Petrogenesis of Ultramafic Xenoliths from the 1800 Kaupulehu Flow, Hualalai Volcano, Hawaii

The 1800 Kaupulehu flow on Hualalai Volcano, Hawaii, containsabundant xcnoliths of dunitc, wehrlite, and olivine clinopyroxenitewith minor gabbro, troctolite, anorthosite, and wcbstcrite.The petrography and mineral compositions of 41 dunite, wehrlite,and olivine clinopyroxenite xenoliths have been studied, andclinopyroxene separates from eight of these have been analyzedfor Ba, K, Rb, Sr, rare earth elements, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd.Temperatures of equilibration obtained by olivine-spinel andpyroxene geothermometry range from 1000 to 1200 C. Mineralogicaldata combined with published fluid inclusion data indicate depthsof origin in the range of 8–30 km. The rarity of orthopyroxene, the presence of Fe-rich olivine(Fo⁸¹–⁸⁹) and clinopyroxene (Fs⁵–¹²), and the occurrenceof high TiO² in spinel (0.9–2.8 wt.%) and clinopyroxene(035–1.33 wt%) all indicate that the xenoliths are cumulates,not residues from partial fusion. The separated clinopyrox-eneshave ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0-70348.0-70367) and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd (0.51293–0.51299)values that are different from Sr and Nd isotope ratios of Pacificabyssal basalts (>0.7032 and >0-5130, respectively). Also,clinopyroxenes and spinels in the xenoliths have generally higherTiO₂ contents (>O.35 and >0.91 wt.%, respectively) thantheir counterparts in abyssal cumulates (<0.40 and <0.70wt%,respectively). These differences indicate that the xenolithsare not a normal component of oceanic crust. Because the xenoliths and alkalic to transitional Hualalai lavashave similar values for Cr/(Cr + Al) and Cr/(Cr + Al + Fe³⁺)of spinels, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr of clinopyroxenes, and whole-rock ³He/⁴He,we conclude that the xenoliths are cumulates from such magmas.Multiple parental magmas for the xenoliths are indicated byslightly heterogeneous ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr of clinopyroxene separates.Depths of formation of the xenoliths are estimated to be {smalltilde}8–30 km. Extensive crystallization of olivine in the absence of pyroxenesand plagioclase is a characteristic and prominent feature ofHawaiian tholeiitic magmatism. Dunite xenoliths crystallizedfrom alkalic magmas have previously been reported from MaunaKea Volcano (Atwill & Garcia, 1985) and Loihi Seamount (Clague,1988). Our finding of an alkalic signature for dunite xenolithsfrom a third Hawaiian volcano, Hualalai, shows that early olivinecrystallization should be considered a characteristic not justof Hawaiian tholeiitic magmatism but also of Hawaiian alkalicmagmatism.     

Environments of Crystallization and Compositional Diversity of Mauna Loa Xenoliths

Two picrite flows from the SW rift zone of Mauna Loa containxenoliths of dunite, harzburgite, lherzolite, plagioclase-bearinglherzolite and harzburgite, troctolite, gabbro, olivine gabbro,and gabbronorite. Textures and olivine compositions precludea mantle source for the xenoliths, and rare earth element concentrationsof xenoliths and clinopyroxene indicate that the xenolith sourceis not old oceanic crust, but rather a Hawaiian, tholeiitic-stagemagma. Pyroxene compositions, phase assemblages and texturalrelationships in xenoliths indicate at least two different crystallizationsequences. Calculations using the pMELTS algorithm show thatthe two sequences result from crystallization of primitive MaunaLoa magmas at 6 kbar and 2 kbar. Independent calculations ofolivine Ni–Fo compositional variability in the plagioclase-bearingxenoliths over these crystallization sequences are consistentwith observed olivine compositional variability. Two parentsof similar bulk composition, but which vary in Ni content, arenecessary to explain the olivine compositional variability inthe dunite and plagioclase-free peridotitic xenoliths. Xenolithsprobably crystallized in a small magma storage area beneaththe rift zone, rather than the large sub-caldera magma reservoir.Primitive, picritic magmas are introduced to isolated rift zonestorage areas during periods of high magma flux. Subsequenteruptions reoccupy these areas, and entrain and transport xenolithsto the surface. KEY WORDS: xenolith; Hawaii; volcano plumbing; mineral composition; picrite     

Mantle Heterogeneity and Crustal Contamination in the Genesis of Low-Ti Continental Flood Basalts from the Paran? Plateau (Brazil): Sr-Nd Isotope and Geochemical Evidence

