High resolution (5 μm) U–Th–Pb isotope dating of monazite with excimer laser ablation (ELA)-ICPMS

Monazite [(LREE)PO₄], a common accessory mineral in magmatic and metamorphic rocks, is complementary to zircon in U–Th–Pb geochronology. Because the mineral can record successive growth phases it is useful for unravelling complex geological histories. A high spatial resolution is required to identify contrasted age domains that may occur at the crystal-scale. Bulk mineral techniques such as ID-TIMS, applied to single monazite grains recording multiple overgrowths or isotope resetting can result in partly scattered discordant analytical points that produce inaccurate intercept ages. Laser ablation (LA)-ICPMS has been demonstrated to be a useful technique for U–Th–Pb dating of zircons, and this study tests its analytical capabilities for dating monazite. A sector field high resolution ICPMS coupled with a 193 nm ArF excimer laser ablation microprobe is capable of achieving a high spatial resolution and producing stable and reliable isotope measurements.

The U–Th–Pb systematic was applied to monazite grains from several samples: a lower Palaeozoic lens from high-grade terrains in Southern Madagascar, Neogene hydrothermal crystals from the Western Alps, a Palaeoproterozoic very high temperature granulite from central Madagascar and a Variscan leucogranite from Spain, directly on a polished thin section. The major aim was to compare and/or reproduce TIMS and EMP ages of monazite from a variety of settings and ages. The three independent ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U, ²⁰⁷Pb/²³⁵U and ²⁰⁸Pb/²³²Th ratios and ages were calculated. Isotope fractionation effects (mass bias, laser induced fractionation) were corrected using a chemically homogeneous and U–Pb concordant monazite as external standard.

This study demonstrates that excimer laser ablation (ELA)-ICPMS allows U–Th–Pb dating of monazite with a high level of repeatability, accuracy and precision as well as rapidity of analysis. A spatial resolution almost comparable to that of EMP in terms of crater width (5 μm) produced precise ²⁰⁸Pb/²³²Th, ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U and ²⁰⁷Pb/²³⁵U ratios for dating Palaeozoic to Precambrian monazites. The advantages of (ELA)-ICPMS isotope dating are precision, accuracy and the ability to detect discordance. In the case of late Miocene hydrothermal monazites from the Alps, a larger spot size of 25 μm diameter is required, and precise and accurate ages were obtained only for ²⁰⁸Pb/²³²Th systematics. Results from the Variscan granite show that in situ U–Th–Pb dating of monazites with (ELA)-ICPMS is possible using a 5 μm spot directly on thin sections, so that age data can be placed in a textural context.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Geochemistry and Sr, Nd, Pb isotopic composition of the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP) in Guyana and Guinea

The Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP) is one of the largest igneous provinces on Earth, extending more than 5000 km north to south, on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Its emplacement occurred about 200 Ma ago, at the Triassic–Jurassic boundary, and is linked to the initial breakup of Pangaea. Two areas of the province are studied here: French Guyana/Surinam (South America) and Guinea (West Africa), in order to document the petrogenesis and geodynamical significance of high-Ti and low-Ti basaltic magmas from the CAMP.

In Guyana, doleritic and gabbroic dykes are located on the edge of the Guiana Shield, and represent limited volumes of magma. They display low SiO₂ (47–50%), high TiO₂ (2.5–3.5%) and high FeO tholeiitic trends and show variably enriched trace element patterns ((La/Yb)_n=1.5–5.1). Their isotopic signature and ratios of very incompatible elements (εNd_i=+5.8 to +4.2, (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i=0.703–0.705, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i=15.46–15.64) match a depleted PREMA (prevalent mantle)-like source. Their genesis can be modeled by ca. 15% partial melting of a lherzolite source, and a subsequent limited fractional crystallization (5–10%) or a slight upper crustal assimilation–fractional crystallization (AFC, r=0.1, Proterozoic contaminant). In Guinea, in contrast, huge volumes of CAMP magmas were intruded along the Rockelides suture and the West African craton, forming the Fouta Djalon sills and the Kakoulima laccolith. The laccolith is more than 1000 m thick. These features consist of gabbros, dolerites, diorites and mafic (gabbro) and ultramafic (dunite, wherlite) cumulates. Guinean tholeiites show high SiO₂ (51–58%), low TiO₂ (0.7–1.2%) and FeO trends, with high LILE/HFSE ratios and slight negative Nb–Ta anomalies. Isotopic signatures (εNd_i=+0.4 to −5.3, (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i=0.705–0.710, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i=15.57–15.66) indicate a more enriched source than for Guyana as well as a higher rate of magma–upper crust interaction through an AFC process (r=0.3, Birimian crust contaminant) and, probably, an additional upper crustal contamination for the most differentiated sample.

