The Role of Continental Crust and Lithospheric Mantle in the Genesis of Cameroon Volcanic Line Lavas: Constraints from Isotopic Variations in Lavas and Megacrysts from the Biu and Jos Plateaux

We present a combined Sr, Nd, Pb and Os isotope study of lavasand associated genetically related megacrysts from the Biu andJos Plateaux, northern Cameroon Volcanic Line (CVL). Comparisonof lavas and megacrysts allows us to distinguish between twocontamination paths of the primary magmas. The first is characterizedby both increasing ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (19·82–20·33)and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0·70290–0·70310), and decreasing_Nd (7·0–6·0), and involves addition of anenriched sub-continental lithospheric mantle-derived melt. Thesecond contamination path is characterized by decreasing ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb(19·82–19·03), but also increasing ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr(0·70290–0·70359), increasing ¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os(0·130–0·245) and decreasing _Nd (7·0–4·6),and involves addition of up to 8% bulk continental crust. Isotopicsystematics of some lavas from the oceanic sector of the CVLalso imply the involvement of a continental crustal component.Assuming that the line as a whole shares a common source, wepropose that the continental signature seen in the oceanic sectorof the CVL is caused by shallow contamination, either by continent-derivedsediments or by rafted crustal blocks that became trapped inthe oceanic lithosphere during continental breakup in the Mesozoic. KEY WORDS: crustal contamination; CVL; megacrysts; ocean floor; osmium isotopes     

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

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

Isotopic and Geochemical Investigation of the Chilwa Island Carbonatite Complex, Malawi: Evidence for a Depleted Mantle Source Region, Liquid Immiscibility, and Open-System Behaviour

Initial Nd, Pb, and Sr isotopic data from carbonatites and associatedintrusive silica-undersaturated rocks from the early Jurassic,Chilwa Island complex, located in southern Malawi, central Africa,suggest melt derivation from a Rb/Sr- and Nd/Sm-depleted butTh/Pb- and U/Pb-enriched mantle source. Initial ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd(0.51265–0.51270) isotope ratios from the Chilwa Islandcarbonatites are relatively constant, but their initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr(0.70319–0.70361) ratios are variable. The ¹⁸O_smow (9.53–14.15%0)and ¹³C_PDB (–3.27 to –1.50%0) isotope ratios ofthe carbonates are enriched relative to the range of mantlevalues, and there is a negative correlation between ¹⁸O andSr isotope ratios. The variations in Sr, C, and O isotopic ratiosfrom the carbonatites suggest secondary processes, such as interactionwith meteoric groundwater during late-stage carbonatite activity.The initial ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd (0.51246 0.51269) and initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr(0.70344–0.70383) isotope ratios from the intrusive silicaterocks are more variable, and the Sr more radiogenic than thosefrom the carbonatites. Most of the Pb isotope data from Chilwa Island plot to the rightof the geochron and close to the oceanic regression line definedby MORBs and OIBs. Initial Pb isotopic ratios from both carbonatites(²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 15.63–15.71; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 19.13–19.78)and silicate rocks (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 15.61–15.72; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb18.18–20.12) show pronounced variations, and form twogroups in Pb-Pb plots. The isotopic variations shown by Nd, Pb, and Sr for the ChilwaIsland carbonatites and intrusive silicates suggest that thesemelts underwent different evolutionary histories. The chemicaldata, including isotopic ratios, from the carbonatites and olivinenephelinites are consistent with magmatic differentiation ofa carbonated-nephelinite magma. A model is proposed in whichdifferentiation of the carbonatite magma was accompanied byfenitization (metasomatic alteration) of the country rocks bycarbonatite-derived fluids, and subsequent alteration of thecarbonatite by hydrothermal activity. The chemical and isotopicdata from the non-nephelinitic intrusive silicate rocks reveala more complex evolutionary history, involving either selectivebinary mixing of lower-crustal granulites and a nephelinitemagma, or incremental batch melting of a depleted source andsubsequent crustal contamination.     

The Origin of HIMU in the SW Pacific: Evidence from Intraplate Volcanism in Southern New Zealand and Subantarctic Islands

This paper presents field, geochemical and isotopic (Sr, Nd,Pb) results on basalts from the Antipodes, Campbell and ChathamIslands, New Zealand. New ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar age determinations alongwith previous K–Ar dates reveal three major episodes ofvolcanic activity on Chatham Island (85–82, 41–35,5 Ma). Chatham and Antipodes samples comprise basanite, alkaliand transitional basalts that have HIMU-like isotopic (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb>20·3–20·8, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr <0·7033,¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd >0·5128) and trace element affinities(Ce/Pb 28–36, Nb/U 34–66, Ba/Nb 4–7). Thegeochemistry of transitional to Q-normative samples from CampbellIsland is explained by interaction with continental crust. Thevolcanism is part of a long-lived (100 Myr), low-volume, diffusealkaline magmatic province that includes deposits on the Northand South Islands of New Zealand as well as portions of WestAntarctica and SE Australia. All of these continental areaswere juxtaposed on the eastern margin of Gondwanaland at >83Ma. A ubiquitous feature of mafic alkaline rocks from this regionis their depletion in K and Pb relative to other highly incompatibleelements when normalized to primitive mantle values. The inversionof trace element data indicates enriched mantle sources thatcontain variable proportions of hydrous minerals. We proposethat the mantle sources represent continental lithosphere thathost amphibole/phlogopite-rich veins formed by plume- and/orsubduction-related metasomatism between 500 and 100 Ma. Thestrong HIMU signature (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb >20·5) is consideredto be an in-grown feature generated by partial dehydration andloss of hydrophile elements (Pb, Rb, K) relative to more magmaphileelements (Th, U, Sr) during short-term storage at the base ofthe lithosphere. KEY WORDS: continental alkaline basalts; lithospheric mantle, mantle metasomatism; New Zealand; OIB, HIMU; Sr, Nd and Pb isotopes; West Antarctica     

