Geochemistry of Cretaceous mafic rocks from the Lower Yangtze region, eastern China: Characteristics and evolution of the lithospheric mantle

Geochemical and isotopic data for Cretaceous mafic rocks (basalt, gabbro, and diorite) from the Lower Yangtze region, northern Yangtze block, constrain the evolution of the lithospheric mantle. The mafic rocks, separated into the northeast and southwest groups, are alkaline and evolved, with low Mg# values (44–58) and variable SiO₂ contents (47.6–57.4 wt%). Enriched LREEs, LILEs, and Pb, together with depleted Nb, Zr, and Ti, suggest that the mantle sources were metasomatized by slab-derived fluid/melt. All samples show high radiogenic ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb(t) (15.41–15.65) and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb(t) (37.66–38.51) ratios at given ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb(t) (17.65–19.00) ratios, consistent with the mantle sources having been metasomatized by ancient slab-derived material. Mafic rocks of the southwest group show enriched Sr–Nd isotopic characteristics, with ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr(t) ranging from 0.7056 to 0.7071 and ε_Nd(t) ranging from −5.3 to −8.3, indicating an origin from enriched lithospheric mantle. Mafic rocks of the northeast group, which record ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr(t) ratios of between 0.7044 and 0.7050 and ε_Nd(t) of −2.8 to −0.7, possibly formed by the mixing of melts from isotopically enriched lithospheric mantle and isotopically depleted asthenospheric mantle. Taking into consideration the geochemical and isotopic characteristics of Cretaceous mafic rocks, Cenozoic basalts, and basalt-hosted peridotite xenoliths from the Lower Yangtze region, we propose that an isotopically enriched, subduction-modified lithospheric mantle was replaced by or transformed into an isotopically depleted “oceanic-type” mantle. Such a process appears to have occurred in the eastern North China Craton as well as the eastern Yangtze block, probably in response to subduction of the paleo-Pacific plate beneath East Asia.     

Pb and Sr systematics of ultrapotassic and basaltic rocks from the central Sierra Nevada,California

This study presents Sr and Pb isotopic ratios and Rb, Sr, U, Th, and Pb concentrations of an ultrapotassic basaltic suite and related rocks from the central Sierra Nevada, California. The ultrapotassic suite yields a narrow range of Sr and Pb isotopic compositions (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr=0.70597–0.70653; ²⁰⁶Pb/ ²⁰⁴Pb=18.862–19.018; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=15.640–15.686; ²⁰⁸Pb/ ²⁰⁴Pb=38.833–38.950). Associated basalts containing ultramafic nodules have less radiogenic Sr (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶=0.70430–0.70521) and generally higher Rb/Sr ratios than the ultrapotassic suite. Leucitites from Deep Springs Valley, California, contain high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (71141–0.71240) and low ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (17.169–17.234) ratios, reflecting contamination by crustal granulite.The isotopic relationships support an origin of the ultrapotassic basaltic suite by partial melting of an enriched upper mantle source. Dehydration of a gently inclined oceanic slab beneath the Sierra Nevada may have provided Ba, K, Rb, Sr, and H₂O, which migrated into the overlying upper mantle lithosphere. The end of subduction 10 m.y. ago allowed increased asthenospheric heat flow into the upper mantle lithosphere. The increased heat flow enhanced fluid movement in the upper mantle and contributed towards isotopic homogenization of the upper mantle source areas. Continued heating of the enriched upper mantle caused partial melting and subsequent eruption of the ultrapotassic lavas.     

Petrogenesis of isotopically unusual Pliocene olivine leucitites from Deep Springs Valley, California

High-K mafic alkalic lavas (5.4 to 3.2 wt% K₂O) from Deep Springs Valley, California define good correlations of increasing incompatible element (e.g., Sr, Zr, Ba, LREE) and compatible element contents (e.g., Ni, Cr) with increasing MgO. Strontium and Nd isotope compositions are also correlated with MgO; ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios decrease and ɛ_Nd values increase with decreasing MgO. The Sr and Nd isotope compositions of these lavas are extreme compared to most other continental and oceanic rocks; ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios range from 0.7121 to 0.7105 and ɛ_Nd values range from −16.9 to −15.4. Lead isotope ratios are relatively constant, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ∼17.2, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ∼15.5, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ∼38.6. Depleted mantle model ages calculated using Sr and Nd isotopes imply that the reservoir these lavas were derived from has been distinct from the depleted mantle reservoir since the early Proterozoic. The Sr-Nd-Pb isotope variations of the Deep Springs Valley lavas are unique because they do not plot along either the EM I or EM II arrays. For example, most basalts that have low ɛ_Nd values and unradiogenic ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios have relatively low ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (the EM I array), whereas basalts with low ɛ_Nd values and high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios have radiogenic ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios (the EM II array). High-K lavas from Deep Springs Valley have EM II-like Sr and Nd isotope compositions, but EM I-like Pb isotope compositions. A simple method for producing the range of isotopic and major- and trace-element variations in the Deep Springs Valley lavas is by two-component mixing between this unusual K-rich mantle source and a more typical depleted mantle basalt. We favor passage of MORB-like magmas that partially fused and were contaminated by potassic magmas derived from melting high-K mantle veins that were stored in the lithospheric mantle. The origin of the anomalously high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios and low ɛ_Nd values and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios requires addition of an old component with high Rb/Sr and Th/Pb ratios but low Sm/Nd and U/Pb ratios into the mantle source region from which these basalts were derived. This old component may be sediments that were introduced into the mantle, either during Proterozoic subduction, or by foundering of Proterozoic age crust into the mantle at some time prior to eruption of the lavas. Received: 28 February 1997 / Accepted: 9 July 1998     

