Origin of the anomalies in light and middle REE in sediments of an estuary affected by phosphogypsum wastes (south-western Spain)

Sc, Y, Th, Cu and rare earth elements (REE) concentrations have been analyzed in 14 samples of surface sediments and in two gravity cores by means of ICP-MS. Mean concentrations of Sc, Y and Th in surface sediments are 6.23, 4.76 and 16.30 ppm, respectively, lower than those present in the Upper Continental Crust (UCC). Cu concentration in these sediments is very high, 1466 ppm, and is caused by inputs from the Odiel and Tinto rivers, affected by acid mine drainage. SigmaREE mean concentration is 106.8 ppm, lower than that observed in other rivers and estuaries. In the cores, Sc, Y and Th concentrations show a significant increase in the intermediate levels, between 10 and 40 cm depth. The same pattern exists with Cu, where concentrations of 4440 ppm can be reached. Vertical evolution patterns for Sc, Y, Cu and heavy REE (HREE) are similar, and contrary to those shown by Th, light REE (LREE) and middle REE (MREE). Plots of North American Shale Composite (NASC)-normalized REE data of surface sediments show a slight depletion in REE concentrations. Most samples present with middle REE enrichment relative to light REE and heavy REE. Conversely, samples of the intermediate levels of the cores show significant enrichment of REE relative to NASC and high values in the (La/Gd)NASC and (La/Yb)NASC ratios. These anomalies in the fractionation patterns caused by enrichments in LREE and MREE concentrations is related to the presence of high concentrations of Th. They were generated by effluents from fertilizer factories between 1968 and 1998 which used phosphorite as source material.     

Geochemical fractionation of rare earth elements in lacustrine deposits from Qaidam Basin

Based on the concentration and distribution pattern analysis of the rare earth elements (REEs) at the Shell Bar section from Qaidam Basin, we studied the geochemical fractionations of REE in paleolake deposits and their paleo-environmental significance. Our results show that the REE concentration in AS (acid soluble) and AR (acid residual) fractions are 20.9 μg/g and 95.4 μg/g (except element Y) individually, showing a strong REE differentiation between AS and AR fractions. However, the two types of fractions (AS & AR) have similar REE distribution patterns, which are slightly rich in light earth rare elements (LREEs), with slightly right-tilting and negative Eu anomaly. The LREE of AR is richer than that of AS. There were no significant correlations between the REE in AS, AR and other proxies. It indicated that the lacustrine deposition had different material sources and experienced varying geochemical procedures. Correlation analysis between the REE and the content of fine grain-size (<4 μm) of the sediments, Rb/Sr ratio and Mn concentration showed high correlation coefficients. Our results demonstrated that the REE in acid soluble and residual fractions bear different environmental significances, which are strongly dependent on local environment. The REE of acid soluble fraction is closely related to the paleoclimatic changes in the lake catchment and the evolutionary processes of lake itself. Our results suggest that δCe and (La/Yb)_n could be used as proxies of the reduction-oxidation conditions and furthermore the temperature change and the lake level fluctuations. Using these proxies, we reconstructed the paleoclimate and water level fluctuation history during the high lake level period lasting between 43.5 and 22.4 cal. ka BP.     

Rare-earth element (REE) behaviour in the alteration facies of the active magmatic–hydrothermal system of Vulcano (Aeolian Islands,Italy)

This work reports a study on the rare-earth element (REE) behaviour in the high-sulfidation-type superficial alteration and in the phyllic and propylitic alteration in the subsurface of the island of Vulcano. The results of this study demonstrate notable differences in the REE behaviour in the different alteration facies. In silicic alteration, all REE are equally strongly depleted; in advanced argillic alteration, LREE are quite immobile whereas HREE are strongly depleted; in intermediate argillic, phyllic and propylitic alteration, REE patterns are almost unchanged compared with their fresh rock equivalents. These features indicate that the behaviour of REE in hydrothermal alteration facies at La Fossa is mainly controlled by pH, availability of complexing ions in the fluid (mainly SO₄²⁻ and, in the silicic facies, F⁻) and the presence of secondary minerals able to host REE in their structures. The origin of the acid fluids is related to the hypogenic introduction of prevalently magmatic acid gases produced by the degassing of the shallow magmatic system of La Fossa volcano. In the active high-temperature fumarolic field of La Fossa, REE behaviour illustrates the transition from a dry vapor system, corresponding to the high-temperature fumaroles, to a wet condensing system in the surrounding area. The results of this research, carried out on an active high-sulfidation system, provide a useful tool for the study of high-sulfidation epithermal ore deposits and particularly help to understand the alteration processes during the main stage of hypogene wall rock alteration.     