Sampling the Cape Verde Mantle Plume: Evolution of Melt Compositions on Santo Antao, Cape Verde Islands

The volcanic history of Santo Antão, NW Cape Verde Islands,includes the eruption of basanite–phonolite series magmasbetween 7·5 and 0·3 Ma and (melilite) nephelinite–phonoliteseries magmas from 0·7 to 0·1 Ma. The most primitivevolcanic rocks are olivine ± clinopyroxene-phyric, whereasthe more evolved rocks have phenocrysts of clinopyroxene ±Fe–Tioxide ± kaersutite ± haüyne ± titanite± sanidine; plagioclase occurs in some intermediate rocks.The analysed samples span a range of 19–0·03% MgO;the most primitive have 37–46% SiO₂, 2·5–7%TiO₂ and are enriched 50–200 x primitive mantle in highlyincompatible elements; the basanitic series is less enrichedthan the nephelinitic series. Geochemical trends in each seriescan be modelled by fractional crystallization of phenocrystassemblages from basanitic and nephelinitic parental magmas.There is little evidence for mineral–melt disequilibrium,and thus magma mixing is not of major importance in controllingbulk-rock compositions. Mantle melting processes are modelledusing fractionation-corrected magma compositions; the modelssuggest 1–4% partial melting of a heterogeneous mantleperidotite source at depths of 90–125 km. Incompatibleelement enrichment among the most primitive magma types is typicalof HIMU OIB. The Sr, Nd and Pb isotopic compositions of theSanto Antão volcanic sequence and geochemical characterchange systematically with time. The older volcanic rocks (7·5–2Ma) vary between two main mantle source components, one of whichis a young HIMU type with ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 19·88, 7/4 =–5, 8/4 0, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0·7033 and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd= 0·51288, whereas the other has somewhat less radiogenicSr and Pb and more radiogenic Nd. The intermediate age volcanicrocks (2–0·3 Ma) show a change of sources to two-componentmixing between a carbonatite-related young HIMU-type source(²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 19·93, 7/4 = –5, 8/4 = –38,⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0·70304) and a DM-like source. A more incompatibleelement-enriched component with 7/4 > 0 (old HIMU type) isprominent in the young volcanic rocks (0·3–0·1Ma). The EM1 component that is important in the southern CapeVerde Islands appears to have played no role in the petrogenesisof the Santo Antão magmas. The primary magmas are arguedto be derived by partial melting in the Cape Verde mantle plume;temporal changes in composition are suggested to reflect layeringin the plume conduit. KEY WORDS: radiogenic isotopes; geochemistry; mantle melting; Cape Verde     

Lamproitic Rocks from a Continental Collision Zone: Evidence for Recycling of Subducted Tethyan Oceanic Sediments in the Mantle Beneath Southern Tibet

Major and trace element, Sr–Nd–Pb isotope and mineralchemical data are presented for newly discovered ultrapotassiclavas in the Tangra Yumco–Xuruco graben in southern Tibet.The ultrapotassic lavas are characterized by high MgO, K₂O andTiO₂, low Al₂O₃ and Na₂O contents, and also have high molarK₂O/Al₂O₃, molar (K₂O + Na₂O)/Al₂O₃ and K₂O/Na₂O ratios. Theirhigh abundances of incompatible trace elements such as largeion lithophile elements (LILE) and light rare earth elements(LREE) reach the extreme levels typical of lamproites. The lamproitesshow highly radiogenic ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0· 7166–0·7363) and unradiogenic ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd (0· 511796–0·511962), low ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (18· 459–18· 931),and elevated radiogenic ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (15· 6732–15·841) and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (39· 557–40· 058) ratios.On the basis of their geochemical and isotopic systematics,the lamproites in south Tibet have a distinct magma source thatcan be differentiated from the sources of potassic lavas inthe east Lhasa and Qiangtang blocks. Their high Nb/Ta ratios(17· 10–19· 84), extremely high Th/U ratios(5· 70–13· 74) and distinctive isotope compositionsare compatible with a veined mantle source consisting of partialmelts of subducted Tethyan oceanic sediments and sub-continentallithospheric depleted mantle. Identification of the lamproitesand the delineation of their mantle source provide new evidencerelevant for models of the uplift and extension of the Tibetanplateau following the Indo-Asia collision. Metasomatism by partialmelts from isotopically evolved, old sediment subducted on theyoung Tethyan slab is an alternative explanation for PrecambrianNd and Pb model ages. In this model, differences in isotopiccomposition along-strike are attributed to differences in thetype of sediment being subducted, thus obviating the need formultiple metasomatic events over hundreds of million years.The distribution of lamproites, restricted within a north–south-trendinggraben, indicates that the initiation of east–west extensionin south Tibet started at 25 Ma. KEY WORDS: lamproites; subducted oceanic sediment; Tibetan active continental collision belt     

