Petrology and Geochemistry of Mantle Peridotite Xenoliths from SE China

Geochemical data on Type I spinel peridotite and garnet peridotitexenoliths in Cenozoic basalts from SE China demonstrate thatthe lithospheric mantle under this region is heterogeneous.The depletion and enrichment shown by these peridotite xenolithsare not related to their locations as suggested earlier. Samplesfrom individual localities, at the continental margin or thecontinental interior, show large variational ranges from depletedharzburgite to fertile Iherzolite. The measured Nd and Sr isotopiccompositions of clinopyroxene separates range from _Nd 49 to160 and from ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr 070256 to 070407, respectively. Thedepleted signatures of Sr and Nd isotopic compositions and major-elementcontents (low CaO and Al₂O₃ in most xenoliths require an olddepletion event, probably mid-Proterozftic, and the enrichmentof LREE in the depleted peridotites implies a young metasomaticevent shortly before Cenozoic magmatism. Major-element compositionsof the peridotite xenoliths are controlled largely by the degreeof partial melting, and the extra fertile peridotites (highCaO and Al₂O₃) are probably the products of interaction betweenperidotites and a basaltic component. The equilibrium P–Tconditions, determined from coexisting mineral phases, indicatethat these xenoliths equilibrated over a wide P–T range,from 770 to 1250 C and from 10 to 27 kbar. Calculated oxygenfugacities for most spinel peridotites range from near the FMQbuffer to 25 log units below. The late-stage metasomatism didnot change the redox state in the upper mantle. ^*Corraponding author     

Petrology and Geochemistry of the Huangshan Granitic Intrusion in Anhui Province, Southeast China: Implications for Petrogenesis and Geodynamics

<正>The Huangshan granitic intrusion in Anhui province,SE China,is tectonically located at the southeastern boundary of the Yangtze Block.Based on the contact relation and the petrography,the Huangshan granitic intrusion can be divided into four stages,from early to late,medium-grained monzogranite,coarse-grained porphyric granite,fine-medium grained porphyric granite,and finecoarse grained granite.All rocks from the Huangshan granitic intrusion display similar petrological and geochemical characteristics,i.e.relatively high SiO_2(75%) and alkali(7.85%-8.59%),low CaO (1%),high Fe-number(FeO_T/(MgO+FeO_T) = 0.93-0.97) and A/CNK(atomic Al/(Ca+Na+K))=1.04- 1.19.They are also enriched in rare earth elements(REE,except for Eu,with a total REE contents ranging from 116 ppm to 421 ppm),high strength field elements such as Zr,Hf,Nb,but depleted in Ba,Sr and Ni.The 10 000×Ga/Al ratios are higher than 2.6,which are consistent with the A-type granitoids.Based on the classification diagrams proposed by Eby,the Huangshan granite can be classified into the A2 group,which is usually believed to be formed under an extensional tectonic setting.Their Nd isotopic compositions suggest that the primary magmas of the Huangshan granite are predominantly derived from the Proterozoic andesitic rocks in the region,and this conclusion is also supported by REE modeling.The systemic investigations on the geochemistry of the Huangshan granitic intrusion can provide significant implications for the understanding of the petrogenesis and the geodynamic regime of southeastern China during the Late-Mesozoic.     