Continental flood basalts from the Parana plateau are of LowerCretaceous age and are represented by abundant (c. 45 per centby volume) two-pyroxene tholeiites characterized by relativelylow-TiO₂ (< 2 wt. percent) and incompatible (e.g., P, Ba,Sr, La, Ce, Zr) element contents. Low-Ti basalts are distributedthroughout the Parana Basin and predominate in the southernregions, where they represent over 90 per cent by volume ofthe basic activity. Major and trace elements and Sr-Nd isotope ratios were analysedin 43 low-Ti basalts selected so as to cover the entire Paranabasin. In general, low-Ti basalts with initial ^87Sr86Sr ratios (R₀)lower than O7060 may be divided into two groups: (A) those relativelyenriched in incompatible elements (e.g., average K₂O = O.85and P₂O₅ = 0.27 wt. per cent, and Ba = 346, Sr =289, Rb=16;La =18; Zr=132 p.p.m.) and SiO₂ (average 51.1 wt. per cent);and (B) depleted in incompatible elements (e.g., average K₂O= 0.31, P₂O₅ =0.17 wt. per cent, and Ba=178, Sr= 179, Rb= 11,La = 9, Zr = 93 p.p.m.) and SiO₂ (average 49.7 wt. per cent).Low-Ti basalts of Group A are typical of northern Paran? {Ro= O70550–O70596), but a few are also present in centralParan? (Ro = 070577–0–70591), while those of GroupB are exclusive to central Paran– {Ro = 070463–0–70580) Low-Ti basalts with R₀> O7060 are typical of southern Paran?(R₀ = O7O639 –O71137), but are also present in centralParana (Ro = 070620–070890). These low-Ti basalts havechemical similarity (e.g., Ti, P, Sr) with low-Ti basalts depletedin incompatible elements (Group B) from which, however, theydiffer-in possessing significantly higher concentrations ofSiO₂, K₂O, Rb, and Ba. Such chemical diversity, accompaniedby important Ro variations (070463–071137) suggests thatthe low-Ti basalts from southern and part of central Paranamay result from crustal contamination. On the contrary, low-Ti basalts from northern, and part of central, Parana (GroupA) may be considered virtually uncontaminated. Results indicate that crustal contamination by granitic material(s)may be in the range 7–17 per cent. Such contaminationin central Paran? appears compatible with an assimilation-fractionalcrystallization process (AFC), while in southern Parana, othercontamination processes (e.g., mixing of magmasfrom crustaland mantle sources, assimilation of wall rock while magmas flowthrough dykes, etc.) were probably superimposed on AFC. Thedegree of crustal contamination generally decreases from southernto northern Parana. Sr and Nd isotope ratios suggest that mantle source materialfor low-Ti basalts depleted in incompatible elements (GroupB: southern and part of central Parana) had a lower R₀ value(c. O.7046) and a higher ^l43Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratio (Nd + c. 0.51274)than that for low-Ti basalts enriched in incompatible elements(Group A: northern and part of central Parana), namely R₀ c.O.7059 and Nd+ c. 0.51242. These Sr-isotopic differences alsoapply to the northern (incompatible-element rich, R₀ c. O.7053)and southern (incompatible-element poor R₀ c. 0.7046) basaltprovinces of Karoo, suggesting that both Parana and Karoo basaltmagmas, differing by about 70 m.y. in age, probably originatedin a similar batch of subcontinental lithospheric mantle inpredrift times (cf. Cox, 1986). The extension of the Dupal Sr-anomaly (i.e. Rio Grande Rise+ Wai vis Ridge + Gough and Tristan da Cunha islands: Sr = 46=53;Hart, 1984) inside the Brazilian continent (Sr = 46–59)suggests that the lithospheric mantle of the Parana (and Karoo)provinces was possibly also the local source of oceanic volcanismup to advanced stages of the opening of the South Atlantic. ^*Reprint requests to E. M. Piccirillo.     

Mantle Xenoliths from Tenerife (Canary Islands): Evidence for Reactions between Mantle Peridotites and Silicic Carbonatite Melts inducing Ca Metasomatism

Mantle xenoliths from Tenerife show evidence of metasomatismand recrystallization overprinting the effects of extensivepartial melting. The evidence includes: recrystallization ofexsolved orthopyroxene porphyroclasts highly depleted in incompatibletrace elements into incompatible-trace-element-enriched, poikiliticorthopyroxene with no visible exsolution lamellae; formationof olivine and REE–Cr-rich, strongly Zr–Hf–Ti-depletedclinopyroxene at the expense of orthopyroxene; the presenceof phlogopite; whole-rock CaO/Al₂O₃ >> 1 (Ca metasomatism) inrecrystallized rocks; and enrichment in incompatible elementsin recrystallized rocks, relative to rocks showing little evidenceof recrystallization. The ‘higher-than-normal’ degreeof partial melting that preceded the metasomatism probably resultsfrom plume activity during the opening of the Central AtlanticOcean. Sr–Nd isotopic compositions are closely similarto those of Tenerife basalts, indicating resetting from theexpected original mid-ocean ridge basalt composition by themetasomatizing fluids. Metasomatism was caused by silicic carbonatitemelts, and involved open-system processes, such as trappingof elements compatible with newly formed acceptor minerals,leaving residual fluids moving to shallower levels. The compositionsof the metasomatizing fluids changed with time, probably asa result of changing compositions of the melts produced in theCanary Islands plume. Spinel dunites and wehrlites representrocks where all, or most, orthopyroxene has been consumed throughthe metasomatic reactions. KEY WORDS: Canary Islands; Tenerife; mantle xenoliths; geochemistry; Ca metasomatism; open-system processes; lithosphere; ocean islands     

Evolution of Mafic Alkaline Melts Crystallized in the Uppermost Lithospheric Mantle: a Melt Inclusion Study of Olivine-Clinopyroxenite Xenoliths, Northern Hungary

Olivine-clinopyroxenite xenoliths exhumed in alkali basalts(sensu lato) in the Nógrád–GömörVolcanic Field (NGVF), northern Hungary, contain abundant silicatemelt inclusions. Geothermobarometric calculations indicate thatthese xenoliths crystallized as cumulates in the upper mantlenear the Moho. These cumulate xenoliths are considered to representa period of Moho underplating by mafic alkaline magmas priorto the onset of Late Tertiary alkaline volcanism in the Carpathian–Pannonianregion. The major and trace element compositions of silicatemelt inclusions in olivine display an evolutionary trend characterizedby a strong decrease in CaO/Al₂O₃. The parental melt of thecumulates was a basanite formed by low-degree ( 2%) partialmelting of a garnet peridotite source. The compositional trendof the silicate melt inclusions, textural features, and modellingwith pMELTS show that the parental melt evolved by major clinopyroxeneand minor olivine crystallization followed by the appearanceof amphibole simultaneously with significant resorption of theearlier clinopyroxene and olivine. The resulting residual meltwas highly enriched in Al₂O₃, alkalis and most incompatibletrace elements. This type of melt is likely to infiltrate andreact with surrounding mantle peridotite as a metasomatic agent.It might also form high-pressure pegmatite-like bodies in themantle that might be the source of the amphibole and sanidinemegacrysts also found in the alkali basalts of the NGVF. Preferentialremelting of the later-formed (i.e. lower temperature) mineralassemblage (amphibole, sanidine, residual glass) might havesignificantly contaminated the host alkaline mafic lavas, increasingtheir Al₂O₃ and total alkali contents and, therefore, reducingtheir MgO, FeO and CaO content. KEY WORDS: silicate melt inclusions; geochemistry; petrogenesis; Nógrád–Gömör Volcanic Field; Pannonian Basin     

