Isotopic equilibrium/disequilibrium in granites, metasedimentary rocks and migmatites (Damara orogen, Namibia)—a consequence of polymetamorphism and melting

The overwhelming part of the continental crust in the high-grade part of the Damara orogen of Namibia consists of S-type granites, metasedimentary rocks and migmatites. At Oetmoed (central Damara orogen) two different S-type granites occur. Their negative ε_Nd values (− 3.3 to − 5.9), moderately high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.714–0.731), moderately high ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (18.21–18.70) and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (37.74–37.89) isotope ratios suggest that they originated by melting of mainly mid-Proterozoic metasedimentary material. Metasedimentary country rocks have initial ε_Nd of − 4.2 to − 5.6, initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr of 0.718–0.725, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of 18.32–18.69 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of 37.91–38.45 compatible with their variation in Rb/Sr, U/Pb and Th/Pb ratios. Some migmatites and residual metasedimentary xenoliths tend to have more variable ε_Nd values (initial ε_Nd: − 4.2 to − 7.1), initial Sr isotope ratios (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr: 0.708–0.735) and less radiogenic ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (18.22–18.53) and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (37.78–38.10) isotope compositions than the metasedimentary rocks. On a Rb–Sr isochron plot the metasedimentary rocks and various migmatites plot on a straight line that corresponds to an age of c. 550 Ma which is interpreted to indicate major fractionation of the Rb–Sr system at that time. However, initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of the melanosomes of the stromatic migmatites (calculated for their U–Pb monazite and Sm–Nd garnet ages of c. 510 Ma) are more radiogenic (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr: 0.725) than those obtained on their corresponding leucosomes (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr: 0.718) implying disequilibrium conditions during migmatization that have not lead to complete homogenization of the Rb–Sr system. However, the leucosomes have similar Nd isotope characteristics than the inferred residues (melanosomes) indicating the robustness of the Sm–Nd isotope system during high-grade metamorphism and melting. On a Rb–Sr isochron plot residual metasedimentary xenoliths show residual slopes of c. 66 Ma (calculated for an U–Pb monazite age of 470 Ma) again indicating major fractionation of Rb/Sr at c. 540 Ma. However, at 540 Ma, these xenoliths have unradiogenic Sr isotope compositions of c. 0.7052, indicating depleted metasedimentary sources at depth. Based on the distinct Pb isotope composition of the metasedimentary rocks and S-type granites, metasedimentary rocks similar to the country rocks are unlikely sources for the S-type granites. Moreover, a combination of Sr, Nd, Pb and O isotopes favours a three-component mixing model (metasedimentary rocks, altered volcanogenic material, meta-igneous crust) that may explain the isotopic variabilty of the granites. The mid-crustal origin of the different types of granite emphasises the importance of recycling and reprocessing of pre-existing differentiated material and precludes a direct mantle contribution during the petrogenesis of the orogenic granites in the central Damara orogen of Namibia.     

Isotopic constraints on fluid/rock ratios in carbonate rocks: Barite-sulfide mineralization in the Schwaz Dolomite, Tyrol (Eastern Alps, Austria)

The significance of isotopic data on constraining the physical conditions of fluid-rock interaction and mineralization processes in carbonate rocks is discussed, based on the example of barite-tetrahedrite mineralization in Lower Devonian platform carbonates of the Western Greywacke Zone (Tyrol, Austria). Available strontium, oxygen, carbon and sulfur isotopic data are complemented with oxygen isotopic data for barite. Barites are homogeneous in δ¹⁸O_V-SMOW and δ³⁴S_CDT with values of + 15.4 and + 23.5‰, respectively. Their ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios vary between 0.7128 and 0.7113 for the first generation and between 0.7117 and 0.7123 for younger remobilization. The dolomitic host rock shows a significant variation in Sr, O and C isotopic composition between non-mineralized and mineralized zones: ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios vary between 0.7076 and 0.7133, δ¹⁸O_V-SMOW-values between +28.11 and +20.65‰, and δ¹³C_PDB-values between −1.15 and + 3.06‰. Fluid/rock volume ratios on the order of 1.3–3.2 are calculated for open-system behaviour by modelling Sr, O and C isotopic shifting capacities. The isotope data combined with other geological evidence support the following genetic model: Subsequent to synsedimentary sulfide mineralization during an Early Devonian rifting stage, collision tectonics in Carboniferous time led to the expulsion of Ba- and Sr-rich orogenic brines, which evolved from metamorphic fluids consisting essentially of H₂O and some CH₄, into an external sedimentary fold-and-thrust belt. The brines remobilized the synsedimentary sulfides, mixed with meteoric waters in the platform carbonates, reacted with evaporitic horizons and finally caused the recrystallization of dolomite and the precipitation of Sr-rich barite in structurally weak zones at 70–130°C. During the later Alpine orogeny supergene oxidation products were formed, and sulfates, sulfides and carbonates were further remobilized into late faults and fractures.     

