Modification of the subcontinental mantle beneath East Serbia: Evidence from orthopyroxene-rich xenoliths

Orthopyroxene-rich olivine websterite xenoliths (OWB₂) in Palaeogene basanites in East Serbia are mostly composed of tabular low-Al₂O₃ orthopyroxene (> 70 vol.%, Mg# 85–87) containing tiny Cr spinel inclusions. Orthopyroxene shows a slightly U-shaped primitive mantle-normalized trace element pattern with strong peaks at U and Pb, similar to that of orthopyroxene from normal regional peridotitic mantle. In between the orthopyroxenes are interstitial spaces composed of partially altered olivine (Mg# 85–87), clinopyroxene, Ti-rich spinel, Mg-bearing calcite, K-feldspar, apatite, ilmenite and relicts of a hydrous mineral. Clinopyroxene appears as selvages around orthopyroxene and as coarser euhedral crystals. Trace element patterns of the clinopyroxene selvages resemble those of adjacent orthopyroxene, whereas the coarser ones have flatter and more LREE- and LILE-enriched patterns, similar to that of metasomatic clinopyroxene. The OWB₂ xenoliths are interpreted as having formed in two stages. During Stage I orthopyroxene crystallized, along with some spinel, olivine and probably hydrous phase(s). This original OWB₂ lithology was a hydrous olivine-bearing orthopyroxenite that crystallised from subduction-related SiO₂-saturated, boninite-like magmas. During Stage II the interstitial minerals formed due to infiltration of a low-SiO₂, high-CaO and CO₂-rich external melt, accompanied by decomposition of original H₂O-bearing minerals. The calculated composition of the infiltrating liquid corresponds to a mafic alkaline melt similar to the basanitic host but more enriched in CO₂, LREE and LILE. Metasomatism is interpreted in terms of small degree melts related to the Palaeogene mafic alkaline magmatism.     

Peridotite xenoliths in silica-rich,potassic latite from the transition zone of the Colorado Plateau in north-central Arizona

Potassic latite in the transition zone of the Colorado Plateau near Chino Valley, Arizona, contains abundant eclogite and amphibolite xenoliths and minor websterite and pyroxenite xenoliths. One unit contains peridotite xenoliths; analyzed samples have mg-ratios of 68 and 71, 58 and 63 wt% SiO₂, and are enriched in potassium and other large ion lithophile (LIL) elements. Rare earth element (REE) patterns are light REE enriched with La greater than 100 times chondritic abundance. The peridotite xenoliths are partly to totally altered, but contain remnant olivine, orthopyroxene, and clinopyroxene; one harzburgite nodule also contains spinel. Mineral compositions from the xenoliths are relatively refractory and similar to those in other spinel peridotite xenoliths from the Colorado Plateau. Geothermometry on olivine-spinel and two-pyroxene pairs indicates equilibration temperatures of less than 800° C for the peridotite nodules. The relatively low temperatures calculated from mineral equilibria are consistent with temperature estimates for other mantle nodules from under the Colorado Plateau.Peridotite xenoliths, mg-ratios, and Ni contents are evidence that the latite magma was derived from mantle peridotite. The potassic nature of the magma probably accounts for its silica-rich composition. The potassic, silica-rich nature of the latite and its enrichment in LREE and other LIL elements are consistent with a source which was metasomatically enriched in these elements either before or during partial melting. The source could have been either spinel or garnet peridotite.     

华北中、新生代岩石圈地幔的交代作用：含金云母地幔岩提供的证据

本文对华北克拉通三个不同地区（河北汉诺坝、内蒙古集宁三义堂、河南鹤壁）新发现的含金云母尖晶石二辉橄榄岩和尖晶石橄榄单斜辉石岩捕虏体进行了详细的矿物组成、单斜辉石的微量元素和Sr-Nd同位素研究.通过与相同地区不含金云母尖晶石二辉橄榄岩捕虏体的系统对比发现通常含金云母的地幔橄榄岩比不含金云母的地幔橄榄岩岩富Al2O3、CaO、NaO、K2O、TiO2,但相对贫镁;其单斜辉石的LREE更为富集,但Sr、Nd同位素组成则相对亏损.这说明地幔交代作用不仅能够造成地幔橄榄岩的玄武质组分和稀土元素的富集,而且亦能够造成全岩和橄榄石Mg#的降低和同位素组成的相对亏损.捕虏体的Rb-Sr等时线年龄暗示地幔交代作用发生在中、新生代;其交代熔体来源于软流圈.同时说明华北新生代岩石圈地幔普遍存在的主、微量元素和同位素组成类似于“大洋型”岩石圈地幔的特征很可能是岩石圈地幔橄榄岩与软流圈来源的熔体的大规模反应的结果,而非真正意义上的新增生的岩石圈地幔.     

