Monzonitic plutons,California, and a model for generation of alkali-rich,near silica-saturated magmas

Petrochemical data suggest that early Mesozoic alkali-rich monzonite plutons in California were generated by partial melting of a garnet-bearing, virtually feldspar-free source which was rich (compared to abyssal basalt or sub-oceanic mantle peridotites) in LIL elements. These monzonites are characterized by high Na₂O+K₂O (near 10 wt% total) and Sr (1000 to 2000 ppm), moderate SiO₂ (53 to 63 wt%), steep negatively sloping REE patterns (from >100 to <10 × chondritic abundance), and moderate initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.705 to 0.707). Most are very slightly oversaturated in silica, but one pluton includes both oversaturated and undersaturated units.The simplest petrogenetic model which can account for the compositions of these rocks involves partial melting of quartz eclogite. Any differentiation of the resulting magma must take place under pressures at which plagioclase is unstable. The eclogite could be equivalent to a wide variety of continental or oceanic island basalts.Rocks which are chemically similar to these monzonites, though not extremely abundant, are widespread in both space and time and occur in a wide variety of tectonic settings. These rocks are anomalous in terms of crustal compositions and phase equilibria, but many could be explained as partial melting products of eclogite. Relatively minor thermal events or early stages of major events may tap alkalic intermediate magmas from eclogite pockets as the lowest temperature melting fractions of the upper mantle.     

Early island-arc intrusive activity,Cordillera Central,Dominican Republic

Reconnaissance studies of early island-arc intrusions in the Cordillera Central of the Dominican Republic demonstrate that these rocks are mainly hornblende tonalite with lesser amounts of hornblende diorite, quartz diorite, granodiorite and quartz monzonite. Two plutons (El Bao, Medina) are petrographically and chemically homogeneous, whereas two others (El Rio and Loma de Cabrera) are compositionally heterogeneous. Samples from these intrusions range in SiO₂ from 49 to 70% with most rocks in the 59 to 62% range. K₂O ranges from 0.24 to 3% and averages 1.2%. Cu, Zn, Co, Ni, V and possibly Cr decrease with increasing SiO₂. Rb/Sr values for the intrusions are low but variable. Present-day ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values range from 0.7031 to 0.7045 for the El Bao and Loma de Cabrera batholiths and 0.7033 to 0.7091 for the Medina stock. These data do not generate isochrons. The Cordillera Central tonalite intrusions are the most abundant plutonic rock type in the Greater Antilles, although small, younger granodiorite and quartz monzonite stocks are present. The Cordillera Central intrusions are lower in SiO₂, K₂O, Rb, and Sr than the average composition of the Sierra Nevada batholith, but they are similar to the tonalites and trondjhemites from the western margin of the Sierra Nevada batholith. The low Rb/Sr ratios and low initital Sr⁸⁷/Sr⁸⁶ ratios for the Cordillera Central intrusions combined with the high liquidus temperatures required for the generation of tonalite magmas strongly favor a subcrustal source for these magmas in an island-arc setting.     

Geochemical constraints on the petrogenesis of the Paleozoic granitoids of the Sierra de San Luis,Sierras Pampeanas,Argentina