鞍山地区始—古太古代花岗质地壳的形成及演化——深沟寺杂岩的岩石学、年代学及地球化学证据

鞍山是华北克拉通唯一保存有完整太古宙地质记录(3.81~2.5Ga)的地区。为了进一步了解本区太古宙早期花岗质地壳的形成及演化,本文对鞍山地区典型的太古宙杂岩——深沟寺杂岩进行了详细的岩石学、年代学及地球化学研究。根据岩石学及产状分析确定了始太古代奥长花岗质片麻岩和古太古代混合岩化片麻岩杂岩两个主要岩石单元:前者SIMS锆石U-Pb定年结果为3803±9Ma,代表始太古代古老的花岗质陆壳;后者年龄为3311~3335Ma,代表古太古代强烈构造-变质热事件。始太古代奥长花岗岩以高Si、富Na、贫K为特征;轻重稀土分异不明显,(La/Yb)N值介于6.76~35.96,具有弱的负铕异常(δEu=0.57~1.43);微量元素相对富集Rb、La、Hf和Zr等,亏损Nb、Ta、Sr和Ti等,且Sr/Y比值(8~29)、Mg#(21~30)、Cr(8.81×10~(-6)~28.00×10~(-6))和Ni(0.881×10~(-6)~18.55×10~(-6))含量较低,表明源区无地幔物质参与,且未与石榴子石发生平衡,斜长石可能残留源区,形成深度相对较浅。同时结合鞍山地区~3.8Ga锆石具有正的εHf(t)值,始太古代奥长花岗岩来源于地幔岩浆底侵导致地壳底部含水玄武质岩石(角闪岩)部分熔融形成的新生地壳。古太古代混合岩化片麻岩杂岩的主要矿物组合为石英+斜长石+黑云母,无不一致相矿物(钾长石、矽线石和石榴子石等),表明熔融过程中含水矿物未发生脱水反应,主要反应为Qtz+Pl±H2O=melt。此外,混合岩化片麻岩杂岩中未见富铝矿物和碎屑岩结构,推断其为正片麻岩,原岩为奥长花岗岩或英云闪长岩;结合岩石中存在大量始太古代继承锆石,且~3.3Ga锆石εHf(t)多为负值,混合岩化片麻岩杂岩形成于始太古代奥长花岗质地壳的重熔。本文研究结果表明,鞍山地区始—古太古代花岗质地壳演化可划分为两个主要阶段:始太古代奥长花岗质地壳生长(~3.8Ga)和古太古代花岗质地壳重熔(~3.3Ga)。     

云南个旧白沙冲和北炮台花岗岩岩石学、地球化学研究及成因探讨

白沙冲岩体和北炮台岩体均位于个旧矿田的东区北段.白沙冲岩体岩性主要为黑云母花岗岩,而北炮台岩体岩性主要为似斑状黑云母花岗岩.本文通过对白沙冲岩体、北炮台岩体进行岩石学、地球化学、Nd、Sr同位素研究,厘定白沙冲岩体属过铝质的高钾钙碱性花岗质岩石,北炮台岩体属准铝质的钾玄岩系列花岗岩.两岩体均表现出亏损Ba、Sr、Nb、...     

Petrology,geochemistry and genesis of Kuiqi granite batholith

The Kuiqi granite batholith outcrops in the vicinity of Fuzhou City, Fujian Province and constitutes one of the typical alkali granitic complexes in the “Belt of Miarolitic Granites” extending along the southeast coast of China. The complex is believed to have been emplaced at higher levels of the crust in a tensional fault environment. Petrographically it is composed mainly of aegirine-arfvedsonite granites with early biotite granites scattered. Miarolitic structure and granophyric texture are commonly observed. The Rb-Sr isochron age of the complex is 107.65 m.y. Both petrological and petrochemical studies show that the Kuiqi granite is of A-type. Data on chemical composition, REE pattern and transition elements reveal that there is a close genetic connection between granites and associated volcanic rocks. Thus, syntexistype (I-type) granite, A-type granite and volcanic rocks form a cogenetic “trinity”, in which the A-type granite is usually the latest member of the volcanic-intrusive series.     

冀北雾灵山碱性花岗质杂岩的岩石学,成因类型及构造意义

河北雾灵山碱性花岗质杂岩主要由似斑状碱长正长岩、碱长正长斑岩、碱性石英正长岩和碱性石英正长班岩组成,是华北地区燕山晚期岩浆活动的代表。本文系统报道了它的地质学、岩相学、岩石化学和地球化学的特征,讨论了它的成因类型归属和所代表的大地构造环境问题。这些资料表明;该杂岩体形成于白垩纪早期,是一个剥蚀程度较小、定位于浅成环境的硅饱和碱性－过碱性岩杂岩体,属裂谷－类裂谷Ａ型花岗岩类,它的出现表明华北地区早白垩纪时期曾处于板内裂谷－类裂谷的引张环境。     