The late Cretaceous lithospheric mantle beneath the Central Andes: Evidence from phase equilibria and composition of mantle xenoliths

Temperature estimates and chemical composition of mantle xenoliths from the Cretaceous rift system of NW Argentina (26°S) constrain the rift evolution and chemical and physical properties of the lithospheric mantle at the eastern edge of the Cenozoic Andean plateau. The xenolith suite comprises mainly spinel lherzolite and subordinate pyroxenite and carbonatized lherzolite. The spinel lherzolite xenoliths equilibrated at high-T (most samples >1000 °C) and P below garnet-in. The Sm–Nd systematics of compositionally unzoned clino- and orthopyroxene indicate a Cretaceous minimum age for the high-T regime, i.e., the asthenosphere/lithosphere thermal boundary was at ca. 70 km depth in the Cretaceous rift. Major elements and Cr, Ni, Co and V contents of the xenoliths range between values of primitive and depleted mantle. Calculated densities based on the bulk composition of the xenoliths are <3280 kg/m³ for the estimated P–T conditions and indicate a buoyant, stable upper mantle lithosphere. The well-equilibrated metamorphic fabric and mineral paragenesis with the general lack of high-T hydrous phases did not preserve traces of metasomatism in the mantle xenoliths. Late Mesozoic metasomatism, however, is obvious in the gradual enrichment of Sr, U, Th and light to medium REE and changes in the radiogenic isotope composition of an originally depleted mantle. These changes are independent of the degree of depletion evidenced by major element composition. ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd_i ratios of clinopyroxene from the main group of xenoliths decrease with increasing Nd content from >0.5130 (depleted samples) to ca. 0.5127 (enriched samples). ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_i ratios (0.7127–0.7131, depleted samples; 0.7130–0.7134, enriched samples) show no variation with variable Sr contents. Pb_i isotope ratios of the enriched samples are rather radiogenic (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_i 18.8–20.6, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_i 15.6–15.7, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_i 38.6–47) compared with the Pb isotope signature of the depleted samples. The large scatter and high values of ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_i ratios of many xenoliths indicates at least two Pb sources that are characterized by similar U/Pb but by different Th/Pb ratios. The dominant mantle type in the investigated system is depleted mantle according to its Sr and Nd isotopic composition with relatively radiogenic Pb isotope ratios. This mantle is different from the Pacific MORB source and old subcontinental mantle from the adjacent Brazilian Shield. Its composition probably reflects material influx into the mantle wedge during various episodes of subduction that commenced in early Paleozoic or even earlier. Old subcontinental mantle was already replaced in the Paleozoic, but some inheritance from old mantle lithosphere is represented by rare xenoliths with isotope signatures indicating a Proterozoic origin.     

大兴安岭岩石圈地幔特征——哈拉哈河-绰尔河橄榄岩捕虏体的证据

大兴安岭哈拉哈河-绰尔河第四纪火山岩中含有尖晶石相和石榴石相橄榄岩捕虏体.本文报道的尖晶石相橄榄岩包括方辉橄榄岩和二辉橄榄岩两类,前者分布数量略高于后者.方辉橄榄岩多数具有较高的平衡温度(1072～1193℃),矿物化学成分变化大,含有高Mg橄榄石和高Cr#尖晶石,这些特征一致表明是古老岩石圈地幔残余的样品.而二辉橄榄岩显示相对均一的矿物化学成分和很宽的平衡温度变化范围(636～1178℃),代表了明显受到改造的岩石圈地幔,可能反映岩石圈地幔的不同深度和局部经历了软流圈与岩石圈相互作用.通过与华北克拉通的对比,发现地处兴蒙造山带的大兴安岭岩石圈地幔中仍保留有相当量的古老岩石圈地幔残余,区别于遭受强烈改造和破坏的华北克拉通东部地区的岩石圈地幔.     

Megacrysts and xenoliths in kimberlite,Elliott County,Kentucky: A mantle sample from beneath the Permian Appalachian Plateau

