The role of sphene as an accessory phase in the high-pressure partial melting of hydrous mafic compositions

In a high-pressure experimental study of reactions and possible melt products occurring in the deep continental crust or in subducted oceanic crust, sphene has been identified over a pressure range of 10–18 kbar and to temperatures of 1020°C. Sphene may be a refractory phase with up to 60% partial melting for hydrous mafic compositions. Sphene breaks down at lower pressure than the maximum pressure stability of amphibole in hydrous mafic compositions, and rutile rather than sphene is the important Ti-bearing accessory phase at pressures greater than 16–18 kbar. Sphene and rutile coexist to pressures as low as 14 kbar. This implies that amphibole eclogites containing primary sphene and no rutile have most likely formed at depths less than 45 km.The presence of minor sphene as a residual phase in equilibrium with low-Ti silicic liquids may have a marked effect on the REE distribution in derivative liquids. Thus melts in equilibrium with a garnet and sphene-bearing residuum may have less light-REE-enriched patterns than those predicted when garnet is a residual phase without coexisting sphene. This effect is modelled using REE patterns for sphenes from high-grade metamorphic terrains of western Norway.Both the new REE data and the experimental study have important implications for the genesis of low-Ti magmas formed in continental margins and island arcs.     

Rutile saturation in magmas: implications for TiNbTa depletion in island-arc basalts

The TiO₂ contents of rutile-saturated melts ranging from basalt to rhyodacite have been investigated at P = 8–30 kbar and T = 1000–1300°C under hydrous, CO₂-saturated, and volatile-absent conditions. Dissolved TiO₂ is positively correlated with T and not strongly dependent on P_total. For fixed P and T, TiO₂ content decreases markedly as the melts become more felsic. The distribution of TiO₂ between rutile and liquid, expressed as a wt.% concentration ratio, D (rut/liq), is given by: In D = −3.16 + (9373T) + 0.026P − 0.152FM where T is in Kelvins, P in kbar and FM is a melt composition parameter, FM = [Na+K+ 2(Ca+Fe+Mg)]/Al· 1/Si in which the chemical symbols represent cation fractions. The first term expresses the competition of aluminate and titanate anions for charge-compensating cations, and the second term expresses the inverse dependence of dissolved TiO₂ on SiO₂ content. There is no apparent dependence of rutile solubility on water content.For ranges of probable solidus conditions, rutile saturation in basaltic, andesitic, and dacitic liquids requires 7–9, 5–7, and 1–3 wt.% TiO₂, respectively. These concentrations are well in excess of those found in the respective rock types, so depletion in Nb, Ta, and Ti and reduced Nb/U and Nb/Th ratios in volcanic rocks erupted at convergent plate margins cannot be attributed to residual rutile in their source regions. Thus, Nb, Ta and Ti depletion must be an inherent property of the source region.We suggest that the island-arc source region has been depleted in Nb and Ta by a previous episode of melt extraction (MORB), zoning refining, or equilibration with a percolating melt or fluid. Such a process markedly depletes the LILE and HFSE element concentrations in the residuum, but ratios such as Nb/U, Nb/Th and U/Th remain relatively constant due to similar solid-melt partition coefficients. The depletion of Nb relative to Th in the source regions of island-arc magmas occurs during hybridization of the source by rutile-saturated (Nb/Ta-depleted) melts or aqueous fluids. If the hybridizing agent is a melt, a relatively felsic composition, produced under low T (900°) hydrous conditions, is required.     

Evidence for isotopic equilibration of SmNd whole-rock systems in early Archaean crust of Enderby Land, Antarctica

SmNd isotopic data indicate that differential REE mobility occurred on a whole-rock scale during transitional amphibolite- to granulite-facies regional metamorphism ( 700°C, 7 kbar) in early Archaean rocks ( 3930 Ma) of the Napier Complex of Enderby Land, Antarctica. The degree of mobility is independent of metamorphic grade but correlates directly with development of tectonic fabric. Whole-rock samples with D₃-M₃ internal fabrics lie along an array corresponding to an age of 2410 ± 100Ma, whereas samples preserving only earlier fabrics preserve an older, albeit imprecisely defined isochron age. In contrast to a widely held belief, such changes did not require the presence of a large hydrous fluid flux. If the mechanism responsible for SmNd resetting at this locality (where T_CHUR ages range from 1990 Ma to 6090 Ma) is more widespread than is currently recognised, isolated SmNd model ages, particularly in complex terrains should be treated with caution.     