Geochemistry and tectonic implications of Proterozoic amphibolites in the northeastern part of the Yeongnam massif, South Korea

Abstract   Amphibolites in the Haenggongni area (Haenggongni amphibolite) and the Okbang area (Okbang amphibolite) in northeastern Yeongnam massif, South Korea occur as a sill-like body or inclusions within the metasedimentary sequences of the Proterozoic Wonnam Group. Major and trace element characteristics demonstrate that both amphibolites have tholeiitic chemical affinity. They are characterized by nearly flat rare earth element (REE) patterns, and low contents of immobile incompatible elements and have low values of Zr/Y, Ti/Y, La/Nb and Ta/Yb ratios, indicating enriched (E)-type mid-oceanic ridge basalt (MORB) affinities for their protoliths. This suggests that amphibolite protoliths formed in an extensional rift setting leading up to ocean opening. In combination with the previous studies in Yeongnam massif, three protolith types of amphibolites are assumed (E-type MORB, within-plate basalt and volcanic arc basalt). They could have been originated in different tectonic settings and/or different episodes. These characteristics are clearly different from the amphibolites in the Gyeonggi massif and Okcheon belt, in which most of the amphibolites show a within-plate basalt affinity that developed in continental rift zone.     

Geochemistry and petrogenesis of ophiolites from Northern Pindos (Greece)

The ophiolitic complex of Northern Pindos (Greece) contains ocean-floor basalts and low-Ti mafic rocks. The former rocks are similar to recent mid-ocean ridge basalts with a light REE depletion and a La/Yb ratio < 2. The low-Ti rocks resemble boninites in their high Mg and very low Ti and Zr contents and in their REE patterns which have convex-downwards shape with a slight light REE enrichment. However, their Zr/Ti, Ti/V and Zr/Y ratios are lower than in boninites. Both rock-types could be generated by dynamic partial melting of a rising upper mantle diapir. Slight enrichment in light REE, Sr, Rb and Ba in low-Ti rocks could be the result of either metasomatic or alteration processes. Although a subduction zone origin of the sequence is possible, the geochemical data do not necessarily imply such a setting.     

Lewisian gneiss geochemistry and Archaean crustal development models

The geochemistry of Lewisian amphibolite-facies gneisses from northwest Scotland is described with particular reference to the rare earth elements (REE) and compared with the geochemistry of Lewisian granulite-facies gneisses. The results show that there are no significant differences between “Laxfordian” amphibolite-facies and “Scourian” granulite-facies gneisses in terms of REE and other immobile trace elements (at equivalent silica levels), although the mobile radioactive heat-producing elements, K, Rb, Th, U, are significantly lower in the granulites. In both types the basic gneisses have moderately fractionated REE patterns while the intermediate and acid gneisses have strongly fractionated REE patterns with low heavy REE abundances and decreasing levels of total REE with increasing SiO₂. The most silicic gneisses develop large positive europium anomalies.These gross chemical similarities between gneisses from intermediate (amphibolite-facies) and lower (granulite-facies) crustal levels constrain models for the evolution of the Archaean crust. The depletion of K, Rb, Cs, Th and U in granulites, but not other incompatible trace elements cannot be explained by magmatic processes. The positive Eu anomaly in the more siliceous gneisses of both facies is a function of the primary processes of crustal generation and not secondary processes such as intracrustal melting or fractional crystallisation. Fractionation of radioactive heat-producing elements from other trace elements is a result of granulite-facies metamorphism with these elements being removed by an active fluid phase. The apparent lack of partial melting in lower crustal granulites suggests a model for Archaean crustal growth largely through underplating by primary tonalitic magmas.     

