradual, reversal in the cryptic variation patternof the plagioclase and pyroxenes, of 13 mol% anorthite and 10mol% Mg/ (Mg + Fe) respectively, is documented in the Main Zoneof the western Bush veld Complex. These changes are accompaniedby a decrease in initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio from > 0.708 to< 0.707. The Pyroxenite Marker, a distinctive orthopyroxenitelayer, occurs close to the top of this reversed differentiationsequence. This is attributed to addition of less differentiatedmagma. On the basis of a mass balance calculation of the initial⁸⁷Sr/ ⁸⁶Sr ratios, it is estimated that the volume of magmaadded was comparable to that of the resident magma. Increases in the Fe₂O₃, TiO₂, Al₂O₃, and Na₂O contents of thepyroxenes above the level of magma addition indicate that thenew magma had a lower silica activity and higher fO₂ than theresident magma. Quantification of the trace element and REEcontent of the two magmas is hampered by the very low proportionof trapped intercumulus component in these adcumulate rocks.However, semi-quantitative modelling indicates that the traceand REE signatures of the two magmas were similar, with moderateLREE enrichment and flat HREE profiles. The new magma had aslightly higher La/ Sm ratio than the resident magma, consistentwith its more alkaline nature. The new magma was probably added gradually, while 100–150m of cumulates formed. It probably intruded at an intermediatelevel within an existing stratified magma chamber, where itcooled and crystallized, and composite packets of liquid pluscrystals plunged to the base of the chamber. The cores of plagioclasegrains formed during this mixing interval show a wider rangeof compositions than in other sections, and plagioclase primocrystsfrom both magmas may be preserved within single samples. Therefore,although intimate physical mixing of packets of unknown sizeof the two magmas occurred, re-equilibration of the major oxidecomposition of the plagioclase primocrysts was not achieved.However, the data and calculations based on diffusion ratesindicate that partial Sr isotopic resetting of plagioclase mayhave occurred.     

Geochronology of archean gneisses in the Lake Helen area,Southwestern Big Horn Mountains,Wyoming

The RbSr and UPb methods were used to study gneisses in the $\text{7}\text{1}\text{2}\text{-}\text{minute}$ Lake Helen quadrangle of the Big Horn Mountains, Wyoming. Two episodes of magmatism, deformation and metamorphism occurred during the Archean. Trondhjemitic to tonalitic orthogneisses and amphibolite of the first episode (E-1) are cut by a trondhjemite pluton and a calc-alkaline intrusive series of the second episode (E-2). The E-2 series includes hornblende-biotite quartz diorite, biotite tonalite, biotite granodiorite and biotite granite.A RbSr whole-rock isochron for E-1 gneisses indicates an age of 3007 ± 34 Ma (1 sigma) and an initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr of 0.7001 ± 0.0001. UPb determination on zircon from E-1 gneisses yield a concordia intercept age of 2947 ± 50 Ma. The low initial ratio suggests that the gneisses had no significant crustal history prior to metamorphism, and that the magmas from which they formed had originated from a mafic source.A RbSr whole-rock isochron for E-2 gneisses gives an age of 2801 ± 31 Ma. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr initial ration is 0.7015 ± 0.0002 and precludes the existence of the rocks for more than 150 Ma prior to metamorphism. The E-2 magmas may have originated from melting of E-1 gneisses or from a more mafic source.     

Geochemistry and Petrogenesis of the Tongshankou and Yinzu Adakitic Intrusive Rocks and the Associated Porphyry Copper-Molybdenum Mineralization in Southeast Hubei, East China