中国大陆科学钻探工程预先导孔中片麻岩-花岗质片麻岩的岩石学和地球化学研究

中国大陆科学钻探工程预先导孔(CCSD-PP1)中岩心的岩性十分复杂,主要由片麻岩-花岗质片麻岩、超基性岩、榴辉岩及少量多硅白云母石英片岩、斜长角闪岩及角闪云母片岩组成。其中片麻岩-花岗质片麻岩是最重要的岩石类型。根据片麻岩的岩相学及其地球化学特征,确定片麻岩类岩石的原岩为一套具有较高成熟度的碎屑沉积岩-低成熟度的酸性火山岩、碎屑沉积岩建造,并与在其内部里夹层形式存在的榴辉岩一起经历了超高压变质作用。花岗质片麻岩可分为三种类型:绿帘黄铁二长花岗质片麻岩、绿带黑云二长花岗质片麻岩和绿帘二云二长混合片麻岩。绿帘黄铁二长花岗质片麻岩SiO_2含量最高,为76.72％～78.86％,具有强烈的负Eu、Ba异常,Eu/Eu~*=0.125,Ba/Ba~*=0.095～0.396,其稀土和微量元素的配分模式与具有极高成熟度碎屑沉积岩部分熔融而成的花岗岩性质十分相似。该类花岗质片麻岩可能在苏鲁超高压变质带形成之前,由具有极高成熟度的碎屑沉积岩部分熔融而成的岩浆,侵入到片麻岩类的表壳岩中,并经历了超高压变质作用。绿帘黑云二长花岗质片麻岩、混合片麻岩的SiO_2含量明显偏低,且稀土、微量元素配分模式明显不同于绿帘黄铁二长花岗质片麻岩,该类岩石可能由片麻岩类岩石在超高压变质作用峰期阶段和近等温减压第一阶段深     

大别山榴辉岩岩石学及地球化学特征

本文分析了大别山地区榴辉岩的产出特点,矿物化学、岩石化学及元素地球化学特征。所获资料表明大别山榴辉岩与围岩一起经历了超高压变质作用,但其化学成分特征与围岩存在一定的差异,兼有大陆玄武岩和大洋玄武岩的特征。这些岩石大部分可能为板块俯冲过程中带入的大洋岩石残片。在深部变质形成榴辉岩后又随大别杂岩一起被抬升到地表,在抬升过程中经历了不同程度的退变质作用。     

昆中蛇绿岩岩石学和地球化学

作为昆南变质地体与柴达木-中阿尔金地块边界的中昆仑缝合带,沿带断续出露蛇绿杂岩.本次研究涉及布青山蛇绿岩、诺木洪蛇绿岩和阿其克库勒湖西缘蛇绿岩,通过对其岩石学、岩石化学和微量元素与稀土元素地球化学特征分析,确定其属蛇绿岩类,证明蛇绿杂岩带性质属板块缝合带.     

The Geochemistry of Scapolite: Part II. Trace Elements, Petrology, and General Geochemistry

Fifty scapolites have been analysed spectrographically for numerouselements. Average concentrations (p.p.m.) were as follows: B25, Be 9–3, Ga 33, Ti 82, Li 56, Cu 4–4, Zr 59,Mn 57, Sr 1,800, Pb 45, Ba 120, Rb 20. The following were seldomor never detected: Cr, Ni, Co, Mo, Sn, V, Sc, Ag, Y, La. Themajor elements Ca, Na, K were also determined. The distributionof the trace elements can be explained by isomorphous substitution,but no detailed correlation of trace elements with each otheror with major elements was found. Refractive indices were determined and the relation betweenaverage index and per cent Me was examined: correlation waspoor, which may in part be attributed to analytical error. Examination of scapolite parageneses shows that scapolite characteristicallyoccurs in the upper amphibolite facies or the pyroxene hornfelsfacies: it is not restricted to these and may occur in any faciesfrom zeolitic to granulitic and in any hornfels facies. Theelements generally concentrated in scapolite include Ca, Na,C, Cl, S, H, B, Be, Li, Sr, Pb. The presence of C, Cl, S, Htestify to genesis in the presence of high partial pressureof CO₂, Cl₂, SO₃, H₂O (or related compounds), that is in pneumatolytic,pegmatitic, or hydrothermal environments. The concentrationof B, Be, Li can also be attributed to these conditions. The source of the elements concentrated in scapolite must inpart be common rocks. In a limited contact zone, the nearbymagma supplied some elements, but where regional scapolitizationhas taken place the presence of magma is less clear. Many commonrocks or rock series contain all the necessary constituents,but some particular conjunction of conditions is necessary forscapolite to form, or it would be more common.     