Two kimberlite pipes in Elliott County contain rare ultramafic xenoliths and abundant megacrysts of olivine (Fo_85–93), garnet (0.21–9.07% Cr₂O₃), picroilmenite, phlogopite, Cr-poor clinopyroxene (0.56–0.88% Cr₂O₃), and Cr-poor orthopyroxene (<0.03–0.34% Cr₂O₃) in a matrix of olivine (Fo_88–92), picroilmenite, Cr-spinel, magnetite, perovskite, pyrrhotite, calcite, and hydrous silicates. Rare clinopyroxene-ilmenite intergrowths also occur. Garnets show correlation of mg (0.79–0.86) and CaO (4.54–7.10%) with Cr₂O₃ content; the more Mg-rich garnets have more uvarovite in solution. Clinopyroxene megacrysts show a general decrease in Cr₂O₃ and increase in TiO₂ (0.38–0.56%) with decreasing mg (0.87–0.91). Clinopyroxene megacrysts are more Cr-rich than clinopyroxene in clinopyroxene-ilmenite intergrowths (0.06–0.38% Cr₂O₃) and less Cr-rich than peridotite clinopyroxenes (1.39–1.46% Cr₂O₃). Orthopyroxene megacrysts and orthopyroxene inclusions in olivine megacrysts form two populations: high-Ca, high-Al (1.09–1.16% CaO and 1.16–1.18% Al₂O₃) and low-Ca, low-Al (0.35–0.46% CaO and 0.67–0.74% Al₂O₃). Three orthopyroxenes belonging to a low-Ca subgroup of the high-Ca, high-Al group were also identified (0.86–0.98% CaO and 0.95–1.01% Al₂O₃). The high-Ca, high-Al group (Group I) has lower mg (0.88–0.90) than low-Ca, low-Al group (Group II) with mg=0.92–0.93; low mg orthopyroxenes (Group Ia) have lower Cr₂O₃ and higher TiO₂ than high mg orthopyroxenes (Group II). The orthopyroxene megacrysts have lower Cr₂O₃ than peridotite orthopyroxenes (0.46–0.57% Cr₂O₃). Diopside solvus temperatures indicate equilibration of clinopyroxene megacrysts at 1,165°–1,390° C and 1,295°–1,335° C for clinopyroxene in clinopyroxene-ilmenite intergrowths. P-T estimates for orthopyroxene megacrysts are bimodal: high-Ca, high-Al (Group I) orthopyroxenes equilibrated at 1,165°–1,255° C and 51–53 kb (± 5kb) and the low-Ca, low-Al (Group II) orthopyroxenes equilibrated at 970°–1,020°C and 46–56 kb (± 5kb). Garnet peridotites equilibrated at 1,240°–1,360° C and 47–49 kb. Spinel peridotites have discordant temperatures of 720°–835° C (using spinel-olivine Fe/Mg) and 865°–1,125° C (Al in orthopyroxene).Megacrysts probably precipitated from a fractionating liquid at >150 km depth. They are not disaggregated peridotite because: (1) of large crystal size (up to 1.5 cm), (2) compositions are distinctly different from peridotite phases, and (3) they display fractionation trends. The high mg, low T orthopyroxenes and the clustering of olivine rims near Fo_89–90 reflect liquid changes to higher MgO contents due to (1) assimilation of wall-rock and/or (2) an increase in Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ and subsequently MgO/FeO as a result of an increase in f _o.     

Evidence from Antarctic mantle peridotite xenoliths for changes in mineralogy, geochemistry and geothermal gradients beneath a developing rift

Garnet and spinel peridotite xenoliths associated with the Phanerozoic Lambert-Amery Rift in eastern Antarctica contain evidence for several stages in the development of the mantle beneath the rift. Despite the fact that equilibria were only partly attained, a combination of petrography, whole-rock geochemistry, mineral chemistry and thermobarometry can be used to decipher four stages prior to entrainment of the xenoliths in the host magma during the initial stages of the breakup of Antarctica, India and Madagascar. The first chronological stage is represented by harzburgitic protoliths represented by rare occurrences of low-Ca olivines and orthopyroxenes in spinel lherzolites: these yield the lowest temperatures of 830-850 °C, and are also characterized by distinct trace element contents; lower Ti, Cr, V and Zn in olivine and orthopyroxene, and additionally lower Cu, Ni, Ga and Li in orthopyroxene. Some garnets are subcalcic, indicating that the spinel-garnet lherzolites also formed from harzburgitic protoliths. The second stage is the formation of garnet due to a pressure increase probably related to collision at 1.1 Ga. The third stage is marked by the growth of clinopyroxene, demonstrably in cpx-poor spinel lherzolites but probably in all xenolith groups: equilibrium of clinopyroxene with olivine and orthopyroxene was not attained in all samples, so that the non-judicious use of thermobarometers can produce bewildering results. The fourth stage is an enrichment episode that affected all spinel-garnet peridotites and about half of the spinel peridotites. During this stage, reaction rims were produced on the clinopyroxenes that formed during stage 3, the modal content of olivine and Mg/(Mg + Fe) in the rocks was reduced, CaO, Al₂O₃ and trace elements were enriched, and garnets were almost completely transformed to kelyphites. A later stage is documented by interstitial glasses and films around spinels related to infiltration of melt from the host magma. These post-date, and are more enriched in alkalies than, partially melted rims on clinopyroxenes, demonstrating that all the three earlier episodes were pre-entrainment events. Pressures indicated by the spinel + garnet lherzolites are restricted to 20-24 kbar at 1040-1180 °C. Early harzburgitic assemblages are interpreted to represent an earlier, cooler geotherm, whereas the kelyphite assemblages indicate temperatures 180-200 °C hotter than the main xenolith geotherm. This event also caused recrystallization of the clinopyroxene rims and is attributed to heating during rifting, but not due to the host magma itself. The preservation of evidence for three progressively hotter geotherms can be related to the upward movement of isotherms during the development of the sub-rift mantle.     

