Nd and Sr isotopic compositions of tektite material from Barbados and their relationship to North American tektites

Isotopic analyses of Nd and Sr on individual microtektites and a bulk microtektite sample from Barbados show them to have a very well defined isotopic composition. These data plot on an ε_Srε_Nd diagram precisely within the narrow field determined by North American tektites (ε_Sr ≈ 111; ε_Nd ≈ ?6.2). They yield an Nd model age of 0.6 AE. These results show that the microtektites from the Oceanic beds of late Eocene age are derived from the same target as the North American tektites and should be associated with the same event. Samples of the deep sea sediments in which the Barbados microtektites occur are found to have isotopic signatures which appear to reflect ambient sea water and detrital sediments. They cannot be the source of Sr or Nd in the tektites. Following the arguments of Shaw and Wasserburg (1982) we conclude that the target area which produced the North American tektite field was composed of sediments (Eocambrian or younger) derived from very late Precambrian crust. Glass beads from Lake Wanapitei Crater are isotopically different from all other tektites (ε_Sr ≈ 960; ε_Nd ≈ ?31.4) and cannot be related to the North American tektites.     

<Superscript>10</Superscript>Be, <Superscript>18</Superscript>O and radiogenic isotopic constraints on the origin of adakitic signatures: a case study from Solander and Little Solander Islands,New Zealand

Subduction-related Quaternary volcanic rocks from Solander and Little Solander Islands, south of mainland New Zealand, are porphyritic trachyandesites and andesites (58.20–62.19 wt% SiO₂) with phenocrysts of amphibole, plagioclase and biotite. The Solander and Little Solander rocks are incompatible element enriched (e.g. Sr ~931–2,270 ppm, Ba ~619–798 ppm, Th ~8.7–21.4 ppm and La ~24.3–97.2 ppm) with MORB-like Sr and Nd isotopic signatures. Isotopically similar quench-textured enclaves reflect mixing with intermediate (basaltic-andesite) magmas. The Solander rocks have geochemical affinities with adakites (e.g. high Sr/Y and low Y), whose origin is often attributed to partial melting of subducted oceanic crust. Solander sits on isotopically distinct continental crust, thus excluding partial melting of the lower crust in the genesis of the magmas. Furthermore, the incompatible element enrichments of the Solander rocks are inconsistent with partial melting of newly underplated mafic lower crust; reproduction of their major element compositions would require unrealistically high degrees of partial melting. A similar argument precludes partial melting of the subducting oceanic crust and the inability to match the observed trace element patterns in the presence of residual garnet or plagioclase. Alternatively, an enriched end member of depleted MORB mantle source is inferred from Sr, Nd and Pb isotopic compositions, trace element enrichments and εHf ? 0 CHUR in detrital zircons, sourced from the volcanics. ¹⁰Be and Sr, Nd and Pb isotopic systematics are inconsistent with significant sediment involvement in the source region. The trace element enrichments and MORB-like Sr and Nd isotopic characteristics of the Solander rocks require a strong fractionation mechanism to impart the high incompatible element concentrations and subduction-related (e.g. high LILE/HFSE) geochemical signatures of the Solander magmas. Trace element modelling shows that this can be achieved by very low degrees of melting of a peridotitic source enriched by the addition of a slab-derived melt. Subsequent open-system fractionation, involving a key role for mafic magma recharge, resulted in the evolved andesitic adakites.     

Isotopic constraints on the genesis and age of autochthonous glaucony in the Oligo-Miocene Torquay Group, south-eastern Australia