西秦岭党川花岗岩基的地球化学特征

党川花岗岩基产于祁连与北秦岭造山带结合部位,由9个岩体组成,岩石普遍低Ga、Rb、Zr、高Th、Ta、Hf,富集重稀土元素。泥盆纪以来岩体显著富集Th、Hf而贫Rb、Co,稀土总量、LREE/ HREE及δEu等与北秦岭二长花岗岩相似,岩石地球化学显示其源岩成分、形成环境和成岩作用的相似性以及演化上的连续性和继承性。志留纪岩体则显著高Cr、Co、Nb和相对富Y,显著贫Ga、Rb、Zr,稀土总量、LREE/HREE及δEu参数既显著有别于本区泥盆纪以来各岩体,又明显区别于秦巴同期闪长岩类。综合分析,志留纪岩体是俯冲造山过程中形成的具有岛弧特色的闪长岩类,泥盆纪以来各岩体是本区造山后与大陆抬升作用或与大陆裂谷作用有关的壳源花岗岩类。     

汉南杂岩高桥沟花岗斑岩体岩石地球化学特征及侵位机制时代归属探讨

高桥沟花岗斑岩体位于扬子板块北缘,属于汉南杂岩的一部分。锆石LA−MCP−MS U−Pb定年结果显示其形成时代为（794.4±5.7）Ma,为南华纪早期。岩石地球化学特征为高Si（75.78%～76.51%）、富碱(K2O＋Na2O=7.78%～7.84%)、富K（K2O/Na2O=1.07～1.10),属高钾钙碱性系列。稀土总量∑REE为272.57×10–6,轻重稀土元素组之间分馏明显。二长花岗斑岩形成于岩浆演化中晚期阶段,岩浆上侵过程中部分熔融沉积岩、火山岩物质。高桥沟花岗斑岩体形成于后造山构造环境,强力就位的侵位机制。     

High-Pressure Granulites (Retrograded Eclogites) from the Hengshan Complex, North China Craton: Petrology and Tectonic Implications

Both high- and medium-pressure granulites have been found asenclaves and boudins in tonalitic–trondhjemitic–granodioriticgneisses in the Hengshan Complex. Petrological evidence fromthese rocks indicates four distinct metamorphic assemblages.The early prograde assemblage (M₁) is preserved only in thehigh-pressure granulites and represented by quartz and rutileinclusions within the cores of garnet porphyroblasts, and omphacitepseudomorphs that are indicated by clinopyroxene + sodic plagioclasesymplectic intergrowths. The peak assemblage (M₂) consists ofclinopyroxene + garnet + sodic plagioclase + quartz ±hornblende in the high-pressure granulites and orthopyroxene+ clinopyroxene + garnet + plagioclase + quartz in the medium-pressuregranulites. Peak metamorphism was followed by near-isothermaldecompression (M₃), which resulted in the development of orthopyroxene+ clinopyroxene + plagioclase symplectites and coronas surroundingembayed garnet grains, and decompression-cooling (M₄), representedby hornblende + plagioclase symplectites on garnet. The THERMOCALCprogram yielded peak (M₂) P–T conditions of 13·4–15·5kbar and 770–840°C for the high-pressure granulitesand 9–11 kbar and 820–870°C for the medium-pressuregranulites, based on the core compositions of garnet, matrixpyroxene and plagioclase. The P–T conditions of pyroxene+ plagioclase symplectite and corona (M₃) were estimated at     

江西中部新丰街花岗质岩体LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb年代学、元素和Sr-Nd-Hf同位素地球化学特征及岩石成因