Compositional heterogeneity of the continental lithospheric mantle beneath the Early Precambrian and Phanerozoic structures: Evidence from mantle xenoliths in kimberlites and alkaline basalts

Data on the petro- and geochemical characteristics of mantle xenoliths in kimberlites, which sampled the mantle beneath Early Precambrian tectonic structures (Archean cratons: the basement of the Eastern Siberian Platform, Karelian, Kaapvaal, Wyoming, Western Dharvar; Early and Middle Proterozoic foldbelts: Western Olenek, Natal, and Halls Creek), and xenoliths in alkaline basalts, which sampled the mantle benath Late Proterozoic-Phanerozoic structures (foldbelts: Central Asian, Mozambique, southern tip of South America, and Central German) indicate the following: (1) The major and trace element and REE composition of the mantle is different beneath Early Precambrian structures and Late Proterozoic-Phanerozoic foldbelts and reflects the degree of partial melting of the primitive mantle and its depletion in magmaphile components beneath ancient structures compared to young ones. (2) The original composition of the mantle was different beneath the Early Precambrian and Late Proterozoic structures in terms of both major oxides and incompatible trace elements and REE and their ratios; the composition of the mantle beneath the Eastern Siberian Platform, Wyoming, and Karelian cratons is different in terms of Zr/Y, La/Sm, Ce/Sm, Gd/Yb, and Lu/Hf. (3) The degree of melting of the primitive mantle decreases with depth, as follows from the negative correlation between the MgO/SiO₂ ratio and pressure (i.e., depth) and the positive correlation between the Al₂O₃/MgO ratio and pressure in the xenoliths. (4) The Y, Zr, Ti, Sm, Gd, and Yb conncentrations and the sum of HREE in the mantle decrease with increasing degree of melting; correspondingly, the material most strongly depleted in these incompatible trace elements and REE composes the upper levels of the lithospheric continental mantle.     

Metasomatism of the Pan-African lithospheric mantle beneath the Damara Belt,Namibia, by the Tristan mantle plume: geochemical evidence from mantle xenoliths

In situ trace element analyses of constituent minerals in mantle xenoliths occurring in an alnöite diatreme and in nephelinite plugs emplaced within the central zone of the Damara Belt have been determined by laser ablation ICP-MS. Primitive mantle-normalized trace element patterns of clinopyroxene and amphibole indicate the presence of both depleted MORB-like mantle and variably enriched mantle beneath this region. Clinopyroxenes showing geochemical depletion have low La/Sm_n ratios (0.02–0.2), whereas those showing variable enrichment have La/Sm_n ranging up to 3.8 and La/Yb_n to 9.1. The most enriched clinopyroxenes coexist with amphibole showing similar REE patterns (La/Sm_n = 1.3–4.1; La/Yb_n = 4.5–9). Primitive mantle-normalized trace element patterns allow further groups to be distinguished amongst the variably enriched clinopyroxenes: one having strong relative depletion in Rb–Ba, Ta–Nb and relative enrichment in Th–U; another with similar characteristics but with additional strong relative depletion in Zr–Hf; and one showing no significant anomalies. Amphiboles show similar normalized trace element patterns to co-existing clinopyroxene. Clinopyroxene and amphiboles showing LREE_N enrichment have high Sr and low Nd isotope ratios compared to clinopyroxene with LREE-depleted patterns. Numerical simulation of melt percolation through the mantle via reactive porous flow is used to show that the chromatographic affect associated with such a melt migration process is able to account for the fractionation seen in La–Ce–Nd in cryptically metasomatized clinopyroxenes in Type 1 xenoliths, where melt–matrix interactions occur near the percolation front, whereas REE patterns in clinopyroxenes proximal to the source of metasomatic melt/fluid match those found in modally metasomatized Type 2 xenoliths. The strong fractionation between Rb–Ba, Th–U and Ta–Nb shown by some cryptically metasomatized xenoliths can be also accounted for by reactive porous flow, provided amphibole crystallizes from the percolating melt/fluid close to its source. The presence of amphibole in vein-like structures in some xenoliths is consistent with this interpretation. The strong depletion in Zr–Hf in clinopyroxene and amphibole in some xenoliths cannot be accounted for by melt migration processes and requires metasomatism by a separate carbonate-rich melt/fluid. When taken together with published isotope data on these same xenoliths, the source of metasomatic enrichment of the previously depleted (MORB-like) sub-Damaran lithospheric mantle is attributed to the upwelling Tristan plume head at the time of continental breakup.     