Abstract. The late Jurassic Tongshankou and Yinzu plutons in southeast Hubei have been investigated for their contrasting metal mineralization features. The former is closely associated with porphyry Cu‐Mo mineralization, while the latter is barren of metal mineralization, althouth both are located very close to each other. The Tongshankou granodiorite porphyries and the Yinzu granodiorites are geochemically similar to adakites, e.g., high Al₂O₃ and Sr contents and La/Yb and Sr/Y ratios, enriched in Na₂O, depleted in Y and Yb, very weak Eu anomalies and positive Sr anomalies. However, different geochemi‐cal characteristics exist between the two plutons: the Tongshankou adakitic rocks (1) are relatively enriched in SiO₂, K₂O, MgO, Cr, Ni, and Sr and depleted in Y and Yb; (2) have higher degree REE differentiation; (3) have positive Eu anomalies in contrast with very weak negative or unclear Eu anomalies in the Yinzu rocks; and (4) isotopically have relatively higher eP_Nd(t) values (‐5.19 to ‐5.38) and lower initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.7060 to 0.7062), while the Yinzu adakitic rocks have relatively lower eP_Nd(t) values (‐7.22 to ‐8.67) and higher initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.7065 to 0.7074). The trace element and isotopic data demonstrate that the Tongshankou adakitic rocks were most probably originated from partial melting of delaminated lower crust with garnet being the main residual mineral whereas little or no plagioclase in the source. On the contrary, the Yinzu adakitic rocks were likely derived from partial melting of thickened lower crust, with residual garnet and a small quantity of plagioclase and hornblende in the source. Interactions between the adakitic magmas and mantle peridotites possibly took place during the ascent of the Tongshankou adakitic magmas through the mantle, considering that MgO, Cr, and Ni contents and eP_Nd(t) values of the adakitic magmas were possibly elevated and initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios were possibly lowered due to the contamination of mantle peridotites. In addition, the Fe₂O₃ of the adakitic magmas was likely released into the mantle and the oxygen fugacities (?_o2) of the latter were obviously possibly raised, which made metallic sulfide in the mantle oxidized and the chalcophile elements such as Cu were incorporated into the adakitic magmas. The ascent of the adakitic magmas enriched in Cu and Mo will lead to the formation of porphyry Cu‐Mo deposit. Nevertheless, the Yinzu adakitic magmas were possibly lack of metallogenetic materials due to not interacting with mantle peridotite, and thus unfavorable to metal mineralization.     

Eclogite trace in evolution of Late Cenozoic alkaline basalt volcanism on the southwestern flank of the Baikal Rift Zone: Geochemical features and geodynamic consequences

Eclogitized material from the oceanic lithosphere are the most likely source of alkaline basalt magmas in the formation of Late Cenozoic volcanic areas on the southwestern flank of the Baikal Rift Zone. Basaltic trachyandesites of the early stage of volcanism (Pg₃² ~ 28–23 Ma) are rich in high field strength elements (HFSE), P₂O₅, F, Zn, Ga, Sr, Sn, and light rare earth elements (LREE); they are characterized by high values of the following ratios: Fe/Mn = 72–77, Sm/Yb = 7.7–8.5, Sr/Y = 57–63, and Ga/Sc = 2.1–2.3. At this stage, magmas are formed under conditions with a 2–8% degree of partial melting of the mantle substrate enriched with the material of the eclogite source (50–70%) (Cpx/Grt = 1.5–1.7). Basaltoid magmas of the final stage of volcanism (N₁³–N₂¹ ~ 6–4 Ma) are formed from melting (1.5–4%) of a less fertilized mantle (Cpx/Grt = 2.1–3.1, Fe/Mn = 62–71, Sm/Yb = 3.5–4.6, Sr/Y = 29–44, Ga/Sc = 1.0–1.4). The directed variations of the compositions of the successive basaltoid magmas, which were formed in the Late Cenozoic, create an “eclogite trace” in this area.     

Nd and Sr isotopes in ultrapotassic volcanic rocks from the Leucite Hills,Wyoming