Trace and rare earth element geochemistry of the black and grey shales of the Calabar Flank,Southeastern Nigeria: constraints on the depositional environment and the degree of metal enrichment

This study focuses on the trace and rare earth elements(REE) geochemistry of the Nkporo and Ekenkpon Shales of the Calabar Flank.The main aim is to infer their depositional environment and the degree of their metal enrichment.The shale samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.The results indicated that the mean concentrations of K,Na,and Fe in Nkporo and Ekenkpon Shales are 1.45,0.4,and 4.17 wt%,and 1.11,0.44,and 5.42 wt%;respectively.The Nkporo Shale is enriched with the following trace elements;PMn Sr Ba Zn Ce Rb Zr VCr Ni and depleted in the following trace elements;Ta GeSb Bi Cd Ag Te In Hg.While the Ekenkpon Shale is enriched with the following trace elements;P Mn Ba Sr VCe Zr Rb Cr Zn Ni and depleted in;Sb Ge Bi Ag Ce Te InHg.The concentration of redox-sensitive elements such as V,Ni,Mo,U,Cu,Cr,Re,Cd,Sb,Ti,Mn,and their ratio V/Mo and U/Mo in the black and grey shale samples show different patterns.The REE obtained from the Nkporo and Ekenkpon Shales were PAAS normalized.The Nkporo Shale showed a slightly flat light rare-earth element(LREE),middle rare-earth element(MREE),and heavy rare earth element(HREE) pattern enrichment.Ce/Ce*ranges from 0.95 to 1.09 in Nkporo Shale and 0.67 to 1.40 in Ekenkpon Shale.The Ekenkpon Shale showed a slight LREE,MREE enrichment,and depleted HREE patterns.The Mn contents and U/Mo ratio in Nkporo and Ekenkpon Shales suggests a poor oxygen transitional environment.The V/Mo and V/(V+Ni) ratios indicated that the Nkporo shales were deposited in an anoxic to suboxic conditions and Ekenkpon shales were also deposited under an anoxic to suboxic conditions.The V/Ni ratio indicated that the organic matter in the Nkporo shale is terrigenous while that of the Ekenkpon shales are both terrigenous and marine in origin.     

Petrochemical evidence for off-ridge magmatism in a back-arc setting from the Yakuno ophiolite, Japan

Abstract The Permian ophiolite emplaced in the Yakuno area, Kyoto Prefecture, consists of metavolcanic sequences, metagabbro and a troctolitic intrusion. The metavolcanics are associated with thick mudstone through a contact that shows the flowage of lava over unconsolidated mud layers on the sea floor. The metavolcanics and metagabbro have rare earth element (REE) patterns that are similar to enriched (E)‐ and transitional (T)‐types ([La/Yb]_N = 0.77–11.2) of mid‐oceanic ridge basalts (MORB), whereas their Nb/La ratios (0.40–1.20) are as low as those of back‐arc basin basalts (BABB). Cr‐spinels in the metavolcanic rocks have Cr? of 40–73 and an Fe³⁺? of 9–24, numbers which are comparable to the values of BABB. These lines of evidence suggest that the Yakuno ophiolite originated more likely from an early stage back‐arc basin rather than from an oceanic plateau, as has been suggested by some researchers. The troctolitic body that intrudes as a 0.5‐km long lens in the metagabbro is composed of troctolite, olivine gabbro and microgabbro. The troctolite is marked by an olivine–plagioclase crystallization sequence, different from the commonly observed olivine–clinopyroxene sequence in other mafic/ultramafic cumulates of the Yakuno ophiolite. The microgabbro, with a composition close to that of the parental magma of the troctolite, is depleted in light REE ([La/Yb]_N = 0.18–0.55) so that it has an REE pattern that mimics normal (N)‐type MORB. The interstitial clinopyroxene of the troctolite has highly variable TiO₂ contents (0.2–1.4 wt%), which is interpreted to result from postcumulus crystallization of heterogeneous intercumulus melts. The troctolitic intrusion may represent a late stage intrusion that formed in an off‐ridge environment during sea floor spreading of the back‐arc basin. The geochemical variation observed in the Yakuno ophiolite, ranging from N‐ to E‐MORB affinities, reflects the changes in both mantle source compositions and processes involved in magma generation during the evolution of the back‐arc basin.     