The Oligo‐Miocene Torquay Group at Bird Rock in south‐eastern Australia comprises a sequence of fine‐grained skeletal carbonates and argillaceous and glauconitic sandstones, deposited in a cool‐water, mid‐shelf environment. The Bird Rock glaucony is autochthonous and consists predominantly of randomly interstratified glauconitic smectite, which constitutes bioclast infills and faecal pellet replacements. The results of Rb–Sr and oxygen isotopic analysis of samples taken from a single glauconitic horizon (the BW horizon) indicate that the glaucony developed through a series of simultaneous dissolution–crystallization reactions, which occurred during very early diagenesis in a closed or isochemical system, isolated from the ambient marine environment. The constituent ions of the glaucony were derived primarily from terrigenous clay minerals, but considerable potassium may have been sourced indirectly from sea water, through potassium enrichment of clay precursors. The pore fluids associated with glauconitization were marine derived, but progressively modified by the dissolution–crystallization of detrital clay minerals and autochthonous glaucony. Rb–Sr data for the BW horizon indicate that dating glauconies may be somewhat problematic, as co‐genetic glauconitic minerals can show a range of initial strontium compositions, which reflect the incorporation of strontium derived from mineralogical precursors and/or contemporaneous sea water. Rb–Sr isochrons indicate that the glaucony of the BW horizon formed at 23 ± 3 Ma. This age is in good agreement with both the established biostratigraphy and a ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr age for the horizon (23 ± 1 Ma), but could only be determined using the independent age constraint and the estimate of the ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio of contemporaneous sea water provided by analysis of associated biogenic carbonate.     

Nd and Sr isotopes in ultrapotassic volcanic rocks from the Leucite Hills,Wyoming

Nd and Sr isotopic compositions and Rb, Sr, Sm and Nd concentrations are reported for madupites, wyomingites and orendites from the Pleistocene volcanic field of the Leucite Hills, Wyoming. All Leucite Hills rocks have negative εNd signatures, indicating derivation or contribution from an old light rare earth element (LREE) enriched source. In this respect they are similar to all occurrences of high potassium magmas so far investigated. But Sr isotopic variations are comparatively small and ⁸⁷Sr/ ⁸⁶Sr ratios are unusually low for high-K magmas (0.7053–0.7061, one sample excluded). These values suggest that the light REE enrichment of the source was not accompanied by a strong increase in Rb/Sr. Wyomingites and orendites are isotopically indistinguishable which is consistent with chemical and petrographic evidence for their derivation from a common magma series depending on emplacement conditions. Basic to ultrabasic madupites and more silicic wyomingites/orendites are distinct in their Nd isotopic variations (madupites: εNd= ?10.5 to ?12.3; wyomingites/orendites: εNd= ?13.7 to ?17.0) despite similar Sm/Nd ratios and complete overlap in ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr. Selective or bulk assimilation of crustal material is unlikely to have significantly affected the Nd and Sr isotopic compositions of the magmas. The measured isotopic ratios are considered to reflect source values. The distinct isotopic characteristics of madupite and wyomingite/orendite magmas preclude their derivation by fractional crystallization, from a common primary magma, by liquid immiscibility or by partial melting of a homogeneous source. Two isotopically distinct, LREE enriched and slightly heterogeneous sources are required. Heterogeneities were most pronounced between magma sources from each volcanic centre (butte or mesa). The relationship between the madupite and wyomingite/orendite sources and their evolution is discussed on the basis of two simple alternative sets of models:

1. a two-stage evolution model with an old enrichment event (a metasomatic event?) perhaps taking place during the stabilization of the Wyoming Craton 3.2 to 2.5 Gyr ago but not later than 1.2 Gyr ago or
2. a mixing model involving mixing between one endmember with εNd near zero and another end-member with a strong negative εNd signature.

     

Particularités de la contamination crustale des phonolites : exemple du Velay oriental (Massif central)

Sr and Nd isotopic compositions of one trachyte, eight phonolites and five basalts have been measured. The isotopic characteristics of the trachyte can be explained by a combined assimilation–fractional crystallization process within an upper crustal magmatic chamber. Some phonolites display isotopic signatures identical to basalts, suggesting that they have been protected against any crustal assimilation during their formation. Some others have low Sr contents, whereas they are enriched in radiogenic Sr (0.70451<⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_i<0.71192), and display basaltic ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios. Both observations could be explained by very strong alkali feldspar fractionation and by subsequent very low assimilation of surrounding rocks (between 0.3 and 4%) during intrusion. To cite this article: J.-M. Dautria et al., C. R. Geoscience 336 (2004).     