Refertilization of ancient lithospheric mantle beneath the central North China Craton: Evidence from petrology and geochemistry of peridotite xenoliths

The petrology and geochemistry of peridotite xenoliths in the Cenozoic basalts from Fanshi, the central North China Craton (NCC), provide constraints on the evolution of sub-continental lithospheric mantle. These peridotite xenoliths are mainly spinel-facies lherzolites with minor harzburgites. The lherzolites are characterized by low forsterite contents in olivines (Fo < 91) and light rare earth element (LREE) enrichments in clinopyroxenes. In contrast, the harzburgites are typified by high-Fo olivines (> 91), high-Cr# spinels and clinopyroxenes with low abundances of heavy REE (HREE). These features are similar to those from old refractory lithospheric mantle around the world, and thus interpreted to be relics of old lithospheric mantle. The old lithospheric mantle has been chemically modified by the influx of melts, as evidenced by the Sr–Nd isotopic compositions of clinopyroxenes and relatively lower Fo contents than typical Archean lithospheric mantle (Fo > 92.5). The Sr–Nd isotopic compositions of harzburgites are close to EM1-type mantle, and of the lherzolites are similar to bulk silicate earth. The latter could be the result of recent modification of old harzburgites by asthenospheric melt, which is strengthened by fertile compositions of minerals in the lherzolites. Therefore, the isotopic and chemical heterogeneities of the Fanshi peridotite xenoliths reflect the refertilization of ancient refractory lithospheric mantle by massive addition of asthenospheric melts. This may be an important mechanism for the lithospheric evolution beneath the Central NCC.     

中国大陆岩石圈地幔镍-钴-铂族元素组成及其成矿意义: 地幔捕虏体证据

镍、钴和铂族元素（PGEs,Platinum group elements）是我国紧缺的关键金属,它们作为亲铁元素主要储存在地核和地幔中。幔源岩浆作用能否超常富集镍、钴和铂族成矿在一定程度上取决于地幔源区这些元素的组成与富集程度,地幔捕虏体可揭示中国大陆岩石圈地幔镍、钴和铂族元素的组成与含量。本文总结了中国华北克拉通、华南克拉通和中亚造山带东部等主要构造单元地幔捕虏体中镍、钴和铂族元素的组成与含量,认为：（1）华北和华南克拉通岩石圈地幔镍、钴和铂族元素原始含量较高,高于原始地幔,且随深度增加而增加,是镍、钴和铂族元素成矿岩浆的有利地幔源区;（2）镍、钴和铂族元素以纳米原子团簇、合金或硫化物等形式赋存、运移与富集;（3）不同构造单元岩石圈地幔镍、钴和铂族元素的富集程度不同;（4）岩石圈地幔镍、钴和铂族元素含量从元古代到新生代有所降低,意味着该区存在镍、钴和铂族元素抽取的岩浆事件,故其成矿潜力巨大。

     

Nature and processes of the lithospheric mantle beneath the western Qinling: Evidence from deformed peridotitic xenoliths in Cenozoic kamafugite from Haoti,Gansu Province,China

The Cenozoic Haoti kamafugite field (23 Ma) is situated at the western Qinling Orogen, Gansu Province in China, which is a conjunction region of the North China Craton, the Yangtze Craton and the Tibetan Plateau. Fresh peridotitic xenoliths entrained in these volcanic rocks provide an opportunity to study the nature and processes of the lithospheric mantle beneath the western Qinling. These xenoliths can be divided into two groups based on the petrological features and mineral compositions, type 1 and type 2. Type 1 xenoliths with strongly deformed texture have higher Fo (90–92.5) contents in olivines, Mg# (91–94) and Cr# (15–35) of clinopyroxenes, and Cr# (36–67) of spinels than the weakly deformed type 2 xenoliths, which have the corresponding values of 89–90, 89–91.5, 10–15 and 5–15 in minerals, respectively. CaO contents in fine-grained olivines are slightly higher than 0.10 wt% compared with coarse-grained ones (less than 0.10 wt%). Fine-grained clinopyroxenes have low Al₂O₃ + CaO contents (generally <23 wt%) relative to coarse-grained ones (>23 wt%). Fo contents in fine-grained olivines mainly in the melt pocket of the type 1 xenoliths are higher than those in coarse-grained ones, which is somewhat contrary to the type 2 xenoliths without melt pocket. Clinopyroxenes of the type 2 display higher Na₂O contents (1.7–1.9 wt%) than those of the type 1 (<1.4 wt%). P–T estimations reveal that the type 1 xenoliths give temperature in range of 1106–1187 °C and pressure of 21–26 kbar and that relatively low temperature (907 and 1022 °C) and pressure (19.0 and 18.5 kbar) for the type 2 xenoliths. The type 1 xenoliths are characterized by depletion due to high degree of partial melting (>10%), modal metasomatic and deformed characteristics, and may represent the old refractory lithospheric mantle. In contrast, the type 2 peridotites show fertile features with low degree of partial melting (<5%) and may represent the newly-accreted lithospheric mantle. The lithospheric mantle beneath the western Qinling underwent partial melting, recrystallization, deformation and metasomatism due to asthenospheric upwelling and the latest decompression responding to the Cenozoic extensive tectonic environment. These processes perhaps are closely related to the evolution of Tibetan Plateau caused by the India-Asian collision.     

