Nd and Sr isotopic studies on cenozoic mafic lavas from West Antarctica: Another source for continental alkali basalts

The Nd and Sr isotopic ratios on a suite of continental alkali basalts from Marie Byrd Land, West Antarctica, define a change in the source over the range of K/Ar dates between 1 and 28 m.y. ago. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr isotopic ratios (0.7026 to 0.7031) are unusually low for continental alkali basalts, although the corresponding ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios (0.51283 to 0.51299) are similar to previously reported values. On a ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr vs. ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd diagram, they define a trend on the low ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr side of the “mantle array”, which has a slope steeper than the mantle array. An explanation for the light rare earth elements (LREE) enrichment of the alkali basalts, with high ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios and low ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios, is suggested by a model which modifies the source region with a mantle-derived, CO₂-enriched metasomatic fluid.     

Micro-scale S isotope studies of the Kharaelakh intrusion, Noril’sk region, Siberia: Constraints on the genesis of coexisting anhydrite and sulfide minerals

The coexistence of magmatic anhydrite and sulfide minerals in non-arc-related mafic magmas has only rarely been documented. Likewise the S isotope fractionation between sulfate and sulfide in mafic rocks has infrequently been measured. In the Kharaelakh intrusion associated with the world-famous Noril’sk ore district in Siberia coexisting magmatic anhydrite and sulfide minerals have been identified. Sulfur isotope compositions of the anhydrite-sulfide assemblages have been measured via both ion microprobe and conventional analyses to help elucidate the origin of the anhydrite-sulfide pairs. Magmatic anhydrite and chalcopyrite are characterized by δ³⁴S values between 18.8‰ and 22.8‰, and 9.3‰ and 13.2‰, respectfully. Coexisting anhydrite and chalcopyrite show Δ values that fall between 8.5‰ and 11.9‰. Anhydrite in the Kharaelakh intrusion is most readily explained by the assimilation of sulfate from country rocks; partial reduction to sulfide led to mixing between sulfate-derived sulfide and sulfide of mantle origin. The variable anhydrite and sulfide δ³⁴S values are a function of differing degrees of sulfate reduction, variable mixing of sulfate-derived and mantle sulfide, incomplete isotopic homogenization of the magma, and a lack of uniform attainment of isotopic equilibrium during subsolidus cooling. The δ³⁴S values of sulfide minerals have changed much less with cooling than have anhydrite values due in large part to the high sulfide/sulfate ratio. Variations in both sulfide and anhydrite δ³⁴S values indicate that isotopically distinct domains existed on a centimeter scale. Late stage hydrothermal anhydrite and pyrite also occur associated with Ca-rich hydrous alteration assemblages (e.g., thomsonite, prehnite, pectolite, epidote, xonotlite). δ³⁴S values of secondary hydrothermal anhydrite and pyrite determined by conventional analyses are in the same range as those of the magmatic minerals. Anhydrite-pyrite Δ values are in the 9.1-10.1‰ range, and are smaller than anticipated for the low temperatures indicated by the silicate alteration assemblages. The small Δ values are suggestive of either sulfate-sulfide isotopic disequilibrium or closure of the system to further exchange between ∼550 and 600 °C. Our results confirm the importance of the assimilation of externally derived sulfur in the generation of the elevated δ³⁴S values in the Kharaelakh intrusion, but highlight the sulfur isotopic variability that may occur in magmatic systems. In addition, our results confirm the need for more precise experimental determination of sulfate-sulfide sulfur isotope fractionation factors in high-T systems.     

Nd and Sr isotopic geochemistry of mafic layered intrusions in the eastern Baltic shield: implications for the evolution of Paleoproterozoic continental mafic magmas

 Nd and Sr isotopic data are presented for the 2449–2441 Ma Olanga and Burakovka layered mafic complexes in the eastern Baltic Shield. These complexes have similar tectonic position, but differ in two aspects: the age of the enclosing crust and the post-crystallization metamorphic history. The Sm–Nd isotopic results for the Kivakka and Lukkulaisvaara intrusions, Olanga Complex, are consistent with the model of closed-system crystallization of a single magma without significant wallrock assimilation. The Rb–Sr systems of minerals were disturbed by late Rb addition during 1.75–1.50 Ga metamorphism. The Nd and Sr isotopic systems in the Burakovka complex show no metamorphic disturbance and indicate mixing of at least four isotopically distinct components. Isotopic variations in the Burakovka Complex can be explained by a 4–20 per cent contamination of a primary komatiitic or picritic magma with a Mesoarchean crust, similar to that exposed in the region. A similar model, applied to the Olanga Complex using a Neoarchean crustal isotopic composition, cannot reproduce the observed isotopic signature. The nearly uniform initial ɛ_Nd values between −1 and −2.3, observed in the Kivakka and Lukkulaisvaara intrusions of the Olanga Complex, as well as in the other 2.50–2.44 Ga layered mafic intrusions throughout the eastern Baltic Shield, are better explained by a mantle plume model with small amounts of crustal contamination and minor involvement of asthenospheric material. This model is also consistent with the geological observations and the temporal distribution of the Paleoproterozoic mafic magmatism in the eastern Baltic Shield. As an alternative, the enriched isotopic characteristics may be explained by melting of a metasomatically modified lithospheric mantle source. Received: 4 August 1994/Accepted: 5 April 1996     