Temporal variation of isotope and rare earth element abundances in volcanic rocks from Guam: implications for the evolution of the Mariana Arc

Volcanic rocks exposed on Guam were erupted during the Late Middle Eocene (Facpi Fm.), Late Eocene-Oligocene (Alutom Fm.) and Miocene (Umatac Fm.). Four magma series are recognized: the boninite series (44 m.y.b.p.), the tholeiite and calc-alkaline series, which were erupted along with boninite series lavas at 32–36 m.y.b.p. and high-K lavas of the Umatac Fm. (14 m.y.b.p.). Isotope and and rare earth element (REE) characteristics of the four magma series are distinct. Boninite series lavas have U-shaped REE patterns, relatively low ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd (0.51294–0.51298), and high ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (19.0–19.2). Tholeiite series lavas are LREE (light REE) depleted, and have high ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd (0.51304–0.51306) and low ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (18.4–18.5). Calc-alkaline series lavas have Sr, Nd and Pb isotope ratios similar to tholeiite series lavas, but flat to U-shaped REE patterns. Umatac Fm. lavas are strongly LREE-enriched, and have higher ⁸⁷Sr/ ⁸⁶Sr (0.70375–0.70380) and ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb relative to ²⁰⁶Pb/ ²⁰⁴Pb than Facpi and Alutom Fm. lavas. Boninite and tholeiite series magmas, erupted in the position of the Palau-Kyushu Ridge, were probably derived from distinct mantle sources having OIB and N-MORB-like isotopic characteristics, together with fluids derived from subducted Pacific plate basalt. Calc-alkaline series lavas were most likely derived from the tholeiite series by extensive crystal fractionation, wallrock contamination and magma mixing. Lavas of the Umatac Fm., erupted in the position of the West Mariana Ridge, may include up to 2–3% subducted sediment, similar to some active Mariana arc lavas.     

Petrogenesis of the Neogene volcanic units in the NE–SW-trending basins in western Anatolia,Turkey

The western Anatolian volcanic province formed during Eocene to Recent times is one of the major volcanic belts in the Aegean–western Anatolian region. We present new chemical (whole-rock major and trace elements, and Sr, Nd, Pb and O isotopes) and new Ar/Ar age data from the Miocene volcanic rocks in the NE–SW-trending Neogene basins that formed on the northern part of the Menderes Massif during its exhumation as a core complex. The early-middle Miocene volcanic rocks are classified as high-K calc-alkaline (HKVR), shoshonitic (SHVR) and ultrapotassic (UKVR), with the Late Miocene basalts being transitional between the early-middle Miocene volcanics and the Na-alkaline Quaternary Kula volcanics (QKV). The early-middle Miocene volcanic rocks are strongly enriched in large ion lithophile elements (LILE), have high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_(i) (0.70631–0.71001), low ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd_(i) (0.512145–0.512488) and high Pb isotope ratios (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.838–19.148; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.672–15.725; ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.904–39.172). The high field strength element (HFSE) ratios of the most primitive early-middle Miocene volcanic rocks indicate that they were derived from a mantle source with a primitive mantle (PM)-like composition. The HFSE ratios of the late Miocene basalts and QKV, on the other hand, indicate an OIB-like mantle origin—a hypothesis that is supported by their trace element patterns and isotopic compositions. The HFSE ratios of the early-middle Miocene volcanic rocks also indicate that their mantle source was distinct from those of the Eocene volcanic rocks located further north, and of the other volcanic provinces in the region. The mantle source of the SHVR and UKVR was influenced by (1) trace element and isotopic enrichment by subduction-related metasomatic events and (2) trace element enrichment by “multi-stage melting and melt percolation” processes in the lithospheric mantle. The contemporaneous SHVR and UKVR show little effect of upper crustal contamination. Trace element ratios of the HKVR indicate that they were derived mainly from lower continental crustal melts which then mixed with mantle-derived lavas (~20–40%). The HKVR then underwent differentiation from andesites to rhyolites via nearly pure fractional crystallization processes in the upper crust, such that have undergone a two-stage petrogenetic evolution.     