Petrogenesis of Pre-caldera Mafic Lavas, Jemez Mountains Volcanic Field (New Mexico, USA)

The Miocene–Quaternary Jemez Mountains volcanic field(JMVF), the site of the Valles caldera, lies at the intersectionof the Jemez lineament, a Proterozoic suture, and the CenozoicRio Grande rift. Parental magmas are of two types: K-depletedsilica-undersaturated, derived from the partial melting of lithosphericmantle with residual amphibole, and tholeiitic, derived fromeither asthenospheric or lithospheric mantle. Variability insilica-undersaturated basalts reflects contributions of meltsderived from lherzolitic and pyroxenitic mantle, representingheterogeneous lithosphere associated with the suture. The Kdepletion is inherited by fractionated, crustally contaminatedderivatives (hawaiites and mugearites), leading to distinctiveincompatible trace element signatures, with Th/(Nb,Ta) and La/(Nb,Ta)greater than, but K/(Nb,Ta) similar to, Bulk Silicate Earth.These compositions dominate the mafic and intermediate lavas,and the JMVF is therefore derived largely, and perhaps entirely,from melting of fertile continental Jemez lineament lithosphereduring rift-related extension. Significant variations in Pband Nd isotope ratios (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 17·20–18·93;¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0·51244–0·51272) result fromcrustal contamination, whereas ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr is low and relativelyuniform (0·7040–0·7048). We compare theeffects of contamination by low-⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr crust with assimilationof high-⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr granitoid by partial melting, with Sr retainedin a feldspathic residue. Both models satisfactorily reproducethe isotopic features of the rocks, but the lack of a measurableEu anomaly in most JMVF mafic lavas is difficult to reconcilewith a major role for residual plagioclase during petrogenesis. KEY WORDS: Jemez Mountains volcanic field; Rio Grande rift; lithospheric mantle; crustal contamination; trace elements; radiogenic isotopes     

Petrology and Geochemistry of Eclogite Xenoliths from the Colorado Plateau: Implications for the Evolution of Subducted Oceanic Crust

Eclogite xenoliths from the Colorado Plateau, interpreted asfragments of the subducted Farallon plate, are used to constrainthe trace element and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositionsof oceanic crust subducted into the upper mantle. The xenolithsconsist of almandine-rich garnet, Na-clinopyroxene, lawsoniteand zoisite with minor amounts of phengite, rutile, pyrite andzircon. They have essentially basaltic bulk-rock major elementcompositions; their Na₂O contents are significantly elevated,but K₂O contents are similar to those of unaltered mid-oceanridge basalt (MORB). These alkali element characteristics areexplained by spilitization or albitization processes on thesea floor and during subduction-zone metasomatism in the fore-arcregion. The whole-rock trace element abundances of the xenolithsare variable relative to sea-floor-altered MORB, except forthe restricted Zr/Hf ratios (36·9–37·6).Whole-rock mass balances for two Colorado Plateau eclogite xenolithsare examined for 22 trace elements, Rb, Cs, Sr, Ba, Y, rareearth elements, Pb, Th and U. Mass balance considerations andmineralogical observations indicate that the whole-rock chemistriesof the xenoliths were modified by near-surface processes afteremplacement and limited interaction with their host rock, aserpentinized ultramafic microbreccia. To avoid these secondaryeffects, the Sr, Nd and Pb isotopic compositions of mineralsseparated from the xenoliths were measured, yielding 0·70453–0·70590for ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, –3·1 to 0·5 for Nd and 18·928–19·063for ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb. These isotopic compositions are distinctlymore radiogenic for Sr and Pb and less radiogenic for Nd thanthose of altered MORB. Our results suggest that the MORB-likeprotolith of the xenoliths was metasomatized by a fluid equilibratedwith sediment in the fore-arc region of a subduction zone andthat this metasomatic fluid produced continental crust-likeisotopic compositions of the xenoliths. KEY WORDS: Colorado Plateau; eclogite xenolith; geochemistry; subducted oceanic crust     

Trace Element and Isotope Geochemistry of the Volcanic Rocks of Bequia, Grenadine Islands, Lesser Antilles Arc: a Study of Subduction Enrichment and Intra-crustal Contamination