Nd and Sr isotopic compositions and Rb, Sr, Sm and Nd concentrations are reported for madupites, wyomingites and orendites from the Pleistocene volcanic field of the Leucite Hills, Wyoming. All Leucite Hills rocks have negative εNd signatures, indicating derivation or contribution from an old light rare earth element (LREE) enriched source. In this respect they are similar to all occurrences of high potassium magmas so far investigated. But Sr isotopic variations are comparatively small and ⁸⁷Sr/ ⁸⁶Sr ratios are unusually low for high-K magmas (0.7053–0.7061, one sample excluded). These values suggest that the light REE enrichment of the source was not accompanied by a strong increase in Rb/Sr. Wyomingites and orendites are isotopically indistinguishable which is consistent with chemical and petrographic evidence for their derivation from a common magma series depending on emplacement conditions. Basic to ultrabasic madupites and more silicic wyomingites/orendites are distinct in their Nd isotopic variations (madupites: εNd= ?10.5 to ?12.3; wyomingites/orendites: εNd= ?13.7 to ?17.0) despite similar Sm/Nd ratios and complete overlap in ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr. Selective or bulk assimilation of crustal material is unlikely to have significantly affected the Nd and Sr isotopic compositions of the magmas. The measured isotopic ratios are considered to reflect source values. The distinct isotopic characteristics of madupite and wyomingite/orendite magmas preclude their derivation by fractional crystallization, from a common primary magma, by liquid immiscibility or by partial melting of a homogeneous source. Two isotopically distinct, LREE enriched and slightly heterogeneous sources are required. Heterogeneities were most pronounced between magma sources from each volcanic centre (butte or mesa). The relationship between the madupite and wyomingite/orendite sources and their evolution is discussed on the basis of two simple alternative sets of models:

1. a two-stage evolution model with an old enrichment event (a metasomatic event?) perhaps taking place during the stabilization of the Wyoming Craton 3.2 to 2.5 Gyr ago but not later than 1.2 Gyr ago or
2. a mixing model involving mixing between one endmember with εNd near zero and another end-member with a strong negative εNd signature.

     

Genesis and Mixing/Mingling of Mafic and Felsic Magmas of Back-Arc Granite: Miocene Tsushima Pluton, Southwest Japan

The Middle Miocene Tsushima granite pluton is composed of leucocratic granites, gray granites and numerous mafic microgranular enclaves (MME). The granites have a metaluminous to slightly peraluminous composition and belong to the calc‐alkaline series, as do many other coeval granites of southwestern Japan, all of which formed in relation to the opening of the Sea of Japan. The Tsushima granites are unique in that they occur in the back‐arc area of the innermost Inner Zone of Southwest Japan, contain numerous miarolitic cavities, and show shallow crystallization (2–6 km deep), based on hornblende geobarometry. The leucocratic granite has higher initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.7065–0.7085) and lower ε_Nd(t) (?7.70 to ?4.35) than the MME of basaltic–dacitic composition (0.7044–0.7061 and ?0.53 to ?5.24), whereas most gray granites have intermediate chemical and Sr–Nd isotopic compositions (0.7061–0.7072 and ?3.75 to ?6.17). Field, petrological, and geochemical data demonstrate that the Tsushima granites formed by the mingling and mixing of mafic and felsic magmas. The Sr–Nd–Pb isotope data strongly suggest that the mafic magma was derived from two mantle components with depleted mantle material and enriched mantle I (EMI) compositions, whereas the felsic magma formed by mixing of upper mantle magma of EMI composition with metabasic rocks in the overlying lower crust. Element data points deviating from the simple mixing line of the two magmas may indicate fractional crystallization of the felsic magma or chemical modification by hydrothermal fluid. The miarolitic cavities and enrichment of alkali elements in the MME suggest rapid cooling of the mingled magma accompanied by elemental transport by hydrothermal fluid. The inferred genesis of this magma–fluid system is as follows: (i) the mafic and felsic magmas were generated in the mantle and lower crust, respectively, by a large heat supply and pressure decrease under back‐arc conditions induced by mantle upwelling and crustal thinning; (ii) they mingled and crystallized rapidly at shallow depths in the upper crust without interaction during the ascent of the magmas from the middle to the upper crust, which (iii) led to fluid generation in the shallow crust. The upper mantle in southwest Japan thus has an EMI‐like composition, which plays an important role in the genesis of igneous rocks there.     