High-resolution garnet chronometry and the rates of metamorphic processes

Garnets in an amphibolite-facies metasediment from Sulitjelma, North Norway yield precise and concordant SmNd, UPb and RbSr ages that relate directly to the pressure (P) and temperature (T) conditions of mineral growth. Differential mineral reaction between graphitic and non-graphitic layers within this sample preserves a record of theP-T and time (t) history experienced during Barrovian regional metamorphism. Garnets in graphitic layers grew during prograde metamorphism at462 ± 16°C and5.2 ± 0.5 kbar under conditions of lowaH₂O, and yield indistinguishable¹⁴⁷Sm¹⁴³Nd and²³⁸U²⁰⁶Pb ages of434.1 ± 1.2 Ma and433.9 ± 1.0 Ma, respectively. In contrast, garnet growth in adjacent graphite-free layers did not occur untilP-T conditions of540 ± 18°C and8.0 ± 1.0 kbar were attained, with continued growth in response to minor heating and decompression with final matrix equilibration at544 ± 16°C and7.0 ± 1.0 kbar. The inclusion-free garnet rims in this assemblage record indistinguishable¹⁴⁷Sm¹⁴³Nd and²³⁸U²⁰⁶Pb ages of424.6 ± 1.2 Ma and423.4± 1.7 Ma, respectively. These results provide precise estimates for average heating and burial rates during prograde metamorphism of 8.6_−4.4^+7.5°C Ma⁻¹ and 0.8_−0.5^+0.9 km Ma⁻¹, respectively. Rb and Sr exchange between coexisting silicates in the graphite-free assemblage continued for some 37 Ma after the “peak” of metamorphism, and require an average cooling rate of about 4.0°C Ma⁻¹ during uplift. These results illustrate a clear relationship between reaction history and the timing of mineral growth and provide definitive constraints on the rates of thermal and tectonic processes accompanying regional metamorphism.     

Oxygen diffusion rates in quartz exchanged with CO2

Oxygen self diffusion rates were determined in quartz samples exchanged with¹⁸O-enriched CO₂ between 745 and 900°C and various pressures, and the diffusion profiles were measured using an ion microprobe. The activation energy (Q) and preexponential factor (D₀) at P(CO₂) = P(tot) = 100 bar, for diffusion parallel to the c-axis are 159 ( ± 13) kJ/g atom and 2.10 (+0.75/ −0.55) × 10⁻⁸ cm²/s. This rate is approximately 100 times slower than that obtained from hydrothermal experiments and 100 times faster than a previous 1-bar quartz-O₂ exchange experiment. The oxygen diffusion rate measured at 0.6 bar, 888°C, and at 900°C in vacuum is in agreement with the previous 1-bar exchange experiments with¹⁸O₂. The effect of higher CO₂ pressures is small. At 900°C, the diffusion rate exchanged with CO₂ is = 2.35 × 10⁻¹⁵ cm²/s at 100 bar, 2.24 × 10⁻¹⁵ cm²/s at 3.45 kbar and 8.13 × 10⁻¹⁵ cm²/s at 7.2 kbar.There is probably a diffusing species, other than oxygen, that enhances the oxygen diffusion rate in these quartz-CO₂ systems, relative to that occurring at very low pressures or in a vacuum. The effect of this diffusing species, however, is not as strong as that associated with H₂O. Preserved oxygen isotope fractionations between coexisting minerals in a slowly cooled, high-grade metamorphic terrane will vary depending upon whether a water-rich phase was present or not. Closure temperatures will be approximately 100°C higher in rocks where no water-rich phase was present during cooling. The measured fractionations between coexisting minerals in metamorphic rocks may potentially be used as a sensor of water presence during retrogression.     

Intracrustal origin of Arenal basaltic andesite in the light of solid–melt interactions and related compositional buffering