The nature of the sub-continental mantle: constraints from the major-element composition of continental flood basalts

Many continental flood basalts (CFB) have isotope and trace-element signatures that differ from those of oceanic basalts and much interest concerns the extent to which these reflect differences in their upper mantle source regions. A review of selected data sets from the Mesozoic and Tertiary CFB confirms significant differences in their major- and trace-element compositions compared with those of basalts erupted through oceanic lithosphere. In general, those CFB suites characterised by low Nb/La, high (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i and low εNd_i tend to exhibit relatively low TiO₂, CaO/Al₂O₃, Na₂O and/or Fe₂O₃, and relatively high SiO₂. In contrast, those which have high Nb/La, low (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i and high εNd_i ratios, like the upper units in the Deccan Traps, have major- and trace-element compositions similar to oceanic basalts. It would appear that those CFB that have distinctive isotope and trace-element ratios also exhibit distinctive major-element contents, suggesting that major and trace elements have not been decoupled significantly during magma generation and differentiation.

When compared (at 8% MgO) with oceanic basalt trends, the displacement of many CFB to lower Na₂O, Fe₂O₃^*, TiO₂ and CaO/Al₂O₃, but higher SiO₂, at similar Mg#, is not readily explicable by crustal contamination. Rather, it reflects source composition and/or the effects of the melting processes. The model compositions of melts produced by decompression of mantle plumes beneath continental lithosphere have relatively low SiO₂ and high Fe₂O₃^*. In contrast, the available experimental data indicate that partial melts of peridotite have low TiO₂, Na₂O and Fe₂O₃^*CaO/Al₂O₃, if the peridotite has been previously depleted by melt extraction. Moreover, melting of hydrated, depleted peridotite yields SiO₂-rich, Fe₂O₃- and CaO-poor melts. Since anhydrous, depleted peridotite has a high-temperature solidus, it is argued that the source of these CFB was variably melt depleted and hydrated mantle, inferred to be within the lithosphere. Isotope data suggest these source regions were often old and relatively enriched in incompatible trace elements, and it is envisaged that H₂O±CO₂ were added at the same time as the incompatible elements. An implication is that a significant proportion of the new continental crust generated since the Permian reflected multistage processes involving mobilization of continental mantle lithosphere that was enriched in minor and trace elements during the Proterozoic.     

Siderophile and chalcophile metal variations in Tertiary picrites and basalts from West Greenland with implications for the sulphide saturation history of continental flood basalt magmas