Isotope stratigraphy of Neoproterozoic cap carbonates in the Araras Group, Brazil

The Neoproterozoic carbonate sequence on the southeastern border of the Amazon Craton is divided into three lithostratigraphic units: a basal cap dolomite, an intermediate limestone, limestone-mudstone unit, and an upper dolarenite-dolorudite unit. Sections of the cap-carbonate were measured from the inner shelf to the outer shelf. Carbon isotope ratios (relative to PDB) vary between − 10.5 and − 1.7‰ in cap dolomite, and between − 5.4 and + 0.1‰ in laminated limestone and mud-limestone. Limestones and mud-limestones exhibit ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios ranging from 0.70740 to 0.70780. A comparative isotope stratigraphy between the inner-shelf and the middle-shelf basin shows differences in carbon isotope ratios: The cap dolomite and limestones have lower δ¹³C ratios on the border of the basin (inner shelf) than in the middle shelf of the basin. These lower values can be related to shallower environmental conditions and to a stronger influence of the continental border. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios are the same in both areas, and are consistent with seawater composition at around 600 Ma.     

Neo-Proterozoic rift-related syenites (Northern Damara Belt, Namibia): Geochemical and Nd–Sr–Pb–O isotope constraints for mantle sources and petrogenesis

Major element, trace element and Nd–Sr–Pb–O isotope data for a suite of Neo-Proterozic, pre-orogenic, rift-related syenites from the Northern Damara orogen (Namibia) constrain their sources and petrogenesis. New U–Pb ages obtained on euhdreal titanite of inferred magmatic origin constrain the age of intrusion of the Lofdal and Oas syenites to ca. 750 Ma compatible with previous high-precision zircon analyses from the Oas complex. Major rock types from Lofdal and Oas are mildly sodic nepheline-normative and quartz-normative syenites and were primarily generated by fractional crystallization from a mantle-derived alkaline magma. Primitive samples from Lofdal and Oas show depletion of Rb, K and Th relative to Ba and Nb together with variable negative anomalies of P and Ti on a primitive mantle-normalized diagram. Evolved samples from Oas develop significant negative Ba, Sr, P and Ti anomalies and positive U and Th anomalies mainly as a function of crystal fractionation processes. The lack of a pronounced negative Nb anomaly in samples from Lofdal suggests that involvement of a crustal component is negligible. For the nepheline-normative samples from Lofdal, the unradiogenic Sr and radiogenic Nd isotope composition and low δ¹⁸O values suggest derivation of these samples from a moderately depleted lithospheric upper mantle with crustal-like U/Pb ratios (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr: 0.7031–0.7035, ε Nd: ca. + 1, δ¹⁸O: 7‰, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb: ca.18.00, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb: 15.58–15.60). Primitive samples of the Oas quartz-normative syenites have identical isotope characteristics (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr: 0.7034, ε Nd: ca. + 1, δ¹⁸O: 6.5‰, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb: ca.18.00, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb: 15.59) whereas more differentiated samples have higher ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.709–0.714), slightly higher δ¹⁸O values (7.0–7.1‰), less radiogenic ε Nd values (− 1.1 to − 1.4) and more radiogenic ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios up to 18.27. These features together with model calculations using Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes suggest modification of a primary syenite magma by combined AFC processes involving ancient continental crust. In this case, high Nb abundances of the parental syenite liquid prevent the development of significant negative Nb anomalies that may be expected due to interaction with continental crust.     