The Evolution of the Upper Mantle beneath the Canary Islands: Information from Trace Elements and Sr isotope Ratios in Minerals in Mantle Xenoliths

Laser ablation microprobe data are presented for olivine, orthopyroxeneand clinopyroxene in spinel harzburgite and lherzolite xenolithsfrom La Palma, Hierro, and Lanzarote, and new whole-rock trace-elementdata for xenoliths from Hierro and Lanzarote. The xenolithsshow evidence of strong major, trace element and Sr isotopedepletion (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr 0·7027 in clinopyroxene in themost refractory harzburgites) overprinted by metasomatism. Thelow Sr isotope ratios are not compatible with the former suggestionof a mantle plume in the area during opening of the AtlanticOcean. Estimates suggest that the composition of the originaloceanic lithospheric mantle beneath the Canary Islands correspondsto the residues after 25–30% fractional melting of primordialmantle material; it is thus significantly more refractory than‘normal’ mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB) mantle. Thetrace element compositions and Sr isotopic ratios of the mineralsleast affected by metasomatization indicate that the upper mantlebeneath the Canary Islands originally formed as highly refractoryoceanic lithosphere during the opening of the Atlantic Oceanin the area. During the Canarian intraplate event the uppermantle was metasomatized; the metasomatic processes includecryptic metasomatism, resetting of the Sr–Nd isotopicratios to values within the range of Canary Islands basalts,formation of minor amounts of phlogopite, and melt–wall-rockreactions. The upper mantle beneath Tenerife and La Palma isstrongly metasomatized by carbonatitic or carbonaceous meltshighly enriched in light rare earth elements (REE) relativeto heavy REE, and depleted in Zr–Hf and Ti relative toREE. In the lithospheric mantle beneath Hierro and Lanzarote,metasomatism has been relatively weak, and appears to be causedby high-Si melts producing concave-upwards trace element patternsin clinopyroxene with weak negative Zr and Ti anomalies. Ti–Al–Fe-richharzburgites/lherzolites, dunites, wehrlites and clinopyroxenitesformed from mildly alkaline basaltic melts (similar to thosethat dominate the exposed parts of the islands), and appearto be mainly restricted to magma conduits; the alkali basaltmelts have caused only local metasomatism in the mantle wall-rocksof such conduits. The various metasomatic fluids formed as theresults of immiscible separations, melt–wall-rock reactionsand chromatographic fractionation either from a CO₂-rich basalticprimary melt, or, alternatively, from a basaltic and a siliceouscarbonatite or carbonaceous silicate melt. KEY WORDS: mantle xenoliths; mantle minerals; trace elements; depletion; carbonatite metasomatism     

Dunite Formation Processes in Highly Depleted Peridotite: Case Study of the Iwanaidake Peridotite, Hokkaido, Japan

Dunite formation processes in highly depleted peridotites arediscussed based upon a detailed study of the Iwanaidake peridotite,Hokkaido, Japan, which consists mainly of harzburgite with asmall amount of dunite. In the harzburgites, the Mg# [= 100x Mg/(Mg + Fe²⁺)] of olivine ranges from 91·5 to 92·5,and the Cr# [= 100 x Cr/(Cr + Al)] of spinel from 30 to 70;in the dunites, the Mg# of olivine ranges from 92·5 to94 and the Cr# of spinel from 60 to 85, respectively. The NiOwt % of olivine in harzburgites ranges from 0·38 to 0·44,and in dunites from 0·35 to 0·37. The Mg# andCr# are higher and NiO wt % is lower in the dunites than inthe harzburgites surrounding the dunites. The Mg# and Cr# exhibitnormal depletion trends expected from simple partial melting,whereas the NiO wt % shows an abnormal trend. On the basis ofmass balance calculations, dunites are considered to be derivedfrom the harzburgites by a process involving incongruent meltingof orthopyroxene (orthopyroxene olivine + Si-rich melt). Hydrousconditions were necessary to lower the solidus, and thus meltingof harzburgite was probably triggered by the introduction ofhydrous silicate melt. The dunite in this massif may have formedin the mantle wedge above a subduction zone. KEY WORDS: depleted peridotite; hydrous melt; incongruent melting; residual dunite; Iwanaidake peridotite     

Mineral Chemistry of Peridotites from Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic Lithosphere: Constraints on Mantle Evolution beneath Eastern China