Elemental and isotopic variations in subduction related basalts: evidence for a three component model

Subduction related basalts display wide ranges in large ion lithophile element ratios (e.g., Rb/Ba and Rb/ Sr) which are unlikely to result from mixing, but suggest a role for small degree partial melting of a relatively Rb-poor mantle wedge source. However, these variations do not correlate with other trace element criteria, such as the depletions of high field strength elements (HFSE) and light rare earth elements (LREE) relative to the LILE, which characterise subduction related magmatism. Integration of radiogenic isotope and trace element data demonstrates that the elemental enrichment cannot be simply related to two component mixtures inferred from isotopic variations. Thus a minimum of three components is required to describe the geochemistry of subduction zone basalts. Two are subduction related: high Sr/Nd material is derived from the dehydration of subducted basaltic ocean crust, and a low Sr/Nd component is thought to be from subducted terrigenous sediment. The third component is in the mantle wedge, it is usually similar to the source of MORB, particularly in its isotopic composition. However, in some cases, notably continental areas, more enriched mantle wedge material with relatively high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, low ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd and elevated incompatible trace element contents may be involved Mixing of these three components is capable of producing both the entire range of Sr, Nd and Pb isotope signatures observed in destructive margin basalts, and their distinctive trace element compositions. The isotope differences between Atlantic and Pacific island arc basalts are attributed to the isotope compositions of sediments in the two oceans.     

Tertiary basalts and peridotite xenoliths from the Hessian Depression (NW Germany), reflecting mantle compositions low in radiogenic Nd and Sr

A total of 17 alkali basalts (alkali olivine basalt, limburgite, olivine nephelinite) and quartz tholeiites, and of 10 peridotite xenoliths (or their clinopyroxenes) were analyzed for Nd and Sr isotopes. ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of all basalts and of the majority of ultramafic xenoliths plot below the mantle array with a large variation in Nd isotopes and a smaller variation in Sr isotopes. The tholeiites were less radiogenic in Nd than the alkali basalts. Volcanics from the Eifel and Massif Central regions contain Nd and Sr, which is more radiogenic than that of the basalts from the Hessian Depression. Nd and Sr isotopic compositions of all rocks from the latter area, with the exception of one tholeiite and one peridotite plot in the same field of isotope ratios as the Ronda ultramafic tectonite (SW Spain), which ranges in composition from garnet to plagioclase peridotite. The alkali basaltic rocks are products of smaller degrees of partial melting of depleted peridotite, which has undergone a larger metasomatic alteration compared with the source rock of tholeiitic magmas. For the peridotite xenoliths such metasomatic alteration is indicated by the correlation of their K contents and isotopic compositions. We assume that the upper mantle locally can acquire isotopic signatures low in radiogenic Nd and Sr from the introduction of delaminated crust. Such granulites low in radiogenic Nd and Sr are products of early REE fractionation and granite (Rb) separation.     

Magnesium isotopic behaviors between metamorphic rocks and their associated leucogranites,and implications for Himalayan orogenesis

Magnesium isotopic compositions, along with new Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic data and elemental analyses, are reported for 12 Miocene tourmaline-bearing leucogranites, 15 Eocene two-mica granites and 40 metamorphic rocks to investigate magnesium isotopic behaviors during metamorphic processes and associated magmatism and constrain the tectonic-magmatic-metamorphic evolution of the Himalayan orogeny. The gneisses, granulites and amphibolites represent samples of the Indian lower crust and display large range in δ²⁶Mg from −0.44‰ to −0.09‰ in mafic granulites, −0.44‰ to −0.10‰ in amphibolites, and −0.70‰ to −0.03‰ in granitic gneisses. The average Mg isotopic compositions of the granitic gneisses (−0.19 ± 0.34‰), mafic granulites (−0.22 ± 0.17‰) and amphibolites (−0.25 ± 0.24‰) are similar, indicating the limited Mg isotope fractionation during prograde metamorphism from granitic gneisses to mafic granulites and retrograde metamorphism from mafic granulites to amphibolites. The Eocene two-mica granites and Miocene leucogranites are characterized by large variations in elemental and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions. The leucogranites and two-mica granites have their corresponding (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i varying from 0.7282 to 0.7860 and 0.7163 to 0.7191, (¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd)_i from 0.511888 to 0.512040 and 0.511953 to 0.512076, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb from 15.7215 to 15.7891 and 15.7031 to 15.7317, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb from 38.8521 to 39.5286 and 39.2710 to 39.4035, and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb from 18.4748 to 19.0139 and 18.7834 to 18.9339. However, they have similar Mg isotopic compositions (−0.21‰ to +0.06‰ versus −0.24‰ to +0.09‰), which did not originate from fractional crystallization nor source heterogeneity. Based on hornblende/biotite/muscovite dehydration melting reaction and Mg isotopic variations in two-mica granites and leucogranites with the proceeding metamorphism, along with elemental discrimination diagrams, Eocene two-mica granites and Miocene leucogranites could be related to hornblende dehydration melting and muscovite dehydration melting, respectively. Mg isotopic compositions of Eocene two-mica granites become heavier compared to the source because of residues of isotopically light garnet in the source; while those of Miocene leucogranites become lighter because of entrainment of isotopically light garnet from the source region. Thus, a new model for crustal anatexis and Himalayan orogenesis was proposed based on the Mg isotope fractionation in the leucogranites and metamorphic rocks. This model emphasizes a successive process from Indian continental subduction to rapid exhumation of the Higher Himalayan Crystalline Series (HHCS). The former underwent high-temperature (HT) and high-pressure (HP) granulite-facies prograde metamorphism, which resulted in the hornblende dehydration melting and the formation of Eocene two-mica granites; while the latter experienced amphibolite-facies retrogression and decompression, which resulted in the muscovite dehydration melting and the formation of Miocene leucogranites.     