对江西中部新丰街花岗质岩体开展了岩相学、LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb年代学以及元素和Sr-Nd-Hf同位素地球化学研 究,并探讨了岩石成因及其构造意义。结果表明,新丰街岩体由二云母花岗岩和黑云母花岗组成;两者均形成于晚侏罗世 （~148 Ma）;二云母花岗岩SiO2含量为75.71%~78.36%,为弱过铝质-强过铝质岩石,属高钾钙碱性系列,Mg#变化于0.26~ 0.34,具有较低的Ga/Al比值（绝大部分<2.6×10-4） 和较低的Zr+Nb+Ce+Y含量（<350×10-6）,全岩εNd(t)为-10~-8.2,锆石原 位εHf(t)为-15.7~-9.4;黑云母花岗岩SiO2含量为71.25%~74.41%,主要为准铝质-弱过铝质岩石,也属于高钾钙碱性系列, Mg#变化于0.32~0.37,同样具有较低的Ga/Al比值（绝大部分<2.6×10-4） 和较低的Zr+Nb+Ce+Y含量（<350×10-6）,全岩初始 87Sr/86Sr比值为0.7136~0.7153,εNd(t)为-10.0~-8.9,锆石原位εHf(t)值为-16.5~-10.9。通过综合研究认为二云母花岗岩具有S 型花岗岩特征,是由下地壳中变质泥岩在相对较低温度下发生部分熔融而形成的;黑云母花岗岩具有I型花岗岩特征,是由下 地壳中长英质火成岩在相对较高温度下发生部分熔融而形成的。岩体侵位于由古太平洋板块俯冲引起的陆缘弧构造环境。     

The Geochemistry of Scapolite Part II. Trace Elements, Petrology, and General Geochemistry

Fifty scapolites have been analysed spectrographically for numerouselements. Average concentrations (p.p.m.) were as follows: B25, Be 9-3, Ga 33, Ti 82, Li 56, Cu 4-4, Zr 59, Mn 57, Sr 1,800,Pb 45, Ba 120, Rb 20. The following were seldom or never detected:Cr, Ni, Co, Mo, Sn, V, Sc, Ag, Y, La. The major elements Ca,Na, K were also determined. The distribution of the trace elementscan be explained by isomorphous substitution, but no detailedcorrelation of trace elements with each other or with majorelements was found. Refractive indices were determined and the relation betweenaverage index and per cent Me was examined: correlation waspoor, which may in part be attributed to analytical error. Examination of scapolite parageneses shows that scapolite characteristicallyoccurs in the upper amphibolite facies or the pyroxene hornfelsfacies: it is not restricted to these and may occur in any faciesfrom zeolitic to granulitic and in any hornfels facies. Theelements generally concentrated in scapolite include Ca, Na,C, Cl, S, H, B, Be, Li, Sr, Pb. The presence of C, Cl, S, Htestify to genesis in the presence of high partial pressureof CO₂, Cl₂, SO₃, H₂O (or related compounds), that is in pneumatolytic,pegmatitic, or hydrothermal environments. The concentrationof B, Be, Li can also be attributed to these conditions. The source of the elements concentrated in scapolite must inpart be common rocks. In a limited contact zone, the nearbymagma supplied some elements, but where regional scapolitizationhas taken place the presence of magma is less clear. Many commonrocks or rock series contain all the necessary constituents,but some particular conjunction of conditions is necessary forscapolite to form, or it would be more common.     

Geochemistry and petrogenesis of two-Pyroxene andesites from Sierra de Gata (SE Spain)

Summary The Miocene volcanic suite of Sierra de Gata (Betic Cordillera) is composed of dacites, rhyodacites and rhyolites, besides basaltic andesites and andesites. The latter are very fresh and are the least fractionated rock types; thus they have been investigated in order to put some constraints on the genetic interpretation of the volcanic sequence. These rocks are composed of plagioclase, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene and magnetite both as phenocrysts and in the groundmass. Olivine and ilmenite occur occasionally. The andesites exhibit orogenic chemical features. They are characterized by very low Ni, Co and Cr contents and show negative Eu anomalies, which support fractionation of mafic phases and plagioclase at depth. The petrogenesis of the andesites, however, cannot be related simply to fractionation processes of a single mafic magma since the lack of good interelemental correlations, the scattering of Sr-isotope ratios and the isotope disequilibrium between the phases conflict with such a simple mechanism. A model which can better explain the petrogenesis of the analyzed andesites considers the intervention of different mafic melts, generated in a heterogeneous mantle and characterized by different chemical and isotopic compositions, which fractionated at depth and concomitantly interacted significantly with the continental crust.