The You Yangs batholith in Southeastern Australia,the sources of its magmas and inferences for local crustal architecture

The 365-Ma You Yangs batholith is a mainly I-type monzogranitic body, containing rocks with both clinopyroxene and hornblende, but with a 2–2.5?km-wide rim of S-type rocks. In places, the margins of the intrusion wedge out laterally. A laccolithic shape may explain there being only low-grade contact metamorphism of the Ordovician metasedimentary wall rocks. The chemical and isotopic characteristics of the granitic rocks suggest that the magmas formed by partial melting of a source that contained some meta-igneous rocks but was dominated by chemically immature metasedimentary types, to impart an evolved Sr isotope signature (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_t?=?0.70877–0.71066 for the main monzogranitic rocks), combined with relatively non-radiogenic εNd_t (–2.4 to –1.9). Crystal fractionation played little role in shaping the compositions of the granitic magmas, with the main variations interpreted to be source-inherited. Igneous-textured microgranular enclaves (IMEs) are prominent in the monzogranitic rocks. The IMEs probably had an ultimate enriched-mantle source, and their magmas did not mix significantly with the crustally derived granitic host magmas. The characteristics of the monzogranitic rocks hosting the enclaves suggest the possibility that an unrecognised metasediment-dominated terrane of ancient arc crust may be present beneath the Bendigo Zone.     

The age of young intrusions of Tsana Complex (Greater Caucasus) and isotope-geochemical evidence for their origin from hybrid magmas

This paper presents isotope-geochronological and petrological study of granitoids of the potentially ore-bearing (Au–As–Sb–Sn–Mo) Early Pliocene Tsana Complex, which are confined to the Main Caucasus fault zone (upthrow fault) in the central part of the Greater Caucasus Range. The Tsurungal and Karobi groups of magmatic bodies are distinguished based on spatial criterion. The Tsurungal group includes three small granite—granodiorite massifs (Tsurungal, Chorokhi, and Toteldash) and numerous acid and intermediate dikes in the upper reaches of the Tskhenistsqali River (Kvemo Svaneti, Georgia). The Karobi group comprises three subvolcanic rhyodacite bodies located in the upper reaches of the Chashuri River (Zemo Racha, Georgia) and numerous N–S-trending trachyandesite dikes near the axial zone of the Main Caucasus Range. The K-Ar and Rb-Sr isotope dating shows that the granitoid massifs and dike bodies of the Tsana Complex were formed in two different-age pulses of the Pliocene magmatism: phase I at 4.80 ± 0.15 and phase II at 4.15 ± 0.10 Ma. All hypabyssal rocks of the Karobi group, unlike those of the Tsurungal Group, were formed during the first pulse. Petrographic studies in combination with geochemical data indicate that most of the granitoids of the Tsana Complex are hybrid rocks (I-type post-collisional granites) and were derived through mixing of deep-seated mantle magmas with acid melts obtained by the upper crustal anatectic melting in the Main Caucasus fault zone. The granitoids of the Tsurungal Group define basic to acid evolution (diorite–granodiorite–granite–two-mica granite) possibly caused by both crystallization differentiation and increasing role of crustal contamination in the petrogenesis of the parental magmas of these rocks. This conclusion is also confirmed by the differences in the Sr isotope composition between granitoids of the early (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7053) and late (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7071) phases of the Tsana Complex. Main trends in spatiotemporal migration of magmatic activity in the central part of the Greater Caucasus in the Pliocene–Quaternary time were established using obtained and earlier published isotope-geochronological data.     

Minor-element and Sr-isotope geochemistry of tertiary stocks,Colorado mineral belt

Rocks of the northeast portion of the Colorado mineral belt form two petrographically, chemically and geographically distinct rock suites: (1) a silica oversaturated granodiorite suite; and (2) a silica saturated, high alkali monzonite suite. Rocks of the granodiorite suite generally have Sr contents less than 1000 ppm, subparallel REE patterns and initial ⁸⁷Sr/ ⁸⁶Sr ratios greater than 0.707. Rocks of the monzonite suite are restricted to the northeast part of the mineral belt, where few rocks of the granodiorite suite occur, and generally have Sr contents greater than 1000 ppm, highly variable REE patterns and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr initial ratios less than 0.706.Despite forming simple, smooth trends on major element variation diagrams, trace element data for rocks of the granodiorite suite indicate that they were not derived from a single magma. These rocks were derived from magmas having similar REE patterns, but variable Rb and Sr contents, and Rb/Sr ratios. The preferred explanation for these rocks is that they were derived by partial melting of a mixed source, which yielded pyroxene granulite or pyroxenite residues.The monzonite suite is chemically and petrographically more complex than the granodiorite suite. It is subdivided here into alkalic and mafic monzonites, and quartz syenites, based on the textural relations of their ferromagnesian phases and quartz. The geochemistry of these three rock types require derivation from separate and chemically distinct magma types. The preferred explanation for the alkalic monzonites is derivation from a heterogeneous mafic source, leaving a residue dominated by garnet and clinopyroxene. Early crystallization of sphene from these magmas was responsible for the severe depletion of the REE observed in the residual magmas. The lower Sr content and higher Rb/Sr ratios of the mafic monzonites requires a plagioclase-bearing source.The Sr-isotope systematics of the majority of these rocks are interpreted to be largely primary, and not the result of crustal contamination. The positive correlation of Rb/Sr and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios for the least fractionated samples indicate that the sources from which parent magmas of both the granodiorite and monzonite suites were derived are Precambrian in age.     