Geochemical diversity in submarine HIMU basalts from Austral Islands, French Polynesia

We present the first report of geochemical data for submarine basalts collected by a manned submersible from Rurutu, Tubuai, and Raivavae in the Austral Islands in the South Pacific, where subaerial basalts exhibit HIMU isotopic signatures with highly radiogenic Pb isotopic compositions. With the exception of one sample from Tubuai, the ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages of the submarine basalts show no significant age gaps between the submarine and subaerial basalts, and the major element compositions are indistinguishable at each island. However, the variations in Pb, Sr, Nd, and Hf isotopic compositions in the submarine basalts are much larger than those previously reported in subaerial basalts. The submarine basalts with less-radiogenic Pb and radiogenic Nd and Hf isotopic compositions show systematically lower concentrations in highly incompatible elements than the typical HIMU basalts. These geochemical variations are best explained by a two-component mixing process in which the depleted asthenospheric mantle was entrained by the mantle plume from the HIMU reservoir during its upwelling, and the melts from the HIMU reservoir and depleted asthenospheric mantle were then mixed in various proportions. The present and compiled data demonstrate that the HIMU reservoir has a uniquely low ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf decoupled from ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd, suggesting that it was derived from an ancient subducted slab. Moreover, the Nd/Hf ratios of the HIMU basalts and curvilinear Nd–Hf isotopic mixing trend require higher Nd/Hf ratios for the melt from the HIMU reservoir than that from the depleted mantle component. Such elevated Nd/Hf ratios could reflect source enrichment by a subducted slab during reservoir formation.     

Hafnium and neodymium isotopes in surface waters of the eastern Atlantic Ocean: Implications for sources and inputs of trace metals to the ocean

We present hafnium (Hf) and neodymium (Nd) isotopic compositions and concentrations in surface waters of the eastern Atlantic Ocean between the coast of Spain and South-Africa. These data are complemented by Hf and Nd isotopic and concentration data, as well as rare earth element (REE) concentrations, in Saharan dust.Hafnium concentrations range between a maximum of 0.52 pmol/kg in the area of the Canary Islands and a minimum value of 0.08 pmol/kg in the southern Angola Basin. Neodymium concentrations also show a local maximum in the area of the Canary Islands (26 pmol/kg) but are even higher between ∼20°N and ∼4°N reaching maximum concentrations of 35 pmol/kg. These elevated concentrations provide evidence of inputs from weathering of the Canary Islands and from the partial dissolution of dust from the Sahara/Sahel region. The inputs from ocean island weathering are also reflected in radiogenic Hf and Nd isotopes.The Hf isotopic compositions of dust samples themselves are highly variable, ranging between ε_Hf = −20 and −0.6. The combined Hf and Nd isotopic compositions of dust plot close to the “terrestrial array” during periods of appreciable dust load in the atmosphere. During low atmospheric dust loading combined Hf and Nd isotopic compositions similar to seawater are observed. Most of the variability can be explained in terms of variable degrees of zircon loss from the dust samples, which in turn is linked to sorting during atmospheric transport to the eastern Atlantic Ocean and possibly presorting by sedimentary redistribution on the continent. In addition, increasing relative proportions of radiogenic clay minerals with decreasing grain size may contribute to the radiogenic Hf isotopic compositions observed.While the Nd isotopic composition in the surface ocean reflects the Nd isotopic composition of the Saharan dust adjacent to the Sahara/Sahel region, the release of Hf from that dust appears to be incongruent and results in surface ocean Hf isotopic compositions which are ∼10 ε_Hf more radiogenic than the bulk dust. Radiogenic Hf appears to be released from clays and possibly from trace apatite. Rare earth element patterns of dust samples indicate the presence of apatite but provide no evidence for ferromanganese grain coatings, suggesting that such coatings are insignificant in the release of Hf and Nd from Saharan dust to the surface ocean.The Nd isotopic composition of the surface waters becomes less radiogenic south of the equator, most likely reflecting the release of Nd from Congo river sediments. The release of Hf from Saharan dust and the Congo river sediments, however, does not produce distinct Hf isotopic signatures in the surface ocean, implying that the mobile fraction of Hf integrated over large continental areas is isotopically uniform. The Hf isotopic uniformity in the surface ocean means that the limited variability in deep water isotopic compositions is consistent with a short deep water residence time and reflects homogenous continental inputs rather than efficient deep water homogenization.     