The origin of Arenal basaltic andesite can be explained in terms of fractional crystallization of a parental high-alumina basalt (HAB), which assimilates crustal rocks during its storage, ascent and evolution. Contamination of this melt by Tertiary calc-alkalic intrusives (quartz–diorite and granite, with ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios ranging 0.70381–0.70397, nearly identical with those of the Arenal lavas) occurs at upper crustal levels, following the interaction of ascending basaltic magma masses with gabbroic–anorthositic layers. Fragments of these layers are found as inclusions within Arenal lavas and tephra and may show reaction rims (1–5 mm thick, consisting of augite, hypersthene, bytownitic–anorthitic plagioclase, and granular titanomagnetite) at the gabbro–lava interface. These reaction rims indicate that complete `assimilation' was prevented since the temperature of the host basaltic magma was not high enough to melt the gabbroic materials (whose mineral phases are nearly identical to the early formed liquidus phases in the differentiating HAB). Olivine gabbros crystallized at pressure of about 5–6 kbar and equilibrated with the parental HAB at pressures of 3–6 kbar (both under anhydrous and hydrous conditions), and temperatures ranging 1000–1100°C. In particular, `deeper' interactions between the mafic inclusions and the hydrous basaltic melt (i.e., with about 3.5 wt.% H₂O) are likely to occur at 5.4 (±0.4) kbar and temperatures approaching 1100°C. The olivine gabbros are thus interpreted as cumulates which represent crystallized portions of earlier Arenal-type basalts. Some of the gabbros have been `mildly' tectonized and recrystallized to give mafic granulites that may exhibit a distinct foliation. Below Arenal volcano a zoned magma chamber evolved prior the last eruptive cycle: three distinct andesitic magma layers were produced by simple AFC of a high-alumina basalt (HAB) with assimilation of Tertiary quartz–dioritic and granitic rocks. Early erupted 1968 tephra and 1969 lavas (which represent the first two layers of the upper part of a zoned magma chamber) were produced by simple AFC, with fractionation of plagioclase, pyroxene and magnetite and concomitant assimilation of quartz–dioritic rocks. Assimilation rates were constant (r<sub>1</sub>=0.33) for a relative mass of magma remaining of 0.77–0.80, respectively. Lavas erupted around 1974 are less differentiated and represent the `primitive andesitic magma type' residing within the middle–lower part of the chamber. These lavas were also produced by simple AFC: assimilation rates and the relative mass of magma remaining increased of about 10%, respectively (r₁=0.36, and F=0.89). Ba enrichment of the above lavas is related to selective assimilation of Ba from Tertiary granitic rocks. Lava eruption occurred as a dynamic response to the intrusion of a new magma into the old reservoir. This process caused the instability of the zoned magma column inducing syneruptive mixing between portions of two contiguous magma layers (both within the column itself and at lower levels where the new basalt was intruded into the reservoir). Syneruptive mixing (mingling) within the middle–upper part of the chamber involved fractions of earlier gabbroic cumulitic materials (lavas erupted around 1970). On the contrary, within the lower part of the chamber, mixing between the intruded HAB and the residing andesitic melt was followed by simple fractional crystallization (FC) of the hybrid magma layer (lavas erupted in 1978–1980). By that time the original magma chamber was completely evacuated. Lavas erupted in 1982/1984 were thus modelled by means of `open system' AFCRE (i.e., AFC with continuous recharge of a fractionating magma batch during eruption): in this case assimilation rates were r₁=0.33 and F=0.86. Recharge rates are slightly higher than extrusion rates and may reflect differences in density (between extruded and injected magmas), together with dynamic fluctuations of these parameters during eruption. Ba and LREE (La, Ce) enrichments of these lavas can be related to selective assimilation of Tertiary granitic and quartz–dioritic rocks. Calculated contents for Zr, Y and other REE are in acceptable agreement with the observed values. It is concluded that simple AFC occurs between two distinct eruption cycles and is typical of a period of repose or mild and decreasing volcanic activity. On the contrary, magma mixing, eventually followed by fractional crystallization (FC) of the hybrid magma layer, occurs during an ongoing eruption. Open-system AFCRE is only operative when the original magma chamber has been totally replenished by the new basaltic magma, and seems a prelude to the progressive ceasing of a major eruptive cycle.     

Paleomagnetism of the triassic nicola volcanics and geotectonics of the quesnellia subterrane of terrane I, British Columbia

Paleomagnetic data from 46 sites (674 specimens) of the Westcoast Crystalline Gneiss Complex on the west coast of Vancouver Island using AF and thermal demagnetization methods yields a high blocking temperature WCB component (> 560°C) with a pole at 335°W, 66°N (δ_p = 4°, δ_m = 6°) and a lower coercivity WCA component ( 25 mT, < 500°C) with a pole at 52°W, 79°N (δ_p = 7°, δ_m = 8°). Further thermal demagnetization data from 24 sites in the Jurassic Island Intrusions also defines two high blocking temperature components. The IIA component pole is at 59°W, 79°N (δ_p = 7°, δ_m = 8°) and IIB pole at 130°W, 73°N (δ_p = 12°, δ_m = 13°). Combined with previous data from the Karmutsen Basalts and mid-Tertiary units on Vancouver Island and from the adjacent Coast Plutonic Complex, the geotectonic motions are examined for the Vancouver Island segment of the Wrangellian Subterrane of composite Terrane II of the Cordillera. The simplest hypothesis invokes relatively uniform translation for Terrane II from Upper Triassic to Eocene time producing 39° ± 6° of northward motion relative to the North American craton, combined with 40° of clockwise rotation during the Lower Tertiary.     