This geochemical study supports the prevalence in Guinea, as for other low-Ti CAMP tholeiites, of a lithospheric mantle source, previously enriched during ancient subduction events, and preferentially reactivated in late Triassic times by edge-driven convection between cratonic and mobile belt domains. A larger contribution from a depleted asthenospheric source is required to generate high-Ti tholeiites in Guyana, which may reflect the development of CAMP rifting towards the initiation of the Central Atlantic oceanic crust.     

Geochemical and isotope data from the Acatlán Volcanic Field, western Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt: Origin and evolution

The Quaternary Acatlán Volcanic Field (AVF) is located at the western edge of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (TMVB). This region is related to the subduction of the Pacific Cocos and Rivera plates beneath the North American plate since the late Miocene. AVF rocks are products of Pleistocene volcanic activity and include lava flows, domes, erupted basaltic andesite, trachyandesite, trachydacite, and rhyolite of calc–alkaline affinity. Most rocks show depletion in high field-strength elements and enrichment in large ion lithophile elements and light rare earth elements as is typical for magmas in subduction-related volcanic arcs. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values range from 0.70361 to 0.70412, while Nd values vary from +2.3 to +5.2. Sr–Nd isotopic data plot along the mantle array. On the other hand, lead isotope compositions (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=18.62–18.75, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=15.57–15.64, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=38.37–38.67) give evidence for combined influences of the upper mantle, fluxes derived from subducted sediments, and the upper continental crust involved in magma genesis at AVF. Additionally δ¹⁸O whole rock analyses range from +6.35‰ in black pumice to +10.9‰ in white pumice of the Acatlán Ignimbrite. A fairly good correlation is displayed between Sr as well as O isotopes and SiO₂ emphasizing the effects of crustal contamination. Compositional and isotopic data suggest that the different AVF series derived from distinct parental magmas, which were generated by partial melting of a heterogeneous mantle source.     

Geochemical evidence for the Trindade hotspot trace: Columbia seamount ankaramite

The Columbia seamount 825 km offshore from Brazil at 20°S lies on the east–west ‘trace’ of the Trindade hotspot. Continental and oceanic magmatism believed to have originated with this hotspot is alkalic and SiO₂-undersaturated, and dates from 85 Ma in southern Brazil to <3 Ma on the islands of Trindade and Martin Vaz 1100 km offshore. An ankaramite (clinopyroxene 16 vol%) dredged from Columbia seamount (est. 10 Ma) conforms to this geochemistry with SiO₂-undersaturated Al-rich clinopyroxene (8–13 wt.% Al₂O₃) and rhönite. Clinopyroxene isotopic compositions are ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr=0.703900, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd=0.512786, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=19.190, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=15.045, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=39.242 — resembling those for Trindade, except for slightly higher ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb. The isotopic composition and abundance ratios among weathering-resistant Nb, La, and Yb suggest that Columbia seamount magmatism represents the present-day Trindade plume, but 10 million years earlier and perhaps when the plume manifested a signature of ‘contamination’ from subducted sediments. The Columbia seamount analyses provide the first quantitative assessment for the Trindade hotspot trace existing between the Brazil margin and Trindade, strengthening the case for a continuum of magmatism extending from the 85 Ma Brazilian igneous provinces of Poxoréu and Alto Paranaiba.     