The role of mantle-hybridization and crustal contamination in the petrogenesis of lithospheric mantle-derived alkaline rocks: constraints from Os and Hf isotopes

The Rhön area as part of the Central European Volcanic Province (CEVP) hosts an unusual suite of Tertiary 24-Ma old hornblende-bearing alkaline basalts that provide insights into melting and fractionation processes within the lithospheric mantle. These chemically primitive to slightly evolved and isotopically (Sr, Nd, Pb) depleted basalts have slightly lower Hf isotopic compositions than respective other CEVP basalts and Os isotope compositions more radiogenic than commonly observed for continental intraplate alkaline basalts. These highly radiogenic initial ¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os ratios (0.268–0.892) together with their respective Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions are unlikely to result from crustal contamination alone, although a lack of Os data for lower crustal rocks from the area and limited data for CEVP basalts or mantle xenoliths preclude a detailed evaluation. Similarly, melting of the same metasomatized subcontinental lithospheric mantle as inferred for other CEVP basalts alone is also unlikely, based on only moderately radiogenic Os isotope compositions obtained for upper mantle xenoliths from elsewhere in the province. Another explanation for the combined Nd, Sr and Os isotope data is that the lavas gained their highly radiogenic Os isotope composition through a mantle “hybridization”, metasomatism process. This model involves a mafic lithospheric component, such as an intrusion of a sublithospheric primary alkaline melt or a melt derived from subducted oceanic material, sometime in the past into the lithospheric mantle where it metasomatized the ambient mantle. Later at 24 Ma, thermal perturbations during rifting forced the isotopically evolved parts of the mantle together with the peridotitic ambient mantle to melt. This yielded a package of melts with highly correlated Re/Os ratios and radiogenic Os isotope compositions. Subsequent movement through the crust may have further altered the Os isotope composition although this effect is probably minor for the majority of the samples based on radiogenic Nd and unradiogenic Sr isotope composition of the lavas. If the radiogenic Os isotope composition can be explained by a mantle-hybridization and metasomatism model, the isotopic compositions of the hornblende basalts can be satisfied by ca. 5–25% addition of the mafic lithospheric component to an asthenospheric alkaline magma. Although a lack of isotope data for all required endmembers make this model somewhat speculative, the results show that the Re–Os isotope system in continental basalts is able to distinguish between crustal contamination and derivation of continental alkaline lavas from isotopically evolved peridotitic lithosphere that was contaminated by mafic material in the past and later remelted during rifting. The Hf isotopic compositions are slightly less radiogenic than in other alkaline basalts from the province and indicate the derivation of the lavas from low Lu–Hf parts of the lithospheric mantle. The new Os and Hf isotope data constrain a new light of the nature of such metasomatizing agents, at least for these particular rocks, which represent within the particular volcanic complex the first product of the volcanism.     