New evidence of mantle heterogeneity beneath the Hyblean Plateau (southeast Sicily,Italy) as inferred from noble gases and geochemistry of ultramafic xenoliths

We analyzed major and trace elements, Sr and Nd isotopes in ultramafic xenoliths in Miocenic age Hyblean diatremes, along with noble gases of CO₂-rich fluid inclusions hosted in the same products. The xenoliths consist of peridotites and pyroxenites, which are considered to be derived from the upper mantle. Although the mineral assemblage of peridotites and their whole-rock abundance of major elements (e.g., Al₂O₃ = 0.8–1.5 wt.%, TiO₂ = 0.03–0.08 wt.%) suggest a residual character of the mantle, a moderate enrichment in some incompatible elements (e.g., La_N/Yb_N = 9–14) highlights the presence of cryptic metasomatic events. In this context a deep silicate liquid is considered the metasomatizing agent, which is consistent with the occurrence of pyroxenites as veins in peridotites. Both the Zr/Nb and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios of the investigated samples reveal two distinct compositional groups: (1) peridotites with Zr/Nb ≈ 4 and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ≈ 0.5129, and (2) pyroxenites with Zr/Nb ≈ 20 and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ≈ 0.5130. The results of noble-gas analyses also highlight the difference between the peridotite and pyroxenite domains. Indeed, the ³He/⁴He and ⁴He/⁴⁰Ar* ratios measured in the fluid inclusions of peridotites (respectively 7.0–7.4 ± 0.1 Ra and 0.5–8.2, where Ra is the atmospheric ³He/⁴He ratio of 1.38 × 10^? 6) were on average lower than those for the pyroxenites (respectively 7.2–7.6 Ra and 0.62–15). This mantle heterogeneity is interpreted as resulting from a mixing between two end-members: (1) a peridotitic layer with ³He/⁴He ≈ 7 Ra and ⁴He/⁴⁰Ar* ≈ 0.4, which is lower than the typical mantle ratio (~ 1–4) probably due to melt extraction events, and (2) metasomatizing mafic silicate melts that gave rise to pyroxenites characterized by ³He/⁴He ≈ 7.6 Ra, with a variable ⁴He/⁴⁰Ar* due to degassing processes connected with the ascent of magma at different levels in the peridotite wall rock. The complete geochemical data set also suggests two distinct mantle sources for the xenolithic groups highlighted above: (1) a HIMU (high-μ)-type source for the peridotites and (2) a DM (depleted mantle)-type source for the pyroxenites.     

Mid-Miocene thermal impact on the lithosphere by sub-lithospheric convective mantle material: Transition from high- to moderate-Mg magmatism beneath Vitim Plateau,Siberia

High-Mg lavas are characteristic of the mid-Miocene volcanism in Inner Asia.In the Vitim Plateau,small volume high-Mg volcanics erupted at 16-14 Ma.and were followed with voluminous moderate-Mg lavas at 14-13 Ma.In the former unit,we have recorded a sequence of(1) initial basaltic melts,contaminated by crustal material,(2) uncontaminated high-Mg basanites and basalts of transitional(K-Na-K) compositions,and(3) picrobasalts and basalts of K series;in the latter unit a sequence of(1) initial basalts and basaltic andesites of transitional(Na-K-Na) compositions and(2) basalts and trachybasalts of K-Na series.From pressure estimation,we infer that the high-Mg melts were derived from the sublithospheric mantle as deep as 150 km,unlike the moderate-Mg melts that were produced at the shallow mantle.The 14-13 Ma rock sequence shows that initial melts equilibrated in a garnet-free mantle source with subsequently reduced degree of melting garnet-bearing material.No melting of relatively depleted lithospheric material,evidenced by mantle xenoliths,was involved in melting,however.We suggest that the studied transition from high-to moderate-Mg magmatism was due to the mid-Miocene thermal impact on the lithosphere by hot sub-lithospheric mantle material from the Transbaikalian low-velocity(melting) domain that had a potential temperature as high as 1510℃.This thermal impact triggered rifting in the lithosphere of the Baikal Rift Zone.     