Sixty-five million year old continental flood basalts crop out on Qeqertarssuaq Island and the Nuussuaq Peninsula in West Greenland, and they include ～1,000 m of picritic lavas and discrete 10- to 50-m-thick members of highly contaminated basalts. On Qeqertarssuaq, the lavas are allocated to the Vaîgat and Maligât Formations of which the former includes the Naujánguit member, which consists of picrites with 7–29 wt% MgO, 80–1,400 ppm Ni, 5.7–9.4 ppb Pt and 4.2–12.9 ppb Pd. The Naujánguit member contains two horizons of contaminated basalts, the Asûk and Kûgánguaq, which have elevated SiO2 (52–58 wt%) and low to moderate MgO (7.5–12.8 wt%). These lavas are broadly characterized by low Cu and Ni abundances (average, 40 ppm Ni and 45 ppm Cu) and very low Pt (0.16–0.63 ppb) and Pd (0.13–0.68 ppb) abundances, and in the case of the Asûk, they contain shale xenoliths and droplets of native iron and troilite. The contaminated basalts from Nuussuaq, the B0 to B4 members, are also usually Ni-, Cu-, and platinum-group elements (PGE)-depleted. The geochemical signatures (especially the ratios of incompatible trace elements such as Th/Nb) of all of the contaminated basalts from Qeqertarssuaq and some of those from Nuussuaq record what appears to be a chemical contribution from deltaic shales that lie immediately below the lavas. This suggests that the contamination of the magmas occurred during the migration of the magmas through plumbing systems developed in sedimentary rocks, and hence, at a high crustal level. Nickel, Cu, and PGE depletion together with geochemical signatures produced by crustal contamination are also a feature of Siberian Trap basalts from the Noril’sk region. These basalts belong to the 0- to 500-m thick, ～5,000- to 10,000-km³ Nadezhdinsky Formation, which is centered in the Noril’sk Region. A major difference between Siberia and West Greenland is that PGE depletion in the Nadezhdinsky Formation samples with the lowest Cu and Ni contents is much more severe than that of the West Greenland contaminated basalts. Moreover, the volumes of the contaminated and metal-depleted volcanic rocks in West Greenland pale is significant when compared to the Nadezhdinsky Formation; local centers rarely contain more than 15 thin flows with a combined thickness of <50 m and more typically 10–20 m, so the volume of the eruptive portions of each system is probably two orders of magnitude smaller than the Nadezhdinsky edifice. The West Greenland centres are juxtaposed along fault zones that appear to be linked to the subsidence of the Tertiary delta, and so emplacement along N–S structures appears to be a principal control on the distribution of lavas and feeder intrusions. This leads us to suggest that the Greenland system is small and segregation of sulphide took place at high levels in the crust, whereas at Noril’sk, the saturation event took place at depth with subsequent emplacement of sulphide-bearing magmas into high levels of the crust. As a consequence, it may be unreasonable to expect that the West Greenland flood basalts experienced mineralizing processes on the scale of the Noril’sk system.     

Magmatic evolution of the Løkken SSZ Ophiolite,Norwegian Caledonides: Relationships between anomalous lavas and high-level intrusions

The Lower Ordovician Løkken ophiolite fragment shows a tripartite subdivision of its thick volcanic sequence into: (1) an Upper Volcanic Member (UVM) of transitional MORB/IAT character, comprising basalts or, in a related, thrust-bounded sequence, a bimodal basalt-rhyolite assemblage; (2) a Middle Volcanic Member (MVM) derived from widely variable, generally MORB-related magmas; and (3) a Lower Volcanic Member (LVM) of N-type MORB basalts which locally passes into an underlying sheeted dyke complex. The UVM and LVM were fed from relatively deep-seated magma chambers, and lavas were erupted at moderate flow rates to form predominantly pillow lavas. The whole sequence is interpreted as having formed in a marginal basin setting. The MVM is characterized by abundant voluminous sheet basalts thought to have been erupted at high flow rates. The volcanites had their source, through extensive dyke swarms, in high-level magmas which intruded the sheeted dyke complex and parts of the LVM, possibly in a near-axial seamount setting. The magmas differentiated to form plagiogranitic melts, with a wide range of conjunctive, mafic to intermediate cumulates. This plutonic assemblage, possibly in crystal mush form, was subsequently intruded by new, mafic magma, leading partly to large-scale remelting or assimilation of cumulus phases. These processes are reflected in the MVM by common hybrid flows, as well as local intermediate lavas having the geochemical characteristics of cumulates, erupted during a period of intense faulting. Major tapping of the primary, mafic magma occurred toward the end of the period of MVM volcanism. A predominance of voluminous, apparently fluid, massive flows in the MVM is mainly ascribed to the shallow depth of magma reservoirs.     

Pollution and paradigms: lessons from Icelandic volcanism for continental flood basalt studies

This paper is based on the premise that research into the environmental impact of continental flood basalt (CFB) volcanism has paid insufficient attention to the potential ecosystem damage that would result from the direct deposition of hundreds of megatons (Tg) of sulphur and other volatiles. The environmental impacts of the 1783 Laki Fissure eruption are reviewed in outline. It is shown that in a relatively brief period of volcanic activity, volatiles emitted by the eruption damaged and destroyed vegetation from the Arctic Ocean to the Mediterranean. Air pollution was so intense that human health was affected and the national death rate increased dramatically in both England and France.

It is proposed that the events of 1783 may be used as a paradigm for the environmental impacts of a CFB lava flow, and the emissions of 1783 are scaled up to illustrate this point. Thus, if a Laki style event were to erupt for a year it would approach the physical scale of a single episode of the Roza flow in the Columbia River CFB and potentially yield 576 Tg of sulphur gases which could have been oxidised into approximately 945 Tg of aerosol. This could generate a tropospheric aerosol mass of approximately 708 Tg H₂SO₄.

The ecosystem impact of the deposition of acids on this scale would be profound and, as with the actual Laki event, be continental in scale. All parts of the plant life cycle would be disrupted, including photosynthesis and fruiting. Inevitably, with the disruption of food webs animals would also be affected. Poorly buffered inland waters would be acidified, as would Boreal soils, reducing their biodiversity.