Fractionation,hybridisation and magma-mixing in the Kialineq centre East Greenland

The igneous rocks of the Kialineq centre on the coast of East Greenland at 67°N include a number of quartz syenite and granite plutons intruded 35my BP. These are subvolcanic bodies emplaced by cauldron subsidence and with ring-dike and bell-jar form. Associated with the major intrusions is an extensive acid-basic mixed magma complex. Two-liquid structures, chilling of basic against acid magma, pillows of basic in acid, and net-veining of basic by acid magma, are superbly displayed. The basic magma was of a transitional or alkaline type and underwent varying degrees of fractionation in a regime of repeated intrusions and diverse chambers. Heterogeneous hybrid rocks intermediate between basalt and quartz syenite are strongly developed and were formed by repeated mechanical mixing of contrasting magmas. The energy for this mixing probably came in the main from cauldron-block subsidence. The quartz syenite magma, which itself fractionated towards granite, has initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios the same as the basic magma and is itself believed to be a fractionation product of alkali basalt magma.     

The evolution of the mantle source beneath Mt. Etna (Sicily,Italy): from the 600 ka tholeiites to the recent trachybasaltic magmas

ABSTRACT

The spatial/temporal proximity of Mt. Etna to the Hyblean Plateau and the Aeolian slab makes the discussion on the nature of its mantle source/s extremely controversial. In this study, a detailed geochemical overview of the entire Mt. Etna evolutionary sequence and a comparison with the magmatism of the Hyblean Plateau was proposed to: (i) simulate the composition of Mt. Etna tholeiitic to alkaline primitive magmas in equilibrium with a fertile mantle source; (ii) model the nature, composition and evolution of the mantle source from the tholeiitic stage (600 ka) to present magmatism. According to our simulations, two amphibole + phlogopite-bearing spinel lherzolite sources are able to explain the wide range of Etnean primary magmas. The enrichment in LILE, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, Rb and H₂O of the magmas emitted after 1971 (but also discontinuously generated in both historic and prehistoric times) are caused by different melting proportions of amphibole and phlogopite in a modally and compositionally homogeneous mantle domain, with melting degrees analogous to those required to produce magmas erupted prior to 1971. The behaviour of the hydrous phases during melting could be ascribed to a variable H₂O/CO₂ activity in the mantle source, in turn related to the heat/fluxes supply from the asthenospheric upwelling beneath Mt. Etna. All these considerations, strengthened by numerical models, are then merged to review the complex Pliocene/Lower Pleistocene to present day’s geodynamic evolution of eastern Sicily.     

Implications of Quaternary volcanism at Cerro Tuzgle for crustal and mantle evolution of the Puna Plateau,Central Andes,Argentina