The Paleozoic granitoids of the Sierra de San Luis comprise the Ordovician tonalite suite (OTS; metaluminous to mildly peraluminous calcic tonalite–granodiorites) and granodiorite–granite suite (OGGS; peraluminous calcic to calc-alkaline granodiorite–monzogranites), as well as the Devonian granite suite (DGS; peraluminous alkali-calcic monzogranites) and monzonite–granite suite (DMGS; metaluminous alkali-calcic quartz monzonite–monzogranite ± granodiorite, mildly peraluminous alkalicalcic monzogranites). The OTS has relatively high K₂O, CaO, and Yb_N and low Cr, Ni, Ba, Sr, Rb/Sr, Sr/Y, and (La/Yb)_N, as well as negative Eu/Eu¹, high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.70850–0.71114), and unradiogenic ε_Nd(470Ma) (−5.3 to −6.0), which preclude an origin of variably fractionated mantle melts and favour a mafic lower crustal source. The OGGS consists of two granitoids: (1) high-temperature characterized by low Al₂O₃/TiO₂, Rb/Sr, and (La/Yb)_N, a smooth negative Eu/Eu¹, and relatively high CaO and (2) low-temperature with high Al₂O₃/TiO₂ and Rb/Sr, low CaO, (La/Yb)_N, and Sr/Y, and negative Eu/Eu¹. Melting of metagreywackes at pressures below 10 kbar with a variable supply of water could account for the chemistry of the high-T OGGS, whereas dehydration melting of biotite-bearing metasedimentary sources at low pressures is proposed for the low temperature OGGS. Melting of crustal sources relates to a contemporaneous mafic magmatism.Devonian magmatism is characterized by high Ba, Sr, K₂O, Na₂O, Sr/Y, and (La/Yb)_N. Sources for the DGS include metasedimentary or metatonalitic protoliths. Biotite dehydration melting triggered by the addition of heat, supplied by mantle-derived magmas, is proposed. High Ba, Sr, LREE, MgO, Cr, Ni, Zr, and V of the monzonites suggest an enriched lithospheric mantle source. Low Yb and Y and high Sr and (La/Yb)_N indicate a garnet-rich residual assemblage (P ⩾ 10 kbar). Melts for the peraluminous rocks may have derived from a metasedimentary or metaigneous source at lower pressures in a process dominated by biotite consumption and plagioclase in the residue.The Ordovician granitoids are synkinematic with compressive deformation related to the early stages of Famatinian convergence. The Devonian magmatism is synkinematic with a system of shear zones that were active during the Achalian cycle.     

Geochemical relationships between anorthosite and associated iron-rich rocks,Laramie Range,Wyoming

Rocks enriched in iron oxide and mafic silicates are commonly present as minor volumes of Proterozoic anorthosite complexes. In the Laramie Range, Wyoming, anorthositic rocks, gabbros, and iron oxide ore have been chemically analyzed to determine if the spatial association is a result of genetic relationships between the rock types.Variations in abundances of REE, Th, Sc, and Sr in whole-rock and in mineral separates from anorthositic rocks provide evidence for the presence of trapped intercumulus liquid. Initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios in apatites separated from iron oxide ore (0.70535±0.00004) are analogous to initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios in Laramie Range anorthosite (0.70531 and 0.70537). In addition, REE abundances in calculated parental liquids for both anorthositic rocks and iron ore are similar, providing further evidence for a comagmatic relationship.Trace element and textural characteristics of spatially associated Laramie Range gabbros indicate that they are not mixtures of the trapped liquid and cumulus components which formed anorthositic rocks. It is suggested that gabbros are early differentiation products of a high-Al gabbroic magma which subsequently crystallized large volumes of plagioclase to produce the anorthosite massif.     

Trace element and isotopic variations in a zoned pluton and associated volcanic rocks,Unalaska Island,Alaska: A model for fractionation in the Aleutian calcalkaline suite

Trace elements, including rare earth elements (REE), exhibit systematic variations in plutonic rocks from the Captains Bay pluton which is zoned from a narrow gabbroic rim to a core of quartz monzodiorite and granodiorite. The chemical variations parallel those in the associated Aleutian calcalkaline volcanic suite. Concentrations of Rb, Y, Zr and Ba increase as Sr and Ti decrease with progressive differentiation. Intermediate plutonic rocks are slightly enriched in light REE (La/Yb=3.45–9.22), and show increasing light REE fractionation and negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu^*=1.03–0.584). Two border-zone gabbros have similar REE patterns but are relatively depleted in total REE and have positive Eu anomalies; indicative of their cumulate nature. Initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios in 8 samples (0.70299 to 0.70377) are comparable to those of volcanic rocks throughout the arc and suggest a mantle source for the magmas. Oxygen isotopic ratios indicate that many of the intermediate plutonic rocks have undergone oxygen isotopic exchange with large volumes of meteoric water during the late stages of crystallization; however no trace element or Sr isotopic alteration is evident.Major and trace element variations are consistent with a model of inward fractional crystallization of a parental high-alumina basaltic magma at low pressures (6 kb). Least-squares approximations and trace element fractionation calculations suggest that differentiation in the plutonic suite was initially controlled by the removal of calcic plagioclase, lesser pyroxene, olivine and Fe-Ti oxides but that with increasing differentiation and water fugacity the removal of sub-equal amounts of sodic plagioclase and hornblende with lesser Fe-Ti oxides effectively drove residual liquids toward dacitic compositions. Major and trace element compositions of aplites which intrude the pluton are not adequately explained by fractional crystallization. They may represent partial melts derived from the island arc crust. Similarities in Sr isotopes, chemical compositions and differentiation trends between the plutonic series and some Aleutian volcanic suites indicates that shallow-level fractional crystallization is a viable mechanism for generating the Aleutian calcalkaline rock series.LDGO Contribution no. 2964     