Constraints on the petrogenesis of Martian meteorites from the Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd isotopic systematics of the lherzolitic shergottites ALH77005 and LEW88516

Detailed Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd isotopic analyses have been completed on the lherzolitic shergottites ALH77005 and LEW88516. ALH77005 yields a Rb-Sr age of 185 ± 11 Ma and a Sm-Nd age of 173 ± 6 Ma, whereas the Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd ages of LEW88516 are 183 ± 10 and 166 ± 16 Ma, respectively. The initial Sr isotopic composition of ALH77005 is 0.71026 ± 4, and the initial ε_Nd value is +11.1 ± 0.2. These values are distinct from those of LEW88516, which has an initial Sr isotopic composition of 0.71052 ± 4 and an initial ε_Nd value of +8.2 ± 0.6. Several of the mineral and whole rock leachates lie off the Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd isochrons, indicating that the isotopic systematics of the meteorites have been disturbed. The Sm-Nd isotopic compositions of the leachates appear to be mixtures of primary igneous phosphates and an alteration component with a low ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratio that was probably added to the meteorites on Mars. Tie lines between leachate-residue pairs from LEW88516 mineral fractions and whole rocks have nearly identical slopes that correspond to Rb-Sr ages of 90 ± 1 Ma. This age may record a major shock event that fractionated Rb/Sr from lattice sites located on mineral grain boundaries. On the other hand, the leachates could contain secondary alteration products, and the parallel slopes of the tie lines could be coincidental.Nearly identical mineral modes, compositions, and ages suggest that these meteorites are very closely related. Nevertheless, their initial Sr and Nd isotopic compositions differ outside analytical uncertainty, requiring derivation from unique sources. Assimilation-fractional-crystallization models indicate that these two lherzolitic meteorites can only be related to a common parental magma, if the assimilant has a Sr/Nd ratio near 1 and a radiogenic Sr isotopic composition. Further constraints placed on the evolved component by the geochemical and isotopic systematics of the shergottite meteorite suite suggest that it (a) formed at ∼4.5 Ga, (b) has a high La/Yb ratio, (c) is an oxidant, and (d) is basaltic in composition or is strongly enriched in incompatible elements. The composition and isotopic systematics of the evolved component are unlike any evolved lunar or terrestrial igneous rocks. Its unusual geochemical and isotopic characteristics could reflect hydrous alteration of an evolved Martian crustal component or hydrous metasomatism within the Martian mantle.     

Trace-element characteristics of east–west mantle geochemical hemispheres

Recent statistical analyses on the isotopic compositions of oceanic, arc, and continental basalts have revealed that the Earth's mantle is broadly divided into eastern and western hemispheres. The present study aimed to characterize the isotopically defined east–west geochemical hemispheres using trace-element concentrations. Basalt data with Rb, Sr, Nd, Sm, Pb, Th, and U in addition to the isotopic ratios ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb were selected mostly from the GEOROC and PetDB databases. A total of 4787 samples were used to investigate the global geochemical variations. The results show that the wide trace-element variations are broadly explained by the melting of melt-metasomatized and fluid-metasomatized mantle sources. The larger amount of the fluid component derived from subducted plates in the eastern hemisphere than that in the western hemisphere is inferred from the basalts. These characteristics support the hypothesis that focused subduction towards the supercontinent created the mantle geochemical hemispheres.     

Sr and Nd isotopic investigations towards the origin of feldspar megacrysts in microgranular enclaves in two I‐type plutons of the Lachlan Fold Belt,southeast Australia

New Sr and Nd isotopic data are presented for several large feldspar crystals occurring in microgranular enclaves in the Swifts Creek and Bridle Track plutons, along with analyses of their host enclave groundmass and adjacent granitoid. In the Swifts Creek Pluton several previous studies have concluded that the microgranular enclaves represent admixed, more mafic and more primitive magmas, and new data presented here confirm that. Feldspar megacrysts in the microgranular enclaves have Sr and Nd isotopic signatures that are distinct from the surrounding enclave groundmass and from other enclaves in the pluton and therefore cannot have crystallised in situ. Isotopic compositions of these feldspars are more consistent with their having crystallised in a reservoir similar in composition to the most primitive granitoid analyses. The crystals were then physically transferred from the granitoid magma into the enclave while the latter was still partially liquid, thus invalidating arguments for a porphyroblastic origin. Field, petrographic and geochemical data are consistent with microgranular enclaves in the Bridle Track pluton also originating as admixed, more mafic magmas. However, Sr isotopic compositions of the enclaves are identical, within error, to the host granite and indicate that significant Sr isotopic equilibration has occurred. Nd isotopic compositions of the enclaves extend to slightly higher ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd_(i) and are consistent with a mingled magma origin followed by major isotopic equilibration. Feldspar phenocrysts in the studied enclave have isotopic compositions indistinguishable from both the enclave groundmass and host granite, preventing an interpretation of their origin using isotopic evidence alone.     