The high-K Tuzgle volcanic center, (24° S, 66.5° W) along with several small shoshonitic centers, developed along extensional Quaternary faults of the El Toro lineament on the east-central Puna plateau, 275 km east of the main front of the Andean Central Volcanic Zone (CVZ). These magmas formed by complex mixing processes in the mantle and thickened crust (>50 km) above a 200 km deep scismic zone. Tuzgle magmas are differentiated from shoshonitic series magmas by their more intraplate-like Ti group element characteristics, lower incompatible element concentrations, and lower ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios at a given Nd. Underlying Mio-Pliocene volcanic rocks erupted in a compressional stress regime and have back-arc like calc-alkaline chemical characteristics. The Tuzgle rocks can be divided into two sequences with different mantle precursors: a) an older, more voluminous rhyodacitic (ignimbrite) to mafic andestitic (56% to 71% SiO₂) sequence with La/Yb ratios <30, and b) a younger andesitic sequence with La/Yb ratios >35. La/Yb ratios are controlled by the mafic components: low ratios result from larger mantle melt percentages than high ratios. Shoshonitic series lavas (52% to 62% SiO₂) contain small percentage melts of more isotopically enriched arc-like mantle sources. Some young Tuzgle lavas have a shoshonitic-like component. Variable thermal conditions and complex stress system are required to produce the Tuzgle and shoshonitic series magmas in the same vicinity. These conditions are consistent with the underlying mantle being in transition from the thick mantle lithosphere which produced rare shoshonitic flows in the Altiplano to the thinner mantle lithosphere that produced back-are calc-alkaline and intraplate-type flows in the southern Puna. Substantial upper crustal type contamination in Tuzgle lavas is indicated by decreasing Nd (-2.5 to-6.7) with increasing ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.7063 to 0.7099) ratios and SiO₂ concentrations, and by negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu^* <0.78) in lavas that lack plagioclase phenocrysts. Trace element arguments indicate that the bulk contaminant was more silicic than the Tuzgle ignimbrite and left a residue with a high pressure mineralogy. Crustal shortening processes transported upper crustal contaminants to depths where melting occurred. These contaminants mixed with mafic magmas that were fractionating mafic phases at high pressure. Silicic melts formed at depth by these processes accumulated at a mid to upper crustal discontinuity (decollement). The Tuzgle ignimbrite erupted from this level when melting rates were highest. Subsequent lavas are mixtures of contaminated mafic magmas and ponded silicic melts. Feldspar and quartz phenocrysts in the lavas are phenocrysts from the ponded silicic magmas.     

Geochemical characteristics of potassic volcanics from Mts. Ernici (Southern Latium,Italy)

Major elements, trace elements and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr data are reported for the Quaternary potassic alkaline rocks from the Mts. Ernici volcanic area (Southern Latium — Italy). These rocks are represented by primitive types which display high Mg_v, low D.I., variable degrees of silica undersaturation and different K₂O contents which allowed the distinction of a potassium series (KS) and a high potassium series (HKS). All the analyzed samples have high LIL element contents and high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr which ranges between 0.707–0.711. They also have fractionated REE patterns. The KS rocks have lower LIL element concentrations and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios than the HKS rocks with a large compositional gap between the two series. Minor but still significant isotopic and trace element variations are also observed within both KS and HKS. The genesis cannot be completly explained either by crystal liquid fractionation, mixing or assimilation processes or by different degrees of equilibrium partial melting from a homogeneous source, thus indicating that both the KS and HKS consist of several geochemically and isotopically distinct magma types. The data suggest that the KS and HKS magmas originated by low degrees of melting of a garnet peridotite mantle heterogeneously enriched in LIL elements and radiogenic strontium, possibly accompanied by disquilibrium melting of some accessory phases. The occurrence of a geochemical anomaly within the mantle is believed to be due to fluid metasomatism probably generated by dehydration of a lithospheric slab subducted during the Late Tertiary development of the Apennine Chain.     

Geochemistry and petrogenesis of the early Tertiary lava pile of the Isle of Mull,Scotland