塔里木盆地中央隆起区上寒武统—下奥陶统白云岩地球化学特征及白云石化流体演化规律*

以详细的岩石学研究为基础,综合利用碳、氧、锶同位素等地球化学资料,深入分析了塔里木盆地中央隆起区上寒武统—下奥陶统白云石化流体演化规律以及白云岩成因机制。结果表明,上寒武统白云岩主要由泥晶—粉晶白云岩、微生物白云岩和(残余)颗粒白云岩等原始结构保留较好的白云岩构成,其C、Sr同位素与同期海水相近,O同位素值偏正,属于同生/准同生期与轻微蒸发海水有关的白云石化的产物;下奥陶统白云岩以细晶自形—半自形白云石为主,原始结构保留差,其C、Sr同位素与同期海水近似,但O同位素值略微偏负,主要为浅埋藏期白云石化的产物。部分早期白云岩在中—深埋藏过程中受埋藏重结晶和构造—热液白云石化的影响,形成细晶—粗晶他形白云岩和缝洞鞍形白云石充填物,该阶段白云石化流体主要来自于地层内封存的海源流体、深部热液以及蒸发岩层间热卤水,多期多源流体的共同作用导致该类白云岩具有较宽的Sr同位素组成和明显负偏的O同位素值。总体上,研究区白云岩具有早期形成(近地表到浅埋藏期大规模交代)、中期加强(中—深埋藏期部分重结晶)、晚期改造(热液局部调整)的整体演化趋势。     

Characterisation and origin of New Zealand nephrite jade using its strontium isotopic signature

Nephrite jade occurs in three terranes (Dun Mountain–Maitai, Caples and Torlesse) in New Zealand, where it is associated with ultramafic and ophiolitic rocks in narrow metasomatic reaction zones at the margins of serpentinite (having harzburgite/gabbro/dolerite precursors) with silicic metasediments and metavolcanics. True nephrite fabrics are developed only locally where marginal shearing is intense, and late in the metamorphic history. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values of these nephrites do not display the primitive values of their gabbro/dolerite precursor component i.e. 0.7030–0.7035, as expected if formed during serpentinisation. Rather, the nephrites have more evolved ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values inherited from the metasediment component at a later stage, and which fall within particular terrane groups: Dun Mountain–Maitai 0.7045–0.7060, Caples 0.7058–0.7075 and Torlesse 0.7085–0.7110. Rb–Sr ages and initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of the metasediment component from in situ nephrite localities, when compared with their counterparts throughout the host terrane, show that nephrite Sr isotopic compositions are characteristic of the host terrane.     

Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions of the Kovdor phoscorite–carbonatite complex, Kola Peninsula, NW Russia

The Sr, Nd and Pb isotopic compositions for the Kovdor phoscorite–carbonatite complex (PCC), Kola Peninsula, NW Russia, have been determined to characterize the mantle sources involved and to evaluate the relative contributions of a plume and subcontinental lithospheric mantle in the formation of the complex. The Kovdor PCC is a part of the Kovdor ultramafic–alkaline–carbonatite massif, and consists of six intrusions. The initial isotopic ratios of the analyzed samples, calculated at 380 Ma, display limited variations: ε_Nd, + 2.0 to + 4.7; ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, 0.70319 to 0.70361 (ε_Sr, − 12.2 to − 6.2); ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 18.38 to 18.74; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 15.45 to 15.50; ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 37.98 to 39.28. The Nd and Sr isotope data of the Kovdor PCC generally fit the patterns of the other phoscorites and carbonatites from the Kola Alkaline Province (KAP), but some data are slightly shifted from the mixing line defined as the Kola Carbonatite Line, having more radiogenic ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios. However, the less radiogenic Nd isotopic compositions and negative Δ7/4 values of Pb isotopes of the analyzed samples exclude crustal contamination, but imply the involvement of a metasomatized lithospheric mantle source. Isotopic variations indicate mixing of at least three distinct mantle components: FOZO-like primitive plume component, EMI-like enriched component and DMM-like depleted component. The isotopic nature of the EMI- and DMM-like mantle component observed in the Kovdor samples is considered to be inherited from metasomatized subcontinental lithospheric mantle. This supports the previous models invoking plume–lithosphere interaction to explain the origin of the Devonian alkaline carbonatite magmatism in the KAP.     