In our already polluted and interdependent world, any future event on this scale would have serious consequences for human health and trade.     

Highly depleted isotopic compositions evident in Iapetus and Rheic Ocean basalts: implications for crustal generation and preservation

Subduction of both the Iapetus and Rheic oceans began relatively soon after their opening. Vestiges of both the Iapetan and Rheic oceanic lithospheres are preserved as supra-subduction ophiolites and related mafic complexes in the Appalachian–Caledonian and Variscan orogens. However, available Sm–Nd isotopic data indicate that the mantle source of these complexes was highly depleted as a result of an earlier history of magmatism that occurred prior to initiation of the Iapetus and Rheic oceans. We propose two alternative models for this feature: either the highly depleted mantle was preserved in a long-lived oceanic plateau within the Paleopacific realm or the source for the basalt crust was been recycled from a previously depleted mantle and was brought to an ocean spreading centre during return flow, without significant re-enrichment en-route. Data from present-day oceans suggest that such return flow was more likely to have occurred in the Paleopacific than in new mid-ocean ridges produced in the opening of the Iapetus and Rheic oceans. Variation in crustal density produced by Fe partitioning rendered the lithosphere derived from previously depleted mantle more buoyant than the surrounding asthenosphere, facilitating its preservation. The buoyant oceanic lithosphere was captured from the adjacent Paleopacific, in a manner analogous to the Mesozoic–Cenozoic “capture” in the Atlantic realm of the Caribbean plate. This mechanism of “plate capture” may explain the premature closing of the oceans, and the distribution of collisional events and peri-Gondwanan terranes in the Appalachian–Caledonian and Variscan orogens.     

Isotope hydrogeochemical models for assessing the hydrological processes in a part of the largest continental flood basalts province of India

Continental Flood Basalts (CFB) occupy one fourth of the world’s land area. Hence, it is important to discern the hydrological processes in this complex hydrogeological setup for the sustainable water resources development. A model assisted isotope, geochemical, geospatial and geophysical study was conducted to understand the monsoonal characteristics, recharge processes, renewability and geochemical evolution in one of the largest continental flood basalt provinces of India. HYSPLIT modelling and stable isotopes were used to assess the monsoonal characteristics. Rayleigh distillation model were used to understand the climatic conditions at the time of groundwater recharge. Lumped parameter models (LPM) were employed to quantify the mean transit time (MTT) of groundwater. Statistical and geochemical models were adopted to understand the geochemical evolution along the groundwater flow path. A geophysical model was used to understand the geometry of the aquifer. The back trajectory analysis confirms the isotopic finding that precipitation in this region is caused by orographic uplifting of air masses originating from the Arabian Sea. Stable isotopic data of groundwater showed its meteoric origin and two recharge processes were discerned; (i) quick and direct recharge by precipitation through fractured and weathered basalt, (ii) low infiltration through the clayey black cotton soil and subjected to evaporation prior to the recharge. Tritium data showed that the groundwater is a renewable source and have shorter transit times (from present day to <30 years). The hydrogeochemical study indicated multiple sources/processes such as: the minerals dissolution, silicate weathering, ion exchange, anthropogenic influences etc. control the chemistry of the groundwater. Based on the geo-electrical resistivity survey, the potential zones (weathered and fractured) were delineated for the groundwater development. Thus, the study highlights the usefulness of model assisted isotopic hydrogeochemical techniques for understanding the recharge and geochemical processes in a basaltic aquifer system.     

Evaluating crustal contamination in continental basalts: the isotopic composition of the Picture Gorge Basalt of the Columbia River Basalt Group

