Magmatic Evolution of the La Pacana Caldera System, Central Andes, Chile: Compositional Variation of Two Cogenetic, Large-Volume Felsic Ignimbrites

La Pacana is one of the largest known calderas on Earth, andis the source of at least two major ignimbrite eruptions witha combined volume of some 2700 km³. These ignimbrites have stronglycontrasting compositions, raising the question of whether theyare genetically related. The Toconao ignimbrite is crystal poor,and contains rhyolitic (76–77 wt % SiO₂) tube pumices.The overlying Atana ignimbrite is a homogeneous tuff whose pumiceis dacitic (66–70 wt % SiO₂), dense (40–60% vesicularity)and crystal rich (30–40 % crystals). Phase equilibriaindicate that the Atana magma equilibrated at temperatures of770–790°C with melt water contents of 3·1–4·4wt %. The pre-eruptive Toconao magma was cooler (730–750°C)and its melt more water rich (6·3–6·8 wt% H₂O). A pressure of 200 MPa is inferred from mineral barometryfor the Atana magma chamber. Isotope compositions are variablebut overlapping for both units (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_i 0·7094–0·7131;¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd 0·51222–0·51230) and are consistentwith a dominantly crustal origin. Glass analyses from Atanapumices are similar in composition to those in Toconao tubepumices, demonstrating that the Toconao magma could representa differentiated melt of the Atana magma. Fractional crystallizationmodelling suggests that the Toconao magma can be produced by30% crystallization of the observed Atana mineral phases. Toconaomelt characteristics and intensive parameters are consistentwith a volatile oversaturation-driven eruption. However, thelow H₂O content, high viscosity and high crystal content ofthe Atana magma imply an external eruption trigger. KEY WORDS: Central Andes; crystal-rich dacite; eruption trigger; high-silica rhyolite; zoned magma chamber     

Petrology of Rhyolitic and Mixed Magma Ejecta from the 1875 Eruption of Askja, Iceland

Volcanic activity in Askja central volcano and its fissure swarmin 1875 occurred in response to a crustal rifting episode inIceland, resulting in up to 70 km lateral flow of magma withinthe crust, caldera collapse and a plinian eruption of acid magma(0·2 km³ dense-rock equivalent). Petrologic studies ofthe predominantly rhyolitic and crystal-poor ejecta reveal thata complex array of other liquid compositions was also present,including icelandite (0.75 per cent) and basalt (1.9 per cent),as well as leucocratic xenoliths of trondhjemite type. Mineralgeothermometers indicate that the rhyolite evolved at 990 to1010 °C and 0·5 Kb P_H2O, the icelandite at 1005 to1020 °C and at f_O2 10^–10 atm. and the basalt at 1140to 1170 °C. A petrologic model of Askja in 1875 consists of a density-stratifiedmagma chamber with a rhyolitic upper part and a lower part offerrobasalt, with an intervening layer of icelandite. The modelcalculations show that the icelandite can be derived from ferrobasaltby 50 per cent fractional crystallization, but one-stage fractionalcrystallization models cannot account for generation of theacid magma. Simple partial or complete fusion of the field-associatedtrondhjemite xenoliths cannot produce the acid magma. Instead,a more complex fusion, hybridization and fractional crystallizationmodel is presented, which is consistent with the available petrologicevidence. This model involves large-scale fusion of pre-existingtrondhjemite intrusions or reactivation of previously consolidatedroof-rock in the magma chamber followed by hybridization ofthe acid magma with 7 to 14 per cent basaltic magma. Finally,10 to 11 per cent fractional crystallization of the dacite hybridis required to produce the observed compositional range withinthe rhyolite ejecta. The 1875 explosive eruption was causedby the ascent of tholeiitic basalt magma from depth during crustalrifting. Influx of new basalt magma in 1874–75 triggeredconvective mixing and hybridization in the compositionally zonedmagma chamber.     