Pliocene volcanics on the island of Bequia comprise two interbeddedsuites of basalts and andesites. The isotopically homogeneoussuite (IHS) has a limited range of Sr—Nd—Pb isotopes(⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr 0.7040–0.7046, ¹⁴³ Nd/¹⁴⁴ Nd 0.5130 and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 19.36–19.51), and mantle-like ¹⁸O values (5.5in clinopyroxene). The isotopically diverse suite (IDS) is characterizedby much wider ranges of radiogenic isotopes (⁸⁷ Sr/⁸⁶Sr 0.7048–0.7077,¹⁴³ Nd/¹⁴⁴ Nd 0.5128–0.5123 and ²⁰⁶ Pb/²⁰⁴ Pb 19.7–20.2),in which all of the Sr and Pb ratios are higher and Nd ratiosare lower than those of the IHS. The IDS is also characterizedby high ¹⁸ O values, up to 7.6 in clinopyroxene. The Sr andPb isotope ratios are too high, and the Nd isotope ratios aretoo low in the IDS for any of these lavas to be derived fromunmodified depleted mantle. Both suites are petrologically very similar and their majorelement compositions and phenocryst contents suggest that theywere formed largely by fractional crystallization of a hydroustholeiitic melt at pressures <3 kbar. The isotopic ratiosand enrichments in large ion lithophile elements (LILE), andto some extent light rare earth elements (LREE), as comparedwith mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB), of the IHS lavas suggestthat they were derived from a depleted mantle source which hadbeen re-enriched by the addition of 1–4% of a subductioncomponent. This component probably comprised a mixture of dehydrationfluids, and perhaps minor siliceous melts, released from subductingsediments and mafic crust. The extreme isotopic ranges, largeenrichments in incompatible elements, more fractionated LREEpatterns and higher ¹⁸ O values of the IDS lavas are interpretedas resulting from 10–55% assimilation—fractionalcrystallization of sediments, derived from the Guyana Shield,which are present in the arc crust, by IHS type melts. KEY WORDS: trace elements; radiogenic isotopes; arc lavas; Lesser Antilles ^*Corresponding author.     

Post-collision, Shoshonitic Volcanism on the Tibetan Plateau: Implications for Convective Thinning of the Lithosphere and the Source of Ocean Island Basalts

Potassic volcanism has been widespread and semi-continuous onthe Tibetan plateau since 13 Ma, post-dating the orogenic thickeningof the India-Asia collision. Volcanism may have commenced slightlyearlier (16–20 Ma) in the southern portion of the plateauand then ceased around 10 Ma. The dominant lavas are pyroxen-and plagioclase-phyric shoshonites with subordinate occurrencesof dacites and rhyolites. Their mineralogy reflects crystallizationfrom high-temperature (1100C) magmas which had elevated oxygenand water fugacities. Geochemically, they are characterizedby relatively low TiO², Al²O³ and Fe²O³, and high Na²O, coupledwith variable abundances of compatible trace elements and veryhigh contents of incompatible trace elements. Normalized incompatibleelement patterns have marked negative Nb, Ta and Ti anomalieswhereas K²O appears to be buffered at 4% over a wide range ofSiO². Isotope data show a relatively broad and enriched rangeof ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶ Sr (0.7076–0.7106) at more restricted ENd (–5.2to –8.1). Pb isotopes are characterized by a range of²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴ Pb (15.51–15.72) and ²⁰⁸ Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (38.67–39.30) at very uniform ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴ Pb (18.39–18.83), leadingto vertical arrays. Volcanics from the southern parts of theplateau have more primitive isotopic compositions: ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶ Sr0.7048–0.7080, _Nd 1.4 to –3.3, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴ Pb 18.48–18.67,²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴ Pb 15.59–15.68 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴ Pb 38. 73–38.98. In general, the geochemical and isotopic data most closely approximatepartial melting arrays, although fractionation processes haveclearly operated. The isotopic ratios and the enrichment ofincompatible elements and LREE/HREE cannot be derived from adepleted mantle source via a single-stage melting process. Instead,a metasomatized, garnet peridotite source containing 6% phlogopiteis required and this is inferred to lie within the lithosphericmantle. The enrichment in incompatible elements in this sourcemust have been sufficiently ancient to generate the observedisotopic ratios, and Nd depleted mantle model ages suggest thiswas Proterozoic in age (1.2 Ga), whereas Pb model ages recordan Archaean event, suggesting the source had a multi-stage enrichmenthistory. The negative Ta, Nb and Ti anomalies and low Rb/Basuggest that metasomatism may have occurred during an ancientsubduction episode. The high ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴ Pb and lowNb/U, Ce/Pb of the Tibetan shoshonites are distinct from oceanisland basalts. Thus, if convectively removed lithospheric mantleprovides a source for ocean island basalts, it must differ significantlyfrom the source of the Tibetan shoshonites. A lithospheric mantle source for the volcanism places importantconstraints on geodynamic models for the evolution of the Tibetanplateau and the India-Asia collision. For likely thermal structuresbeneath the plateau, the temperatures required to trigger meltingwithin the lithospheric mantle can only be plausibly obtainedif the lower parts of the lithospheric mantle were removed byconvective thinning. This is consistent with recent models whichinvoke the same process to explain the current elevation andextensional deformation of the plateau. The age data suggestthis occurred at 13 Ma and the duration of volcanism may beexplained by continued conductive heating since that time. Poorlysampled but slightly older volcanics from the southern portionsof the plateau may indicate that convective thinning began inthe south and migrated northwards. Rapid uplift of the plateaumay have resulted in increased rates of chemical weathering,which led to global cooling, as indicated by oxygen isotopedata from Atlantic sediments. KEY WORDS: Climate; lithospheric mantle; OIB; Tibet; volcanism ^*Corresponding author.     