Paleoproterozoic subduction-related metasomatic signatures in the lithospheric mantle beneath NE Brazil: inferences from trace element and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions of Neoproterozoic high-K igneous rocks

Late Neoproterozoic (ca. 580 Ma), high-K, mafic-intermediate rocks represent voluminous bimodal magmatism in the Borborema Province, northeast Brazil. These rocks show the following chemical signatures that reflect derivation from a subduction-modified lithospheric mantle source: (1) enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (Rb, Ba, K, Th) and light rare-earth elements (REE) (La/Yb_CN=11–70), (2) pronounced negative Nb anomalies, and (3) radiogenic Sr (0.71202–0.7059) and unradiogenic Nd (_Nd from −9.3–−20.1) isotopic compositions. T_DM model ages suggest that modification of the lithospheric mantle source (metasomatised garnet lherzolite) may have occurred in the Paleoproterozoic during the Transamazonian/Eburnean tectonics that affected the region. Interaction with asthenospheric fluids is believed to have partially melted this enriched source in the Neoproterozoic, probably as a result of asthenosphere-derived fluid percolation in the Brasiliano/Pan-African shear zones that controlled the emplacement of these mafic-intermediate magmas. The involvement of this asthenospheric component is supported by the nonradiogenic Pb isotopic ratios (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=16–17.3, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=15.1–15.6, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=36–37.5), which contrast with the enriched Sr and Nd compositions and thereby suggest the decoupling of Rb–Sr, Sm–Nd, and U–Pb systems at the time of intrusion of the mafic-intermediate magmas in the crust.     

Permian basaltic rocks in the Tarim basin, NW China: Implications for plume–lithosphere interaction

There are large areas of Permian basaltic rocks in the Tarim basin (PBRT) in northwestern China. Precise Ar–Ar dating of these rocks revealed an eruption age span of 262 to 285 Ma. Most of the PBRT is composed of alkaline basaltic rocks with high TiO₂ (2.43%–4.59%, weight percent), high Fe₂O₃ + FeO (12.63%–17.83%) and P₂O₅ (0.32%–1.38%) contents. Trace elements of these rocks have affinities with oceanic island basalts (OIB), as shown in chondrite normalized rare earth elements (REE) diagrams and primitive mantle normalized incompatible elements diagrams. The rocks show complex Sr–Nd isotopic character based on which they can be subdivided into two distinct groups: group 1 has relatively small initial (t = 280 Ma)⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio ( 0.7048) and positive εNd(t) (3.42–4.66) values. Group 2 has relatively large initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio (0.7060–0.7083) and negative εNd(t) (from − 2.79 to − 2.16) values. Lead isotopes are even more complex with variations of (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)t, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)t and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)t ranging from 17.9265 to 18.5778, 15.4789 to 15.6067 and 37.2922 to 38.1437, respectively. Moreover, these two groups have different trace elements ratios such as Nb/La, Ba/Nb, Zr/Nb, Nb/Ta and Zr/Hf, implying different magmatic processes. Based on the geochemistry of basaltic rocks and an evaluation of the tectonics, deformation, and the compositions of crust and lithospheric mantle in Tarim, we conclude that these basaltic rocks resulted from plume–lithosphere interaction. Permian mantle plume caused an upwelling of the Tarim lithosphere leading to melting of the asthenospheric mantle by decompression. The magma ascended rapidly to the base of lower crust, where different degrees of assimilation of OIB-like materials and fractionation occurred. Group 1 rocks formed where the upwelling is most pronounced and the assimilation was negligible. In other places, different degrees of assimilation and fractionation account for the geochemical traits of group 2.     

Controls on magmatism in an island arc environment: study of lavas and sub-arc xenoliths from the Tabar–Lihir–Tanga–Feni island chain, Papua New Guinea

The Tabar–Lihir–Tanga–Feni (TLTF) islands of Papua New Guinea mainly comprise high-K calc-alkaline and silica undersaturated alkaline rocks that have geochemical features typical for subduction-related magmatism. Numerous sedimentary, mafic, and ultramafic xenoliths recovered from Tubaf seamount, located on the flank of Lihir Island, provide a unique opportunity to study the elemental and isotopic composition of the crust and mantle wedge beneath the arc and to evaluate their relationships to the arc magmatism in the region. The sedimentary and mafic xenoliths show that the crust under the islands is composed of sedimentary sequences and oceanic crust with Pacific affinity. A majority of the ultramafic xenoliths contain features indicating wide spread metasomatism in the mantle wedge under the TLTF arc. Leaching experiments reveal that the metasomatized ultramafic xenoliths contain discrete labile phases that can account for up to 50% or more of elements such as Cu, Zn, Rb, U, Pb, and light REE (rare-earth elements), most likely introduced in the xenoliths via hydrous fluids released from a subducted slab. The leaching experiments demonstrated that the light REE enrichment pattern can be more or less removed from the metasomatized xenoliths and the residual phases exhibit REE patterns that range from flat to light REE depleted. Sr–Nd isotopic data for the ultramafic residues show a coupled behavior of increasing ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr with decreasing ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios. The labile phases in the ultramafic xenoliths, represented by the leachates, show decoupling between Sr and Nd with distinctly more radiogenic ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr than the residues. Both leachates and residues exhibit very wide range in their Pb isotopic compositions, indicating the involvement of three components in the mantle wedge under the TLTF islands. Two of the components can be identified as Pacific Oceanic mantle and Pacific sediments. Some of the ultramafic samples and clinopyroxene separates, however, exhibit relatively low ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb at elevated ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb suggesting that the third component is either Indian Ocean-type mantle or Australian subcontinental lithospheric mantle. Geochemical data from the ultramafic xenoliths indicate that although the mantle wedge in the area was extensively metasomatized, it did not significantly contribute to the isotopic and incompatible trace element compositions of TLTF lavas. Compared to the mantle samples, the TLTF lavas have very restricted Pb isotopic compositions that lie within the Pacific MORB range, indicating that magma compositions were dominated by melts released from a stalled subducted slab with Pacific MORB affinity. Interaction of slab melts with depleted peridotitic component in the mantle wedge, followed by crystal fractionation most likely generated the geochemical characteristics of the lavas in the area. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Origin of the absarokite–banakite association of the Damavand volcano (Iran): trace elements and Sr,Nd, Pb isotope constraints