Petrogenesis of basalts from the FAMOUS area: Mid-Atlantic Ridge

Fresh basalt glasses most of which have Mg/(Mg + Fe²⁺) of 0.66–0.72 from outcrops within 3 km of one other in the rift valley at the Project FAMOUS locality have been analyzed for major, minor and trace elements in order to determine their petrogenesis.Transition metal abundances of the FAMOUS samples are similar to a wide variety of continental and oceanic basalts with high MgO and Ni, all of which show remarkably little variation, with the exception of Cu, Zn and Ti, on a chondrite-normalized plot. Modelling of these data suggests that the mantle beneath both continents and oceans is systematically fractionated relative to chondrites. This fractionation provides a constraint for models of earth formation and subsequent evolution.The abundances of the rare earth and the incompatible elements, Ba, La, Th, U, and Nb, vary by more than a factor of three and the La/Yb and La/Sm ratios vary by factors of 3.1 and 1.6, respectively, in samples with similar, high Mg/(Mg + Fe²⁺). There is no correlation between the degree of light-REE enrichment and the heavy-REE abundance. Furthermore, the trace element variations do not appear correlated with respect to location in the rift valley or to time of eruption. These trace element features demonstrate that successive eruptions in one small area of the rift valley can show wide variations in trace element chemistry over a short span of time; they preclude the derivation of these basalt glasses from a single magma chamber.Despite the heterogeneities in REE and the variable trace element abundances, a homogeneous mantle source is suggested by the similarities among the samples in the incompatible element ratios of La/Ce, Ba/Th, Zr/Nb and K/Ba and the small range in⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr isotope ratios observed in other samples from the FAMOUS region (White and Bryan, 1977). Thus, trace element heterogeneities appear to be generated by processes in the mantle during melting. However, processes such as batch partial melting, fractional fusion, fractional crystallization, zone refining, or mixing of magmas or sources acting alone are incapable of explaining the lack of correlation between the light and heavy REE.It is suggested that the observed variations are a consequence of dynamic partial melting of a homogeneous mantle source region. This process includes varying degrees of partial melting of an uprising mantle source with continuous but incomplete removal of melt as melting proceeds, varying extents of batch partial melting, and zone refining. Dynamic melting can produce different melts from a homogeneous source which have different degrees of light-REE enrichment and crossing REE patterns. The variable trace element abundances which may be produced through dynamic melting may be the cause of the apparent decoupling of major and trace elements (Bryan et al., 1976) which previously has been suggested for the FAMOUS region (Bryan and Moore, 1977).     

Trace element mobility in the mylonite zone within the ophiolite aureole,St. Anthony Complex,Newfoundland

The late syntectonic mylonite zone (45–100 m thick) within the dynamothermal aureole of the St. Anthony Complex in northwestern Newfoundland was derived from surrounding quartz and epidote amphibolites by deformation and the nearly isovolumetric metasomatism. Amphibolites have a composition typical of light REE-depleted ocean-floor tholeiites. Mylonites (biotite amphibolites) resemble transitional alkali basalts in major and trace element composition and in the interrelation among relatively immobile elements such as Ti, Zr, Nb, Y and P. Their REE patterns are enriched in light REE and show gradual depletion of heavy REE with La/Yb ratios ranging from 8.4 to 18.4. The results emphasize the need for caution in interpreting the concentration and ratios of any elements in mafic rocks which have been affected by metasomatism in an amphibolite facies shear zone.     

Rare-earth abundances in indian kimberlite

Abundances of some rare-earth elements (REE), together with Hf, Ta, Th, and Ba have been determined by neutron activation analyses in twelve kimberlite samples from Peninsular India. The kimberlites have fractionated REE patterns with enrichment of light rare earths; La/Yb ratio varies from 39 to 166. A systematic relationship exists between the total rare-earth abundances and the petrochemistry of the rocks. The rare-earth abundances observed in the kimberlites are consistent with their derivation by partial melting of a hydrous garnet peridotite mantle and subsequent fractional crystallization of the melt.     