Kistufell: Primitive Melt from the Iceland Mantle Plume

This paper presents new geochemical data from Kistufell (64°48'N,17°13'W), a monogenetic table mountain situated directlyabove the inferred locus of the Iceland mantle plume. Kistufellis composed of the most primitive olivine tholeiitic glassesfound in central Iceland (MgO 10·56 wt %, olivine Fo_89·7).The glasses are interpreted as near-primary, high-degree plumemelts derived from a heterogeneous mantle source. Mineral, glassand bulk-rock (glass + minerals) chemistry indicates a low averagemelting pressure (15 kbar), high initial crystallization pressuresand temperatures (10–15 kbar and 1270°C), and eruptiontemperatures (1240°C) that are among the highest observedin Iceland. The glasses have trace element signatures (La_n/Yb_n<1, Ba_n/Zr_n 0·55–0·58) indicative ofa trace element depleted source, and the Sr–Nd–Pbisotopic ratios (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr 0·70304–0·70308,¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd 0·513058–0·513099, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb18·343–18·361) further suggest a long-termtrace element depletion relative to primordial mantle. HighHe isotopic ratios (15·3–16·8 R/R_a) combinedwith low ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (15·42–15·43) suggestthat the mantle source of the magma is different from that ofNorth Atlantic mid-ocean ridge basalt. Negative Pb anomalies,and positive Nb and Ta anomalies indicate that the source includesa recycled, subducted oceanic crustal or mantle component. PositiveSr anomalies (Sr_n/Nd_n = 1·39–1·50) furthersuggest that this recycled source component involves lower oceaniccrustal gabbros. The     

The Substitution of Al and F in Titanite at High Pressure and Temperature: Experimental Constraints on Phase Relations and Solid Solution Properties

Experimental studies were carried out to evaluate phase relationsinvolving titanite–F–Al-titanite solid solutionin the system CaSiO₃–Al₂SiO₅–TiO₂–CaF₂. Theexperiments were conducted at 900–1000°C and 1·1–4·0GPa. The average F/Al ratio in titanite solid solution in theexperimental run products is 1·01 ± 0·06,and X_Al ranges from 0·33 ± 0·02 to 0·91± 0·05, consistent with the substitution [TiO²⁺]_–1[AlF²⁺]₁.Analysis of the phase relations indicates that titanite solidsolutions coexisting with rutile are always low in X_Al, whereasthe maximum X_Al of titanite solid solution occurs with fluoriteand either anorthite or Al₂SiO₅. Reaction displacement experimentswere performed by adding fluorite to the assemblage anorthite+ rutile = titanite + kyanite. The reaction shifts from 1·60GPa to 1·15 ± 0·05 GPa at 900°C, from1·79 GPa to 1·375 ± 0·025 GPa at1000°C, and from 1·98 GPa to 1·575 ±0·025 GPa at 1100°C. The data show that the activityof CaTiSiO₄O is very close to the ideal molecular activity model(X_Ti) at 1100°C, but shows a negative deviation at 1000°Cand 900°C. The results constrain     

Petrogenesis of the Anorthosite Dyke Swarm of Tromso, North Norway: Experimental Evidence for Hydrous Anatexis of an Alkaline Mafic Complex

The 456 ± 4 Ma Skattøra migmatite complex in thenorth Norwegian Caledonides consists of migmatitic nepheline-normativemetagabbros and amphibolites that are net-veined by numerousnepheline-normative anorthositic and leucodioritic dykes. Plagioclase(An_20–50) is the dominant mineral (85–100%) in thedykes and the leucosome, but amphibole is generally presentin amounts up to 15%. The following observations strongly suggestformation of the anorthositic magma by anatexis of the surroundinggabbro in the presence of an H₂O-bearing fluid phase: (1) themigmatites have plagioclase-rich (anorthositic) leucosomes andamphibole-rich restites; (2) crystallization of amphibole inthe anorthositic and leucodioritic dykes suggests high H₂O activity;(3) the presence of coarse-grained to pegmatitic dykes and miaroliticcavities indicates a fluid-rich magma; (4) hydration zones thatsurround many anorthosite dykes suggest that the magma probablyexpelled H₂O-rich fluids during crystallization. Water-saturatedmelting experiments at 0·5–1·5 GPa and temperaturesfrom 800 to 1000°C have been performed on a nepheline-normativegabbro to test the proposed petrogenesis of the Skattøraanorthosites. The glasses produced close to the solidus aretonalitic in composition, but they become richer in plagioclaseat higher temperatures. At and below 1·0 GPa, the residuesare composed of amphibole. Experiments above 1·0 GPaproduced residual garnet and/or zoisite in addition to amphibole,suggesting that the anorthositic dykes in the Skattøramigmatite complex formed below 1·25 GPa. The experimentsshow that the high Na₂O content of the anorthosite dykes canonly be produced if Na is added to the charges. The glass thatbest fits the composition of the Skattøra dykes was producedat 1·0 GPa and 900°C with 2 wt % Na(OH) added. KEY WORDS: anorthosite; dyke swarm; anatexis; experimental petrology     