Crustal contamination of basalts located in the western United States has been generally under-emphasized, and much of their isotopic variation has been ascribed to multiple and heterogeneous mantle sources. Basalts of the Miocene Columbia River Basalt Group in the Pacific Northwest have passed through crust ranging from Precambrian to Tertiary in age. These flows are voluminous, homogenous, and underwent rapid effusion, all of which are disadvantages for crustal contamination while en route to the surface. The Picture Gorge Basalt of the Columbia River Basalt Group erupted through Paleozoic and Mesozoic oceanic accreted terranes in central Oregon, and earlier studies on these basalts provided no isotopic evidence for crustal contamination. New Sr, Nd, Pb, and O isotopic data presented here indicate that the isotopic variation of the Picture Gorge Basalt is very small, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr=0.70307–0.70371, _Nd=+7.7-+4.8, ¹⁸O=+5.6±6.1, and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=18.80–18.91. Evaluation of the Picture Gorge compositional variation supports a model where two isotopic components contributed to Picture Gorge Basalt genesis. The first component (C1) is reflected by low ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, high _Nd, and nonradiogenic Pb isotopic compositions. Basalts with C1 isotopic compositions have large MgO, Ni, and Cr contents and mantle-like ¹⁸O=+5.6. C1 basalts have enrichments in Ba coupled with depletions in Nb and Ta. These characteristics are best explained by derivation from a depleted mantle source which has undergone a recent enrichment by fluids coming from a subducted slab. This C1 mantle component is prevalent throughout the Pacific Northwest. The second isotopic component has higher ⁸⁷Sr/ ⁸⁶Sr and ¹⁸O, lower _Nd, and more radiogenic Pb isotopic compositions than C1. There is a correlation in the Picture Gorge data of Sr, Nd, and Pb isotopes with differentiation indicators such as decreasing Mg#, and increasing K₂O/TiO₂, Ba, Ba/Zr, Rb/Sr, La/Sm, and La/Yb. Phase equilibrium and mineralogical constraints indicate that these compositional characteristics were inherited in the Picture Gorge magmas at crustal pressures, and thus the second isotopic component is most likely crustal in origin. Mixing and open-system calculations can produce the isotopic composition of the most evolved Picture Gorge flows from the most primitive compositions by 8 to 21% contamination of isotopic compositions similar to accreted terrane crust found in the Pacific Northwest. Therefore, in spite of the disadvantages for crustal contamination and their narrow range in isotopic compositions, the process controlling isotopic variation within the Picture Gorge Basalt is primarily crustal contamination. We suggest that comprehensive analyses for basaltic suites and careful consideration of these data must be made to test for crustal contamination, before variation resulting from mantle heterogeneity can be assessed.Deceased     

On the potential for CO2 mineral storage in continental flood basalts - PHREEQC batch- and 1D diffusion-reaction simulations

ABSTRACT: Continental flood basalts (CFB) are considered as potential CO2 storage sites because of their high reactivity and abundant divalent metal ions that can potentially trap carbon for geological timescales. Moreover, laterally extensive CFB are found in many place in the world within reasonable distances from major CO2 point emission sources.Based on the mineral and glass composition of the Columbia River Basalt (CRB) we estimated the potential of CFB to store CO2 in secondary carbonates. We simulated the system using kinetic dependent dissolution of primary basalt-minerals (pyroxene, feldspar and glass) and the local equilibrium assumption for secondary phases (weathering products). The simulations were divided into closed-system batch simulations at a constant CO2 pressure of 100?bar with sensitivity studies of temperature and reactive surface area, an evaluation of the reactivity of H2O in scCO2, and finally 1D reactive diffusion simulations giving reactivity at CO2 pressures varying from 0 to 100?bar.Although the uncertainty in reactive surface area and corresponding reaction rates are large, we have estimated the potential for CO2 mineral storage and identified factors that control the maximum extent of carbonation. The simulations showed that formation of carbonates from basalt at 40?C may be limited to the formation of siderite and possibly FeMg carbonates. Calcium was largely consumed by zeolite and oxide instead of forming carbonates. At higher temperatures (60 - 100?C), magnesite is suggested to form together with siderite and ankerite. The maximum potential of CO2 stored as solid carbonates, if CO2 is supplied to the reactions unlimited, is shown to depend on the availability of pore space as the hydration and carbonation reactions increase the solid volume and clog the pore space. For systems such as in the scCO2 phase with limited amount of water, the total carbonation potential is limited by the amount of water present for hydration of basalt.     

Tracing the 850-Ma continental flood basalts from a piece of subducted continental crust in the North Qaidam UHPM belt,NW China

A Paleozoic ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic (UHPM) belt extends along the northern margin of the Qaidam Basin, North Tibetan Plateau. Eclogites in the Yuka eclogite terrane, northwest part of this UHPM belt, occur as blocks or layers of varying size intercalated with granitic and pelitic gneisses. These eclogites have protoliths geochemically similar to enriched-type mid-ocean ridge basalts (E-MORB) and oceanic island basalts (OIB). On the basis of Ti/Y ratios, they can be divided into low-Ti and high-Ti groups. The low-Ti group (LTG) eclogites exhibit relatively low TiO₂ (most <2.5 wt%) and Ti/Y (<500) but comparatively high Mg# (48–55), whereas the high-Ti group (HTG) eclogites have high TiO₂ (most >2.5 wt%) and Ti/Y (>500) but lower Mg# (46–52). Zircons from two eclogite samples gave a magmatic crystallization (protolith) age of ∼850 Ma and a UHPM age of ∼433 Ma. The occurrence, geochemical features and age data of the Yuka eclogites suggest that their protoliths are segments of continental flood basalts (CFBs) with a mantle plume origin, similar to most typical CFBs. Our observation, together with the tectonic history and regional geologic context, lend support for the large scale onset of mantle plume within the Rodinia supercontinent at ∼850 Ma. The Qaidam block is probably one of the fragments of the Rodinia supercontinent with a volcanic-rifted passive margin. The latter may have been dragged to mantle depths by its subducting leading edge of the oceanic lithosphere in the Early Paleozoic.     