The activity of the Damavand volcano (Central Alborz, northern Iran) began 1.8 Ma ago and continued up to 7 ka BP. Although the volcanic suite is clearly of shoshonitic affinity, only two petrographic types can be distinguished in the studied lavas: (1) weakly differentiated absarokites (49 < %SiO₂ < 51), scattered around the volcano but with a regional extension, (2) highly differentiated banakites (59 < %SiO₂ < 63), which form the bulk of the 4,000 m thick volcanic pile. All lavas are alkalic (3.7 < %K₂O < 5), REE and LILE-rich (e.g., 85 < La < 148 ppm; 9 < Th < 32 ppm) and show highly fractionated REE patterns (69 < La/Yb < 115) and pronounced Nb–Ta negative anomalies. The absarokites are characterised by Sr (0.7045–0.7046) and Nd (0.51266–0.51269) isotope compositions close to the Bulk Earth values, and distinct from those of the banakites (0.7047 < ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr < 0.7049, 0.51258 < ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd < 0.51262). The Pb isotope ratios are also slightly lower in the absarokites than in the banakites (18.71 < ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb < 18.77, 15.62 < ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb < 15.63, 38.85 < ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb < 38.91, and 18.77 < ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb < 18.84, 15.62 < ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb < 15.64, 38.94 < ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb < 39.06, respectively). Overall, there is a clear tendency towards higher Sr, Pb and lower Nd isotope ratios with increasing degree of differentiation. This study suggests that the absarokites result from a low degree of partial melting (∼5%) of a highly metasomatized mantle source, which inherited its characteristics from an old subduction setting. The initiation of volcanic activity 1.8 Ma ago results from variations in the lithospheric thermal regime, probably related to lithospheric delamination as proposed for Anatolia (Pearce et al. 1990). The banakites are mainly generated by extensive fractional crystallisation (∼70%) of the absarokitic magma, with a limited amount (a few percents) of assimilation of an old crustal component, in the form of bulk assimilation or AFC processes, which both can explain the Sr, Nd and Pb isotope data.     

The geochemistry of Dinantian volcanism in south Kintyre and the evidence for provincialism in the southern Scottish mantle

Scottish Dinantian transitional to mildly alkaline volcanism is represented by abundant outcrops in the Midland Valley, Southern Uplands and Highlands provinces. Dinantian volcanic rocks from Kintyre in the Scottish Highlands range in composition from basalt through basaltic hawaiite, hawaiite, mugearite and benmoreite to trachyte, the compositions of the evolved types being largely due to differentiation from the basaltic parents.Recent geochemical investigations of Scottish Caledonian granitoids, Siluro-Devonian Old Red Sandstone (ORS) lavas and xenolith suites from numerous vents and dykes of Permo-Carboniferous to Tertiary age have revealed that the Scottish crust and upper mantle both increase in age and are increasingly enriched in incompatible elements towards the north and northwest. The upper mantle and lower crust below the Highlands province are therefore largely considered to be more enriched and in parts older than those below the Midland Valley and Southern Uplands. Dinantian alkali basalts from these latter two provinces have Nd values predominantly in the range +3 to +6, initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values of 0.7029–0.7041 and ²⁰⁷Pb/ ²⁰⁴Pb values of 15.48–15.60. However, similar basalts from Kintyre and Arran in the Highlands have lower Nd (+0.1 to +3.4) and ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (for given ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios; 15.49–15.51) and slightly higher ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.7033–0.7046). This regional variation correlates well with the differences seen between Midland Valley and Highland magmas in the ORS calc-alkaline suite (Thirlwall 1986) and it is suggested that both the ORS and Dinantian basic rocks are derived from similar types of mantle, although no lithospheric slab component is present in the later Dinantian suites. Isotopically-distinct portions of mantle therefore appear to have been present below the Highland and Midland Valley-Southern Upland provinces from at least Caledonian to Carboniferous times. The combined incompatible element and Sr-Nd-Pd isotopic evidence from Kintyre and Arran basaltic rocks does not allow unequivocal distinction between a lithospheric mantle and a sublithospheric mantle source. The observed correlation between isotopic composition of Dinantian basalts and the chemical composition of the lithosphere, together with the apparent involvement of long-term separated source reservoirs suggests that Kintyre and Arran lavas were derived largely from a lithospheric mantle source. On the other hand, the isotopic enrichment of Kintyre basaltic rocks is not extreme; trace element and isotopic compositions are still comparable to modem OIB. Sublithospheric mantle could therefore also be a viable source for Kintyre and Arran Dinantian volcanism.     