Assimilation and Fractional Crystallization Controlled by Transport Process of Crustal Melt: Implications from an Alkali Basalt-Dacite Suite from Rishiri Volcano, Japan

Mechanisms of fractional crystallization with simultaneous crustalassimilation (AFC) are examined for the Kutsugata and Tanetomilavas, an alkali basalt–dacite suite erupted sequentiallyfrom Rishiri Volcano, northern Japan. The major element variationswithin the suite can be explained by boundary layer fractionation;that is, mixing of a magma in the main part of the magma bodywith a fractionated interstitial melt transported from the mushyboundary layer at the floor. Systematic variations in SiO₂ correlatewith variations in the Pb, Sr and Nd isotopic compositions ofthe lavas. The geochemical variations of the lavas are explainedby a constant and relatively low ratio of assimilated mass tocrystallized mass (‘r value’). In the magma chamberin which the Kutsugata and Tanetomi magmas evolved, a strongthermal gradient was present and it is suggested that the marginalpart of the reservoir was completely solidified. The assimilantwas transported by crack flow from the partially fused floorcrust to the partially crystallized floor mush zone throughfractures in the solidified margin, formed mainly by thermalstresses resulting from cooling of the solidified margin andheating of the crust. The crustal melt was then mixed with thefractionated interstitial melt in the mushy zone, and the mixedmelt was further transported by compositional convection tothe main magma, causing its geochemical evolution to be characteristicof AFC. The volume flux of the assimilant from the crust tothe magma chamber is suggested to have decreased progressivelywith time (proportional to t^–1/2), and was about 3 x 10^–2m/year at t = 10 years and 1 x 10^–2 m/year at t = 100years. It has been commonly considered that the heat balancebetween magmas and the surrounding crust controls the couplingof assimilation and fractional crystallization processes (i.e.absolute value of r). However, it is inferred from this studythat the ratio of assimilated mass to crystallized mass canbe controlled by the transport process of the assimilant fromthe crust to magma chambers. KEY WORDS: assimilation and fractional crystallization; mass balance model; magma chamber; melt transport; Pb isotope     

Magmatic Differentiation at an Island-arc Caldera: Okmok Volcano, Aleutian Islands, Alaska

Okmok volcano is situated on oceanic crust in the central Aleutianarc and experienced large (15 km³) caldera-forming eruptionsat 12 000 years BP and 2050 years BP. Each caldera-forming eruptionbegan with a small Plinian rhyodacite event followed by theemplacement of a dominantly andesitic ash-flow unit, whereaseffusive inter- and post-caldera lavas have been more basaltic.Phenocryst assemblages are composed of olivine + pyroxene +plagioclase ± Fe–Ti oxides and indicate crystallizationat 1000–1100°C at 0·1–0·2 GPain the presence of 0–4% H₂O. The erupted products followa tholeiitic evolutionary trend and calculated liquid compositionsrange from 52 to 68 wt % SiO₂ with 0·8–3·3wt % K₂O. Major and trace element models suggest that the moreevolved magmas were produced by 50–60% in situ fractionalcrystallization around the margins of the shallow magma chamber.Oxygen and strontium isotope data (¹⁸O 4·4–4·9,⁸⁷Sr/ ⁸⁶Sr 0·7032–0·7034) indicate interactionwith a hydrothermally altered crustal component, which led toelevated thorium isotope ratios in some caldera-forming magmas.This compromises the use of uranium–thorium disequilibria[(²³⁰Th/ ²³⁸U) = 0·849–0·964] to constrainthe time scales of magma differentiation but instead suggeststhat the age of the hydrothermal system is 100 ka. Modellingof the diffusion of strontium in plagioclase indicates thatmany evolved crystal rims formed less than 200 years prior toeruption. This addition of rim material probably reflects theremobilization of crystals from the chamber margins followingreplenishment. Basaltic recharge led to the expansion of themagma chamber, which was responsible for the most recent caldera-formingevent. KEY WORDS: Okmok; caldera; U-series isotopes; Sr-diffusion; time scales; Aleutian arc     