Petrology and geochemistry of Pan-African granitoids, Kab Amiri area, Egypt – implications for tectonomagmatic stages in the Nubian Shield evolution

Summary Three distinctive metaluminous granitic suites have been identified from the Pan-African belt of the Kab Amiri area, Eastern Desert, Egypt. These are: 1) a trondhjemite-tonalite suite, 2) a calc-alkaline granodiorite suite, and 3) an alkali leucogranite suite. The trondhjemite-tonalite and the granodiorite suites resemble I-type granitoids whereas the alkali leucogranites display A-type characteristics. Geochemical attributes and field aspects indicate that three independent magmas, at different tectonic stages of the Pan-African crustal growth, are required to explain the origin of these granitoid suites. Rocks of the trondhjemite-tonalite suite correspond to granites of the arc stage and possess a narrow range of SiO₂ with low K₂O, Sr, Rb, Ba, Nb and Zr. Its composition is consistent with 20–30% partial melting of a primitive low-K tholeiitic source, similar to the early formed tholeiitic metavolcanics of the Egyptian basement. The granodiorite suite belongs to the collision stage and displays higher K₂O, Rb, Ba, and Sr. Its magma was derived by 30–40% partial melting of LILE-enriched mafic island arc crust. The presence of abundant microdiorite enclaves in the trondhjemite-tonalite and the granodiorite suites suggests that mantle-derived mafic magma played an important role in their petrogenesis, acting as a heat source for melting via underplating and/or intrusion. The A-type leucogranites are post-collision highly fractionated granites. They exhibit low Al₂O₃, MgO, CaO, TiO₂, Sr, and Ba and high Rb, Nb, Y. The wide chemical variations within this suite are consistent with its evolution by fractional crystallization of plagioclase, K-feldspar, amphibole, Fe–Ti oxides, and apatite from a mafic magma. The parent magma was originated in the upper mantle due to crustal attenuation associated with extension in the late stage of the Pan-African crustal evolution. Received September 13, 2000; revised version accepted May 4, 2001     

Genetic implications of minor-element and Sr-isotope geochemistry of alkaline rock complexes in the Wet Mountains area,Fremont and Custer counties,Colorado

Concentrations of Rb, Sr, and REE (rare earth elements), and Sr-isotopic ratios in rocks of the Cambrian alkaline complexes in the Wet Mountains area, Colorado, show that rocks formed as end-products of a variety of magmas generated from different source materials. The complexes generally contain a bimodal suite of cumulus mafic-ultramafic rocks and younger leucocratic rocks that include nepheline syenite and hornblende-biotite syenite in the McClure Mountain Complex, nepheline syenite pegmatite in the Gem Park Complex, and quartz syenite in the complex at Democrat Creek. The nepheline syenite and hornblende-biotite syenite at McClure Mountain (535±5m.y.) are older than the syenitic rocks at Democrat Creek (511±8m.y.). REE concentrations indicate that the nepheline syenite at McClure Mountain cannot be derived from the hornblende-biotite syenite, which it intrudes, or from the associated mafic-ultramafic rocks. REE also indicate that mafic-ultramafic rocks at McClure Mountain have a source distinct from that of the mafic-ultramafic rocks at Democrat Creek.In the McClure Mountain Complex, initial⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios for mafic-ultramafic rocks (0.7046±0.0002) are similar to those of hornblende-biotite syenite (0.7045±0.0002), suggesting a similar magmatic source, whereas ratios for carbonatites (0.7038±0.0002) are similar to those of nepheline syenite (0.7038±0.0002). At Democrat Creek, initial ratios of syenitic rocks (0.7032±0.0002) and mafic-ultramafic rocks (0.7028±0.0002) are different from those of corresponding rocks at McClure Mountain.     