Using <Emphasis Type="Italic">in situ</Emphasis> REE analysis to study the origin and diagenesis of dolomite of Lower Paleozoic,Tarim Basin

In situ REE concentrations of various dolomites from Tarim Basin were obtained by LA-ICP-MS analysis, and the data were normalized to standard seawater (Seawater Normalized=SWN). Most of the samples have a ΣREE range of less than 20 ppm. All samples show similar REE_SWN distributions with heavy REE depletion, and positive Ce anomaly, which indicates that they have the same dolomitization fluids (seawater). According to the origin and diagenetic process of dolomite, two types of dolomite are determined and described as follows: 1) syndepositional dolomite, with the highest REE concentrations (more than 20 ppm), the cores of which are more enriched in REE compared with their cortexes, indicating that they underwent the dolomitization of calcareous sediments by hypersaline and subsequent diagenesis decreased the REE content of the cortex because of the low REE concentration of the diagenetic fluids; 2) diagenetic dolomite, which can be subdivided into four groups. (1) burial dolomite which has higher REE concentrations than limestone, but lower than syndepositional dolomite. This shows that pore fluids with high salinity dolomitized the pre-existing limestone; (2) void filling dolomite which has the similar REE patterns with the matrix dolomite. In addition, the Eu anomaly is not obvious, suggesting that the dolomitization fluids originated from the diagenetic fluids; (3) recrystallized dolomite, whose REE concentration was obviously decreased, indicating that the REE concentration was decreased during the recrystallization processes; and (4) hydrothermal altered void-filling dolomite, which has the lowest REE concentration, but obvious positive Eu anomaly, reflecting its hydrothermal activity related origin. Thus, the diverse REE signatures, which were recorded in different dolomites, retain the information of their formation conditions and subsequent diagenetic processes. In situ REE analysis of dolomite is an effective probe into the origin and diagenetic process of dolomite. Supported by National Basic Research Program of China (Grant No. 2005CB422103)     

Origin of the rhyolitic rocks of the taupo volcanic zone, New Zealand

Major element, Rb, Sr, Ba, Cr and V analyses as well as 13 new rare earth element (REE) analyses are presented for the greywacke basement surrounding the Taupo Volcanic Zone (TVZ). On this basis the basement rocks are divided into a Western Basement of approximately andesitic composition ( 62% SiO₂) and an Eastern Basement of approximately granodiorite composition ( 75% SiO₂). These analyses, 5 new REE analyses for the rhyolites, and published data for the volcanic rocks of TVZ are used to investigate the petrogenesis of rhyolitic rocks in the area.Least-squares mixing calculations for major elements show that 88% fractional crystallisation of high-alumina basalt produces a liquid of rhyolitic bulk composition, but Rayleigh fractionation models show that the trace element concentrations of the rhyolites are inconsistent with basalt fractionation. 57% fractionation of the assemblage plagioclase (35.6%), orthopyroxene (9.7%), clinopyroxene (7.8%), ilmenite (0.6%) and magnetite (3.4%) from a plagioclase-pyroxene andesite can produce liquids of rhyolitic bulk composition. REE concentrations produced by this model are consistent with those observed in the rhyolites but predicted Ba and Rb values are lower and V concentrations are higher than those in the rhyolites. Andesite fractionation also produces an unrealistic fractionation of the Cr/V ratio.A non-modal melting model involving 35% melting of a granulitic assemblage (plagioclase + quartz + clinopyroxene + orthopyroxene + biotite + magnetite + cordierite) with a bulk composition equivalent to the Western Basement can reproduce the REE pattern of the rhyolites as well as the concentrations of Rb and Ba. Sr values remain anomalously high, but the Cr/V ratio does not indicate fractionation. Absolute values of Cr and V are within the uncertainties of published crystal—liquid partition coefficients. The rhyolites have relatively flat REE patterns (La/Yb 7.5), as do the greywackes (La/Yb 8.2), so it is therefore unlikely that the rhyolites equilibrated with a garnet or amphibole-bearing assemblage.     