Oxygen isotope evidence for subduction and rift-related mantle metasomatism beneath the Colorado Plateau–Rio Grande rift transition

Spinel lherzolite and pyroxenite xenoliths from the Rio Puerco Volcanic Field, New Mexico, were analyzed for oxygen isotope ratios by laser fluorination. In lherzolites, olivine δ¹⁸O values are high (+5.5‰), whereas δ¹⁸O values for pyroxenes are low (cpx=+5.1‰; opx=+5.4‰) compared to average mantle values. Pyroxenite δ¹⁸O values (cpx=+5.0‰; opx=+5.3‰) are similar to those of the lherzolites and are also lower than typical mantle oxygen isotope compositions. Texturally and chemically primary calcite in pyroxenite xenoliths is far from isotopic equilibrium with other phases, with δ¹⁸O values of +21‰. The isotopic characteristics of the pyroxenite xenoliths are consistent with a petrogenetic origin from mixing of lherzolitic mantle with slab-derived silicate and carbonatite melts. The anomalously low δ¹⁸O in the pyroxenes reflects metasomatism by a silicate melt from subducted altered oceanic crust, and high δ¹⁸O calcite is interpreted to have crystallized from a high δ¹⁸O carbonatitic melt derived from subducted ophicarbonate. Similar isotopic signatures of metasomatism are seen throughout the Rio Puerco xenolith suite and at Kilbourne Hole in the southern Rio Grande rift. The discrete metasomatic components likely originated from the subducted Farallon slab but were not mobilized until heating associated with Rio Grande rifting occurred. Oxygen diffusion modeling requires that metasomatism leading to the isotopic disequilibrium between calcite and pyroxene in the pyroxenites occurred immediately prior to entrainment. Melt infiltration into spinel-facies mantle (xenoliths) prior to eruption was thus likely connected to garnet-facies melting that resulted in eruption of the host alkali basalt.     

Characteristics of the lithospheric mantle beneath East Serbia inferred from ultramafic xenoliths in Palaeogene basanites

Mantle xenoliths from Paleogene basanites of East Serbia were studied using EMP and LA-ICP-MS techniques in order to better understand mantle characteristics in this region. Five different mantle lithologies have been distinguished: a dunite/harzburgite/lherzolite (D/HZ/L) group, clinopyroxene-rich lherzolites (Cpx-L), clinopyroxene megacrysts (Cpx-M), spinel-rich olivine websterites (OWB₁) and spinel-poor olivine websterites (OWB₂). D/HZ/L xenoliths are the most common and represent normal mantle composed of typical anhydrous spinel peridotites with well equilibrated, unzoned silicates characterized by high Mg# s. Negative correlations between Mg# and TiO₂, Al₂O₃ and CaO wt% in clinopyroxenes (cpx) and orthopyroxenes (opx) and the Cr–Al trend in spinel (sp) suggest depletion via extraction of basaltic melts. The modal composition of D/HZ/L xenoliths and unusual low-Al opx suggest that the lithospheric mantle underneath East Serbia is more depleted than normal European lithosphere. D/HZ/L xenoliths contain numerous pockets and veins filled by Cr-rich cpx, Ti-rich spinel, altered glass, apatite and rare ilmenite and phlogopite. Petrographic observations, supported by major element contents in sp and cpx, and modelling using trace element contents in cpx, indicate that the pockets and veins formed from infiltration of alkaline melts and reaction with peridotite wall-rock causing opx and spinel replacement. The same alkaline melt-related metasomatism gave rise to the Cpx-L and OWB₁ mantle xenoliths and Cpx-M xenocrysts. Trace element contents of cpx in these xenoliths show a distinctively concave downwards REE pattern with a HFSE depletion, very similar to cpx megacrysts from the Pannonian Basin and to vein cpx from Eifel. In contrast, the OWB₂ xenoliths show evidence of precipitation from subduction-related mafic to ultramafic melts, as inferred from their opx-rich lithology and unusual Cr-rich spinels. They are probably related to subduction magmatism during the Late Cretaceous.Milivoje Jovanovi: deceased in April 2004     

Magmatic processes and mantle heterogeneity beneath the slow-spreading northern Kolbeinsey Ridge segment,North Atlantic