Origin of lamprophyres by the mixing of basic and alkaline melts in magma chamber in Beiya area, western Yunnan, China

Lamprophyres consisting mainly of diopside, phlogopite and K-feldspar formed in the early Tertiary around 60 Ma in the Beiya area and are characterized by low SiO₂ ± 46–50 wt.%), Rb (31–45 ppm) and Sr (225–262 ppm), high Al₂O₃, (11.2–13.1 wt.%), CaO (8.0–8.7 wt.%), MgO (11.5–12.1 wt.%), K₂O(4.9–5.5 wt.%), TiO₂ (2.9–3.3 wt.%) and REE (174–177 ppm), and compatible elements (e.g. Sc, Cr and Ni) and HSF elements (e.g. Th, U, Zr, Nb, Ta, Ti and Y), and low ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd 0.512372–0.512536, middle ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr 0.707322–0.707395, middle ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 18.50–18.59, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 15.60–15.65 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 38.75–38.8. These rocks developed peculiar quartz megacrysts with poly-layer reaction zones, melt inclusions, and partial melted K-feldspar and plagioclase inclusions, and plastic shapes. Important features of these rocks include: (1) hybrid composition of elements, (2) abrupt increase of SiO₂ content of the melt, recorded by zoned diopside, (3) development of sanidine and aegirine-augite reaction zones, (4) alkaline melt and partial melted K-feldspar and plagioclase inclusions, (5) deformed quartz inclusions associated with quartz megacrysts, (6) the presence of quartz megacrysts in plastic shape with their parent melts, (7) the occurrence of olivine, high-MgO ilmenite and spinel inclusions within earlier formed diopside, phlogopite and magnetite. Median ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values between Tertiary alkaline porphyries in the Beiya area and the western Yunnan and Tertiary basalt in the western Yunnan indicate that the Beiya lamprophyre melts were derivative and resulted from the mixing between basic melts that were related to the partial melting of phenocrysts of spinel iherzolite from a mantle source. The alkaline melts originated from partial melting along the Jinshajiang subduction ductile shear zone at the contact between the buried Palaeo-Tethyan oceanic lithosphere and the upper mantle lithosphere. The alkaline melts are composed of 65% sanidine (Or₇₀Ab₂₈An₂) and 35% SiO₂. The melt mixing occurred in magma chambers in the middle-shallow crust at 8–10 km before the derivative lamprophyre melts intruded into the shallow cover in Beiya area. This mixing of basic and alkaline melts might represent a general process for the formation of lamprophyre in the western Yunnan.     

Isotope and trace element geochemistry of Colorado Plateau volcanics

Basalts from the San Francisco Peaks and North Rim of Grand Canyon, nephelinites from the Hopi Buttes and Navajo minettes (Colorado Plateau) have been analyzed for trace element contents and Sr, Nd, Pb isotope compositions. The ages increase eastward from the Quaternary (basalt) to 5 Ma (nephelinite) and 30 Ma (minette) as does the depth of melt generation inferred from xenolith mineralogy and major element geochemistry.

The three rock types present an enrichment of incompatible elements (although minettes present negative concentration spikes for Nb, Zr, Ti, Ba, Sr) relative to other magma types. The chondrite-normalized Ce/Yb ratio changes from 8–22 (basalt) to 25–30 (nephelinite) and 33–60 (minette) and reflects small degrees of partial melting of a mantle source with a garnet/clinopyroxene ratio increasing with depth. The negative Eu anomaly present in minette, the low Sr/Nd and high Pb/Ce suggest the presence of a recycled continental crust component in their mantle source.

The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio varies from 0.7032-0.7045 (basalt and nephelinite) to 0.7052-0.7071 (minette), while ε_Nd is remarkably more constant at +0.8 to +3.7 (nephelinite) and −2.6 to +2.2 (basalt and minette). Good linear correlations are observed in both ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb vs. ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb diagrams with basalt being the least and nephelinite the most radiogenic and indicate a 2.3 ±0.1 Ga age and a Th/U of 3.4.

Three lithospheric source components are indicated: a) an OIB-type depleted mantle source, b) an end-member with unradiogenic Sr, Nd and Pb for basalt and nephelinite and c) a recycled crustal component for minette.     