Temporal Variation in Sr and 87Sr/86Sr of Yangtze River: An Example from Datong Hydrological Station

Temporal variation of dissolved ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr in the Yangtze River is poorly understood compared to other Tibetan rivers. In this study, dissolved Sr and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr were measured from a temporal series of water samples collected biweekly at Datong Hydrological Station over a period of one year. Our results show that Sr concentration in the Yangtze River ranges from 1.74 to 2.92 μmol/L with ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr of 0.710125 to 0.710965. The Sr concentration and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr shows a distinct seasonal variation, with a general increase in ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios from summer to winter and some fluctuations during July and December, then followed by a gradually decrease till the next rainy season. The seasonal variation results from the variation of contributions from different sub-basin due to the spatially and seasonally variable rainfall across the basin. During the flood season, more contribution from upper reach (low ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values) due to the strong rainfall decreases the ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio at lower reach. While the severe drought which happened in the middle-lower reaches (high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values) from January to May explains the decrease in the later part of the data by the decrease of the contribution from middle-lower reaches. The discharge weighted annual ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and annual Sr flux of the Yangtze River based on the time series data are 0.710628 and 1.9×10⁹ mol/a, respectively. It was also indicated that dissolved ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr in the Yangtze River is well correlated to the extreme climate events and might contribute to our explanation for reconstructing past climatic changes by using ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of the sedimentary record in the delta .     

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

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

Lower crustal melting and the role of open-system processes in the genesis of syn-orogenic quartz diorite–granite–leucogranite associations: constraints from Sr–Nd–O isotopes from the Bandombaai Complex, Namibia

The Bandombaai Complex (southern Kaoko Belt, Namibia) consists of three main intrusive rock types including metaluminous hornblende- and sphene-bearing quartz diorites, allanite-bearing granodiorites and granites, and peraluminous garnet- and muscovite-bearing leucogranites. Intrusion of the quartz diorites is constrained by a U–Pb zircon age of 540±3 Ma.

Quartz diorites, granodiorites and granites display heterogeneous initial Nd- and O isotope compositions (_{Nd (540 Ma)}=−6.3 to −19.8; δ¹⁸O=9.0–11.6‰) but rather low and uniform initial Sr isotope compositions (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_initial=0.70794–0.70982). Two leucogranites and one aplite have higher initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.70828–0.71559), but similar initial _Nd (−11.9 to −15.8) and oxygen isotope values (10.5–12.9‰). The geochemical and isotopic characteristics of the Bandombaai Complex are distinct from other granitoids of the Kaoko Belt and the Central Zone of the Damara orogen. Our study suggests that the quartz diorites of the Bandombaai Complex are generated by melting of heterogeneous mafic lower crust. Based on a comparison with results from amphibolite-dehydration melting experiments, a lower crustal garnet- and amphibole-bearing metabasalt, probably enriched in K₂O, is a likely source rock for the quartz diorites. The granodiorites/granites show low Rb/Sr (<0.6) ratios and are probably generated by partial melting of meta-igneous (intermediate) lower crustal sources by amphibole-dehydration melting. Most of the leucogranites display higher Rb/Sr ratios (>1) and are most likely generated by biotite-dehydration melting of heterogeneous felsic lower crust. All segments of the lower crust underwent partial melting during the Pan-African orogeny at a time (540 Ma) when the middle crust of the central Damara orogen also underwent high T, medium P regional metamorphism and melting. Geochemical and isotope data from the Bandombaai Complex suggest that the Pan-African orogeny in this part of the orogen was not a major crust-forming episode. Instead, even the most primitive rock types of the region, the quartz diorites, represent recycled lower crustal material.     