A reappraisal of the high-Ti and low-Ti classification of basalts and petrogenetic linkage between basalts and mafic–ultramafic intrusions in the Emeishan Large Igneous Province, SW China

Based on published data, we reappraise the classification of high-Ti and low-Ti basalt from the Emeishan large igneous province (ELIP) and the correlations between basalts and mafic–ultramafic intrusions. Because of the lack of clear spatial and temporal variations of different types of basalts, we suggest that the basalts in the ELIP cannot be classified into high-Ti and low-Ti groups, by TiO₂ contents and/or Ti/Y ratios. The distinctive characteristics of these high-Ti and low-Ti lavas probably result largely from the different fractionating assemblages. Whether or not fractional crystallization of the Fe–Ti oxides occurred probably is the key factor that controls the Ti abundances and Ti/Y ratios in the residual melts, e.g., lavas, although the nature of the mantle sources, variable degrees of partial melting of mantle and crustal contamination also influence the geochemical signatures of the lavas. Therefore, neither Ti abundance nor Ti/Y ratios in basalts can reflect the nature of their mantle source. Moreover, the different types of mafic–ultramafic intrusions in the ELIP cannot simply be attributed to be genetically related special types of basalts, either high-Ti or low-Ti basalts. It is likely that they are merely the cumulus phases, i.e. chamber or conduit of the basaltic lavas. Hence, caution should be exercised in the use of high-Ti or low-Ti basalts as prospecting vectors for ore deposits in the region. Potential implications are proposed that both the Fe–V–Ti oxide and Cu–Ni–(PGE) sulfide mineralization in the ELIP intrusions is largely due to the variable differentiation and crustal contamination during magmatic processes.     

Geochemistry of the Emeishan flood basalts at Yangliuping, Sichuan, SW China: implications for sulfide segregation

A well-developed, 1,000 m thick basaltic sequence in the Yangliuping region, northern part of the Emeishan basalt province, includes the Lower and Middle Units of tholeiitic basalts and an Upper Unit of both tholeiites and subalkalic basalts. The basalts contain 42–55 wt% SiO₂ and 4.1–8.3 wt% MgO. Most of these lavas have Gd/Yb > 2.0, Zr/Nb < 12, and ɛ_{Nd(260 Ma)} values from +2.5 to +4.7. The platinum-group elements (PGE) are very mildly depleted in most of the basalts which contain 8–19 ppb Pt and 7–27 ppb Pd. However, a significant proportion of the Middle Unit basalts are strongly depleted in PGE with some samples having concentrations lower than detection limits. They have extremely high Zr/Nb ratios (up to 14.5) and low ɛ_{Nd(260 Ma)} values (+3.21 to +0.65), features of extensive lower crustal contamination. Some samples in this unit have high Ni/Pd (3,965–61,198) and low Pd/Cr (410,000–3,930,000) ratios, indicating sulfide segregation and PGE depletion prior to eruption. The primary magmas were S-undersaturated and derived from partial melting at variable depths in the upper mantle. The early and late stage magmas, as represented by the Lower and Upper Units, underwent AFC processes which induced mild S-saturation and PGE depletion in some of the basalts, whereas the magmas represented by the Middle Unit experienced more extensive crustal contamination resulting in stronger S-saturation and in most cases significant PGE depletion.     

Lithium isotopic composition of Central American Volcanic Arc lavas: implications for modification of subarc mantle by slab-derived fluids