Diagenetic mass transport in the southern San Joaquin basin, California, U.S.A.: Implications from the strontium isotopic composition of modern pore fluids

Three types of chemically and isotopically distinct pore fluids from the southern San Joaquin basin previously recognized by J.B. Fisher and J.R. Boles also have distinctive ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios and Sr concentrations. Meteoric fluids have stable isotopic compositions which lie on or near the meteoric water line and low chlorinities. Sr concentrations are between 0.01 and 2.6 mg l⁻¹, and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios range from 0.7061 to 0.7078. Diagenetically modified connate marine fluids have δD-and δ¹⁸O-values more positive than −35‰ and 0‰, respectively, and have chlorinities generally comparable to seawater. Sr concentration are much higher than the meteoric group (16–198 mg l⁻¹), although the ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.7070–0.7081) are not distinctive. Mixed meteoric-modified connate fluids have δD, δ¹⁸O and chlorinity intermediate between the meteoric and modified connate groups. Sr concentrations are also intermediate, between 16 and 22 mg l⁻¹, but ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.7080–0.7087) are generally more radiogenic than either the meteoric or modified connate groups.

All of the fluids have ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios comparable to or lower than Tertiary seawater. Alteration of detrital plagioclase is the probable origin of the low isotopic ratios. Mass-balance calculations based on the Sr data suggest that essentially no transport of Sr occurred during diagenesis of sandstones containing modified connate pore fluids, while large amounts of Sr have been transported out of meteoric reservoirs by fluid flow. The chemically anomalous mixed meteoric-modified connate fluids contain the most radiogenic strontium in the basin. These fluids are spatially associated with major faults, and may represent clay mineral dehydration waters which have been transported upward from greater depth.

These results suggest that the three types of fluids identified by Fisher and Boles represent three distinct mass transport regimes: a largely stagnant deep-basin system containing modified connate pore fluids; an actively recharging meteoric system along the basin flanks; and a third system restricted to the southern basin which may be characterized by largescale cross-formational fluid flow, rather than dilution by meteoric waters.     

Pre-Cenozoic intra-plate magmatism along the Central Andes (17–34°S): Composition of the mantle at an active margin

Sr–Nd–Pb isotope ratios of alkaline mafic intra-plate magmatism constrain the isotopic compositions of the lithospheric mantle along what is now the eastern foreland or back arc of the Cenozoic Central Andes (17–34°S). Most small-volume basanite volcanic rocks and alkaline intrusive rocks of Cretaceous (and rare Miocene) age were derived from a depleted lithospheric mantle source with rather uniform initial ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ( 0.5127–0.5128) and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ( 0.7032–0.7040). The initial ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios are variable (18.5–19.7) at uniform ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios (15.60 ± 0.05). A variety of the Cretaceous depleted mantle source of the magmatic rocks shows elevated Sr isotope ratios up to 0.707 at constant high Nd isotope ratios. The variable Sr and Pb isotope ratios are probably due to radiogenic growth in a metasomatized lithospheric mantle, which represents the former sub-arc mantle beneath the early Palaeozoic active continental margin. Sr–Nd–Pb isotope signatures of a second mantle type reflected in the composition of Cretaceous (one late Palaeozoic age) intra-plate magmatic rocks (¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd  0.5123, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr  0.704, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb  17.5–18.5, and ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb  15.45–15.50) are similar to the isotopic composition of old sub-continental lithospheric mantle of the Brazilian Shield.

Published Nd and Sr isotopic compositions of Mesozoic to Cenozoic arc-related magmatic rocks (18–40°S) represent the composition of the convective sub-arc mantle in the Central Andes and are similar to those of the Cretaceous (and rare Miocene) intra-plate magmatic rocks. The dominant convective and lithospheric mantle type beneath this old continental margin is depleted mantle, which is compositionally different from average MORB-type depleted mantle. The old sub-continental lithospheric mantle did not contribute to Mesozoic to Cenozoic arc magmatism.     