REE and (э)Nd of clay fractions in sediments from the eastern Pacific Ocean: Evidence for clay sources

Clay fractions in the non-calcareous surface sediments from the eastern Pacific were analyzed for clay minerals, REE and 143Nd/144Nd. Montmorillonite/illite ratio (M/I ratio), total REE contents ((REE), LREE/HREE ratio and cerium anomaly (бCe) may effectively indicate the genesis of clay minerals. Clay fractions with M/I ratio >1, бCe (0.85, (REE (400 μg/g, LREE/HREE ratio (4, and REE patterns similar to those of pelagic sediments are terrigenous and autogenetic mixed clay fractions and contain more autogenetic montmorillonite. Clay fractions with M/I ratio <1, бCe=0.86 to 1.5, ΣREE=200 to 350 μg/g, LREE/HREE ratio (6 and REE distribution patterns similar to that of China loess are identified as terrigenous clay fraction. The 143Nd/144Nd ratios or (э)Nd values of clay fractions inherit the features of terrigenous sources of clay minerals. Clay fractions are divided into 4 types according to (э)Nd values. Terrigenous clay minerals of type I with the (э)Nd values of -8 to -6 originate mainly from North American fluvial deposits. Those of type II with the (э)Nd values of -9 to -7 are mainly from the East Asia and North American fluvial deposits. Those of type III with (э)Nd values of -6 to -3 could come from the central and eastern Pacific volcanic islands. Those of type IV with (э)Nd values of -13 to -12 may be from East Asia eolian. The terrigenous and autogenetic mixed clay fractions show patchy distributions, indicating that there are volcanic or hot-spot activities in the eastern Pacific plate, while the terrigenous clay fractions cover a large part of the study area, proving that the terrigenous clay minerals are dominant in the eastern Pacific.     

Characterisation of early Archaean chemical sediments by trace element signatures

Rare earth element (REE) plus yttrium (Y) patterns of modern seawater have characteristic features that can be used as chemical fingerprints. Reliable proxies for marine REE+Y chemistry have been demonstrated from a large geological time span, including Archaean banded iron formation (BIF), stromatolitic limestone, Phanerozoic reef carbonate and Holocene microbialite.Here we present new REE+Y data for two distinct suites of early Archaean (ca. 3.7-3.8 Ga) metamorphosed rocks from southern West Greenland, whose interrelationships, if any, have been much debated in recent literature. The first suite comprises magnetite-quartz BIF, magnetite-carbonate BIF and banded magnetite-rich quartz rock, mostly from the Isua Greenstone Belt (IGB). The REE+Y patterns, particularly diagnostic anomalies (Ce/Ce*, Pr/Pr*), are closely related to those of published seawater proxies. The second suite includes banded quartz-pyroxene-amphibole±garnet rocks with minor magnetite from the so-called Akilia Association enclaves (in early Archaean granitoid gneisses) of the coastal region, some 150 km southwest of the IGB. Rocks of this type from one much publicised and highly debated locality (the island of Akilia) have been identified by some workers [Nature 384 (1996) 55; Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 61 (1997) 2475] as BIF-facies, and their ¹³C-depleted signature in trace graphite interpreted as a proxy for earliest life on Earth. However, REE+Y patterns of the Akilia Association suite (except for one probably genuine magnetite-rich BIF from Ugpik) are inconsistent with a seawater origin. We agree with published geological and geochemical (including REE) work [Science 296 (2002) 1448] that most of the analysed Akilia rocks are not chemical sediments, and that C-isotopes in such rocks therefore cannot be used as biological proxies.Application of the REE+Y discriminant for the above two rock suites has been facilitated in this study by the use of MC-ICP technique which yields a more complete and precise REE+Y spectrum than was available in many previous studies.     