Evolution and Genesis of Magmas from Vico Volcano, Central Italy: Multiple Differentiation Pathways and Variable Parental Magmas

Vico volcano has erupted potassic and ultrapotassic magmas,ranging from silica-saturated to silica-undersaturated types,in three distinct volcanic periods over the past 0·5Myr. During Period I magma compositions changed from latiteto trachyte and rhyolite, with minor phono-tephrite; duringPeriods II and III the erupted magmas were primarly phono-tephriteto tephri-phonolite and phonolite; however, magmatic episodesinvolving leucite-free eruptives with latitic, trachytic andolivine latitic compositions also occurred. In Period II, leucite-bearingmagmas (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_initial = 0·71037–0·71115)were derived from a primitive tephrite parental magma. Modellingof phonolites with different modal plagioclase and Sr contentsindicates that low-Sr phonolitic lavas differentiated from tephri-phonoliteby fractional crystallization of 7% olivine + 27% clinopyroxene+ 54% plagioclase + 10% Fe–Ti oxides + 4% apatite at lowpressure, whereas high-Sr phonolitic lavas were generated byfractional crystallization at higher pressure. More differentiatedphonolites were generated from the parental magma of the high-Srphonolitic tephra by fractional crystallization of 10–29%clinopyroxene + 12–15% plagioclase + 44–67% sanidine+ 2–4% phlogopite + 1–3% apatite + 7–10% Fe–Tioxides. In contrast, leucite-bearing rocks of Period III (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_initial= 0·70812–0·70948) were derived from a potassictrachybasalt by assimilation–fractional crystallizationwith 20–40% of solid removed and r = 0·4–0·5(where r is assimilation rate/crystallization rate) at differentpressures. Silica-saturated magmas of Period II (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_initial= 0·71044–0·71052) appear to have been generatedfrom an olivine latite similar to some of the youngest eruptedproducts. A primitive tephrite, a potassic trachybasalt andan olivine latite are inferred to be the parental magmas atVico. These magmas were generated by partial melting of a veinedlithospheric mantle sources with different vein–peridotite/wall-rockproportions, amount of residual apatite and distinct isolationtimes for the veins. KEY WORDS: isotope and trace element geochemistry; polybaric differentiation; veined mantle; potassic and ultrapotassic rocks; Vico volcano; central Italy     

Evolution of a Porphyry-Cu Mineralized Magma System at Santa Rita, New Mexico (USA)

The magmatic processes leading to porphyry-Cu mineralizationat Santa Rita are reconstructed on the basis of petrographicstudies, thermobarometry, and laser-ablation inductively-coupled-plasmamass-spectrometry analyses of silicate melt and sulfide inclusionsfrom dikes ranging from basaltic andesite to rhyodacite. Combinedresults suggest that magma evolution at Santa Rita is similarto that of sulfur-rich volcanoes situated above subduction zones,being characterized by repeated injection of hot, mafic magmainto an anhydrite-bearing magma chamber of rhyodacitic composition.The most mafic end-member identified at Santa Rita is a shoshoniticbasaltic andesite that crystallized at 1000–1050°C,1–3 kbar and log f_O2 = NNO + 0·7 to NNO + 1·0,whereas the rhyodacite crystallized at 730–760°C andlog f_O2 = NNO + 1·3 to NNO + 1·9. Mixing betweenthe two magmas caused precipitation of 0·1–0·2wt % magmatic sulfides and an associated decrease in the Cucontent of the silicate melt from 300–500 ppm to lessthan 20 ppm. Quantitative modeling suggests that temporal storageof ore-metals in magmatic sulfides does not significantly enhancethe amount of copper ultimately available to ore-forming hydrothermalfluids. Magmatic sulfides are therefore not vital to the formationof porphyry-Cu deposits, unless a mechanism is required thatholds back ore-forming metals until late in the evolution ofthe volcanic–plutonic system. KEY WORDS: porphyry-Cu; sulfur; sulfides; magma mixing; LA-ICP-MS     