Multiple sources for the origin of granites: Geochemical and Nd/Sr isotopic evidence from the Gudaoling granite and its mafic enclaves, northeast China

Geochemical and Sr- and Nd-isotopic data have been determined for mafic to intermediate microgranular enclaves and host granitoids from the Early Cretaceous Gudaoling batholith in the Liaodong Peninsula, NE China. The rocks include monzogranite, porphyric granodiorite and quartz diorite. Monzogranites have relatively high ⁸⁷Rb/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.672-0.853), low initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.7052-0.7086) and ε _Nd(t) values (−18.5 to −20.9) indicating that they were mainly derived from a newly underplated crustal source with a short crustal residence time. Quartz diorites have high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.7118-0.7120) and negative ε _Nd(t) values (−13.2 to −18.1) coupled with high Al₂O₃ and MgO contents, indicating they were derived from enriched lithospheric mantle with contributions of radiogenic Sr from plagioclase-rich metagreywackes or meta-igneous rocks, i.e., ancient lower crust. Two groups of enclaves with igneous textures and abundant acicular apatites are distinguished: dioritic enclaves and biotite monzonitic enclaves. Dioritic enclaves have low Al₂O₃ (13.5-16.4 wt%) and high MgO (Mg# = ∼72.3) concentrations, low initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.7058-0.7073) and negative ε _Nd(t) values (∼−7.2), and are enriched in LILEs and LREEs and depleted in HFSEs, suggesting they were derived from an enriched lithospheric mantle source. Biotite monzonitic enclaves have Sr and Nd isotopic compositions similar to the monzogranites, indicating they were crystal cumulates of the parental magmas of these monzogranites. Granodiorites have transitional geochemistry and Nd- and Sr-isotopic compositions, intermediate between the monzogranites, quartz diorites and the enclaves.Geochemical and Sr- and Nd-isotopic compositions rule-out simple crystal-liquid fractionation or restite unmixing as the major genetic link between enclaves and host rocks. Instead, magma mixing of mafic mantle-derived and juvenile crustal-derived magmas, coupled with crystal fractionation and assimilation of ancient lower crust, is compatible with the data. This example shows that at least some calc-alkaline granitoids are not produced by pure intracrustal melting, but formed through a complex, multi-stage hybridization process, involving mantle- and crustal-derived magmas and several concomitant magmatic processes (crystal fractionation, crustal assimilation and crustal anatexis).     

Strontium isotopic composition of some recent basic volcanites of the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea and Sicily Channel

The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios have been determined on the volcanic rocks of Ustica, Linosa and Pantelleria Islands. The petrology of these islands is typical of volcanic products belonging to the alkalic suite. The volcanites of Ustica and Linosa Islands are mainly represented by basic terms (alkalibasalts and hawaiites), with minor mugearitic and trachytic differentiates. In addition to alkali-basalts and hawaiites, also some alkaline and peralkaline rocks of Pantelleria have been isotopically analysed. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios are consistent with a subcrustal origin for all the volcanic products of these islands. Some differences in the ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios have been found and tentatively related to an inhomogeneous Rb/Sr distribution in the mantle source material. The genetic relationships of these rocks with some products of the recent Tyrrhenian volcanism are also briefly discussed.     

Sr–Nd isotope geochemistry and tectonomagmatic setting of the Dehsalm Cu–Mo porphyry mineralizing intrusives from Lut Block,eastern Iran