Fractionation paths of Atka (Aleutians) high-alumina basalts: Constraints from phase relations

An Aleutian high-alumina basalt from the island of Atka at one atmosphere crystallizes plagioclase (1275°C) followed by olivine (1170°C) and clinopyroxene (1115°C). At oxygen fugacities along NNO, magnetite crystallizes below 1070°C, but its liquidus increases to at least 1175°C at an oxygen fugacity two log units above NNO. Phase relations at two kilobars pressure of melts containing small amounts of water are similar, although orthopyroxene and magnetite are observed to follow clinopyroxene. Amphibole crystallizes at near-liquidus temperatures only at water contents of melts approaching 4.5%. Amphibole assumes the liquidus in melts containing 5% water.Anhydrous melts crystallize plagioclase to 19 kbar, where garnet and clinopyroxene assume the liquidus. Olivine yields to clinopyroxene as the highest-temperature subliquidus phase at about 9 kbar.The array of compositions of basaltic Atka rocks, as displayed on appropriate pseudoternary projections, can be interpreted as a crystal fractionation path at moderate pressure (8 kbar) and small melt-water contents. The interpreted fractionating minerals are olivine, clinopyroxene, plagioclase, and (probably) magnetite. (The actual phenocrysts in Atka basalts like AT-1, which lacks phenocrystic clinopyroxene, must have crystallized at pressure less than 8 kbar, however.) The compositions of two-pyroxene andesites from Atka can be interpreted to lie on a lower-pressure fractionation trend at melt water contents of 2–3%. Such water contents are consistent with the complete absence of amphibole in any Atka rocks and are suggestive that water contents of the basaltic magmas, if the basalts are parental to the andesites, were 1–2%.     

The amphibole effect: A possible mechanism for triggering explosive eruptions

The possible effect of pressure-induced breakdown of amphibole in triggering explosive eruptions is considered. Since amphibole is a hydrous mineral, when it breaks down to an anhydrous assemblage as pressure is reduced to less than 1.5–2 kbar, the water liberated might oversaturate the coexisting melt generating the necessary overpressure to trigger an explosive eruption. Resorbed amphiboles are commonly observed in evolved lavas and pyroclastic ejecta. The amount of a volatile component, such as water that will dissolve in a melt is a function of pressure, temperature and composition, and during crystallization it is also a function of the extent of crystallization and the nature of crystallizing minerals. The relation can be expressed by the simple equation: where X_r is the water content of the residual liquid, X_i is the initial water content, X_mOH, is the water content of hydrous minerals, f is the total extent of crystallization and f′ is the extent of crystallization of hydrous minerals such that 0 ≤ f′ ≤ f ≤ 1. We suggest that storage of water in hydrous minerals, such as amphibole and biotite, plays an important role in the eruptive behavior of certain types of magmas; the breakdown of these minerals liberates water to the melt at a rate governed by the kinetics of the resorption reaction. If the release of water causes the liquid fraction to exceed the solubility limit and the overpressure resulting from expansion of the gas exceeds the strength of the overlying magma and rocks in the conduit, the result can be an explosive eruption. The amphibole effect can occur at different structural levels depending on the nature of the magma and physical conditions leading to instability.     

Tectonic assembly of the Brevard-Chauga belt, South Carolina: Fluid inclusion evidence from Appalachian Deep Core Site Investigation Hole 2 (ADCOH-2)

Appalachian Deep Core Hole 2 (ADCOH-2) penetrated part of one of the most persistent and important tectonostratigraphic belts in the southern Appalachians—the Brevard-Chauga belt in South Carolina. The Brevard-Chauga belt is a subdivision of the Inner Piedmont and it includes the Brevard fault zone. The 307 m core contains four imbricated slices of Early Ordovician Henderson Gneiss and metasedimentary rocks of the Chauga River Formation. Aqueous (NaCl–CaCl₂) inclusions and CO₂–CH₄-rich inclusions present in syntectonic quartz veins in the metasedimentary units, together with garnet-biotite geothermometry, provide information on the P-T conditions during uplift. Garnet-biotite geothermometry in the Brevard metasiltstone indicates a crystallization temperature of 466±52 °C, which together with published ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar hornblende data from the Chauga belt, are interpreted as a Neoacadian (late Devonian) garnet crystallization age. High-density CO₂-rich fluid inclusion isochores indicate a pressure of 4.5 kbar at 466±52 °C at this time. A Rb–Sr muscovite model age of 302 Ma in retrograde mylonitic Henderson Gneiss is interpreted as an Alleghanian recrystallization age. Fluid inclusions record a 2.5 kbar decompression event at this time, consistent with thrust assembly of the tectonostratigraphic units in the core.     