Major- and trace-element data on the constituent minerals ofgarnet peridotite xenoliths hosted in early Paleozoic (457–500Ma) kimberlites and Neogene (16–18 Ma) volcanic rockswithin the North China Craton are compared with those from thepre-pilot hole of the Chinese Continental Scientific DrillingProject (CCSD-PP1) in the tectonically exhumed Triassic (220Ma) Sulu ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) terrane along its southernmargin. P–T estimates for the Paleozoic and Neogene peridotitexenoliths reflect different model geotherms corresponding tosurface heat flows of 40 mW/m² (Paleozoic) and 80 mW/m² (Neogene).Garnet peridotite xenoliths or xenocrysts from the Paleozoickimberlites are strongly depleted, similar to peridotites fromother areas of cratonic mantle, with magnesium olivine (meanFo_92.7), Cr-rich garnet and clinopyroxene with high La/Yb. Garnet(and spinel) peridotite xenoliths hosted in Neogene basaltsare derived from fertile mantle; they have high Al₂O₃ and TiO₂contents, low-Mg-number olivine (mean Fo_89.5), low-Cr garnetand diopside with flat rare earth element (REE) patterns. Thedifferences between the Paleozoic and Neogene xenoliths suggestthat a buoyant refractory lithospheric keel present beneaththe eastern North China Craton in Paleozoic times was at leastpartly replaced by younger, hotter and more fertile lithosphericmantle during Mesozoic–Cenozoic times. Garnet peridotitesfrom the Sulu UHP terrane have less magnesian olivine (Fo_91.5),and lower-Cr garnet than the Paleozoic xenoliths. The diopsideshave low heavy REE (HREE) contents and sinusoidal to light REE(LREE)-enriched REE patterns. These features, and their highMg/Si and low CaO and Al₂O₃ contents, indicate that the CCSD-PP1peridotites represent a moderately refractory mantle protolith.Details of mineral chemistry indicate that this protolith experiencedcomplex metasomatism by asthenosphere-derived melts or fluidsin Mesoproterozoic, and subsolidus re-equilibration involvingfluids/melts derived from the subducted Yangtze continentalcrust during UHP metamorphism in the early Mesozoic. Tectonicextension of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle of the NorthChina Craton and exhumation of the Sulu UHP rocks in the earlyMesozoic induced upwelling of the asthenosphere. Peridotitessampled by the Neogene basalts represent newly formed lithospherederived by cooling of the upwelling asthenospheric mantle inJurassic–Cretaceous and Paleogene time. KEY WORDS: garnet peridotite xenoliths; North China Craton; lithospheric thinning; Sulu UHP terrane; UHP lithosphere evolution; mantle replacement     

Description and Petrogenesis of the Paran Rzhyolites, Southern Brazil

The Paran continental flood basalt province is a voluminousbimodal volcanic sequence, with <5% silicic rocks (‘rhyolites’)lying on top of the basalts, concentrated towards the SouthAtlantic margin. Petrographically, the rhyolites have an anhydrousmineralogy (plagioclase, pyroxene, Fe–Ti oxides), and.two distinct groups are defined on the basis of phenocryst abundance.The Palmas group rhyolites are almost aphyric (<5% phenocrysts),in contrast to the plagioclase-rith Chapec group rhyolites(<25% phenocrysts). The plagioclase and clinopyroxene phenocrystsin the Palmas group rhyolites are rounded and poorly preserved,and are compositionally less evolved than those in the Chapecgroup. Calculated eruption temperatures are unusually high forsilicic magmas (950–1100C), and lie within the rangeof temperatures for the associated flood basalts. Chemically,the Palmas and Chapec group rhyolites are clearly distinguishable,with the most striking feature being the higher high field strengthelements, notably Ti, in the Chapec group. This mirrors thewell-documented low- and high-Ti division of the Paran basalts,and in addition there is a geographic correlation between thelow- and high- Ti basalt and rhyolite provinces, with high-Tivolcanics predominating in the north of the Paran Basin, andlow-Ti in the south. The Chapec group have Sr and Nd isotoperatios which overlap with those of the high-Ti basalts (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr₁₃₀0•705–0•708), whereas the Palmas group exhibita range towards high Sr isotope ratios (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr₁₃₀ 0•714–0•727),continuing the trend of the low-Ti basalts to more radiogenicvalues. This suggests that assimilation of radiogenic materialhas occurred. Both rhyolite groups plot away from the isotopicfields for crustal basement types beneath the Paran, thus anorigin by simple crustal melting is discounted. Based on petrographic,chemical and isotopic data, petrogenetic models for the tworhyolite groups are developed, focusing on the clear geneticlink between the Palmas rhyolites and the low-Ti basalts, andthe Chapec rhyolites and the high-Ti basalts. The Chapec rhyolitesare modelled as partial melts ( 30%) of underplated high-Tibasalts, rather than fractionates, primarily because of thetime gap between eruption of the high-Ti basalts and Chapecrhyolites. However, the Palmas rhyolites are almost coeval withthe low-Ti basalts, and are modelled as the products of open-systemfractional crystallization from these low-Ti basaltic magmas.In addition, this low-Ti suite shows a continuous trend frombasalt to rhyolite in highly incompatible elements such as Zrand Hf consistent with a liquid line of descent, whereas thehigh-Ti magmas have a substantial gap in the concentration ofthese elements between the basalts and rhyolites. Experimentaldata support the derivation of both Paran rhyolite groups frombasaltic parents with moderately low water contents. Pressurecalculations suggest shallower ponding for the Palmas magmasthan for the Chapec magma (<5 kbar vs 5–15 kbar),and the style of eruption inferred for the two groups is explosive(rheoignimbritic) for the Palmas group, and effusive (lava flows)for the Chapec group. KEY WORDS: Paran; Brazil; rhyolits; petrogenesis; geochemistry ^*Corresponding author     

Origin of Phlogopite in Mantle Xenoliths from Kostal Lake, Wells Gray Park, British Columbia

Phlogopite has been recognized for the first time in ultramaficxenoliths from the Canadian Cordillera. The phlogopite-bearingxenoliths are hosted in post-glacial basanitoid flows and ejectaof the Kostal Lake volcanic center, British Columbia. The xenolithassemblage consists of 60% cumulate-textured wehrlites, and40% coarse-textured lherzolites, harzburgites, dunites, andolivine websterites. The phlogopite occurs: (1) as sub-euhedral grains along grainboundaries in dunite and lherzolite xenoliths; or (2) alongorthopyroxene lamellae exsolved from intercumulus clinopyroxenein the wehrlite xenoliths; or (3) as grains hosted in 10–100pm diameter fluid inclusions in clinopyroxene of all xenoliths.The phlogopites do not show any reaction relationships withother phases in any of the xenoliths studied. Phlogopites ina given xenolith have Mg/Mg + Fe²⁺ similar to that of coexistingolivine, clinopyroxene, and orthopyroxene. The partitioningof Fe and Mg between phlogopite and coexisting olivine and clinopyroxeneis similar to that observed in other phlogopite-bearing mantlexenoliths, and in high-pressure melting experiments on rockswith similar bulk compositions. This indicates that the phlogopitesin xenoliths from Kostal Lake have equilibrated with these coexistingphases. The occurrence of phlogopites in fluid inclusions containingNa, K, Cl, P, and S, suggests that incompatible element-enrichedhydrous fluids/melts fluxed this part of the upper mantle beneatheastern British Columbia. Metasomatism of the upper mantle beneathKostal Lake probably occurred prior to Quaternary alkaline magmatism(7550–400 B.P.) and after the initial volcanism whichformed the wehrlite cumulates (3–5 Ma). Metasomatism causedoverall oxidation of the upper mantle beneath this area butwas not responsible for the anomalously Fe-rich nature of somexenoliths from the Kostal Lake eruptive center.     