Baseline determination of the atmospheric Pb,Sr and Nd isotopic compositions in the Rhine valley,Vosges mountains (France) and the Central Swiss Alps

The Pb, Sr and Nd isotopic compositions of biomonitors (lichen, moss, bark) and soil litter from different regions in the Rhine valley, as well as of <0.45 μm particles separated out of ice of the Rhône and Oberaar glaciers and lichens from the Swiss Central Alps, have been determined in order to deduce the natural baseline of the atmospheric isotopic compositions of these regions, which are suggested to be close to the isotopic compositions of the corresponding basement rocks or soils at the same sites. ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr isotope ratios are positively correlated. Most polluted samples from traffic-rich urban environments have the least radiogenic Pb and Sr isotopic compositions with ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 1.11 and 0.7094, respectively. These ratios are very different from those of the atmospheric baseline for the Vosges mountains and the Rhine valley (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb: 1.158–1.167; ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr: 0.719–0.725; ε_Nd: −7.5 to −10.1). However, this study indicates that the baseline of the atmospheric natural Pb and Sr isotopic compositions is affected by anthropogenic (traffic, industrial and urban) emissions even in remote areas. Lichen samples from below the Rhône and Oberaar glaciers reflect the baseline composition close to the Grimsel pass in the Central Swiss Alps (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr: 0.714 − 0.716; ε_Nd: −3.6 to −8.1). The ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd isotope ratios are highly variable (8ε units) and it is suggested that the variation of the ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd is controlled by wet deposition and aerosols originating from the regional natural and industrial urban environments and from more distant regions like the Sahara in North Africa. The least anthropogenetically affected samples collected in remote areas have isotopic compositions closest to those of the corresponding granitoid basement rocks.     

The Pb-Sr-Nd isotope geochemistry of some recent circum-Mediterranean granites

Pb, Sr and Nd isotopic compositions have been analyzed in recent granites from Northern Africa, Northern Italy and Greece. Lead isotope compositions of K-feldspars are rather homogeneous, and cluster close to the modern lead of Stacey and Kramers (1975) but with slightly higher²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios. The Cyclades samples, however, have higher²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios. Addition of mantle-derived lead was probably very limited, which supports a quasi-closed system evolution of this element in the continental crust. The Sr, Nd data fall in the enriched part of the¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd vs.⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr diagram and define a smooth hyperbolic mixing curve. Over a wide area, straddling different orogens, most granites may be accounted for by a binary mixture between a recycled crustal component and a depleted mantle-like component. No correlation is observed between either Pb and Sr or Nd isotopic ratios, or any isotopic ratio and major element contents. Quantitative modelling suggests that two cases fit the Sr and Nd characteristics of these granites: they both require anatexis of the crust on a scale large enough to average the isotopic properties of heterogeneous terranes. In the first case, the mantle-derived component may be represented by differentiated Island Arc-type magmas, and the granites result from mixing these magmas with anatectic melts. In the second case, mantle-derived igneous rocks, such as obducted ophiolites, are part of the crustal source and their variable involvement in the anatectic process causes isotopic variations.CRPG Contribution n 630.     

Petrological and geochemical characteristics of Plio-Pleistocene Volcanics from Ponza Island (Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy)

Summary Volcanic rocks on Ponza Island (Tyrrhenian Sea, central Italy) consist of Pliocene submarine rhyolites and Pleistocene subaerial trachyte and comendite lavas. Chemical variations and the homogeneous Sr and Nd isotopic signatures within the analyzed Pliocene rocks are ascribed to crystal fractionation. The absolute isotopic values, however, indicate the important role of a crustal component in the origin of these magmas. The very high-silica rocks were probably derived from a superimposed mechanism which may have been connected to the ascent of hydrothermal magmatic fluids. Compositional and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr variations at constant ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd values in the Pleistocene rocks are likely due to fractionation of the observed phenocryst assemblage, possibly coupled with minor crustal interaction. These processes, however, cannot account for the extreme enrichment of many incompatible trace elements in the comendites. Some evidence suggests the influence of a halogen- and/or CO₂-rich volatile phase. Received February 17, 2000; revised version accepted November 29, 2000     