Petrology and Fe–Ti oxide reequilibration of the 1991 Mount Unzen mixed magma

A dacitic magma (64.5 wt.% SiO₂), a mixture of phenocryst-rich rhyodacite and an aphyric mafic magma, was erupted during the recent 1991–1995 Mount Unzen eruptive cycle. The experimental and analytical results of this study reveal additional details about conditions in the premixing and postmixing magmas, and the nature of the mixing process. The preeruption rhyodacitic magma was at a temperature of 790±20°C according to Fe–Ti oxide phenocryst cores, and at a depth of 6 to 7 km (160 MPa) according to Al-in-hornblende geobarometry. The mafic magma that mixed with the rhyodacite is found as andesitic (54 to 62 wt.% SiO₂) enclaves in the erupted magma and was essentially aphyric when intruded. Phase equilibria indicate that an aphyric andesite at 160 MPa is >1030°C (H₂O-saturated) and possibly as high as 1130°C (2 wt.% H₂O). The composition of the rhyodacite which was mixed with the andesite is estimated to lie between 67 and 69 wt.% SiO₂. Using these compositions and temperatures, the temperature of the Unzen magma after mixing is estimated to be at least 850° to 870°C. The groundmass Fe–Ti oxide microphenocrysts and those in pargasite-bearing reaction zones around biotite phenocrysts both give 890±20°C temperatures; the oxide–oxide contacts give temperatures of 910±20°C. The 900±30°C postmixing temperatures are consistent with phase-equilibria experiments which show that the magma was not above 930°C at 160 MPa. Our Fe–Ti oxide reequilibration experiments suggest that the mixing of the two magmas began within a few weeks of the eruption, which is a shorter time than is calculated using available diffusion data. There is also evidence that some mixing took place much closer to the time of extrusion based on the presence of unrimmed biotite phenocrysts in the magma.     

Origin and evolution of mid-Cretaceous, garnet-bearing, intermediate and silicic volcanics from Canterbury, New Zealand

The Mt Somers Volcanics are part of a suite of mid-Cretaceous (89 ± 2 Ma) intermediate to silicic volcanics, erupted onto an eroded surface of Torlesse sediments. Rock types vary from basaltic andesite to high-silica rhyolite. Andesites are medium- to high-K with phenocrysts of plagioclase, orthopyroxene and pigeonite. Dacites are peraluminous and commonly contain granulite facies xenoliths and garnet xenocrysts. Equilibrium mineral assemblages indicate metamorphic pressures of close to 6 kbar at 800°C. Rhyolites are peraluminous with phenocrysts of quartz, sanidine, plagioclase, biotite, garnet and orthopyroxene. The ferromagnesian phases show textural evidence of magmatic crystallization and are chemically distinct from xenocryst phases in dacites. Equilibrium assemblages indicate that early magmatic crystallization occurred at close to 7 kbar (20 km depth) at above 850°C, with melt-water contents of less than 3.5%. Major-element contents, trace-element contents and an initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio of 0.7085 indicate that the rhyolites formed by partial melting of dominantly quartzo-feldspathic Torlesse sediments, leaving a granulite-facies residue. The chemical variation displayed by the rhyolites is best explained by fractional crystallization of the observed high-pressure phenocryst assemblage. Most elements show a compositional gap between rhyolite and dacite. The major-element, trace-element and Sr isotope compositions of the intermediate lavas are best explained by assimilation of lower crustal material combined with fractional crystallization in mantle-derived tholeiitic magmas. Magmatism was the result of heat and magma flux from the mantle, during the change from compressive to extensional tectonics after the culmination of the Rangitata Orogeny.     

Rare earth element systematics of hydrous liquids from partial melting of basaltic eclogite a re-evaluation

The origin of orogenic andesitic magmas is tested by calculations of REE fractionation in hydrous melts derived from partial melting of subducted ocean basalt in eclogite facies. New data on the subsolidus phase proportions of basaltic eclogite, the enrichment of LREE in altered ocean basalts, and experimentally determined REE partition coefficients (K_D's) between garnet and melt have been included in trace element fractionation equations. Non-modal melting of phases combined with variation inK_D's during melting is a unique feature of these calculations.Variation ofK_D, melting proportions, initial proportion of subsolidus phases, degree of melting, and initial REE concentrations yield a wide range of input parameters that produce REE profiles in partial melts of basaltic eclogite matching REE profiles of some orogenic andesites. The positive correlation of REE concentration with silica content for many andesitic suites can be accounted for by non-modal melting if quartz (or a similar phase with low REEK_D values) melts at a high melting proportion and garnet melts at a low melting proportion during the first stages of fusion. However, no mineralogic fractionation scheme can account for REE/silica systematics if REEK_D values are linearly decreasing with increasing melting. Earlier workers who have used similar calculations to discredit the eclogite fractionation model have set overly strict, and sometimes incorrect, constraints concerning the range in REEK_D values for garnet, the subsolidus proportions of phases in basaltic eclogite, and the relative concentrations of REE in subducted ocean crust undergoing partial melting.     