Petrogenesis of the Maowu pyroxenite–eclogite body from the UHP metamorphic terrane of Dabieshan: chemical and isotopic constraints

The Maowu eclogite–pyroxenite body is a small (250×50 m) layered intrusion that occurs in the ultra-high-pressure (UHP) metamorphic terrane of Dabieshan, China. Like the adjacent Bixiling complex, the Maowu intrusion was initially emplaced at a crustal level, then subducted along with the country gneisses to mantle depths and underwent UHP metamorphism during the collision of the North and South China Blocks in the Triassic. This paper presents the results of a geochemical and isotopic investigation on the metamorphosed Maowu body. The Maowu intrusion has undergone open system chemical and isotopic behavior three times. Early crustal contamination during magmatic differentiation is manifested by high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.707–0.708) and inhomogeneous negative _Nd(T) values of −3 to −10 at 500 Ma (probable protolith age). Post-magmatic and pre-UHP metamorphic metasomatism is indicated by sinusoidal REE patterns of garnet orthopyroxenites, lack of whole-rock (WR) Sm–Nd isochronal relationship, low δ¹⁸O values and an extreme enrichment of Th and REE in a clinopyroxenite. Finally, K and Rb depletion during UHP metamorphism is deduced from the high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios unsupported by in situ Rb/Sr ratios. Laser ICP-MS spot analyses on mineral grains show that (1) Grt and Cpx attained chemical equilibrium during UHP metamorphism, (2) Cpx/Grt partition coefficients for REE correlate with Ca, and (3) LREE abundances in whole rocks are not balanced by that of the principal phases (Grt and Cpx), implying that the presence of LREE-rich accessory phases, such as monazite and apatite, is required to account for the REE budget.

Sm–Nd isotope analyses of minerals yielded three internal isochrons with ages of 221±5 Ma and (T)=−5.4 for an eclogite, 231±16 Ma and (T)=−6.2 for a garnet websterite, and 236±19 Ma and (T)=−6.9 for a garnet clinopyroxenite. The Cpx/Grt chemical equilibrium and the consistent mineral isochron ages indicate that the metasomatic processes mentioned above must have occurred prior to the UHP metamorphism. These Sm–Nd ages agree with published zircon and monazite U–Pb ages and constrain the time of UHP metamorphism to 220–236 Ma. The Maowu and Bixiling layered intrusions are similar in their in situ tectonic relationship with their country gneisses, but the two bodies are distinguished by their magma-chamber processes. The Bixiling magmas were contaminated by the lower crust, whereas the Maowu magmas were contaminated by the upper crustal rocks during their emplacement and differentiation. The two complexes represent two distinct suites of magmatic rocks, which have resided in the continental crust for about 300–400 Ma before their ultimate subduction to mantle depths, UHP metamorphism and return to the crustal level.     

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

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

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

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

Geochemical characteristics of lavas from Broken Ridge, the Naturaliste Plateau and southernmost Kerguelen Plateau: Cretaceous plateau volcanism in the southeast Indian Ocean

Lavas from several major bathymetric highs in the eastern Indian Ocean that are likely to have formed as Early to Middle Cretaceous manifestations of the Kerguelen hotspot are predominantly tholeiitic; so too are glass shards from Eocene to Paleocene volcanic ash layers on Broken Ridge, which are believed to have come from eruptions on the Ninetyeast Ridge. The early dominance of tholeiitic compositions contrasts with the more recent intraplate, alkalic volcanism of the Kerguelen Archipelago. Isotopic and incompatible-element ratios of the plateau lavas are distinct from those of Indian mid-ocean ridge basalts; their Nd, Sr, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and isotopic ratios overlap with but cover a much wider range than measured for more recent oceanic products of the Kerguelen hotspot (including the Ninetyeast Ridge) or, indeed, oceanic lavas from any other hotspot in the world. Samples from the Naturaliste Plateau and ODP Site 738 on the southern tip of the Kerguelen Plateau are particularly noteworthy, with ε_Nd(T) = − 13 to −7, (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_T=0.7090 to 0.7130 and high ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb relative to ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb. In addition, the low-ε_Nd(T) Naturaliste Plateau samples are elevated in SiO₂ (> 54 wt%). In contrast to “DUPAL” oceanic islands such as the Kerguelen Archipelago, Pitcairn and Tristan da Cunha, the plateau lavas with extreme isotopic characteristics also have relative depletions in Nb and Ta (e.g., Th/Ta, La Nb > primitive mantle values); the lowest ε_Nd(T) and highest Th/Ta and La Nb values occur at sites located closest to rifted continental margins. Accepting a Kerguelen plume origin for the plateau lavas, these characteristics probably reflect the shallow-level incorporation of continental lithosphere in either the head of the early Kerguelen plume or in plume-derived magmas, and suggest that the influence of such material diminished after the period of plateau construction. Contamination of asthenosphere with the type of material affecting Naturaliste Plateau and Site 738 magmatism appears unlikely to be the cause of low-²⁰⁶Pb/⁰⁴Pb Indian mid-ocean ridge basalts. Finally, because isotopic data for the plateaus do not cluster or form converging arrays in isotope-ratio plots, they provide no evidence for either a quickly evolving, positive ε_Nd, relatively high-²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb plume composition, or a plume source dominated by mantle with ε_Nd of −3 to 0.     