Spinel-facies mantle xenoliths from Cerro Redondo, Argentine Patagonia: Petrographic, geochemical, and isotopic evidence of interaction between xenoliths and host basalt

Cerro Redondo is an ancient cinder cone now almost completely eroded, sited over a sill that corresponds to a sub-volcanic magma chamber, in Santa Cruz province, Patagonia, Argentina. It is composed of Pliocene-Pleistocene alkaline basalt containing spinel-facies lherzolite and harzburgite mantle xenoliths. Core compositions of pyroxenes indicate temperatures of 823 °C to 1043 °C and pressures of 12.4 kb to 21.4 kb. Based on P–T estimates, petrographic, geochemical, and isotopic characteristics, we propose that Cerro Redondo xenoliths come from a thick homogeneous mantle column (36 km to 63 km depth), and present different degrees of basalt infiltration. A simple mixing model based on Sr isotopes was used to quantify the host basalt infiltration, and contamination values of 0.0%, 0.2%, 3%, and 12% were obtained for samples X-F, X-D, X-C, and X-B, respectively. For unknown reasons, samples X-G and X-E suffered selective isotopic and trace element modification, respectively, associated with 1% of basalt infiltration. Sample X-F best represents the sub-continental lithospheric mantle column, conserving primary equilibrium textures with sharp grain boundaries, and having TiO₂, CaO, Na₂O, K₂O, and P₂O₅ contents lower than average spinel lherzolite, flat chondrite-normalized REE pattern, and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios of 0.70519 and 0.51297, respectively. This sample records a decoupling of the Sr–Nd system where Sr ratios increase at constant Nd ratios, possibly caused by chromatographic processes. Its ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios are 17.987, 15.556, and 37.959, respectively. As the interaction with the host basalt increases, xenoliths show a gradual increase of disequilibrium textures such as reaction rims and exsolution lamellae in orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene, and increase of TiO₂, CaO, Al₂O₃, Na₂O, K₂O, P₂O₅, LREE, and incompatible element concentrations. The Sr–Nd system shows an unusual positive trend from the unmodified sample X-F toward the host basalt isotope composition with ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios of 0.70447 and 0.51279, respectively, while ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios tend to increase toward those of the host basalt (18.424, 15.648, and 38.728, respectively) as the xenolith–basalt interaction increases. The basalt–xenolith reaction probably started during the transport of the xenoliths to the surface, and continued during the residence of xenoliths in the sub-volcanic magma chamber of Cerro Redondo.     

Modeling of subduction components in the Genesis of the Meso-Cenozoic igneous rocks from the South Shetland Arc, Antarctica

Isotope data and trace elements concentrations are presented for volcanic and plutonic rocks from the Livingston, Greenwich, Robert, King George and Ardley islands (South Shetland arc, Antarctica). These islands were formed during subduction of the Phoenix Plate under the Antarctica Plate from Cretaceous to Tertiary. Isotopically (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_o ratios vary from 0.7033 to 0.7046 and (¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd)_o ratios from 0.5127 to 0.5129. εNd values vary from +2.71 to +7.30 that indicate asthenospheric mantle source for the analysed samples. ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios vary from 38.12 to 38.70, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios are between 15.49 and 15.68, and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb from 18.28 to 18.81. The South Shetland rocks are thought to be derived from a depleted MORB mantle source (DMM) modified by mixtures of two enriched mantle components such as slab-derived melts and/or fluids and small fractions of oceanic sediment (EM I and EM II). The isotopic compositions of the subduction component can be explained by mixing between at least 4 wt.% of sediment and 96 wt.% of melts and/or fluids derived from altered MORB.     