Li contents and isotopic compositions were determined for a suite of well-characterized basaltic lavas from the Central American Volcanic Arc (CAVA). Variable Li/Y (0.2–0.5), Li/Sc (0.1–0.4), and δ⁶Li values (+2.6 to −7.7‰) attest to significant compositional heterogeneity in the subarc mantle. Within specific arc segments, these parameters correlate strongly with each other and with a number of other constituents (e.g., K, Rb, Ba, B/La, ¹⁰Be/⁹Be, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, U/Ce, and ²³⁰Th/²³²Th, among others); these correlations are particularly strong for Nicaragua samples. Coupling of this particular set of constituents is best explained in terms of addition of ‘subduction components' to the subarc mantle. Moreover, their selective enrichment with respect to relatively fluid-immobile incompatible elements signifies the dominance of fluid vs. silicate melt transport of slab components to the subarc mantle. Several interesting nuances are revealed by the Li data. First, although Li and B are strongly correlated in both Costa Rica and Nicaragua, there are systematic along-strike variations in Li/B that are consistent with these elements having different ‘fluid release patterns' from subducted slab segments. For example, Li/B is highest in Costa Rica where auxiliary evidence indicates higher subduction zone temperatures; apparently B is preferentially depleted and Li retained in the slab under warmer conditions. The same relations are reflected in Li/¹⁰Be and other subduction tracer systematics, all of which point to larger subduction contributions below Nicaragua. Yet, even Nicaragua lavas vary widely in levels of subduction enrichment. High-Ti basalts from Nejapa are the least enriched and have the highest δ⁶Li (1.4 to 2.6‰); these values are greater than in fresh MORB (ca. −4‰) and are not easily explained by additions of subducted Li because most oceanic crustal rocks and marine sediments have lower δ⁶Li than MORB (with typical values between −8 and −20‰). Thus, it appears the Nejapa data may be representative of isotopically light mantle domains. Relatively light δ⁶Li values in an undepleted spinel lherzolite (+11.3‰) from Zabargad Is. (Red Sea) and in primitive backarc basalts (−1.6 to −0.5‰) from Lau Basin support this conclusion. Considering representative fluid and mantle endmember compositions, the CAVA data are consistent with limited (up to a few percent) additions of slab-derived fluids to a heterogeneous mantle containing variably depleted and enriched domains to form the respective magma sources. In our view, the subarc mantle is heterogeneous on a small scale, but some arc sectors clearly received greater slab inputs than others.     

Petrology and chemistry of recent lavas in the northern Marianas: Implications for the origin of island arc basalts

Petrologic and chemical data are presented for samples from five volcanically active islands in the northern Marianas group, an intra-oceanic island arc. The data include microprobe analyses of phenocryst and xenolith assemblages, whole rock major and trace element chemistry including REE, and Sr isotope determinations (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr=0.7034±0.0001). Quartz-normative basalt and basaltic andesite are the most abundant lava types. These are mineralogically and chemically similar to the mafic products of other intra-oceanic islands arcs. It is suggested, however, that they are not typical of the ‘island arc tholeiitic’ series, having Fe enrichment trends and K/Rb, for example, more typical of calc-alkaline suits. Major and trace element characteristics, and the presence of cumulate xenoliths, indicate that extensive near surface (< 3 Kb) fractionation has occurred. Thus, even least fractionated basalts have low abundances of Mg, Ni and Cr, and high abundances of K and other large cation, imcompatible elements, relative to ocean ridge tholeiites. However, abundances of REE and small cation lithophile elements, such as Ti, Zr, Nb, and Hf are lower than typical ocean ridge tholeiites. The REE data and Sr isotope compositions suggest a purely mantle origin for the Marianas island arc basalts, with negligible input from subducted crustal material. Thus, subduction of oceanic lithosphere may not be a sufficient condition for initiation of island arc magmatism. Intersection of the Benioff zone with an asthenosphere under appropriate conditions may be requisite. Element ratios and abundances, combined with isotopic data, suggest that the source for the Marianas island arc basalts is more chondritic in some respects, and less depleted in large cations than the shallow (?) mantle source for ocean ridge tholeiites.     

Lithium isotopic composition of Central American volcanic arc lavas: implications for modification of subarc mantle by slab-derived fluids: correction

Our previously reported lithium isotope data for the least enriched members of the Central American Volcanic Arc were in error due to problems in ion extraction from high MgO rocks. This paper presents reanalyses of the entire suite of the CAVA lavas after a systematic investigation of the elution behavior of Li as a function of the rock composition. The most significant correction pertains to the mantle end members of the Nicaragua and Costa Rica series, which now display MORB-like δ⁶Li values (−4.5‰) and not much lighter (+1‰ to +3‰) as previously reported. Also revised is the composition of a peridotite from Zabargad Island (Red Sea), considered to represent undepleted upper mantle, whose corrected δ⁶Li also resembles MORB. These new data therefore remove the speculation that Earth's primitive mantle has extremely light Li isotopic composition and that the mantle beneath CAVA contains such isotopically light domains. The δ⁶Li range for the arc segment from Costa Rica to Guatemala has now been reset to −4.5‰ to −6.4‰. Despite the narrower range, Li isotopic values remain well correlated with other subduction-related properties, including LILE and fluid-mobile elements. Model calculations show that the isotopic compositions of the lavas are consistent with small additions of slab-derived fluids to the enriched and depleted domains of the subarc mantle.     