Major and trace element analyses and strontium isotope ratios are presented for twenty-four samples of lavas and plugs from the early Tertiary lava pile in Mull. The samples were selected on the basis of petrographic freshness from a large collection from outside the hydrothermally altered zone of pneumatolysis which occupies the central region of the volcanic complex. Most of the analyses yield normative hypersthene and we argue that these are essentially unaltered magmatic compositions. The analytical data indicate that the samples may be divided into three groups on the basis of major element chemistry, initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios and correlations between lithophile element contents. Group I comprises an alkaline series (basalt-hawaiite-mugearite) with extremely low initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.7030) and generally low lithophile element contents. Apart from their alkalinity and high Sr and Zr contents these samples have affinities with abyssal tholeiites. Group II contains hypersthene normative basalts with more tholeiitic characteristics but (as in the case of the Skye Main Lava Series) the more evolved rocks are trachytes. This group is characterized by more normal levels of lithophile element concentrations and relatively high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of about 0.7055. Group III is less clearly defined and contains basalts that are generally sparsely olivine-phyric and in most chemical respects fall between Group I and Group II-including initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.7033 to 0.7043). They may represent mixtures of Group I and Group II type sources or magmas. Groups I and II appear to be similar, respectively, to the relatively sodic iron-rich and the relatively potassic ironpoor silica enrichment trends distinguished in the Skye Main Lava Series. In the Group I magma series the behaviour of Y and Sr relative to other incompatible elements can only be explained by differential partial melting of a deep garnet-lherzolite mantle source. Fractional crystallization has undoubtedly occurred at some stage during the ascent of these magmas from the mantle, as indicated by the behaviour of Ni and Cr, but has not been a major factor in the production of evolved magma compositions. The Group II magmas appear to have originated from a source more enriched in lithophile elements, and a relatively shallow (< 50 km) plagioclase-lherzolite mantle source is suggested for these magmas because they have Sr/Ba ratios between one and two orders of magnitude lower than those characteristic of Group I. Rb-Sr systematics suggest that the vertical heterogeneity of the mantle which was largely responsible for the chemical differences between these three groups may have existed for a very long time prior to Tertiary magmatism.     

Selectively contaminated magmas of the Tertiary East Greenland macrodike complex

Chemical interaction between tholeiitic magmas of the East Greenland Tertiary macrodike complex and anatectic melts of the Precambrian basement produced a wide range of hybrid magmas. Field evidence indicates that, although coexisting magmas were stirred, mechanical mixing only occurred to a limited extent before segregation of magmas into a stratified system. The initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd isotope ratios for hybrid compositions fall between those of the mafic and felsic end-members. However, the covariation of these isotope ratios differs from that expected of bulk mixing. Major- and trace-element distributions in hybrid magmas are also inconsistent with simple mixing, as well as with fractional crystallization coupled with bulk assimilation (AFC) involving reasonable end-members of the macrodike-crust system. Rather, the chemical and isotopic modification of mafic and felsic magmas of the macrodike complex appears to have been controlled fundamentally by interdiffusion of silicate liquid species during mingling and buoyant roofward segregation of crust-derived granophyres. The relationships among juxtaposed hybrid magmas of the Miki Fjord macrodike are shown to be consistent with expectations of selective diffusional exchange based on available experimental interdiffusion data for silicate liquids. Comparison between these hybrid compositions and rocks from the felsic series of the Vandfaldsdalen macrodike suggest that the latter compositions were affected by a similar opensystem process operating presumably during the transient development of the felsic cap. Once hybrid magmas ponded at the roof of the intrusion they effectively were isolated from further exchange.     

Sr isotopic evidence for a multi-source origin of the potassic magmas in the neapolitan area (S. Italy)

New Sr isotopic data on lavas and xenoliths from Somma-Vesuvius and other nearby volcanic areas (Phlegrean Fields and Ischia) are presented. Chemical and isotopic evidences show that not all the Phlegrean Fields rocks belong to the low K series, but some of them may be interpreted as low pressure differentiates of Somma magmas, i.e. as a part of the high K series. Two rock groups are defined in the Ischia low K series, which are well identified both in time and in chemical and isotopic features, and cannot be derived from the same magma source. The low K series in the studied area generally has lower Sr isotopic values than the high K series.Historical Vesuvian lavas show two distinct linear trends with negative slopes when⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios are plotted against their ages of eruption. Such trends are interpreted to result from mixing of magmas in two separate reservoirs. Evidence from the Vesuvian ejecta shows that Somma-Vesuvius magmas underwent high or low pressure fractionation, in connection with different events of the Vesuvian activity. Distinct magma reservoirs developed episodically at different depths. Isotopic and geochemical evidences do not favour large scale assimilation of crustal materials by Somma-Vesuvius magmas, but instead appear to reflect mantle characteristics.A minimum of three different (inhomogeneous) source regions is necessary to account for the isotopic features of the studied rocks.