Rare earth and other trace elements in historic azorean lavas

Rare earth element (REE) and other trace element compositions of 16 lavas from all historic and 2 prehistoric eruptions on 5 islands of the Azores Archipelago show notable intra-and inter-island differences. Fe enrichment and “compatible” element depletion due to fractional crystallization have been superimposed on variations established in the source area. Fractionation of La/Sm, U/Th, K/Na and “large ion lithophile” (LIL) element abundances are probably related to variable fusion of a source peridotite whose LIL element distribution cannot be exactly specified in view of its possible heterogeneity. Relative light-REE enrichment in basalt appears greatest on the “potassic” island São Miguel, the more sodic island Fayal and one lava from Pico, and least in basalts from the “sodic” islands Terceira, São Jorge and Pico. This variation is matched by most other LIL elements, although P shows unexpected enrichment in Terceira lavas, otherwise the least LIL element-enriched and most heavy-REE-enriched. Upper mantle phase chemistry is probably critical in establishing the patterns. In particular, P—REE covariance may reflect phase stabilities of apatite and (P-bearing) garnet in the upper mantle. Distribution patterns of REE in the historic lavas are similar to those of basalts from the Atlantic median rift at the crest of the Azores “platform”. Transition to light-REE-depleted rift-erupted basalts to the southwest is believed to be step-wise with increasing water depth, possibly indicating retention of a light-REE-rich phase in the residue from partial fusion as intersection of geotherm and peridotite solidus occur at lower pressures. The source mantle for the Azores basalts is probably light-REE- and LIL element-enriched but we find no evidence so far to suggest its emplacement by thermal “plume” activity.     

Petrochemistry of sandstones from Neoproterozoic basins of the Bastar craton, Central Indian Shield: Implications for paleoweathering, provenance and tectonic history

Petrographic analysis and chemical analysis of major and trace elements including rare earth elements of the Neoproterozoic sandstones from the Chandarpur Group and the Tiratgarh Formation have been carried out to determine their provenance, tectonic setting and weathering conditions. All sandstone samples are highly enriched in quartz but very poor in feldspar and lithic fragments. Petrographically and geochemically these sandstones are classified as subarkose, sublitharenite and arenite. The Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA mean 68) and Th/U ratios (mean 4.2) for these sandstones suggest their moderate weathering nature. Generally, all sandstone samples are strongly depleted in major elements (except SiO₂), trace elements (except Zr) and REE in comparison with Post Archean Australian Shale (PAAS) and Upper Continental Crust (UCC). Their mineralogy and mean of elemental ratios suitable for determination of provenance and tectonic setting, e.g. Al₂O₃/SiO₂ (0.02), K₂O/Na₂O (10), Eu/Eu* (0.67), (La/Lu)n (10.4), La/Sc (3), Th/Sc (1.2), La/Co (0.22), Th/Co (0.08), and Cr/Th (7.2), support a felsic source and a passive margin tectonic setting for these sandstones. Also these key elemental ratios do not show much variation over a range of SiO₂. Thus we attest their significance in determining source rock characteristics of quartz rich sandstones. Chondrite‐normalized REE patterns with LREE enrichment and a strong negative Eu anomaly are also attributed to felsic source rock characteristics for these sandstones. The source rocks identified are granite and gneiss of the Bastar craton. Minor amounts may have been derived from older supracrustals of the Bastar craton. However, the major element data of the Paleoproterozoic Sakoli schists when compared with those of the Neoproterozoic sandstones indicate that the schists were derived from a mafic source and deposited in an active continental margin tectonic setting. There is, however, little difference in CIA values between the Paleoproterozoic Sakoli schists and Neoproterozoic sandstones, indicating prevailing of similar (moderate‐intense) weathering conditions throughout the Proterozoic in the Bastar craton. Our study also suggests a change in the provenance and tectonic setting of deposition of sediments from dominantly a mafic source and an active continental margin in the Paleoproterozoic to dominantly granite and gneiss (felsic source) and a passive continental margin in the Neoproterozoic in the Bastar craton.     