湖北金山店矽卡岩型铁矿田硫同位素特征及其地质意义

矿集区或矿田尺度硫同位素的空间分布特征研究不仅具有重要的理论意义,而且对找矿实践具有重要的指示作用。本文对金山店矿田范围内的矽卡岩型铁矿床开展了系统的硫同位素研究工作,发现该矿田内矽卡岩型铁矿床中的黄铁矿(+15. 1‰~+25. 6‰)、硬石膏(+24. 9‰~+31. 5‰)和石膏(+27. 5‰~+30. 4‰)均具有富集重硫同位素的特征,明显不同于岩浆热液矿床中这些矿物的δ~(34)S值组成特征,且硬石膏和石膏的δ~(34)S值与三叠系嘉陵江组地层中沉积石膏的δ34S值较为接近,暗示金山店矿田内矽卡岩型铁矿中的硫可能主要来自于含膏盐地层。含膏盐地层广泛参与了金山店矿田中矽卡岩型铁矿的成矿作用,对成矿作用产生了重要的影响:大量硫酸根(SO_4~(2-))的还原过程可以将成矿体系中的Fe~(2+)氧化成Fe~(3+),导致大量磁铁矿的形成;含膏盐地层与流体作用形成大量的盐溶角砾岩,有利于加速成矿流体与围岩之间的水岩作用,并提供容矿空间。系统的对比研究发现,大冶地区的矽卡岩型铁矿和矽卡岩型铁铜矿的赋矿地层、热液硬石膏/石膏规模和硫同位素值组成均存在明显的差异,暗示这些矿床的成矿围岩存在显著的差异。鄂东矿集区尺度的硫同位素等值线所揭示的空间变化规律具有重要的找矿指示作用:在天青石矿区(如狮子立山)或附近可能具有寻找大冶式矽卡岩型铁矿床或铁铜矿床的潜力,而在硬石膏/石膏发育的矽卡岩型铁矿区(如金山店铁矿田和程潮铁矿)或附近则具有寻找狮子立山式热液天青石矿床的潜力。     

Richterite-bearing peridotites and MARID-type inclusions in lavas from North Eastern Morocco: mineralogy and D/H isotopic studies

 K-richterite/phlogopite-bearing peridotite xenoliths and MARID inclusions have been found in Late Cretaceous (67±0.2 million years) monchiquites and an olivine nephelinite from North Eastern Morocco. It is the first evidence of MARID rocks and K-richterite/phlogopite-bearing peridotites outside the kimberlitic context. In the hydrous xenoliths, textural features suggest that K-richterite, phlogopite and Al-poor diopside are replacement minerals. K-richterites contain 2–5 wt% FeO, 0.1–1.5 wt% TiO₂ and <0.5 wt% Cr₂O₃. Micas contain 5.4–7.4 wt% FeO and 0.3–2.2 wt% TiO₂, with Cr and Ni contents <0.2 wt%. Diopsides are Al-poor (<0.2 wt% Al₂O₃) and contain 0.1–0.2 wt% TiO₂, 0.9–1.1 wt% Na₂O and 1.3–1.7 wt% Cr₂O₃. Compared to known K-richterites and micas from metasomatised peridotite nodules (PKP types), the Moroccan minerals are more Fe rich, K-richterites have higher Ti and micas less Cr and Ni. They are thus closer to MARID than to PKP minerals. K-richterites and mica from the MARID inclusions show typical characteristics, e.g. high FeO (4.3–4.7 wt% in richterite and 7.2 wt% in mica), low NiO and/or Cr₂O₃ and the incomplete filling of the tetrahedral site by Si+Al. Ion probe D/H analyses of amphiboles and micas from both xenolith types give high δD values ranging from –8 to –73, with large variations within single grains (up to 50‰). Both the D-enrichment and the δD variations are inherited from the mantle. The similar chemical composition and δD values of K-richterite/phlogopite from the hydrous peridotites and MARID minerals suggest a genetic link between the two types of xenoliths. The conditions required for producing MARIDs and K-richterite/phlogopite-bearing peridotites may thus exist in contexts other than stable cratonic settings. MARID rocks and the associated metasomites may result from a hydrous fluid interaction with a peridotite, the metasomatic agent being characterised by a high K and low Al signature and a high δD value. A D-rich source is involved in the metasomatic event producing the hydrous minerals, and the scatter observed in the δD values suggests a mixing between this source and another one with typical upper mantle D/H composition. As indicated by the low δD (–74) values of micas from the host lava, metasomatism predated and is unrelated to the alkaline volcanism. Received: 9 March 1995 / Accepted: 4 April 1996