燃烧试验在煤的放射性环境评价方法研究中的应用

采集康平、沈北、东梁、辽阳、阜新、浑江、舒兰、海拉尔、珲春、凉水、七台河共11处煤矿样品,设置了燃烧试验,使煤在近密闭燃烧炉中燃烧,杜绝飞灰造成的物质损失,然后测定煤及其对应灰分的²³⁸U、²³²Th、²²⁶Ra、⁴⁰K活度.分析得出：在理论燃烧状态下,假设燃烧无飞灰产生,煤灰的²³⁸U、²³²Th、²²⁶Ra、⁴⁰K天然放射性核素富集因子f与煤灰分比Ad的乘积为1.根据煤燃烧后核素的迁移富集规律和影响辐射水平的核素权重,提出了应用于煤的比活度、吸收剂量率、年吸收剂量、内辐射指数等放射性环境评价参考值.经11处煤矿验证,评价结果可以反映煤灰的辐射水平,辐射水平排序与实际测量结果基本一致.     

燃烧试验在煤的放射性环境评价方法研究中的应用

采集康平、沈北、东梁、辽阳、阜新、浑江、舒兰、海拉尔、珲春、凉水、七台河共11处煤矿样品，设置了燃烧试验，使煤在近密闭燃烧炉中燃烧，杜绝飞灰造成的物质损失，然后测定煤及其对应灰分的²³⁸U、²³²Th、²²⁶Ra、⁴⁰K活度.分析得出：在理论燃烧状态下，假设燃烧无飞灰产生，煤灰的²³⁸U、²³²Th、²²⁶Ra、⁴⁰K天然放射性核素富集因子f与煤灰分比Ad的乘积为1.根据煤燃烧后核素的迁移富集规律和影响辐射水平的核素权重，提出了应用于煤的比活度、吸收剂量率、年吸收剂量、内辐射指数等放射性环境评价参考值.经11处煤矿验证，评价结果可以反映煤灰的辐射水平，辐射水平排序与实际测量结果基本一致.     

An unsuccessful attempt at U/Th dating of soil calcretes from the Doukkâli area (western Morocco) and environmental implications

A large number of calcrete samples from topsoils of the Doukkâli area, western Morocco, were studied by U-disequilibrium series methods. The ²³⁰Th/²³⁴U ages are rather uniformly distributed between>350 and 2 ka BP. Homologous samples for occurrence and structure display quite different ages, the ²³⁰Th/²³⁴U ages are considered apparent. This is explained by repeated deposition of secondary calcite in the calcrete pores, which caused lowering of the original ages. However, the apparent ages may be considered minimum ages of the calcrete formation, indicating that calcium carbonate mobilization and deposition has been taking place repeatedly since >350 ka.

The age range obtained is quite comparable with that of calcretes from southern Spain, suggesting similar conditions for the calcrete formation in the two areas.     

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).     

Late Triassic granitoids of the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau: Geochronology, petrogenesis and implications for tectonic evolution

Late Triassic granitoids in the Songpan-Garzê Fold Belt (SGFB), on the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, formed at 230 to 220 Ma and can be divided into two groups. Group 1 are high-K calc-alkaline rocks with adakitic affinities (K-adakites), with Sr > 400 ppm, Y < 11 ppm, strongly fractionated REE patterns ((La/Yb)_N = 32–105) and high K₂O/Na₂O (≈ 1). Group 2 are ordinary high-K calc-alkaline I-types with lower Sr (< 400 ppm), higher Y (> 18 ppm) and weakly fractionated REE patterns ((La/Yb)_N < 20). Rocks of both groups have similar negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu = 0.50 to 0.94) and initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.70528 to 0.71086), but group 1 rocks have higher ε_Nd(t) (− 1.01 to − 4.84) than group 2 (− 3.11 to − 6.71). Calculated initial Pb isotope ratios for both groups are: ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.343 to 18.627, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.610 to 15.705 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.269 to 3759. Group 1 magmas were derived through partial melting of thickened and then delaminated TTG-type, eclogitic lower crust, with some contribution from juvenile enriched mantle melts. Group 2 magmas were generated by partial melting of shallower lower crustal rocks. The inferred magma sources of both groups suggest that the basement of the SGFB was similar to the exposed Kangding Complex, and that the SGFB was formed in a similar manner to the South China basement. Here, passive margin crust was greatly thickened and then delaminated, all within a very short time interval ( 20 Myr). Such post-collisional crustal thickening could be the tectonic setting for the generation of many adakitic magmas, especially where there is no spatial and temporal association with subduction.     

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.