Shoshonite and sub-alkaline magmas from an ultrapotassic volcano: Sr–Nd–Pb isotope data on the Roccamonfina volcanic rocks,Roman Magmatic Province,Southern Italy

The Roccamonfina volcano is characterised by two stages of volcanic activity that are separated by volcano-tectonic caldera collapses. Ultrapotassic leucite-bearing rocks are confined to the pre-caldera stage and display geochemical characteristics similar to those of other volcanoes in the Roman Province. After the major sector collapse of the volcano, occurred at ca. 400 ka, shoshonitic rocks erupted from cinder cones and domes both within the caldera and on the external flanks of the pre-caldera Roccamonfina volcano. On the basis of new trace element and Sr–Nd–Pb isotope data, we show that the Roccamonfina shoshonitic rocks are distinct from shoshonites of the Northern Roman Province, but are very similar to those of the Neapolitan volcanoes. The last phases of volcanic activity erupted sub-alkaline magmas as enclaves in trachytic domes, and as lavas within the Monte Santa Croce dome. Ultrapotassic rocks of the pre-caldera composite volcano are plagioclase-bearing leucitites characterised by high levels of incompatible trace elements with an orogenic signature having troughs at Ba, Ta, Nb, and Ti, and peaks at Cs, K, Th, U, and Pb. Initial values of ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr range from 0.70926 to 0.70999, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ranges from 0.51213 to 0.51217, while the lead isotope rations vary between 18.788–18.851 for ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 15.685–15.701 for ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, and 39.048–39.076 for ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb. Shoshonites show a similar pattern of trace element depletions and enrichments to the earlier ultrapotassic leucite-bearing rocks but have a larger degree of differentiation and lower concentrations of incompatible trace elements. On the other hand, shoshonitic rocks have Sr, Nd, and Pb isotopes consistently different than pre-caldera ultrapotassic leucite-bearing rocks. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ranges from 0.70665 to 0.70745, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ranges from 0.51234 to 0.51238, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ranges from 18.924 to 19.153, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ranges from 15.661 to 15.694, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ranges from 39.084 to 39.212. High-K calc-alkaline samples have intermediate isotopic values between ultrapotassic plagioclase leucitites and shoshonites, but the lowest levels of incompatible trace element contents. It is argued that ultrapotassic magmas were generated in a modified lithospheric mantle after crustal-derived metasomatism. Interaction between the metasomatic agent and lithospheric upper mantle produced a low-melting point metasomatised veined network. The partial melting of the veins alone produced pre-caldera leucite-bearing ultrapotassic magmas. It was possibly triggered by either post-collisional isotherms relaxation or increasing T°C due increasing heat flow through slab tears. Shoshonitic magmas were generated by further melting, at higher temperature, of the same metasomatic assemblage with addition 10–20% of OIB-like astenospheric mantle material. We suggest that addition of astenospheric upper mantle material from foreland mantle, flowing through slab tearing after collision was achieved. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

The geochemistry and petrogenesis of the lavas of the Vulsinian District,Roman province,Central Italy

The Vulsinian lavas are dominated by a suite of undersaturated leucite-bearing basic to intermediate compositions. The remaining lavas are mainly oversaturated and have shoshonitic affinities. One hundred and thirty-five samples have been analysed for major elements and most for 20 trace elements. Twenty-seven lavas have been analysed for REE. They are all perpotassic (for the undersaturated lavas: K₂O/Na₂O=2–8) and have very high LIL element concentrations, (e.g. Rb=400–800 ppm, Th=25–150 ppm, REE/REE_cho=c.200, (LREE/HREE)_cho=c.20) even in the most basic rocks.The undersaturated lavas appear to be interrelated by fractional crystallization of cpx±olivine (from 14 to 11 wt.% CaO), cpx+leu±plg±mica (from 11 to 8 wt.% CaO), cpx+leu+plg+apa+magnetite±mica (from 8 to 5 wt.% CaO), and additional sanidine (or hyalophane)±haüyne (from 5 to 3 wt.% CaO). The saturated lavas and the few slightly undersaturated shoshonite basalts are thought to be evolved from the undersaturated magma(s) by crustal contamination or mixing with silica-rich magmas. The parental Vulsinian magma having: Mg-value=c.73, Cr=300–700 ppm, Ni=100–125 ppm, Sc= 40–50 ppm, Fo_89–92, Di_77–97 approximates a primary, mantle-derived liquid. Enrichment in LIL elements (incl. REE) and LREE/HREE suggest a small degree of partial melting from fertile mantle; whereas the low concentrations of Na, Ti and P suggest larger degrees of partial melting. This indicates that either the primary magma or the parental mantle was metasomatized by a fluid, which previously equilibrated with subducted continental material. This model agrees with published high ¹⁸O, high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and low ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd.     