Isotope systematics of Li, Sr, Nd, and volatiles in Indian Ocean MORBs of the Rodrigues Triple Junction: Constraints on the origin of the DUPAL anomaly

The DUPAL anomaly, a radiogenic isotope anomaly discovered in the Indian Ocean mantle, has been interpreted as due to a large-scale mantle heterogeneity. To provide new constraints on the DUPAL origin, we analyzed isotope ratios of Li, Sr, and Nd in fresh N-MORB glasses recovered from the Rodrigues Triple Junction in the Indian Ocean, and from the North Atlantic. The Li isotopic compositions of the Indian Ocean DUPAL N-MORBs were comparable to those of the North Atlantic non-DUPAL N-MORBs. The source of the DUPAL signature in Indian Ocean MORBs and the E-MORB-type enriched mantle source have quite different Li isotopic compositions. The ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd values of both sources are significantly lower than those of the North Atlantic N-MORBs. The δ⁷Li values of most oceanic island basalts with similar low ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd signatures are also higher than those of the North Atlantic N-MORBs, except for several Koolau lavas. The Li isotope results support the recent proposal that significant amounts of recycled lower continental crust might produce the radiogenic isotope signatures of the Indian Ocean DUPAL source.     

He,Sr and Nd isotopic variations in lavas from the juan fernandez archipelago,SE pacific

Helium, Sr, and Nd isotopic ratios and major and trace element compositions have been measured on a suite of lavas from the intra-plate volcanos of the Juan Fernandez Archipelago, Chile. Lavas from the islands of Mas Afuera and Mas a Tierra and from Monte Alpha and Friday seamounts have Sr and Nd isotopic ratios lying on the low¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd side of the mantle array (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr:0.7034–0.7037;¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd:0.51281–0.51289). The homogeneity of these tracers suggests the involvement of a restricted range of mantle source compositions throughout Juan Fernandez volcanism. In marked contrast is the large range in³He/⁴He, from 7.8 to 18.0 R_A. A bimodal³He/⁴He distribution on Mas a Tierra is associated with two distinct volcanic lineages;³He/⁴He ratios of 14.5–18.0 R_A (n=15) occur in alkalic and tholeiitic shield basalts, whereas post-shield basanites range from 11.2 to 13.6 R_A (n=12). Elemental and isotopic systematics demonstrate a transition from an enriched (Loihi-like) plume source in the shield lavas to a more MORB-like source in the post-shield volcanics. The transition between these sources is much more pronounced in³He/⁴He than in the other isotopic tracers. The predominantly tholeiitic basalts of Mas Afuera have exceptionally uniform isotopic and elemental characteristics; Sr and Nd ratios are similar to those of Mas a Tierra, but³He/⁴He ratios are lower and more uniform at 8.3±0.5 R_A (n=17). The dramatic distinction between Mas Afuera and Mas a Tierra helium is surprising given the great similarity between the two islands in other geochemical characteristics. Both the Mas Afuera and Mas a Tierra results demonstrate that helium records systematic processes not readily apparent from other isotopic or elemental indicators. Neither magma chamber degassing nor local metasomatic events are likely to be responsible. We suggest that the observed variations may be attributed to mixing of plume and asthenospheric sources in which the plume component is characterized by a heterogeneous distribution of volatiles or has suffered extraction of small degree partial melts prior to mixing.     

The use of strontium and lead isotopes to identify sources of water beneath the Fresh Kills landfill,Staten Island,New York,USA

A study was undertaken to explore whether the isotopic compositions of Pb and Sr are useful to distinguish mixtures of uncontaminated groundwater, seawater, and landfill leachate at the Fresh Kills landfill, Staten Island, New York. Ratios of ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ranged from 0.7088 to 0.7137 and could be used to distinguish Sr that was derived from seawater from that in uncontaminated groundwater. Lead isotopic abundances did not vary systematically among the different water sources. Plots of ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr versus dissolved organic C, B, and NH₄⁺ defined perpendicular trends, documenting where leachate or sea water mixed with uncontaminated groundwater, and demonstrating that leachate has not contaminated groundwater in aquifers beneath the landfill.