The combined use of Sr/Sr and carbon and water isotopes to study the hydrochemical interaction between groundwater and lakewater in mantled karst

The hydrochemical interaction between groundwater and lakewater influences the composition of water that percolates downward from the surficial aquifer system through the underlying intermediate confining unit and recharges the Upper Floridan aquifer along highlands in Florida. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio along with the stable isotopes, D, ¹⁸O, and ¹³C were used as tracers to study the interaction between groundwater, lakewater, and aquifer minerals near Lake Barco, a seepage lake in the mantled karst terrane of northern Florida. Upgradient from the lake, the ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio of groundwater decreases with depth (mean values of 0.71004, 0.70890, and 0.70852 for water from the surficial aquifer system, intermediate confining unit, and Upper Floridan aquifer, respectively), resulting from the interaction of dilute oxygenated recharge water with aquifer minerals that are less radiogenic with depth. The concentrations of Sr²⁺ generally increase with depth, and higher concentrations of Sr²⁺ in water from the Upper Floridan aquifer (20–35 μg/L), relative to water from the surficial aquifer system and the intermediate confining unit, result from the dissolution of Sr-bearing calcite and dolomite in the Eocene limestone. Dissolution of calcite [δ¹³C = −1.6 permil (%o)] is also indicated by an enriched δ¹³C_DIC(-8.8 to -11.4% o) in water from the Upper Floridan aquifer, relative to the overlying hydrogeologic units (δ¹³C_DIC < -16%o).

Groundwater downgradient from Lake Barco was enriched in ¹⁸O and D relative to groundwater upgradient from the lake, indicating mixing of lakewater leakage and groundwater. Downgradient from the lake, the ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio of groundwater and aquifer material become less radiogenic and the Sr²⁺ concentrations generally increase with depth. However, Sr²⁺ concentrations are substantially less than in upgradient groundwaters at similar depths. The lower Sr²⁺ concentrations result from the influence of anoxic lakewater leakage on the mobility of Sr²⁺ from clays. Based on results from mass-balance modeling, it is probable that cation exchange plays the dominant role in controlling the ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio of groundwater, both upgradient and downgradient from Lake Barco. Even though groundwater from the three distinct hydrogeologic units displays considerable variability in Sr concentration and isotopic composition, the dominant processes associated with the mixing of lakewater leakage with groundwater, as well as the effects of mineral-water interaction, can be ascertained by integrating the use of stable and radiogenic isotopic measurements of groundwater, lakewater, and aquifer minerals.     

Sr and O isotope constraints on source and crustal contamination in the high-K calc-alkaline and shoshonitic neogene volcanic rocks of SE Spain