The Dehsalm Cu–Mo-bearing porphyritic granitoids belong to the Lut Block volcanic–plutonic belt (central eastern Iran). These rocks range in composition from gabbro-diorite to granite, with dominance of monzonites and quartz monzonites, and have geochemical features of high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic volcanic arc suites. Primitive mantle-normalized trace element spider diagrams display strong enrichment in large-ion lithophile elements such as Rb, Ba and Cs and depletions in some high-field strength elements, e.g., Nb, Ti, Y and HREE. Chondrite-normalized plots display significant LREE enrichments, high La_N/Yb_N and a lack of Eu anomaly. High Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios of Dehsalm intrusives reveal that, despite their K-rich composition, these granitoids show some resemblances with adakitic rocks. A Rb–Sr whole rock–feldspar–biotite age of 33 ± 1 Ma was obtained in a quartz monzonite sample and coincides, within error, with a previous geochronological result in Chah-Shaljami granitoids, further northwest within the Lut Block. (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i and εNd_i isotopic ratios range from 0.70481 to 0.70508 and from +1.5 to +2.5, respectively, which fits into a supra-subduction mantle wedge source for the parental melts and indicates that crustal contribution for magma diversification was of limited importance. Sr and Nd isotopic compositions together with major and trace element geochemistry point to an origin of the parental magmas by melting of a metasomatized mantle source, with phlogopite breakdown playing a significant role in the geochemical fingerprints of the parental magmas; small amounts of residual garnet in the mantle source also help to explain some trace element patterns. Geochemical features of Dehsalm porphyries and its association with Cu–Mo mineralization agree with a mature continental arc setting related to the convergence of Afghan and Lut plates during Oligocene.     

Mixed Caledonian appinite magmas: implications for lamprophyre fractionation and high Ba-Sr granite genesis

Ach'Uaine Hybrid appinites represent a rare example of lamprophyric magmas that were demonstrably exactly contemporaneous with felsic differentiates, preserved within a suite of minor, hypabyssal intrusions emplaced at the end of the Caledonian orogeny in northern Scotland. Numerous small stocks, bosses and dykes show outcrop-scale relationships characteristic of mingling between lamprophyric and syenitic magmas, and are commonly cut by sharp-sided granite veins. The mafic rocks are characterised by Ni and Cr abundances and MgO sufficiently high to signal derivation from a mantle source within which radiogenic ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and nonradiogenic ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios require significant time-integrated incompatible element enrichment. This is manifest in high Ba, Sr and light REE abundances and incompatible element ratios in the derived magmas directly comparable with those of high Ba-Sr granitoids and related rocks. Quantitative major element, trace element, radiogenic and stable isotope modelling is consistent with early fractionation of clinopyroxene and biotite, accompanied by minor crustal assimilation, having driven the evolving lamprophyric magma to cogenetic syenite. Subsequent derivation of granite required a major change to feldspar-dominated crystal fractionation with continued, still minor contamination. The elemental and isotopic characteristics of the granitic terminus are so similar to high Ba-Sr granitoids both locally and worldwide, that these too may have had large mantle components and represent significant juvenile additions to the crust. Received: 26 September 1995 / Accepted: 5 June 1996     

Rb-Sr isochron study of the Thorr and Main Donegal Granites,Ireland

A Rb-Sr whole-rock isochron study indicates that the entire Donegal granite suite was emplaced into orthotectonic Caledonian (Dalradian) rocks over a short interval during mid-Silurian to earliest-Devonian times. The Thorr pluton, probably the earliest member of the suite, yields an age of 418 ± 26 Myr and initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio of 0·7055 ± 4, while the latest member, the Main Donegal pluton has an age of 407 ± 23 Myr and initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio of 0·7063 ± 5 (Λ⁸⁷Rb = 1·42 ± 10⁻¹¹ yr⁻¹). Errors on both the age and initial Sr isotope ratios incorporate both a priori and geological scatter components and are quoted at the 2-sigma level. The low and restricted range of initial Sr isotope ratios suggests small but significant differences in the composition of the parental granitic magmas which were derived from a low Rb/Sr, low ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr source.     

The Distribution of Trace Elements in Granitoids in the Nanling Region of China

Granitoids are widely spread in the Nanling Region of China.Four rockbodies in the region the been studied for their REE,Rb,Sr,Ba and Sc distributions.The four rockbodies occurred in different locations and are characterized as being different in age and type.The rock types are presented as follows:Qinghu monzonite,Guangxi;Fuxi granodiorite,Guangdong;Jiufeng monzonitic granite,Hunan;Zudong K-feldspar granite,Jiangxi.From the major and trace element distributions in these granitoids it is clearly shown that Rb/Sr ratios in the rocks tend to increase with increasing SiO2 content and differentiation index(DI),but LREE/HREE,La/Yb and K/Rb ratios tend to decrease,suggesting a correlation between trace element distribution and major element composition for the granitoids.The distribution characteristics of trace elements in each of the rockbodies are described in detail.From the comparative analysis of the Qinghu monzonite and Fuxi granodiorite it is evidenced that the REE distribution is closely related to the sequence of crystallization for the minerals,and also to the petrochemical types of these granitoids in addition to their crystal chemistry.     