Trace element characteristics of partial melts produced by melting of metabasalts at high pressures: Constraints on the formation condition of adakitic melts

Modern adakite, Archean tonalite-trondhjemite- granodiorite (TTG) and adakitic rocks derived from lower continental crust are high Na and Al felsic rocks and are characterized by strong heavy REE and Y de- pletion and high Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios, which sug…     

Phase equilibria modeling in igneous petrology: use of COMAGMAT model for simulating fractionation of ferro-basaltic magmas and the genesis of high-alumina basalt

A new version of COMAGMAT-3.5 model designed for computer simulations of equilibrium and fractional crystallization of basaltic magmas at low to high pressures is presented. The most important modifications of COMAGMAT include an ability to calculate more accurately the crystallization of magnetite and ilmenite, allowing the user to study numerically the effect of oxygen fugacity on basalt magma fractionation trends. Methodological principles of the use of COMAGMAT were discussed based on its thermodynamical and empirical basis, including specific details of the model calibration. Using COMAGMAT-3.5 a set of phase equilibria calculations (called Geochemical Thermometry) has been conducted for six cumulative rocks from the Marginal Border Series of the Skaergaard intrusion. As a result, initial magma temperature (1165±10°C) and trapped melt composition proposed to be parental magma to the Skaergaard intrusion were determined. Computer simulations of perfect fractionation of this composition as well as another proposed parent produced petrochemical trends opposite to those followed from natural observations. This is interpreted as evidence for an initial Skaergaard magma containing a large amount of olivine and plagioclase crystals (about 40–45%), so that the proposed and calculated parents are related through the melt trapped in the crystal–liquid mixture. This promotes the conclusion that the Skaergaard magma fractionation process was intermediate between equilibrium and fractional crystallization. In this case the classic Wager's trend should be considered an exception rather than a rule for the differentiation of ferro-basaltic magmas. A polybaric version of COMAGMAT has been applied for the genetic interpretation of a volcanic suite from the Klyuchevskoi volcano, Kamchatka, Russia. To identify petrological processes responsible for the observed suite ranging from high-magnesia to high-alumina basalts, we used the model to simulate the Klyuchevskoi suite assuming isobaric crystallization of a parental HMB magma at a variety of pressures and a separate set of simulations assuming fractionation during continuous magma ascent from a depth of 60 km. These results indicate that the Klyuchevskoi trend can be produced by 40% fractionation of Ol–Aug–Sp±Opx assemblages during ascent of the parental HMB magma over the pressure range 19–7 kbar with the rate of decompression being 0.33 kbar/% crystallized (at 1350–1110°C), with 2 wt.% of H₂O in the initial melt and 3 wt.% of H₂O in the resultant high-Al basalt.     

Viscosity measurements of subliquidus magmas: Alkali olivine basalt from the Higashi-Matsuura district, Southwest Japan

We carried out viscosity measurements and sampling of a crystal suspension derived from alkali olivine basalt from the Matsuura district, SW Japan, at subliquidus temperatures from 1230 °C to 1140 °C under 1 atm with NNO oxygen buffered conditions. Viscosity increased from 31 to 1235 Pa s with a decrease in temperature from 1230 to 1140 °C. On cooling, olivine first appeared at 1210 °C, followed by plagioclase at 1170 °C. The crystal content of the sample attained 31 vol.% at 1140 °C (plagioclase 22%, olivine 9%). Non-Newtonian behaviors, including thixotropy and shear thinning, were pronounced in the presence of tabular plagioclase crystals. The cause of such behavior is discussed in relation to shear-induced changes in melt–crystal textures. Relative viscosities, η_r (= η_s / η_m, where η_s and η_m are the viscosities of the suspension and the melt, respectively), were obtained by calculating melt viscosities from the melt composition and temperature at 1 atm using the equation proposed by Giordano and Dingwell [Giordano, D., Dingwell, D.B., 2003. Non-Arrhenian multicomponent melt viscosity: a model. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 208, 337–349.]. The obtained relative viscosities are generally consistent with the Einstein–Roscoe relation, which represents η_r for suspensions that contain equant and equigranular crystals, even though the crystal suspension analyzed in the present experiments contained tabular plagioclase and granular olivine of various grain sizes. This consistency is attributed to the fact that the effect of crystal shape was counterbalanced by the effect of the dispersion of crystal size. The applicability of the Einstein–Roscoe equation with respect to crystal shape is discussed on the basis of the present experimental results. Our experiments and those of Sato [Sato, H., 2005. Viscosity measurement of subliquidus magmas: 1707 basalt of Fuji volcano. Journal of Mineralogical and Petrological Sciences, 100, 133–142.] show that the relationship between relative viscosity and crystal fraction is consistent with the Einstein–Roscoe relationship for axial ratios that are smaller than the critical value of 4–6.5, but discrepancies occur for higher ratios.     