The Neogene volcanic province of SE Spain (NVPS) is characterized by calc-alkaline (CA), high-K calc-alkaline (KCA), shoshonitic (SH), ultrapotassic (UP), and alkaline basaltic (AB) volcanic series. All these series, except the AB, have high LILE/LREE, LILE/HFSE and B/Be ratios and high but variable Sr, Pb and O isotope compositions. The KCA and SH lavas contain metapelitic xenoliths whose mineralogical and chemical composition are typical of anatectic restites. The geochemical characteristics of CA, KCA, SH and UP series suggest that they originated from the lithospheric mantle, previously contaminated by fluids derived from pelagic sediments. Additionally, the presence of restite xenoliths in the KCA and SH lavas indicates some sort of interaction between the mantle-derived magmas and the continental crust. Trace element and isotope modeling for the KCA and SH lavas and the restites, point towards the existence of two mixing stages. During the first stage, the lithospheric mantle was contaminated by 1–5% of fluids derived from pelagic sediments, which produced a fertile source heterogeneously enriched in incompatible elements (particularly LILE and LREE), as well as in ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, without significant modifications of the δ¹⁸O values. In the second stage, the primary melts derived from this metasomatized mantle, which inherited the enrichment in LILE, LREE and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, interacted with crustal liquids from the Betic Paleozoic basement during their ascent towards the surface. This mixing process caused an increase in δ¹⁸O values and, to a lesser extent, in ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios. However, the incompatible trace elements abundances only change slightly, even for high mixing rates, due to their similar concentrations in both components. We suggest the following geodynamic scenario to account for the global evolution of this area: (1) a Late Cretaceous to Oligocene subduction scheme during which mantle metasomatism took place, shortly followed by Upper Oligocene to Lower Miocene continental collision, and (2) a Middle to Upper Miocene extensional event triggering partial melting of the previously metasomatized mantle and the extrusion of the CA and associated magmas.     

Rifting-related volcanism in an oceanic post-collisional setting: the Tabar–Lihir–Tanga–Feni (TLTF) island chain, Papua New Guinea

The Tabar–Lihir–Tanga–Feni (TLTF) volcanic island chain occurs in a zone of lithospheric extension superimposed on a post-collisonal tectonic setting along the Pacific and Indo-Australian plates northeast of Papua New Guinea. We present geochemical and Sr, Nd, and Pb isotope data for volcanic rocks from these islands and three recently discovered seamounts located at Lihir island. Major element data document an alkalic affinity of the sample suite and trachybasalts as the predominant rock type. Negative Nb-anomalies in extended trace element patterns, enrichment of the light rare earth elements, and Ce/Pb ratios of about 4 are typical of the values in calc alkaline island arc volcanics and support an origin from subduction-modified mantle. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7037 to 0.7044 and _Nd values of +5.6 to +6.8 indicate that the upper mantle evolved with a time-integrated depletion in LREE, however, not as severe as that recorded in basalts from the East Pacific Rise. Variable ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios at less variable ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios suggest that ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of the melts were modified by secondary processes, such as assimilation of seawater Sr from crustal rocks. The Pb isotope ratios are uniform, moderately radiogenic (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ca. 18.7 to 18.8), and similar to those reported for the active Mariana arc. Elevated ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios relative to Pacific MORB suggest melting of small amounts of subducted sediments (ca. 1–2 wt.%). An important control of subducted sediment on the chemistry of the melts can also be inferred from the ratios of highly incompatible trace elements (e.g., Th, U, Pb, La, and Nb). Additional mantle enrichment by subduction derived fluids is reflected in high values of highly incompatible trace element ratios between fluid mobile (e.g., Ba) and fluid immobile elements (e.g., Th, Nb). The results of this study document that the chemical composition of igneous rocks from post-collisional tectonic settings are strongly influenced by previous plate tectonics. This conclusion implies that the information conveyed by tectonic discrimination diagrams for these rocks must be interpreted with care.     

Testing Sr/Sr as a paleosalinity indicator on mixed marine, brackish-water and terrestrial vertebrate skeletal apatite in late Paleocene-early Eocene near-coastal sediments, Mississippi

Mixed marine, brackish-water and terrestrial vertebrate skeletal apatite is found in the late Paleocene-early Eocene Tuscahoma and Bashi Formations of Mississippi. The co-Occurrence in these near-coastal marine deposits of skeletal apatite with different provenances offers a unique opportunity for unraveling the effects of diagenesis on apatite ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr composition, with bearings on the use of this isotope pair as paleosalinity indicator. The results show that the Sr isotopes of all originally poorly ordered phases of skeletal apatite have extensively re-equilibrated with pore water with significantly lower ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios than late Paleocene-early Eocene seawater. For example, marine shark and ray teeth from the Bashi Formation all have clearly nonmarine ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios, 0.7073-0.7075, compared with a coeval seawater ratio in the range 0.7077-0.7078. However, separated shark tooth enamel, with a high original crystallinity, appears to have retained all or most of its in vivo Sr isotopic signature until the present. Here we also show that ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr results on recent vertebrate skeletal material from different environments are in good agreement with expected values for respective habitat.