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Geochemie und Petrogenese von Pyroxen-Andesiten der Sierra de Gata (SE Spanien)

Zusammenfassung Die miozäne Vulkanitabfolge der Sierra de Gata (Betische Kordillere) wird von Daciten, Rhyodaciten, Rhyoliten sowie basaltischen Andesiten and Andesiten aufgebaut, letztere sind in einem guten Erhaltungszustand and zeigen die geringste Fraktionierung. Sie wurden daher genauer untersucht, um Aussagen über die Genese dieser Vulkanite machen zu können.Phenokrysten und Grundmasse bestehen aus Plagioklas, Orthopyroxen, Klinopyroxen und Magnetit. Manchmal kommen Olivin und Ilmenit hinzu. Die Geochemie der Andesite folgt typisch orogenen Trends. Sie sind durch sehr niedrige Ni-, Co- und Cr-Gehalte und negative Eu-Anomalien charakterisiert; dies belegt eine Fraktionierung der mafischen Gemengteile und des Plagioklases in der Tiefe. Die petrogenetische Entwicklung der Andesite kann allerdings nicht einfach mit Fraktionierungsprozessen eines einzigen mafischen Magmas erklärt werden. Das Fehlen von Element-Korrelationen, das starke Streuen der Sr-Isotopenverhältnisse und das Isotopenungleichgewicht zwischen den einzelnen Mineralphasen stehen in Widerspruch zu einem derartigen einfachen Modell. Ein Modell, das die Petrogenese der untersuchten Andesite besser erklärt, zieht die Beteiligung verschiedener mafischen Schmelzen-sie bildeten sich in einem heterogenen Mantel und sind durch Unterschiede im Chemismus und ihrer Isotopenzusammensetzung charakterisiert—in Betracht. Dabei kam es zu Fraktionierung dieser Magmen in der Tiefe und zu beträchtlichen Reaktionen mit kontinentalem Krustenmaterial.

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With 5 Figures     

中国东北黑龙江杂岩体蓝闪石片岩岩石学研究

黑龙江杂岩主要由蓝闪石片岩构成,蓝闪石片岩主要包括绿帘石、绿泥石、钠长石、钠质角闪石、多硅白云母和石英以及为数不多的榍石、钛铁矿和黑硬绿泥石。其中,钠质角闪石包括蓝闪石和镁质钠闪石。变质条件的压力（P）温度（T）评价条件为400－425℃和0.69－0.86 MPa,对应岩相为绿帘蓝闪石片岩相。黑龙江杂岩蓝闪石片岩的地球化学研究表明,其原岩是可与洋岛型（OIB）玄武岩和一些洋中脊型（E-MORB）玄武岩相对比的大洋玄武岩,这说明黑龙江杂岩蓝闪石片岩的玄武岩原岩是在海底山或者在大洋隆起条件下由富集源形成的;具有洋岛型玄武岩地球化学特征的变质玄武岩以及富锰的变质燧石、大理石、变质硬砂岩和蛇绿岩鳞片的加入证明黑龙江杂岩是消减—增生杂岩,它含有变形洋壳的碎块和在被改造的前震旦纪佳木斯岩体西边缘上形成于侏罗纪的增生楔岩石;黑龙江杂岩在原岩成分上可与活动大陆边缘许多增生的杂岩相当。     

中国新生代火山岩岩石学、地球化学与年代学研究进展

回顾了我国近五年来在新生代火山岩的岩石学、地球化学与年代学方面所取得的主要进展。重点总结了中国东部与青藏高原的新生代火山岩的时空分布特征,包括年代学数据成果和岩石学资料;回顾中国东部与青藏高原新生代火山岩的岩石成因和深部动力学过程研究,介绍了目前对于长白山天池火山、中国东部新生代玄武岩、青藏高原的地球动力学过程、钾质-超钾质火山岩、高镁钾质火山岩等研究已获得的主要成果和认识;提出了中国新生代火山岩研究中存在的问题以及进一步工作的建议。     