Geochemistry and Petrology of Emeishan Basalts and Subcontinental Mantle Evolution in Southwestern China

Three major volcanic rock sequences in the P2β formation(Emeishan basalts)were sampled dur-ing a comprehensive study of the Late Permian volcanics associated with the Panxi paleorift in southwestern China .Two of the three sections-Emei and Tangfang are composed of continental flood basalts(CFB) while the third-Ertan is an alkalic center.Multi-element chemical analyses indi-cate a predominance of low MgO transitional quartz tholeiites at Emei and Tangfang,whereas the Ertan suite ranges from high-MgO alkaline olivine basalts to rhombic porphyry trachytes and quartz-bearing aegerine-augite syenites.Consanguineity of the rocks from the three sections is sug-gested by consistently high TiO2 ,K2O,incompatible trace elements and uniformly fractionated REE patterns typical of alkalic compositions,but antypical of CFB.Sr isotope data for ten Emei basalt samples(^87Sr/^86Sr=0.7066-0.7082)which show no correla-tion with Rb/Sr ratios (0.02-0.12) and Nd isotopes for two of the samples(^143Nd/^144Nd=0.51171-0.51174)are interpreted as being related to the mantle evolution.The primary magmas re-sponsible for all the three sequences have been modeled in terms of a uniformly metasomatized man-tle source.Trace element models support the derivation of the Emei and Tangfang primary magmas from 10-15 percent partial melting of spinel lherzolite,followed by fractional crystallization of olivive and clinopyroxene.The primary alkaline olivine basalts at Ertan are generated by 7-10 percent par-tial melting of a chemically equivalent source in the garnet-peridodite stability region.The assumed mantle composition is characterixzed by Rb=3.8-5.5 ppm,Sr=62-83ppm,Ba=45-64 ppm,La=3.8-5.6ppm,and Yb=0.46-0.57ppm.The proposed mechanism of regional mantle enrichment requires metasomatic stabilization of phlogopite which becomes depleted later during par-tial melting.Such enrichment is consistent with the models proposed for alkalic systems in which a large mantle diaper acts as the agent for upward enrichment as well as uplift and extension of the crust.     

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.     

Plutonism in the Variscan Odenwald (Germany): from subduction to collision

 Latest Devonian to early Carboniferous plutonic rocks from the Odenwald accretionary complex reflect the transition from a subduction to a collisional setting. For ∼362 Ma old gabbroic rocks from the northern tectonometamorphic unit I, initial isotopic compositions (ε_Nd=+3.4 to +3.8;⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr =0.7035–0.7053;δ¹⁸O=6.8–8.0‰) and chemical signatures (e.g., low Nb/Th, Nb/U, Ce/Pb, Th/U, Rb/Cs) indicate a subduction-related origin by partial melting of a shallow depleted mantle source metasomatized by water-rich, large ion lithophile element-loaded fluids. In the central (unit II) and southern (unit III) Odenwald, syncollisional mafic to felsic granitoids were emplaced in a transtensional setting at approximately 340–335 Ma B.P. Unit II comprises a mafic and a felsic suite that are genetically unrelated. Both suites are intermediate between the medium-K and high-K series and have similar initial Nd and Sr signatures (ε_Nd=0.0 to –2.5;⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr=0.7044–0.7056) but different oxygen isotopic compositions (δ¹⁸O=7.3–8.7‰ in mafic vs 9.3–9.5‰ in felsic rocks). These characteristics, in conjunction with the chemical signatures, suggest an enriched mantle source for the mafic magmas and a shallow metaluminous crustal source for the felsic magmas. Younger intrusives of unit II have higher Sr/Y, Zr/Y, and Tb/Yb ratios suggesting magma segregation at greater depths. Mafic high-K to shoshonitic intrusives of the southern unit III have initial isotopic compositions (ε_Nd=–1.1 to –1.8;⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr =0.7054–0.7062;δ¹⁸O=7.2–7.6‰) and chemical characteristics (e.g., high Sr/Y, Zr/Y, Tb/Yb) that are strongly indicative of a deep-seated enriched mantle source. Spatially associated felsic high-K to shoshonitic rocks of unit III may be derived by dehydration melting of garnet-rich metaluminous crustal source rocks or may represent hybrid magmas. Received: 7 December 1998 / Accepted: 27 April 1999     