Petrology of the Easter microplate region in the South Pacific

Submersible investigations along the East Rift segments, the Pito Deep and the Terevaka transform fault of the Easter microplate eastern boundary, and on a thrust-fault area of the Nazca Plate collected a variety of basalts and dolerites. The volcanics consist essentially of depleted (N-MORB), transitional (T-MORB) and enriched (E-MORB) basalts with low (0.01−0.1, < 0.7), intermediate (0.12–0.25, 0.7–1.2) and high (> 0.25, > 1.2–2) K/Ti and(La/Sm)_N ratios, respectively. The Fe-Ti-rich ferrobasalt encountered among the N-MORBs are found on the Pito Deep Central volcano, on the Terevaka intra-transform ridge, on the ancient (< 2.5 Ma) Easter microplate (called EMP, comprising the East Rift Inner pseudofaults and Pito Deep west walls) and on thrust-fault crusts. The most enriched (T- and E-MORB) volcanics occur along the East Rift at 25 °50′–27 °S (called 26 °S East Rift) and on the Pito seamount located near the tip of the East Rift at 23 °00′–23 °40′S (called 23 °S East Rift). The diversity in incompatible element ratios of the basalts in relation to their structural setting suggests that the volcanics are derived from a similar heterogenous mantle which underwent variable degrees of partial melting and magma mixing. In addition the Pito seamount volcanics have undergone less crystal fractionation (< 20%) than the lavas from the other Easter microplate structures (up to 35–45%). The tectonic segmentation of the East Rift observed between 23 and 27 °S corresponds to petrological discontinuities related to Mg# variations and mantle melting conditions. The highest Mg# (> 61) are found on topographic highs (2000–2300 m) and lower values (Mg# < 56) at the extremities of the East Rift segments (2500–5600 m depths). The deepest area (5600 m) along the East Rift is located at 23 °S and coincides with a Central volcano constructed on the floor of the Pito Deep. Three major compositional variabilities of the volcanics are observed along the East Rift segments studied: (1) the 26 °S East Rift segment where the volcanics have intermediate Na₈ (2.5–2.8%) and Fe₈ (8.5–11%) contents; (2) the 23 °S East Rift segment (comprising Pito seamount and Pito Deep Central volcano) which shows the highest (2.9–3.4%) values of Na₈ and a low (8–9%) Fe₈ content; and (3) the 25 °S (at 24 °50′–26 °10′S) and the 24 °S (at 24 °10′–25 °S) East Rift segments where most of the volcanics have low to intermediate Na₈ (2.6–2.0%) and a high range of Fe₈ (9–13%) contents. When modeling mantle melting conditions, we observed a relative increase in the extent of partial melting and decreasing melting pressure. These localized trends are in agreement with a 3-D type diapiric upwelling in the sense postulated by Niu and Batiza (1993). Diapiric mantle upwelling and melting localized underneath the 26, 25 and 23 °S (Pito seamount and Central volcano) East Rift segments are responsable for the differences observed in the volcanics. The extent of partial melting varies from 14 to 19% in the lithosphere between 18 and 40 km deep as inferred from the calculated initial (P_o=16kbar) and final melting (P_f=7kbar) pressures along the various East Rift segments. The lowest range of partial melting (14–16%) is confined to the volcanics from 23 °S East Rift segment including the Pito seamount and the Central volcano. The Thrust-fault area, and the Terevaka intra-transform show comparable mantle melting regimes to the 25 and 26 °S East Rift segments. The older lithosphere of the EMP interior is believed to have been the site of high partial melting (17–20%) confined to the deeper melting area (29–50 km). This increase in melting with increasing pressure is similar to the conditions encountered underneath the South East Pacific Rise (13–20 °S).     