Rare earth elements in East Carpathian volcanic rocks

REE, Y, Rb, Sr, Cs, Ba, Pb, Th, U, Zr, Hf, and Sn are reported for a basalt, low-Si andesite, andesite, high-K andesite, dacite and rhyolite from the calc-alkaline volcanic belt of Calimani-Harghita Mountains (Rumenian Carpathians). The basalt, low-Si andesite and andesite show identical chondrite-normalized REE patterns with fractionated light REE (La-Sa) and unfractionated heavy REE (Gd-Yb). The dacite shows similar pattern but lower ΣREE. The high-K andesite and rhyolite have a distinctively different REE pattern strongly fractionated for both light and heavy REE. These differences point to different genetical mechanism for the high-K andesite-rhyolite and basalt-low-Si andesite-andesite-dacite magmas. The high-K andesite and rhyolite magmas are believed to represent primary melts of an undergoing oceanic slab; the basalt, low-Si andesite, andesite and dacite magmas are considered to be produced by partial melting of garnet pyroxenite bodies derived by reaction between the primary melts of the undergoing oceanic slab and the peridotitic mantle overlying the Benioff zone.     

Gabbroic xenoliths from La Palma, Tenerife and Lanzarote, Canary Islands: evidence for reactions between mafic alkaline Canary Islands melts and old oceanic crust

Gabbroic and hornblendite xenoliths from La Palma, Tenerife and Lanzarote fall into three main groups based on petrography and chemistry. One group (comprising all xenoliths from Lanzarote and some from La Palma) consists of highly deformed orthopyroxene-bearing gabbroic rocks that show a strong affinity to N-MORB and oceanic gabbro cumulates in terms of mineral chemistry and REE relations. However, they show mild enrichment in the most incompatible elements (particularly Rb+Ba±K) relative to intermediate and heavy REE, and their Sr–Nd isotope ratios fall within or close to the N-MORB field. The second group (60% of the xenoliths from La Palma) are gabbroic cumulates with zoned clinopyroxenes (Ti–Al-poor cores, Ti–Al-rich rims) and reaction rims of hornblende, biotite and clinopyroxene on other phases. Their trace-element and Sr–Nd isotope relations are in general transitional between N-MORB cumulates and Canary Islands alkali basalts, but they show strong enrichment in Rb, Ba and K relative to other strongly incompatible elements. The third group (comprising some xenoliths from La Palma and all those from Tenerife) are undeformed gabbroic and hornblendite rocks in which hornblende and biotite appear to belong to the primary assemblage. These rocks show strong affinities to Canary Islands alkali basaltic magmas with respect to mineral, trace-element, and Sr–Nd isotope chemistry. The first two groups are interpreted as fragments of old oceanic crust which have been mildly to strongly metasomatized through reactions with Canary Islands alkaline magmas. The reaction process is a combination of enrichment in elements compatible with biotite (and hornblende), and simple mixing between N-MORB cumulates and trapped alkaline magmas. The third group represents intrusions/cumulates formed from mafic alkaline Canary Islands magmas. Modeling indicates that locally up to 50% new material has been added to the old oceanic crust through reactions with ocean island basalts. Reactions and formation of cumulates do not represent simple underplating at the mantle/crust boundary, but have taken place within the pre-existing oceanic crust, and are likely to have significantly thickened the old oceanic crust.     

Rare earth element abundances in rocks and minerals from the Fiskenaesset Complex,West Greenland

Rare earth element (REE) abundances determined by activation analysis in rocks, plagioclase and mafic separates from the Fiskenaesset Complex are presented together with data on major and trace elements in the minerals. The REE data for the rocks and plagioclases are distinct from those of many other anorthositic complexes and the abundances are some of the lowest recorded for plagioclase from terrestrial anorthosites. The bulk and trace element compositions of the Fiskenaesset plagioclases show a number of similarities to those of lunar plagioclases. The plagioclases show a positive Eu anomaly of about 10 and a depletion in the heavy REE relative to the light ones. The mafic separates are enriched in the heavy REE relative to the light ones, and show no Eu anomaly except in one sample with a positive anomaly not attributable to plagioclase contamination. It is estimated, from experimental partition coefficient data, that the REE pattern in the magma at an early stage of fractionation was La (17×) to Lu (0.7× chondrites) with a possible positive Eu anomaly. This highly fractionated REE pattern may be attributed to partial melting of a garnet-bearing source.