We present new data on mineralogical, major and trace element compositions of lavas from the northernmost segment of the Kolbeinsey Ridge (North Kolbeinsey Ridge, NKR). The incompatible element enriched North Kolbeinsey basalts lie on a crystal fractionation trend which differs from that of the other Kolbeinsey segments, most likely due to higher water contents (~0.2%) in the NKR basalts. The most evolved NKR magmas erupt close to the Jan Mayen Fracture Zone, implying increased cooling and fractionation of the ascending magmas. Mainly incompatible element-enriched basalts, as well as some slightly depleted lavas, erupt on the NKR. They show evidence for mixing between different mantle sources and magma mixing. North Kolbeinsey Ridge magmas probably formed by similar degrees of melting to other Kolbeinsey basalts, implying that no lateral variation in mantle potential temperature occurs on the spreading axis north of the Iceland plume and that the Jan Mayen Fracture Zone does not have a cooling effect on the mantle. Residual garnet from deep melting in garnet peridotite or from enriched garnet pyroxenite veins does not play a role. The incompatible element-enriched source has high Ba/La and Nb/Zr, but must be depleted in iron. The iron-depleted mantle is less dense than surrounding mantle and leads to the formation of the North Kolbeinsey segment and its shallow bathymetry. The enriched NKR source formed from a relatively refractory mantle, enriched by a small degree melt rather than by recycling of enriched basaltic crust. The depleted mantle source resembles the mantle of the Middle Kolbeinsey segment with a depletion in incompatible elements, but a fertile major element composition.     

Depletion and enrichment processes in the lithospheric mantle beneath the Kola Peninsula (Russia): Evidence from spinel lherzolite and wehrlite xenoliths

A suite of spinel lherzolite and wehrlite xenoliths from a Devonian kimberlite dyke near Kandalaksha, Kola Peninsula, Russia, has been studied to determine the nature of the lithospheric mantle beneath the northern Baltic Shield. Olivine modal estimates and Fo content in the spinel lherzolite xenoliths reveal that the lithosphere beneath the Archaean–Proterozoic crust has some similarities to Phanerozoic lithospheric mantle elsewhere. Modal metasomatism is indicated by the presence of Ti-rich and Ti-poor phlogopite, pargasite, apatite and picroilmenite in the xenoliths. Wehrlite xenoliths are considered to represent localised high-pressure cumulates from mafic–ultramafic melts trapped within the mantle as veins or lenses. Equilibration temperatures range from 775 to 969 °C for the spinel lherzolite xenoliths and from 817 to 904 °C for the wehrlites.

Laser ablation ICP-MS data for incompatible trace elements in primary clinopyroxenes and metasomatic amphiboles from the spinel lherzolites show moderate levels of LREE enrichment. Replacement clinopyroxenes in the wehrlites are less enriched in LREE but richer in TiO₂. Fractional melt modelling for Y and Yb concentrations in clinopyroxenes from the spinel lherzolites indicates 7–8% partial melting of a primitive source. Such a volume of partial melt could be related to the 2.4–2.5 Ga intrusion of basaltic magmas (now metamorphosed to garnet granulites) in the lower crust of the northern Baltic Shield. The lithosphere beneath the Kola Peninsula has undergone several episodes of metasomatism. Both the spinel lherzolites and wehrlites were subjected to an incomplete carbonatitic metasomatic event, probably related to an early carbonatitic phase associated with the 360–380 Ma Devonian alkaline magmatism. This resulted in crystallisation of secondary clinopyroxene rims at the expense of primary orthopyroxenes, with development of secondary forsteritic olivine and apatite. Two separate metasomatic events resulted in the crystallisation of the Ti–Fe-rich amphibole, phlogopite and ilmenite in the wehrlites and the low Ti–Fe amphibole and phlogopite in the spinel lherzolites. Alternatively, a single metasomatic event with a chemically evolving melt may have produced the significant compositional differences seen in the amphibole and phlogopite between the spinel lherzolites and wehrlites. The calculated REE pattern of a melt in equilibrium with clinopyroxenes from a cpx-rich pocket is identical to that of the kimberlite host, indicating a close petrological relationship.     

大兴安岭北部诺敏河地幔金云母及钾质地幔熔体研究

在大兴安岭北部诺敏河第四纪钾质火山岩携带的地幔捕虏体中,发现少量金云母矿物和富钾地幔熔体。金云母颗粒大小1~5mm,呈网脉状充填在橄榄石和辉石、石榴子石等地幔矿物间隙。电子探针研究表明地幔橄榄石、单斜辉石、斜方辉石和石榴石等矿物几乎不含钾质成分(K2O0.01%),而金云母矿物成分具有高钾(K2O~10%)、高钛(Ti O25.41%~7.74%)的特点,暗示区域地幔钾的富集与金云母矿物有密切关系。地幔金云母的成因往往与富钾地幔流体/熔体的交代作用有关,在地幔捕虏体矿物反应边的硅酸盐熔体(囊体)中,发现富硅、富钾的熔体,K2O 4%~8%。结合前人地幔熔体研究,认为区域地幔经历了多期、不同成分地幔熔体的富集作用,其中富钾熔体对地幔钾质成分的富集起到重要作用。诺敏钾质火山正是富钾地幔部分熔融的产物,钾质熔体成分的来源可能与俯冲再循环的壳源物质有关。