Rapid Temporal Changes in Ocean Island Basalt Composition: Evidence from an 800 m Deep Drill Hole in Eiao Shield (Marquesas)

The Dominique drill hole has penetrated the volcanic shieldof Eiao island (Marquesas) down to a depth of 800 m below thesurface and 691•5 m below sea-level with a percentage ofrecovery close to 100%. All the lavas encountered were emplacedunder subaerial conditions. From the bottom to the top are distinguished:quartz and olivine tholeiites (800–686 m), hawaiites,mugearites and trachyte (686–415 m), picritic basalts,olivine tholeiites and alkali basalts (415–0 m). The coredvolcanic pile was emplaced between 5•560•07 Ma and5•220•06 Ma. Important chemical changes occurred during this rather shorttime span (0•34 0•13 Ma). In particular, the lowerbasalts differ from the upper ones in their lower concentrationsof incompatible trace elements and their Sr, Nd and Pb isotopicsignature being closer to the HIMU end-member, whereas the upperbasalts are EM II enriched. The chemical differences betweenthe two basalt groups are consistent with a time-related decreasein the degree of partial melting of isotopically heterogeneoussources. It seems unlikely that these isotopic differences reflectchanges in plume dynamics occurring in such a short time span,and we tentatively suggest that they result from a decreasingdegree of partial melting of a heterogeneous EM II–HIMUmantle plume. Some of the intermediate magmas (the uppermost hawaiites andmugearites) are likely to be derived from parent magmas similarto the associated upper basalts through simple fractionationprocesses. Hawaiites, mugearites and a trachyte from the middlepart of the volcanic sequence have Sr–Nd isotopic signaturessimilar to those of the lower basalts but they differ from themin their lower ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios, resulting in an increasedDMM signature. Some of the hawaiites-mugearites also displayspecific enrichments in P₂O₅, Sr and REE which are unlikelyto result from simple fractionation processes. The isotopicand incompatible element compositions of the intermediate rocksare consistent with the assimilation of MORB-derived wall rocksduring fractional crystallization. The likely contaminant correspondsto Pacific oceanic crust, locally containing apatite-rich veinsand hydrothermal sulphides. We conclude that a possible explanationfor the DMM signature in ocean island basalts is a chemicalcontribution from the underlying oceanic crust and that studiesof intermediate rocks may be important to document the originof the isotopic features of plume-derived magmas. KEY WORDS: alkali basalt; assimilation; mantle heterogeneity; Marquesas; tholeiile ^*Corresponding author     

Clinopyroxene REE Geochemistry of the Red Hills Peridotite, New Zealand: Interpretation of Magmatic Processes in the Upper Mantle and in the Moho Transition Zone

The Red Hills peridotite in the Dun Mountain ophiolite of SouthIsland, New Zealand, is assumed to have been produced in a paleo-mid-oceanridge tectonic setting. The peridotite is composed mostly ofharzburgite and dunite, which represent residual mantle andthe Moho transition zone (MTZ), respectively. Dunite channelswithin harzburgite blocks of various scales represent the MTZcomponent. Plagioclase- and clinopyroxene-bearing dunites occursporadically within common dunites. These dunites representproducts of melt–wall-rock interaction. Chondrite-normalizedrare earth element (REE) patterns of MTZ clinopyroxenes showa wide compositional range. Clinopyroxenes in plagioclase dunitesare extremely depleted in light REE (LREE) ([Lu/La]_N >100),and are comparable with clinopyroxenes in abyssal peridotitesfrom normal mid-ocean ridges. Interstitial clinopyroxenes inthe common dunite have flatter patterns ([Lu/La]_N 2) comparablewith those for dunite in the Oman ophiolite. Clinopyroxenesin the lower part of the residual mantle harzburgites are evenmore strongly depleted in LREE ([Lu/La]_N = 100–1000) thanare mid-ocean ridge peridotites, and rival the most depletedabyssal clinopyroxenes reported from the Bouvet hotspot. Incontrast, those in the uppermost residual mantle harzburgiteand harzburgite blocks in the MTZ are less LREE depleted ([Lu/La]_N= 10–100), and are similar to those in plagioclase dunite.Clinopyroxenes in the clinopyroxene dunite in the MTZ are similarto those reported from mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB) cumulates,and clinopyroxenes in the gabbroic rocks have compositions similarto those reported from MORB. Strong LREE and middle REE (MREE)depletion in clinopyroxenes in the harzburgite suggests thatthe harzburgites are residues of two-stage fractional melting,which operated initially in the garnet field, and subsequentlycontinued in the spinel lherzolite field. The early stage meltingproduced the depleted harzburgite. The later stage melting wasresponsible for the gabbroic rocks and dunite. Strongly LREE–MREE-depletedclinopyroxene in the lower harzburgite and HREE-enriched clinopyroxenein the upper harzburgite and plagioclase dunite were formedby later reactive melt migration occurring in the harzburgite. KEY WORDS: clinopyroxene REE geochemistry; Dun Mountain ophiolite; Moho transition zone; orogenic peridotite; Red Hills     