Stability relation of (Mg,Fe)SiO3 garnets, major constituents in the Earth's interior

High-pressure and high temperature experiments at 20 GPa on (Mg,Fe)SiO₃ have revealed stability fields of two types of aluminium-free ferromagnesian garnets; non-cubic garnet and cubic garnet (majorite). Majorite garnet is stable only within a limited compositional variation, 0.2 < Fe/(Mg + Fe)< 0.4, and in the narrow temperature interval of 200°C around 2000°C, while the stability of non-cubic garnet with more iron-deficient compositions persists up to higher temperatures. These two garnets show fractional melting into iron-deficient garnet and iron-rich liquid, and the crystallization field of cubic garnet extends over Fe/(Mg + Fe)= 0.5. The assemblage silicate spinel and stishovite is a low-temperature phase, which also occurs in the iron-rich portion of the MgSiO₃—FeSiO₃ system. The sequence as given by the Fe/(Mg + Fe) value for the coexisting phases with the two garnets at 2000°C and 20 GPa is: silicate modified spinel aluminium-free garnets silicate spinel.Natural majorite in shock-metamorphosed chondrites is clarified to be produced at pressures above 20 GPa and temperatures around 2000°C. Similar shock events may cause the occurrence of non-cubic garnet in iron-deficient meteorites. Non-cubic garnet could be a stable phase in the Earth's mantle if a sufficiently low concentration of aluminium is present in the layer corresponding to the stable pressure range of non-cubic garnet. The chemical differentiation by melting in the deep mantle is also discussed on the basis of the present experimental results and the observed coexistence of majorite garnet with magnesiowüstite in chondrites.     

Evaluation of volcanic gas analysis from surtsey volcano, iceland 1964–1967

Methods used previously to remove compositional modifications from volcanic gas analyses for Mount Etna and Erta'Ale lava lake have bean employed to estimate the gas phase composition at Nyiragongo lava lake, based on samples obtained in 1959. H₂O data were not reported in 11 of the 13 original analyses. The restoration methods have been used to estimate the H₂O contents of the samples and to correct the analyses for atmospheric contamination, loss of sulfur and for pre- and pest-collection oxidation of H₂S, S₂, and H₂. The estimated gas compositions are relatively CO₂-rich, low in total sulfur and reduced. They contain approximately 35–50% CO₂ 45–55% H₂O, 1–2% SO₂, 1–2% H₂., 2–3% CO, 1.5–2.5% H₂S, 0.5% S₂ and 0.1% COS over,he collection temperature range 102° to 960° C. The oxygen fugacities of the gases are consistently about half an order of magnitude below quartz-magnetite-fayalite. The low total sulfur content and resulting low atomic S/C of the Nyiragongo gases appear to be related to the relatively low f_O2 of the crystallizing lava. At temperatures above 800°C and pressures of 1–1.5 k bar, the Nyiragongo gas compositions resemble those observed in primary fluid inclusions believed to have formed at similar temperatures and pressures in nephelines of intrusive alkaline rocks. Cooling to 300°C, with f_O2 buffered by the rock, results in gas compositions very rich in CH₄ (50–70%) and resembling secondary fluid inclusions formed at 200–500°C in alkaline rocks. Below 600°C the gases become supersaturated in carbon as graphite. These inferences are corroborated by several reports of hydrocarbons in plutonic alkaline rocks, and by the presence of CH₄-rich waters in Lake Kivu — a lake on the flanks of Nyiragongo volcano.     

Hydrothermal silica chimney fields in the Galapagos Spreading Center at 86°W

Silica chimneys were discovered in 1985 at 86°W in the rift valley of the Galapagos Spreading Center at 2600 m depth (“Cauliflower Garden”). The inactive chimneys lack any sulfides and consist almost entirely of amorphous silica (up to 96 wt.% SiO₂, opal-A); Fe and Mn oxides are minor constituents. Oxygen isotope data show that formation of the silica chimneys took place at temperatures between 32°C (+29.9‰ δ¹⁸O) and 42°C (+27.8‰ δ¹⁸O).Th/Udating reveals a maximum age of 1440 ± 300y. Amorphous silica solubility relations indicate that the silica chimneys were formed by conductive cooling of pure hydrothermal fluids or by conductive cooling of a fluid/seawater mixture. Assuming equilibrium with quartz at 500 bars, initial fluid temperatures of more than 175°C (i.e., a concentration of > 182 ppm SiO₂) were required to achieve sufficient supersaturation for the deposition of amorphous silica at 40°C and 260 bars. If the silica chimneys originate from the same or a similar fluid as higher-temperature ( < 300°C) sulfide-silica precipitates found nearby (i.e., 2.5 km away), then subsurface deposition of sulfides may have occurred.