Mantle Processes and Sources of Neogene Slab Window Magmas from Southern Patagonia, Argentina

Neogene plateau lavas in Patagonia, southern Argentina, eastof the volcanic gap between the Southern and Austral VolcanicZones at 46·5° and 49·5°S are linked withasthenospheric slab window processes associated with the collisionof a Chile Ridge segment with the Chile Trench at 12 Ma. Thestrong ocean-island basalt (OIB)-like geochemical signatures(La/Ta <20; Ba/La <20; ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0·7035–0·7046;¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0·51290–0·51261; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb= 18·3–18·8; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15·57–15·65;²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38·4–38·7) of these Patagonianslab window lavas contrast with the mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB)-like,depleted mantle signatures of slab window lavas elsewhere inthe Cordillera (e.g. Antarctic Peninsula; Baja California).The Patagonian lavas can be divided into a voluminous     

Cenozoic Volcanism in Tibet: Evidence for a Transition from Oceanic to Continental Subduction

Geochronological (K–Ar or ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar), major and traceelement, Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic and mineral chemicaldata are presented for newly discovered Cenozoic volcanic rocksin the western Qiangtang and central Lhasa terranes of Tibet.Alkali basalts of 65–45 Ma occur in the western Qiangtangterrane and represent primitive mantle melts as indicated byhigh mg-numbers [100 x Mg/(Mg + Fe)] (54–65), Cr (204–839ppm) and Ni (94–218 ppm) contents, and relatively lowratios of ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0·7046–0·7061), ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb(18·21–18·89), ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (15·49–15·61)and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (38·42–38·89), and highratios of ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd (0·5124–0·5127). Incontrast, younger volcanic rocks in the western Qiangtang terrane(     

Isotope and Trace Element Geochemistry of Augustine Volcano, Alaska: Implications for Magmatic Evolution

Augustine Volcano, a Quaternary volcanic centre of the easternAleutian Arc, produces predominantly andesites and dacites oflow- to medium-K calc-alkaline composition. Mineralogical andmajor element characteristics of representative lavas suggestthat magmatic evolution has been influenced by both crystalfractionation and magma-mixing processes. However, incompatibletrace element variations (e.g. K/Rb) indicate that these evolvedlavas have been contaminated by the mafic arc crust of the underlyingTalkeetna accreted terrane. The limited range of isotope compositionsalso supports the assimilation of non-radiogenic mafic crust(e.g. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7032–0.7034; ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴ Nd = 0.51301–0.5130).In addition, Pb-isotope compositions parallel the North Pacificmean oceanic trend (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴ Pb = 18.3–18.8; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb= 15.5–15.6; ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.2–38.3) and do notrequire a subducted sediment component in the source. Relativelyhigh (Ba/La) N (0.79–18.10) and B/Be (14.5) ratios do,however, suggest a metasomatic fluid component derived fromthe dehydration of the subducting plate. The thickened continental crust (35 km) of the eastern AleutianArc prevents the ascent of basaltic melts, which fractionateand assimilate at various depths to produce andesitic magmas.These andesites evolve towards more silicic compositions byfractional crystallization. The absence of evidence for a largehigh-level crustal magma chamber implies that the magmatic systembeneath the volcano is young and at an immature stage of evolution. KEY WORDS: Augustine Volcano; Aleutians; assimilation; melasomatism; geochemistry ^*Corresponding author. Present address: Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70148, USA     

Geochemical Evidence for Mantle Origin and Crustal Processes in Volcanic Rocks from Popocatepetl and Surrounding Monogenetic Volcanoes, Central Mexico

Elemental, isotopic, and mineral compositions as well as rocktextures were examined in samples from Popocatépetl volcanoand immediately surrounding monogenetic scoria cones of theSierra Chichinautzin Volcanic Field, central Mexico. Magma generationis strongly linked to the active subduction regime to the south.Rocks range in composition from basalt to dacite, but Popocatépetlsamples are generally more evolved and have mineral compositionsand textures consistent with more complicated, multi-stage evolutionaryprocesses. High-Mg calc-alkaline and more alkaline primitivemagmas are present in the monogenetic cones. Systematic variationsin major and trace element compositions within the monogeneticsuite can mostly be explained by polybaric fractional crystallizationprocesses in small and short-lived magmatic systems. In contrast,Popocatépetl stratovolcano has produced homogeneous magmacompositions from a shallow, long-lived magma chamber that isperiodically replenished by primitive basaltic magmas. The currenteruption (1994–present) has produced silicic dome lavasand pumice clasts that display mingling of an evolved daciticcomponent with an olivine-bearing mafic component. The longevityof the magma chamber hosted in Cretaceous limestones has fosteredinteraction with these rocks as evidenced by the chemical andisotopic compositions of the different eruptive products, contact-metamorphosedxenoliths, and fumarolic gases. Popocatépetl volcanicproducts display a considerable range of ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0·70397–0·70463)and _Nd (+6·2 to +3·0) whereas Pb isotope ratiosare relatively homogeneous (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 18·61–18·70;²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 15·56–15·60). KEY WORDS: Popocatépetl; Sierra Chichinautzin Volcanic Field; arc petrogenesis; radiogenic isotopes     