Makran ophiolitic basalts (SE Iran) record Late Cretaceous Neotethys plume-ridge interaction

ABSTRACT

The Makran complex in southeast Iran provides a spectacular subduction-related accretionary complex to understand the mechanism of oceanic accretion and the evolution of subduction zones. In this paper, we present new major and trace element data as well as isotopic compositions of mafic volcanic blocks from the Makran ophiolitic mélange complex (OMC). Our aim is to assess the genesis of these rocks and discuss their implications on the evolution of Neotethys Ocean. These volcanic blocks are composed mainly of basalts with minor trachytes. The Makran lavas are occasionally interlayered with tuff layers. Zircons from these tuffs give U-Pb ages of 95 Ma, which is well in accordance with the reposted microfossil data for the interlayered pelagic limestones with pillow lavas. Makran basalts can be geochemically subdivided into four groups; normal to transitional MORB, enriched-MORB, Plume-type MORB and alkaline (-OIB-like) basalts. The OIB-like pillow lavas are represented by high values of Th/Tb (6.3–7.4) which are higher than other basalts (group 1 = 0.3–0.8; groups 2 = 0.7–1.6; group 3 = 1.58–1.36).¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd_(t) ratios for basalts ranges from 0.51247 to 0.51292, whereas ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_(t) isotopic composition of the OMC lavas varies from 0.704433 to 0.709466. The Pb isotopic composition of the lavas are quite high, ranging from 15.49–15.66 for ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_(t), 18.09–19.12 for ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_(t) and 37.80–39.23 for ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_(t). The chemistry of these rocks suggests that they were formed most likely in an oceanic setting with clear plume-ridge interaction. These rocks can form from partial melting of a highly heterogeneous mantle source, which is extensively metasomatized with deep mantle OIB-type components. We suggest these rocks have been generated in an oceanic ridge with plume-ridge interaction, similar to the Iceland-Reykjanes Ridge, before being fragmented and accreted into the Makran accretionary complex.     

Age and sources of gold mineralization in the Marmato mining district, NW Colombia: A Miocene–Pliocene epizonal gold deposit

Epigenetic gold mineralization occurs in the Marmato mining district, within the Calima Terrain of the Setentrional Andes, Colombia. Regional rocks associated with this mineralization include: graphite- and chlorite-schists of the Arquia Complex; metamorphosed during the Cretaceous, Miocene sandstones, shales and conglomerates of the Amagá Formation; as well as pyroclastic rocks (clasts of basalt, andesites and mafic lavas) and subvolcanic andesitic/dacitic bodies of the Combia Formation (9 to 6 Ma). The subvolcanic Marmato stock hosts mesothermal and epithermal low-sulfidation Au–Ag ores in the form of distensional veins, stockwork, and quartz veinlets within brecciated zones. Ore minerals are pyrite, sphalerite and galena with subordinate chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, pyrrhotite, argentite and native gold/electrum.Sericitized plagioclase from a porphyry dacite yielded a K–Ar age of 5.6 ± 0.6 Ma, interpreted as the age of ore deposition. This is in close agreement with the age of reactivation of the Cauca–Romeral Fault System (5.6 ± 0.4 Ma), which bounds the Calima Terrain. A porphyry andesite–dacite (6.7 ± 0.1 Ma), hosting the Au–Ag veins, shows a measured ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr between 0.70440 and 0.70460, ε_Nd between + 2.2 and + 3.2 and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of 18.964 to 19.028; 15.561 to 15.570; and 38.640 to 38.745, respectively. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and ε_Nd values of rocks from the Arquia Group range from 0.70431 to 0.73511 and − 12.91 to + 10.0, respectively, whereas the corresponding Pb isotopic ratios (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) range from 18.948 to 19.652; 15.564 to 15.702; and 38.640 to 38.885, respectively. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and ε_Nd values obtained on sulfides from the gold quartz veins, which occur at shallow and intermediate levels, range from 0.70500 to 0.71210 and from − 1.11 to + 2.40. In the deepest veins, ε_Nd values lie between + 1.25 and + 3.28 and the ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr of calcite and pyrite fall between 0.70444 and 0.70930. The ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of all mineralization are in the ranges 18.970 to 19.258; 15.605 to 15.726 and 38.813 to 39.208, respectively. Carbonates have an average ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio of 0.70445, which is within the range of values measured in the host dacite. The Sr isotopic data indicate that carbonic fluids have a restricted hydrothermal circulation within the host igneous body, while the Sr, Pb and Nd isotopic compositions of the sulfides suggest that the fluids not only circulated within the Marmato stock, but also throughout the Arquia Complex, inferring that these rocks offer a potential target for mineral exploration. Based on geological and geochronological evidence, the epizonal Marmato gold ores formed during the Miocene to Pliocene, as a result of cooling of the Marmato stock and reactivation along a crustal-scale fault zone related to thermal processes in an accretionary oceanic–continental plate orogen.     