清原太古代花岗—绿岩区花岗岩的稀土地球化学

一、引言清原地区太古代花岗岩是该区花岗—绿岩带的主要组成部分,它与绿岩一起形成稳定的太古代克拉通。国外对太古代花岗岩的研究已较深入。近年来,还提出了稀土元素(REE)和大半径不相容元素(LIL)的数学计算模式。一些研究表明微量元素模式可以很有效地确定花     

Enriched End-member of Primitive MORB Melts: Petrology and Geochemistry of Glasses from Macquarie Island (SW Pacific)

Macquarie Island is an exposure above sea-level of part of thecrest of the Macquarie Ridge. The ridge marks the Australia–Pacificplate boundary south of New Zealand, where the plate boundaryhas evolved progressively since Eocene times from an oceanicspreading system into a system of long transform faults linkedby short spreading segments, and currently into a right-lateralstrike-slip plate boundary. The rocks of Macquarie Island wereformed during spreading at this plate boundary in Miocene times,and include intrusive rocks (mantle and cumulate peridotites,gabbros, sheeted dolerite dyke complexes), volcanic rocks (N-to E-MORB pillow lavas, picrites, breccias, hyaloclastites),and associated sediments. A set of Macquarie Island basalticglasses has been analysed by electron microprobe for major elements,S, Cl and F; by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy forH₂O; by laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma massspectrometry for trace elements; and by secondary ion mass spectrometryfor Sr, Nd and Pb isotopes. An outstanding compositional featureof the data set (47·4–51·1 wt % SiO₂, 5·65–8·75wt % MgO) is the broad range of K₂O (0·1–1·8wt %) and the strong positive covariation of K₂O with otherincompatible minor and trace elements (e.g. TiO₂ 0·97–2·1%;Na₂O 2·4–4·3%; P₂O₅ 0·08–0·7%;H₂O 0·25–1·5%; La 4·3–46·6ppm). The extent of enrichment in incompatible elements in glassescorrelates positively with isotopic ratios of Sr (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr= 0·70255–0·70275) and Pb (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb =18·951–19·493; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15·528–15·589;²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38·523–38·979), and negativelywith Nd (¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0·51310–0·51304).Macquarie Island basaltic glasses are divided into two compositionalgroups according to their mg-number–K₂O relationships.Near-primitive basaltic glasses (Group I) have the highest mg-number(63–69), and high Al₂O₃ and CaO contents at a given K₂Ocontent, and carry microphenocrysts of primitive olivine (Fo_86–89·5).Their bulk compositions are used to calculate primary melt compositionsin equilibrium with the most magnesian Macquarie Island olivines(Fo_90·5). Fractionated, Group II, basaltic glasses aresaturated with olivine + plagioclase ± clinopyroxene,and have lower mg-number (57–67), and relatively low Al₂O₃and CaO contents. Group I glasses define a seriate variationwithin the compositional spectrum of MORB, and extend the compositionalrange from N-MORB compositions to enriched compositions thatrepresent a new primitive enriched MORB end-member. Comparedwith N-MORB, this new end-member is characterized by relativelylow contents of MgO, FeO, SiO₂ and CaO, coupled with high contentsof Al₂O₃, TiO₂, Na₂O, P₂O₅, K₂O and incompatible trace elements,and has the most radiogenic Sr and Pb regional isotope composition.These unusual melt compositions could have been generated bylow-degree partial melting of an enriched mantle peridotitesource, and were erupted without significant mixing with commonN-MORB magmas. The mantle in the Macquarie Island region musthave been enriched and heterogeneous on a very fine scale. Wesuggest that the mantle enrichment implicated in this studyis more likely to be a regional signature that is shared bythe Balleny Islands magmatism than directly related to the hypotheticalBalleny plume itself. KEY WORDS: mid-ocean ridge basalts; Macquarie Island; glass; petrology; geochemistry