Geochemistry of Heard Island (Southern Indian Ocean): Characterization of an Enriched Mantle Component and Implications for Enrichment of the Sub-Indian Ocean Mantle

Lavas from Heard Island, located on the Kerguelen Plateau inthe southern Indian Ocean, exhibit the largest range (e.g.,⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr=0.7047–0.7079) of isotopic compositions yetobserved on a single oceanic island. Isotopic compositions arewell correlated and are accompanied by systematic changes inincompatible trace element ratios, particularly those involvingNb. These variations are interpreted as resulting from mixingbetween two components. One is characterized by high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr,low ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios, and negative Nb andEu anomalies, and is derived ultimately from the upper continentalcrust. The other has lower ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, and higher ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pband ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios, and lacks the depletions in Nb and Eu.Two possible compositions are considered for the low-⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Srcomponent of the source. The first is at the low-⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr endof the Heard Island data array, represented most closely bylavas from the Laurens Peninsula. However, trace element variationssuggest that these lavas might not be representive of the Heardplume. The second is close to the low-⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr end of the isotopicarray for lavas from the main volcano. In this case a lithosphericmantle origin is suggested for the Laurens Peninsula lavas.The relationships between isotopic data, major element compositions,and incompatible trace element ratios indicate that the continent-derivedmaterial is probably present in the mantle source, where itmakes a maximum contribution of <4 wt.% for all but one HeardIsland sample. However, if the Kerguelen Plateau is a submergedcontinental block, shallow-level contamination cannot be ruledout. The binary mixing model developed to explain the Heard Islandgeochemical variations is extended to include other Indian Oceanoceanic island and mid-ocean ridge basalts (OIB and MORB). Weshow that isotopic compositions of Indian Ocean OIB are consistentwith sampling of a regional reservoir in which the same twocomponents exist in variable proportions (generally 1–5wt.% of the continent-derived component). The distinctive isotopiccompositions of Indian Ocean MORB are consistent with mixingof a similar component into an Atlantic-or Pacific-like MORBmantle source. The relatively unradiogenic ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb isotopiccompositions of these ‘enriched’ Indian Ocean mantlecomponents are unlike any present-day marine sediments and indicatethat their source has had ²³⁸U/²⁰⁴Pb ratios (µ) much lowerthan typical upper continental crust for > 1 Ga. These agespre-date the formation of Gondwana (600-130 Ma) and thereforedo not support sediment subduction beneath Gondwana as the causeof enrichment in the sub-Indian Ocean mantle. We propose thatthe enrichment of Indian Ocean OIB sources was due to subductionof upper-crustal material beneath a Proterozoic precursor ofGondwana at 1–2 Ga. The enrichment of the Indian OceanMORB sources could have had a similar origin, or could havebeen derived from sub-continental lithospheric mantle returnedto the asthenospheric mantle, perhaps during the break-up ofGondwana (200–130 Ma).     

Age and Geochemistry of Basement and Alkalic Rocks of Malaita and Santa Isabel, Solomon Islands, Southern Margin of Ontong Java Plateau