Origin of anorogenic ‘lamproite-like’ potassic lavas from the Denizli region in Western Anatolia Extensional Province, Turkey

The Denizli region of the Western Anatolia Extensional Province (WAEP) includes a typical example of intra-plate potassic magmatism. Lamproite-like K-rich to shoshonitic alkaline rocks erupted in the Upper Miocene-Pliocene in a tensional tectonic setting. The absence of Nb and Ta depletion, low Th/Zr and high Nb/Zr ratios and distinct isotopic values (i.e. low ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, 0.703523–0.703757; high ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd, 0.512708–0.512784; high ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 19.079–19.227, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 15.635–15.682, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 39.144–39.302) mark an anorogenic geochemical signature of the Denizli volcanics. All of the lavas are strongly enriched in large-ion-lithophile elements (e.g. Ba 1,100–2,200 ppm; Sr 1,900–3,100 ppm; Rb 91–295 ppm) and light rare-earth elements (e.g. La_N?=?319–464), with a geochemical affinity to ocean-island basalts and lack of a recognizable subduction signature or any evidence for crustal contamination. The restricted range of isotopic (Sr, Nd, Pb) ratios in both near-primitive (Mg# 66.7–77.2) and more evolved (Mg# 64.6–68.7) members of the Denizli volcanics signify their evolution from an isotopically equilibrated parental mantle source. Their high Dy/Yb and Rb/Sr values also suggest that garnet and phlogopite were present in the mantle source. Their strong EM-II signature, very low Nd model ages (0.44–049 Ga) and isotopic (Sr-Nd-Pb) values analogous to those of the Nyiragongo potassic basanites and kimberlites from the African stable continental settings, suggest that the parental melts that produced the Denizli volcanics are associated with very young and enriched mantle sources, which include both sublithospheric and enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle melts. Mantle-lithosphere delamination probably played a significant role in the generation of these melts, and could be related to roll-back of the Aegean arc, lithospheric extension and asthenospheric mantle upwelling.     

Miocene to recent alkaline volcanism between Al Haruj and Waw an Namous (southern Libya)

Unspiked K–Ar ages, petrological, geochemical and isotopic data are reported on samples from southern Libya (Wan an Namous—Al Haruj area). The Wan an Namous intracaldera cone dated at 0.2?Ma consists of unusually undersaturated foidite, representing the most extreme compositions among Libyan and Tibestian lavas. A basanitic and a basaltic lava flow located north-west of Wan an Namous, and probably belonging to the Al Haruj volcanic field, were dated at 5.1?Ma and 8.1?Ma. These data extend the range of ages previously reported for Al Haruj lavas. REE and multi-element patterns are typical of alkaline intraplate magmas. Sr ratios range from 0.70314 to 0.70812, whereas Nd ratios are very homogeneous (0.51290–0.51293). Pb ratios (19.231?<?²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb?<?19.547, 15.607?<?²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb?<?15.641 and 38.859?<?²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb?<?39.242) are typical of HIMU-FOZO compositions. Such isotope characteristics are very similar to those available on two Gharyan (northern Libya) lavas and largely overlap those of Hoggar and Cameroon Line alkaline rocks. These lavas were produced by low and variable degrees of partial melting of a garnet- and amphibole-bearing mantle source, constraining the depth of melting between 80 and 150?km. Crustal contamination was also probably involved for the oldest sample. Mineral compositions of a dunite–harzburgite xenolith clearly indicate that the lithospheric mantle was affected by partial melting and metasomatic processes by magmatic liquids, probably associated with the genesis of Cenozoic lavas. Lithospheric delamination and asthenospheric upwelling, due to the reactivation of lithospheric megastructures induced by the Africa-Europe convergence, could represent a model for the genesis of Libyan lavas, as in Hoggar.     

Geochemical and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic characteristics of Late Cenozoic leucite lamproites from the East European Alpine belt (Macedonia and Yugoslavia)

In the East European Alpine belt, leucite-sanidine-phlogopite-olivine-bearing volcanic rocks of Late Cenozoic age occur at eight localities within the Vardar suture zone and at one locality in the Southern Carpathian fold-and-thrust belt. Most of these volcanics are characterized by high Mg# (66.6–78.6), high abundances of Ni (117–373 ppm) and Cr (144–445 ppm) as well as high primary K₂O contents (5.63–7.01 %) and K₂O/Na₂O values (1.93–4.91). Rocks with more differentiated compositions are rare. A lamproite affinity of these rocks is apparent from their relatively low contents of Al₂O₃ (9.9–14.3 wt%) and CaO (6.2–8.3 wt%) in combination with high abundances of Rb (85–967 ppm), Ba (1,027–4,189 ppm), Th (18.9–76.5 ppm), Pb (19–54 ppm), Sr (774–1,712 ppm) and F (0.16–0.52 wt%), and the general lack of plagioclase. Although eruption of the magmas took place in post-collisional extensional settings, significant depletions of Nb and Ta relative to Th and La, low TiO₂ contents (0.92–2.17 %), low ratios of Rb/Cs, K/Rb and Ce/Pb as well as high ratios of Ba/La and Ba/Th suggest close genetic relationships to subduction zone processes. Whereas Sr and Nd isotope ratios show relatively large variations (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7078–0.7105, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0.51242–0.51215), Pb isotope ratios display a very restricted range with ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.68–18.88 and variable but generally high 7/4 (11–18) and 8/4 (65–95) values. The observed petrographic, geochemical and isotopic characteristics are best explained by a genetic model involving preferential melting of phlogopite-rich veins in an originally depleted lithospheric mantle source, whereby the metasomatic enrichment of the mantle source is tentatively related to the addition of components from subducted sediments during consumption of Tethyan oceanic lithosphere.Editorial responsibility: J. Hoefs     