Partial Melting and Assimilation of Dolomitic Xenoliths by Mafic Magma: the Ioko-Dovyren Intrusion (North Baikal Region, Russia)

A petrological study was carried out on Mg-skarn-bearing dunitecumulates that are part of the Neo-Proterozoic Ioko-Dovyrenintrusion (North Baikal region, Russia). Skarn xenoliths containbrucite pseudomorphs after periclase, forsterite and Cr-poorspinel. Fine-grained forsterite–spinel skarns occur withthe brucite skarns or as isolated schlieren. Field relationshipsreveal that the Mg-skarns formed from silica-poor dolomiticxenoliths by interaction with the mafic magma of the Ioko-Dovyrenintrusion. Rapid heating of dolomitic xenoliths by the maficmagma caused the decomposition of dolomite into calcite + periclase,releasing much CO₂. Further heating quantitatively melted thecalcite. A periclase-rich restite was left behind after extractionof the low-density, low-viscosity calcite melt. The extractedcalcite melt mixed with the surrounding mafic melt. This resultedin crystallization of olivine with CaO contents up to 1·67wt %. A local decrease in the silica concentration stabilizedCaAl₂SiO₆-rich clinopyroxene. Brucite/periclase-free forsterite–spinelskarns probably originated by crystallization from the maficmelt close to the xenoliths at elevated fO₂. The high fO₂ wascaused by CO₂-rich fluids released during the decompositionof the xenoliths. The above case study provides the first evidencefor partial melting of dolomite xenoliths during incorporationby a mafic magma. KEY WORDS: dunite; dolomite assimilation; partial melting     

A new type of orthopyroxenite xenolith from Takashima, Southwest Japan: silica enrichment of the mantle by evolved alkali basalt

We found fine-grained Fe-rich orthopyroxene-rich xenoliths (mainly orthopyroxenite) containing partially digested dunite fragments of Group I from Takashima, Southwest Japan. Orthopyroxenite veinlets, some of which contain plagioclase at the center, also replace olivine in dunite and wehrlite xenoliths of Group I. This shows high reactivity with respect to olivine of the melt involved in orthopyroxenite formation, indicating its high SiO₂ activity. The secondary orthopyroxene of this type is characterized by low Mg# [= Mg/(Mg + total Fe) atomic ratio] (down to 0.73) and high Al₂O₃ contents (5–6 wt%). It is different in chemistry from other secondary orthopyroxenes found in peridotite xenoliths derived from the mantle wedge. Clinopyroxenes in the Fe-rich orthopyroxenite show a convex-upward REE pattern with a crest around Sm. This pattern is strikingly similar to that of clinopyroxenes of Group II pyroxenite xenoliths and of phenocrystal and xenocrystal clinopyroxenes, indicating involvement of similar alkali basaltic melts. The Fe-rich orthopyroxenite xenoliths from Takashima formed by reaction between evolved alkali basalt melt and mantle olivine; alkali basalt initially slightly undersaturated in silica might have evolved to silica-oversaturated compositions by fractional crystallization at high-pressure conditions. The Fe-rich orthopyroxenites occur as dikes within the uppermost mantle composed of dunite and wehrlite overlying pockets of Group II pyroxenites. The orthopyroxene-rich pyroxenites of this type are possibly common in the uppermost mantle beneath continental rift zones where alkali basalt magmas have been prevalent.     

Evolution and Genesis of Magmas from Vico Volcano, Central Italy: Multiple Differentiation Pathways and Variable Parental Magmas

Vico volcano has erupted potassic and ultrapotassic magmas,ranging from silica-saturated to silica-undersaturated types,in three distinct volcanic periods over the past 0·5Myr. During Period I magma compositions changed from latiteto trachyte and rhyolite, with minor phono-tephrite; duringPeriods II and III the erupted magmas were primarly phono-tephriteto tephri-phonolite and phonolite; however, magmatic episodesinvolving leucite-free eruptives with latitic, trachytic andolivine latitic compositions also occurred. In Period II, leucite-bearingmagmas (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_initial = 0·71037–0·71115)were derived from a primitive tephrite parental magma. Modellingof phonolites with different modal plagioclase and Sr contentsindicates that low-Sr phonolitic lavas differentiated from tephri-phonoliteby fractional crystallization of 7% olivine + 27% clinopyroxene+ 54% plagioclase + 10% Fe–Ti oxides + 4% apatite at lowpressure, whereas high-Sr phonolitic lavas were generated byfractional crystallization at higher pressure. More differentiatedphonolites were generated from the parental magma of the high-Srphonolitic tephra by fractional crystallization of 10–29%clinopyroxene + 12–15% plagioclase + 44–67% sanidine+ 2–4% phlogopite + 1–3% apatite + 7–10% Fe–Tioxides. In contrast, leucite-bearing rocks of Period III (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_initial= 0·70812–0·70948) were derived from a potassictrachybasalt by assimilation–fractional crystallizationwith 20–40% of solid removed and r = 0·4–0·5(where r is assimilation rate/crystallization rate) at differentpressures. Silica-saturated magmas of Period II (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_initial= 0·71044–0·71052) appear to have been generatedfrom an olivine latite similar to some of the youngest eruptedproducts. A primitive tephrite, a potassic trachybasalt andan olivine latite are inferred to be the parental magmas atVico. These magmas were generated by partial melting of a veinedlithospheric mantle sources with different vein–peridotite/wall-rockproportions, amount of residual apatite and distinct isolationtimes for the veins. KEY WORDS: isotope and trace element geochemistry; polybaric differentiation; veined mantle; potassic and ultrapotassic rocks; Vico volcano; central Italy     

Volcanic Rocks from the Nejapa and Granada Cinder Cone Alignments, Nicaragua, Central America