Geochemical and ⁴⁰ Ar—³⁹ Ar studies of the Malaita OlderSeries and Sigana Basalts, which form the basement of Malaitaand the northern portion of Santa Isabel, confirm the existenceof Ontong Java Plateau (OJP) crust on these islands. Sr, Nd,and Pb isotopic ratios of Malaita Older Series and Sigana lavasfall within limited ranges [(⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)T= 0.70369–0.70423,E_Nd(T)= + 3.7 to +6.0, and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.25–18.64]virtually indistinguishable from those found in the three OJPbasement drill sites as far as 1600 km away, indicating a uniformhotspot-like mantle source with a slight ‘Dupal’signature for the world's largest oceanic plateau. Three chemicaltypes of basalts are recognized, two of which are equivalentto two of the three types drilled on the plateau, and one withno counterpart, as yet, on the plateau; the chemical data indicateslightly different, but all high, degrees of melting and slightvariation in source composition. All but one of the ⁴⁰Ar-³⁹Arplateau ages determined for Malaita Older Series and SiganaBasalt lavas are identical to those found at the distant drillsites: 121.30.9 Ma and 92.01.6 Ma, suggesting that two short-lived,volumetrically important plateau-building episodes took place30 m.y. apart. Aside from OJP lavas, three isotopically distinctsuites of alkalic rocks are present. The Sigana Alkalic Suitein Santa Isabel has an ⁴⁰ Ar-³⁹ Ar age of 91.70.4 Ma, the sameas that of the younger OJP tholeiites, yet it displays a distinct’HIMU‘ -type isotopic signature [²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 20.20,(⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr) T 0.7032, _Nd(T) 4.4], possibly representing small-degreemelts of a minor, less refractory component in the OJP mantlesource region. The Younger Series in southern Malaita has an⁴⁰Ar-³⁹Ar age of 44 Ma and isotopic ratios [_Nd(T)=-0.5 to +1.0,(⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_T =0.70404–0.70433, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.57–18.92]partly overlapping those of the ‘PHEM’ end-memberpostulated for Samoa, and those of present-day Rarotonga lavas;one or both of these hotspots may have caused alkalic volcanismon the plateau when it passed over them at 44 Ma. The NorthMalaita Alkalic Suite in northernmost Malaita is probably ofsimilar age, but has isotopic ratios [(⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr) _T 0.7037,_Nd(T) +4.5, ²⁰⁶pb/²⁰⁴pb 18.8) resembling those of some OJP basementlavas; it may result from a small amount of melting of agedplateau lithosphere during the OJP's passage over these hotspots.Juxtaposed against OJP crust in Santa Isabel is an 62–46-Maophiolitic (sensu lato) assemblage. Isotopic and chemical datareveal Pacific-MORB-like, backarc-basin-like, and arc-like signaturesfor these rocks, and suggest that most formed in an arc—backarcsetting before the Late Tertiary collision of the OJP againstthe old North Solomon Trench. The situation in Santa Isabelappears to provide a modern-day analog for some Precambriangreenstone belts. KEY WORDS: oceanic plateaux; Ontong Java Plateau; Solomon Islands; Sr-Nd-Pb isotopes; age and petrogenesis ^*Corresponding author.     

Carbonatite Magmatism and Plume Activity: Implications from the Nd, Pb and Sr Isotope Systematics of Oldoinyo Lengai

New Nd (0.51261–0.51268), Pb (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb: 19.24–19.26),and Sr (0.70437–0.70446) isotopic compositions from tennatrocarbonatite lavas, collected in June 1993 from OldoinyoLengai, the only known active carbonatite volcano, are relativelyuniform, and are similar to data from the 1960 and 1988 flows.Three of the samples contain silicate spheroids, one of whichhas Nd and Sr isotopic ratios similar to host natrocarbonatite,consistent with an origin by liquid immiscibility or the mixingof melts with similar isotopic compositions. Pb isotope datafor two samples of trona are inconsistent with its involvementin the genesis of natrocarbonatite. New Pb isotope data fromsilicate volcanic and plutonic blocks (ijolite, nephelinite,phonolite, syenite) from Oldoinyo Lengai are highly variable(²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 17.75–19.34; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 15.41–15.67;²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 37.79–39.67), and define near-linear arraysin Pb-Pb diagrams. The isotopic data for the silicate rocksfrom Oldoinyo Lengai are best explained by invoking discretepartial melting events which generate undersaturated alkalinesilicate magmas with distinct isotopic ratios. Pb isotope ratiosfrom most ijolites and phonolites are predominantly lower andmore variable than from the natrocarbonatites, and are attributedto interaction between silicate melts involving HIMU and EMIsource components and an additional component, such as lower-crustalgranulites, DMM or PREMA (prevalent mantle). Variations in Nd,Pb and Sr isotope ratios from Oldoinyo Lengai, among the largestyet documented from a single volcano, are attributed to mantlesource heterogeneity involving mainly the mixing of HIMU andEMI mantle components. Based on the new isotopic data from OldoinyoLengai and data from other East African carbonatites, and mantlexenoliths, we propose a two-stage model in an attempt to explainthe isotope variations shown by carbonatites in this area. Themodel involves (I) the release of metasomatizing agents withHIMU-like signatures from upwelling mantle (‘plume’)source, which in turn metasomatize the sub-continental (old,isotopically enriched, EMI-like) lithosphere, and (2) variabledegrees and discrete partial melting of the resulting heterogeneous,metasomatized lithosphere. KEY WORDS: carbonatite; isotopes; Oldoinyo Lengai; mantle plumes ^*Telephone: (613) 788–2660, ext. 4419. Fax: (613) 788–4490. e-mail: kbell{at}ccs.carleton.ca     

Tertiary Ultrapotassic Volcanism in Serbia: Constraints on Petrogenesis and Mantle Source Characteristics