Young Alpine dykes south of the Tauern Window (Austria): a K-Ar and Sr isotope study

Fortyfive new K-Ar ages and Sr isotope data on amphiboles, biotites, clinopyroxenes and whole rock samples from subvolcanic dykes south of the Tauern Window establish, that alkalibasaltic dykes were intruded 30 m.y. ago and shoshonitic volcanism occured between 30 and 24 m.y. ago. Two calc-alkaline rocks of high-potassium composition yielded ages of 40 and 26 m.y. resp., a spread which may or may not be real. Calc-alkaline dykes with medium and low potassium contain excess argon and are hence undatable. Alkalibasaltic dykes have ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7056–0.7070, shoshonitic rocks 0.7075–0.7133, potassium rich calc-alkaline dykes 0.7077–0.7100. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr of all other calc-alkaline rocks scatter between 0.7074 and 0.7150. Sr data indicate that dykes studied do not represent closed Sr systems, but that Sr characteristics result from selective strontium assimilation en route to surface. Primary Sr isotopic ratios of alkalibasaltic dykes point to an origin of these rocks in enriched sub-continental upper mantle. The source region of shoshonitic and high-potassium calcalkaline rocks could have ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr around 0.707, which is assigned to the input of a component rich in alkalies, LREE and LIL elements. Genetic relationships with other Tertiary magmatites of similar geotectonic position are explained in terms of plate tectonic models of the Eastern Alps.     

Origin of Sr,Nd and Pb isotopic systematics in high-Sr basalts from central Arizona

Alkalic and tholeiitic basalts were erupted in the central Arizona Transition Zone during Miocene-Pliocene time before and after regional faulting. The alkalic lava types differ from the subalkaline lavas in Sr, Nd and Pb isotopic ratios and trace element ratios and, despite close temporal and spatial relationships, the two types appear to be from discrete mantle sources. Pre-faulting lava types include: potassic trachybasalts (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7052 to 0.7055, _Nd= –9.2 to –10.7); alkali olivine basalts (⁸⁷Sr/ ⁸⁶Sr = 0.7049 to 0.7054, _Nd= –2 to 0.2); basanite and hawaiites (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7049 to 0.7053, _Nd= –3.5 to –7.8); and quartz tholeiites (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7047, _Nd= –1.4 to –2.6). Post-faulting lavas have lower ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (<0.7045) and _Nd from –3.2 to 2.3. Pb isotopic data for both preand post-faulting lavas form coherent clusters by magma type with values higher than those associated with MORB but within the range of values found for crustal rocks and sulfide ores in Arizona and New Mexico. Pb isotopic systematics appear to be dominated by crustal contamination. Effects of assimilation and fractional crystallization are inadequate to produce the Sr isotopic variations unless very large amounts of assimilation occurred relative to fractionation. It is impossible to produce the Nd isotopic variations unless ancient very unradiogenic material exists beneath the region. Moreover the assumption that the alkalic lavas are cogenetic requires high degrees of fractionation inconsistent with major- and trace-element data. Metasomatism of the subcontinental lithosphere above a subduction zone by a slab-derived fluid enriched in Sr, Ba, P and K could have produced the isotopic and elemental patterns. The degree of metasomatism apparently decreased upward, with the alkalic lavas sampling more modified regions of the mantle than the tholeiitic lavas. Such metasomatism may have been a regional event associated with crustal formation at about 1.6 Ga. Disruption and weakening of the subcontinental lithosphere in the Transition Zone of the Colorado Plateau by volcanism probably made deformation possible.     

Indirect crustal contamination: evidence from isotopic and chemical disequilibria in minerals from alkali basalts and nephelinites from northern Tanzania

 Alkali basalts and nephelinites from the volcanic province of northern Tanzania contain pyroxene and nepheline that show evidence for chemical and/or isotopic disequilibria with their host magmas. Olivine, pyroxene, nepheline and plagioclase all appear to be partially xenocrystic in origin. Five whole rock/mineral separate pairs have been analyzed for Sr, Nd, and Pb isotopic compositions. The ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios are distinct by as much as 20.94 (whole rock) vs. 19.10 (clinopyroxene separate). The Sr and Nd isotopic disequilibria vary from insignificant in the case of nepheline, to Δ ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr of 0.0002 and Δɛ_Nd of 0.7 in the case of clinopyroxene. The mineral chemistry of 25 samples indicates the ubiquitous presence of minerals that did not crystallize from a liquid represented by the host rock. The northern Tanzanian magmas are peralkaline and exhibit none of the xenocrystic phases expected from crustal assimilation. The disequilibria cannot be the result of mantle source variations. Rather the xenocrystic phases present appear to have been derived from earlier alkali basaltic rocks or magmas that were contaminated by the crust. Material from this earlier magma was then mixed with batches of magma that subsequently erupted on the surface. Disequilibrium in volcanic rocks has potentially serious consequences for the use of whole rock data to identify source reservoirs. However, mass balance calculations reveal that the ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb isotopic compositions of the erupted lavas were changed by less than 0.25% as a result of this indirect crustal contamination. Received: 15 February 1995 / Accepted: 4 May 1996