Petrogenesis of Sierra Nevada plutons inferred from the Sr, Nd, and O isotopic signatures of mafic igneous complexes in Yosemite Valley, California

Mafic complexes in the central Sierra Nevada batholith record valuable geochemical information regarding the role mafic magmas play in arc magmatism and the generation of continental crust. In the intrusive suite of Yosemite Valley, major and trace element compositions of the hornblende-bearing gabbroic rocks from the Rockslides mafic complex and of the mafic dikes in the North America Wall are compositionally similar to high-alumina basalt. Of these rocks, two samples have higher Ni and Cr abundances as well as higher ε_Nd values than previously recognized for the intrusive suite. Plagioclase crystals in rocks from the North America Wall and the Rockslides have prominent calcic cores and sharply defined sodic rims, a texture commonly associated with mixing of mafic and felsic magmas. In situ analyses of ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr in plagioclase show no significant isotopic difference from the cores to the rims of these grains. We propose that the high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (~0.7067) and low ε_Nd (~?3.4) of bulk rocks, the homogeneity of ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr in plagioclase, and the high δ¹⁸O values of bulk rocks (6.6–7.3 ‰) and zircon (Lackey et al. in J Petrol 49:1397–1426, 2008) demonstrate that continental crust was assimilated into the sublithospheric mantle-derived basaltic precursors of the mafic rocks in Yosemite Valley. Contamination (20–40 %) likely occurred in the lower crust as the magma differentiated to high-alumina basalt prior to plagioclase (and zircon) crystallization. As a consequence, the isotopic signatures recorded by whole rocks, plagioclase, and zircon do not represent the composition of the underlying lithospheric mantle. We conclude that the mafic and associated felsic members of the intrusive suite of Yosemite Valley represent 60–80 % new additions to the crust and include significant quantities of recycled ancient crust.     

Geochemistry and origin of massif-type anorthosites

Samples of Proterozoic anorthosite complexes from the Adirondack Mountains of New York, Burwash Area of Ontario, and the Nain Complex of Labrador, ranging in composition from anorthosite to anorthositic gabbro, have been analyzed for major elements, Rb, Sr, Ba and nine rare-earth elements (REE), in order to set limits on the compositions and origins of their parent magmas. Similar rock types from the different areas have similar major and trace element compositions. The anorthosites have high Sr/Ba ratios, low REE abundances (Ce about 10, Yb about 0.5–1.5 times chondrites) and large positive Eu anomalies. The associated anorthositic gabbros have lower Sr/Ba ratios, REE abundances nearly an order of magnitude higher than the anorthosites, and small to negligible positive Eu anomalies.Model calculations using the adcumulate rocks with the lowest REE abundances and published distribution coefficients yield parent liquids having REE abundances and patterns similar to those of the associated anorthositic gabbros with the highest REE abundances. Rocks with intermediate REE abundances are the result of incorporation of a liquid component by a plagioclase-rich cumulate similar to the adcumulate samples. The analytical data and model calculations both suggest parent liquids having compositions of 50–54% SiO₂, greater than 20% Al₂O₃, about 1% K₂O, atomic Mg/(Mg+Fe²⁺) ratios (Mg No.'s) of less than 0.4, 15–30 ppm Rb, 400–600 ppm Sr and 400–600 ppm Ba, 40–50 times chondrites for Ce and 8–10 times chondrites for Yb.The low atomic Mg/(Mg+Fe²⁺) values for these rocks combined with geophysical evidence suggesting there are not large quantities of ferromagnesian material at depth, indicate that the anorthositic masses are not products of fractional crystallization of mafic melt derived from melting of the mantle. Rather, it is suggested that they are a result of partial melting of tholeiitic compositions at depths shallower than the basalt-eclogite transformation, leaving a pyroxene-dominated residue.     