Mafic tholeiitic basalts from the Nejapa and Granada (NG) cindercone alignments provide new insights into the origin and evolutionof magmas at convergent plate margins. In comparison to otherbasalts from the Central American volcanic front, these marietholeiitic basalts are high in MgO and CaO and low in Al₂O_p,K₂O₁, Ba and Sr. They also differ from other Central Americanbasalts, in having clinopyroxene phenocrysts with higher MgO,CaO and Cr₂O₃ concentrations and olivine phenocrysts with higherMgO contents. Except for significantly higher concentrationsof Ba, Sr and ⁸⁷Sr/₈₆Sr, most of the tholeiites are indistinguishable in compositionfrom mid-ocean ridge basalts. In general, phenocryst mineralcompositions are also very similar between NG tholeiites andmid-ocean ridge basalts. The basalts as a whole can be dividedinto two groups based on relative TiO₂-K₂O concentrations. Thehigh-Ti basalts always have the lowest K₂O and Ba and usuallyhave the highest Ni and Cr. All of the basalts have experienced some fractional crystallizationof olivine, plagioclase and clinopyroxene. Relative to otherCentral American basalts, the Nejapa-Granada basalts appearto have fractionated at low P_T and P_H2O. The source of primarymagmas for these basalts is the mantle wedge. Fluids and/ormelts may have been added to the mantle wedge from hydrothermally-altered,subducting oceanic crust in order to enrich the mantle in Sr,Ba and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, but not in K and Rb. The role of lower crustaicontamination in causing the observed enrichments in Sr, Baand ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr of NG basalts in comparison to mid-ocean ridgebasalts, however, is unclear. Rutile or a similar high-Ti accessoryphase may have been stable in the mantle source of the low-TiNG basalts, but not in that of the high-Ti basalts. Mafic tholeiiticbasalts, similar to those from Nejapa and Granada, may representmagmatic compositions parental to high-Al basalts, the mostmafic basalts at most Central American volcanoes. The characterof the residual high-Al basalts after this fractionation stepdepends critically on P_H2O Both high and low-Ti andesites are also present at Nejapa. Likethe high-Ti basalts, the high-Ti andesites have lower K₂O andBa and higher Ni and Cr in comparison to the low-Ti group. Thehigh-Ti andesites appear to be unrelated to any of the otherrocks and their exact origin is unknown. The low-Ti andesitesare the products of fractional crystallization of plagioclase,clinopyroxene, olivine (or orthopyroxene) and magnetite fromthe low-Ti basalts. The eruption that deposited a lapilli sectionat Cuesta del Plomo involved the explosive mixing of 3 components:high-Ti basaltic magma, low-Ti andesitic magma and high-Ti andesiticlava.     

The Cameroon Volcanic Line Revisited: Petrogenesis of Continental Basaltic Magmas from Lithospheric and Asthenospheric Mantle Sources

The volcanic activity of Mts Bambouto and Oku (Western Highlands)and of the Ngaoundere Plateau, in the continental sector ofthe Cameroon Volcanic Line, Equatorial West Africa, ranges inage from Oligocene to Recent. It is characterized by basanitic,alkali basaltic and transitional basaltic series. Mineral chemistry,major and trace element bulk-rock compositions, and geochemicalmodelling suggest that the magmatic series evolved mainly atlow pressure (2–4 kbar) through fractional crystallizationof clinopyroxene and olivine ± magnetite, at moderatelyhydrated (H₂O = 0·5–1 wt %) and QFM (quartz–fayalite–magnetite)to QFM + 1 fO₂ conditions. Basalts from Ngaoundere (Mioceneto Quaternary) and from the early activity (31–14 Ma)of the Western Highlands have incompatible trace element andSr–Nd isotopic compositions similar to those of oceanicCameroon Line basalts, pointing to a similar asthenosphericmantle source. By contrast, the late (15–4 Ma) WesternHighlands basanites and alkali basalts have anomalously highconcentrations of Sr, Ba and P, and low concentrations of Zr,which are exclusive features of continental Cameroon basalts.The genesis of these latter magmas is consistent with derivationfrom an incompatible element enriched, amphibole-bearing lithosphericmantle source. Western Highlands basalts show a continuous spectrumfrom high to low Sr–Ba–P compositions, and may resultfrom variable amounts of mixing between melts derived from ananhydrous lherzolite source (asthenospheric component) and meltsfrom an amphibole-bearing peridotite source (lithospheric HSrcomponent). New ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages for Mts Oku and Bambouto basalts,combined with previous ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar and K/Ar ages of basaltic andsilicic volcanics, and with volcanic stratigraphy, suggest aNE–SW younging of the peak magmatic activity in the WesternHighlands. This SW younging trend, extending from the Oligocenevolcanism in northern Cameroon (e.g. Mt Oku) to the still activeMt Cameroon, suggests that the African plate is moving abovea deep-seated mantle thermal anomaly. However, the age and locationof the Ngaoundere volcanism does not conform to the NE–SWyounging trend, implying that the continental sector of theCameroon Volcanic Line cannot be easily interpreted as the surfaceexpression of a single hotspot system. KEY WORDS: Cameroon Line basalts;⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar geochronology; lithospheric and asthenospheric mantle source; hotspot     

Volcanism in the Vitim Volcanic Field, Siberia: Geochemical Evidence for a Mantle Plume Beneath the Baikal Rift Zone