The Serbian province of Tertiary ultrapotassic volcanism isrelated to a post-collisional tectonic regime that followedthe closure of the Tethyan Vardar Ocean by Late Cretaceous subductionbeneath the southern European continental margin. Rocks of thisprovince form two ultrapotassic groups; one with affinitiesto lamproites, which is concentrated mostly in the central partsof the Vardar ophiolitic suture zone, and the other with affinitiesto kamafugites, which crops out in volcanoes restricted to thewestern part of Serbia. The lamproitic group is characterizedby a wide range of ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_i (0·70735–0·71299)and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd_i (0·51251–0·51216), whereasthe kamafugitic group is isotopically more homogeneous witha limited range of ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_i (0·70599–0·70674)and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd_i (0·51263–0·51256). ThePb isotope compositions of both groups are very similar (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb18·58–18·83, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 15·62–15·70and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 38·74–38·99), falling withinthe pelagic sediment field and resembling Mesozoic flysch sedimentsfrom the Vardar suture zone. The Sr and Nd isotopic signaturesof the primitive lamproitic rocks correlate with rare earthelement fractionation and enrichment of most high field strengthelements (HFSE), and can be explained by melting of a heterogeneousmantle source consisting of metasomatic veins with phlogopite,clinopyroxene and F-apatite that are out of isotopic equilibriumwith the peridotite wall-rock. Decompression melting, with varyingcontributions from depleted peridotite and ultramafic veinsto the final melt, accounts for consistent HFSE enrichment andisotopic variations in the lamproitic group. Conversely, themost primitive kamafugitic rocks show relatively uniform Srand Nd isotopic compositions and trace element patterns, andsmall but regular variations of HFSE, indicating variable degreesof partial melting of a relatively homogeneously metasomatizedmantle source. Geochemical modelling supports a role for phlogopite,apatite and Ti-oxide in the source of the kamafugitic rocks.The presence of two contrasting ultrapotassic suites in a restrictedgeographical area is attributable to the complex geodynamicsituation involving recent collision of a number of microcontinentswith contrasting histories and metasomatic imprints in theirmantle lithosphere. The geochemistry of the Serbian ultrapotassicrocks suggests that the enrichment events that modified thesource of both lamproitic and kamafugitic groups were relatedto Mesozoic subduction events. The postcollisional environmentof the northern Balkan region with many extensional episodesis consistent at regional and local levels with the occurrenceof ultrapotassic rocks, providing a straightforward relationshipbetween geodynamics and volcanism. KEY WORDS: kamafugite; lamproite; Mediterranean; Serbia; mantle metasomatism; veined mantle; petrogenesis     

Systematic Variation of Sr-, Nd- and Pb-Isotopes with Time in Lavas of Mauritius, Reunion Hotspot

We report Sr-, Nd- and Pb-isotopic compositions for the lavasof Mauritius, the second youngest volcanic island in the Réunionhotspot. The lavas of the Older Series (7·8–5·5Ma) have identical isotopic compositions (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0·70411to 0·70422,¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0·512865 to 0·512854,and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 19·016 to 19·041) to those ofRéunion, where the center of volcanic activity is currentlylocated. The lavas of the Intermediate Series (3·5–1·9Ma) and Younger Series (0·70–0·17 Ma) areshifted to lower Sr-isotopic compositions (0·70364–0·70394,with ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0·512813 to 0·512948 and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb= 18·794 to 18·984). The Intermediate Series lavashave similar trace-element characteristics (e.g. Zr–Nb,Ba–Y) to those of Rodrigues, in both cases requiring theinvolvement of an enriched mantle-like component in the mantlesource. During the volcanic history of Mauritius, the magmaslost the principal isotopic characteristics of the Réunionhotspot with time, and became gradually imprinted with the isotopicsignature of a shallower mantle source that produced the CentralIndian Ridge basalts. KEY WORDS: hotspot; isotopes; Mauritius; Réunion; trace element     

Lamproites from Gaussberg, Antarctica: Possible Transition Zone Melts of Archaean Subducted Sediments

Petrogenetic models for the origin of lamproites are evaluatedusing new major element, trace element, and Sr, Nd, and Pb isotopedata for Holocene lamproites from the Gaussberg volcano in theEast Antarctic Shield. Gaussberg lamproites exhibit very unusualPb isotope compositions (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 17·44–17·55and ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15·56–15·63), which incommon Pb isotope space plot above mantle evolution lines andto the left of the meteorite isochron. Combined with very unradiogenicNd, such compositions are shown to be inconsistent with an originby melting of sub-continental lithospheric mantle. Instead,a model is proposed in which late Archaean continent-derivedsediment is subducted as K-hollandite and other ultra-high-pressurephases and sequestered in the Transition Zone (or lower mantle)where it is effectively isolated for 2–3 Gyr. The high²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratio is thus inherited from ancient continent-derivedsediment, and the relatively low ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratio is the resultof a single stage of U/Pb fractionation by subduction-relatedU loss during slab dehydration. Sr and Nd isotope ratios, andtrace element characteristics (e.g. Nb/Ta ratios) are consistentwith sediment subduction and dehydration-related fractionation.Similar models that use variable time of isolation of subductedsediment can be derived for all lamproites. Our interpretationof lamproite sources has important implications for ocean islandbasalt petrogenesis as well as the preservation of geochemicallyanomalous reservoirs in the mantle. KEY WORDS: lamproites; Pb isotopes; mantle Transition Zone; subducted sediment; anomalous mantle reservoirs