Geochemistry and Petrogenesis of Kunduru Betta Calc-Alkaline Ring Complex in the Dharwar Craton,Southern India

The Kunduru Betta Ring Complex (KRC), at the southern margin of Dharwar craton, South India, comprises metaluminous sub-solvus syenites and quartz monzonite with a concentric disposition younging towards the center. An outer mafic syenite (of lamprophyric affinity) is followed by porphyritic monzonite, quartz monzodiorite and finally a quartz monzonitic stock at the centre.SiO₂, Al₂O₃ and Na₂O increase from the primitive lamprophyric mafic syenite to the quartz monzonite through the intermediate members, while CaO, MgO, Fe₂O₃^T, TiO₂, P₂O₅ and MnO show an opposite trend suggesting fractionation of hornblende, clinopyroxene, biotite, apatite, sphene, and iron oxide minerals. Rb, Th and U increase with a complementary decrease in Sc, V, Cr, Co, Cu, Sr and Ba from the outer mafic syenite to the inner quartz monzonite. Y, Zr and Hf decrease from lamprophyric mafic syenite to quartz monzodiorite and the trend is reversed in the final quartz monzonite phase. However, the suite is characterised by a compositional gap between quartz monzodiorite and quartz monzonite. Total REE gradually decrease from the mafic syenite to quartz monzonite and the REE distribution patterns show LREE-enriched and HREE-depleted parallel distributions with negligible Eu anomalies.The geochemical data suggest that the rock types were formed as products of progressive differentiation by crystal fractionation of calc-alkaline lamprophyric parent magma which was derived by partial melting of metasomatically enriched mantle in the Kabini lineament. Although the quartz monzonites conform to the trend of differentiated Kunduru Betta suite, the compositional gap between them and the quartz monzodiorite precludes their origin by simple differentiation. It is suggested that convective liquid fractionation might have resulted in the discrete body of quartz monzonite.     

Origin of coexisting minette and ultramafic breccia,Navajo volcanic field

Trace element evidence indicates that at the Buell Park diatreme, Navajo volcanic field, the felsic minette can be best explained by crystal fractionation from a potassic magma similar in composition to the mafic minettes. Compatible trace element (Cr, Ni, Sc) abundances decrease while concentrations of most incompatible elements (Ce, Yb, Rb, Ba, Sr) remain constant or increase from mafic to felsic minette. In particular, the nearly constant Ce/Yb ratio of the minettes combined with the decrease in Cr, Ni, and Sc abundances from mafic to felsic minette is inconsistent with a model of varying amounts of partial melting as the process to explain minette compositions. The uniformity of rare earth element (REE) abundances in all the minettes requires that an accessory mineral, apatite, dominated the geochemistry of the REE during fractionation. A decrease in P₂O₅ from mafic to felsic minette and the presence of apatite in cognate inclusions are also consistent with apatite fractionation. Higher initial⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios in the felsic minettes relative to the proposed parental mafic minettes, however, is inconsistent with a simple fractionation model. Also, a separated phlogopite has a higher initial⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio than host minette. These anomalous isotopic features probably reflect interaction of minette magma with crust.The associated ultramafic breccia at Buell Park is one of the Navajo kimberlites, but REE concentrations of the matrix do not support the kimberlite classification. Although the matrix of the breccia is enriched in the light REE relative to chondrites, and has high La, Rb, Ba, and Sr concentrations relative to peridotites, the concentrations of these elements are significantly lower than in South African kimberlites. A high initial⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio combined with petrographic evidence of ubiquitous crustal xenoliths in the Navajo kimberlites suggests that the relatively high incompatible element concentrations are due to a crustal component. Apparently, Navajo kimberlites are most likely a mixture of comminuted mantle wall rock and crustal material; there is no evidence for an incompatible element-rich magma which is characteristic of South African kimberlites.If the mafic minettes are primary magmas derived from a garnet peridotite source with chondritic REE abundances, then REE geochemistry requires very small (less than 1%) degrees of melting to explain the minettes. Alternatively, the minettes could have formed by a larger degree of melting of a metasomatized, relatively light REE-enriched garnet peridotite. The important role of phlogopite and apatite in the differentiation of the minettes supports this latter hypothesis.