The Baikal Rift is a zone of active lithospheric extension adjacentto the Siberian Craton. The 6–16 Myr old Vitim VolcanicField (VVF) lies approximately 200 km east of the rift axisand consists of 5000 km³ of melanephelinites, basanites, alkaliand tholeiitic basalts, and minor nephelinites. In the volcanicpile, 142 drill core samples were used to study temporal andspatial variations. Variations in major element abundances (e.g.MgO = 3·3–14·6 wt %) reflect polybaric fractionalcrystallization of olivine, clinopyroxene and plagioclase. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_i(0·7039–0·7049), ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd_i (0·5127–0·5129)and ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf_i (0·2829–0·2830) ratiosare similar to those for ocean island basalts and suggest thatthe magmas have not assimilated significant amounts of continentalcrust. Variable degrees of partial melting appear to be responsiblefor differences in Na₂O, P₂O₅, K₂O and incompatible trace elementabundances in the most primitive (high-MgO) magmas. Fractionatedheavy rare earth element (HREE) ratios (e.g. [Gd/Lu]_n > 2·5)indicate that the parental magmas of the Vitim lavas were predominantlygenerated within the garnet stability field. Forward major elementand REE inversion models suggest that the tholeiitic and alkalibasalts were generated by decompression melting of a fertileperidotite source within the convecting mantle beneath Vitim.Ba/Sr ratios and negative K anomalies in normalized multi-elementplots suggest that phlogopite was a residual mantle phase duringthe genesis of the nephelinites and basanites. Relatively highlight REE (LREE) abundances in the silica-undersaturated meltsrequire a metasomatically enriched lithospheric mantle source.Results of forward major element modelling suggest that meltingof phlogopite-bearing pyroxenite veins could explain the majorelement composition of these melts. In support of this, pyroxenitexenoliths have been found in the VVF. High Cenozoic mantle potentialtemperatures (1450°C) predicted from geochemical modellingsuggest the presence of a mantle plume beneath the Baikal RiftZone. KEY WORDS: Baikal Rift; mafic magmatism; mantle plume; metasomatism; partial melting     

Petrology and Geochemistry of Intraplate Basalts in the South Auckland Volcanic Field, New Zealand: Evidence for Two Coeval Magma Suites from Distinct Sources

The South Auckland Volcanic Field is a Pleistocene (1·59–0·51Ma) basaltic intraplate, monogenetic field situated south ofAuckland City, North Island, New Zealand. Two groups of basaltsare distinguished based on mineralogy and geochemical compositions,but no temporal or spatial patterns exist in the distributionof various lava types forming each group within the field: GroupA basalts are silica-undersaturated transitional to quartz-tholeiiticbasalts with relatively low total alkalis (3·0–4·6wt %), Nb (7–29 ppm), and (La/Yb)_N (3·4–7·6);Group B basalts are strongly silica-undersaturated basanitesto nepheline-hawaiites with high total alkalis (3·3–7·9wt %), Nb (32–102 ppm), and (La/Yb)_N (12–47). GroupA has slightly higher ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, similar _Nd, and lower ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pbvalues compared with Group B. Contrasting geochemical trendsand incompatible element ratios (e.g. K/Nb, Zr/Nb, Ce/Pb) areconsistent with separate evolution of Groups A and B from dissimilarparental magmas derived from distinct sub-continental lithosphericmantle sources. Differentiation within each group was controlledby olivine and clinopyroxene fractionation. Group B magmas weregenerated by <8% melting of an ocean island basalt (OIB)-likegarnet peridotite source with high ²³⁸U/²⁰⁴Pb mantle (HIMU)and enriched mantle (EMII) characteristics possibly inheritedfrom recycled oceanic crust. Group A magmas were generated by<12% melting of a spinel peridotite source also with HIMUand EMII signatures. This source type may have resulted fromsubduction-related metasomatism of the sub-continental lithospheremodified by a HIMU plume. These events were associated withMesozoic or earlier subduction- and plume-related magmatismwhen New Zealand was at the eastern margin of the Gondwana supercontinent. KEY WORDS: continental intraplate basalts; geochemistry; HIMU, EMII; Sr, Nd, and Pb isotopes; South Auckland; sub-continental lithospheric sources     

Cyclicity in the Main and Upper Zones of the Bushveld Complex, South Africa: Crystallization from a Zoned Magma Sheet

The major element composition of plagioclase, pyroxene, olivine,and magnetite, and whole-rock ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr data are presented forthe uppermost 2·1 km of the layered mafic rocks (upperMain Zone and Upper Zone) at Bierkraal in the western BushveldComplex. Initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios are near-constant (0·7073± 0·0001) for 24 samples and imply crystallizationfrom a homogeneous magma sheet without major magma rechargeor assimilation. The 2125 m thick section investigated in drillcore comprises 26 magnetitite and six nelsonite (magnetite–ilmenite–apatite)layers and changes up-section from gabbronorite (An₇₂ plagioclase;Mg# 74 clinopyroxene) to magnetite–ilmenite–apatite–fayaliteferrodiorite (An₄₃; Mg# 5 clinopyroxene; Fo₁ olivine). The overallfractionation trend is, however, interrupted by reversals characterizedby higher An% of plagioclase, higher Mg# of pyroxene and olivine,and higher V₂O₅ of magnetite. In the upper half of the successionthere is also the intermittent presence of cumulus olivine andapatite. These reversals in normal fractionation trends definethe bases of at least nine major cycles. We have calculateda plausible composition for the magma from which this entiresuccession formed. Forward fractional crystallization modelingof this composition predicts an initial increase in total iron,near-constant SiO₂ and an increasing density of the residualmagma before magnetite crystallizes. After magnetite beginsto crystallize the residual magma shows a near-constant totaliron, an increase in SiO₂ and decrease in density. We explainthe observed cyclicity by bottom crystallization. Initiallymagma stratification developed during crystallization of thebasal gabbronorites. Once magnetite began to crystallize, periodicdensity inversion led to mixing with the overlying magma layer,producing mineralogical breaks between fractionation cycles.The magnetitite and nelsonite layers mainly occur within fractionationcycles, not at their bases. In at least two cases, crystallizationof thick magnetitite layers may have lowered the density ofthe basal layer of melt dramatically, and triggered the proposeddensity inversion, resulting in close, but not perfect, coincidenceof mineralogical breaks and packages of magnetitite layers. KEY WORDS: layered intrusion; mineral chemistry; isotopes; magma; convection; differentiation