Earlier analyses of calcite material from the Bashi Formation indicated the existence of a shift in seawater ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr to a lower value at the Paleocene-Eocene boundary. The strong influence of pore water with low, nonmarine ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr on the apatite in the Bashi Formation suggests that the proposed isotopic shift may be an artifact related to diagenetic processes.     

Isotopic characteristics and petrogenesis of the lamproites and kimberlites of central west Greenland

Kimberlites which intruded the Sisimiut (formerly Holsteinsborg) region of central west Greenland during the Early Palaeozoic have initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr between 0.7028 and 0.7033 and ε_Nd between + 1.3 and + 3.9. Mid-Proterozoic potassic lamproites from the same region have initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr between 0.7045 and 0.7060, ε_Nd between −13 and −10 and unradiogenic initial Pb isotopic compositions. The isotopic data favour an asthenospheric mantle source for the kimberlite magmas, in common with “basaltic” kimberlites from other localities, whereas the lamproite magma sources evolved in isolation from the convecting mantle for > 1000 Ma, probably within the subcontinental lithospheric mantle of the Greenland craton, prior to emplacement of the lamproites.     

Petrogenesis of Cretaceous adakitic and shoshonitic igneous rocks in the Luzong area, Anhui Province (eastern China): Implications for geodynamics and Cu–Au mineralization

Both adakitic and shoshonitic igneous rocks in the Luzong area, Anhui Province, eastern China are associated with Cretaceous Cu–Au mineralization. The Shaxi quartz diorite porphyrites exhibit adakite-like geochemical features, such as light rare earth element (LREE) enrichment, heavy REE (HREE) depletion, high Al₂O₃, MgO, Sr, Sr / Y and La / Yb values, and low Y and Yb contents. They have low ε_Nd(t) values (− 3.46 to − 6.28) and high (⁸⁷Sr / ⁸⁶Sr)_i ratios (0.7051–0.7057). Sensitive High-Resolution Ion Microprobe (SHRIMP) zircon analyses indicate a crystallization age of 136 ± 3 Ma for the adakitic rocks. Most volcanic rocks and the majority of monzonites and syenites in the Luzong area are K-rich (or shoshonitic) and were also produced during the Cretaceous (140–125 Ma). They are enriched in LREE and large-ion lithophile elements, and depleted in Ti, and Nb and Ba and exhibit relatively lower ε_Nd(t) values ranging from − 4.65 to − 7.03 and relatively higher (⁸⁷Sr / ⁸⁶Sr)_i ratios varying between 0.7057 and 0.7062. The shoshonitic and adakitic rocks in the Luzong area have similar Pb isotopic compositions (²⁰⁶Pb / ²⁰⁴Pb = 17.90–18.83, ²⁰⁷Pb / ²⁰⁴Pb = 15.45–15.62 and ²⁰⁸Pb / ²⁰⁴Pb = 38.07–38.80). Geological data from the Luzong area suggest that the Cretaceous igneous rocks are distributed along NE fault zones (e.g., Tanlu and Yangtze River fault zones) in eastern China and were likely formed in an extensional setting within the Yangtze Block. The Shaxi adakitic rocks were probably derived by the partial melting of delaminated lower crust at pressures equivalent to crustal thickness of > 50 km (i.e., 1.5 GPa), possibly leaving rutile-bearing eclogitic residue. The shoshonitic magmas, in contrast, originated mainly from an enriched mantle metasomatized by subducted oceanic sediments. They underwent early high-pressure (> 1.5 GPa) fractional crystallization at the boundary between thickened (> 50 km) lower crust and lithospheric mantle and late low-pressure (< 1.5 GPa) fractional crystallization in the shallow (< 50 km) crust. The adakitic and shoshonitic rocks appear to be linked to an intra-continental extensional setting where partial melting of enriched mantle and delaminated lower crust was probably controlled by lithospheric thinning and upwelling of hot asthenosphere along NE fault zones (e.g., Tanlu and Yangtze River fault zones) in eastern China. Both the shoshonitic and adakitic magmas were fertile with respect to Cu–Au mineralization.