Melting and Thermal Reconstitution of Pelitic Xenoliths, Wehr Volcano, East Eifel, West Germany

Pelitic xenoliths derived from amphibolite grade basement rocksoccur within a Pleistocene, trachytic, pyroclastic unit of theWehr volcano, East Eifel, West Germany: With increasing temperatureand/or prolonged heating at high temperature, quartz-plagioclaseand micaceous layers of the xenoliths have undergone meltingto form buchites and thermal reconstitution by dehydration reactions,melting and crystallization to form restites respectively. Thexenoliths provide detailed evidence of melting, high temperaturedecomposition of minerals, nucleation and growth of new phasesand P-T-f_o2 conditions of contact metamorphism of basement rocksby the Wehr magma. Melting begins at quartz-oligoclase (An_17·3Ab_82·3Or_0·4-An_20·0Ab_78·1Or_1·9)grain boundaries in quartz-plagioclase rich layers and the amountof melting is controlled by H₂O and alkalis released duringdehydroxylation/oxidation of associated micas. Initially, glasscompositions are heterogeneous, but with increasing degreesof melting they become more homogeneous and are similar to S-typegranitic minimum melts with SiO₂ between 71 and 77 wt. per cent;A/(CNK) ratios of 1·2–1·4; Na₂O < 2·95and normative corundum contents of 1·9–4·0per cent. Near micas plagioclase melts by preferential dissolutionof the NaAlSi₃O₈ component accompanied by a simultaneous increasein CaAl²Si²O⁸ (up to 20 mol. per cent An higher than the bulkplagioclase composition) at the melting edge. With increasingtemperature the end product of fractional melting is the formationand persistence of refractory bytownite (An_78–80) in thosexenoliths where extensive melting has taken place. Initial stage decomposition of muscovite involves dehydroxylation(H₂O and alkali loss). At higher temperatures muscovite breaksdown to mullite, sillimanite, corundum, sanidine and a peraluminousmelt. Mullite (40–43 mol. per cent SiO₂) and sillimanite(49 mol. per cent SiO₂) are Fe₂O₃ and TiO₂ rich (up to 6·1–0·84and 3·6–0·24 wt. per cent respectively).Al-rich mullite (up to 77 wt. per cent Al₂O₃) occurs with corundumwhich has high Fe₂O₃ and TiO₂ (up to 6·9 and 2·1wt. per cent respectively). Annealing at high temperatures andreducing conditions results in the exsolution of mullite fromsillimanite and ilmenite from corundum. Glass resulting fromthe melting of muscovite in the presence of quartz is peraluminous(A/(CNK) = 1·3) with SiO² contents of 66–69 percent and normative corundum of 4 per cent. Sanidine (An_1·9Ab_26·0Or_72·1-An_1·3Ab_15·9Or_82·9)crystallized from the melt. Dehydroxylation and oxidation of biotite results in a decreaseof K₂O from 8·6 to less than 1 wt. per cent and oxidetotals (less H₂O + contents) from 96·5 to 88·6,exsolution of Al-magnetite, and a decrease in the Fe/(Fe + Mg)ratio from 0·41 to 0·17. Partial melting of biotitein the presence of quartz/plagioclase to pleonaste, Al-Ti magnetite,sanidine(An_2·0Ab_34·9Or63·1) and melt takesplace at higher temperatures. Glass in the vicinity of meltedbiotite is pale brown and highly peraluminous (A/CNK = 2·1)with up to 6 wt. per cent MgO+FeO_{(total iroq)} and up to 10 percent normative corundum. Near liquidus biotite with higher Al₂O₃and TiO₂ than partially melted biotite crystallized from themelt. Ti-rich biotites (up to 6 wt. per cent TiO₂) occur withinthe restite layers of thermally reconstituted xenoliths. Meltingof Ti-rich biotite and sillimanite in contact with the siliceousmelt of the buchite parts of xenoliths resulted in the formationof cordierite (100 Mg/(Mg+Fe+Mn) = 76·5–69·4),Al-Ti magnetite and sanidine, and development of cordierite/quartzintergrowths into the buchite melt. Growth of sanidine enclosedrelic Ca-plagioclase to form patchy intergrowths in the restitelayers. Cordierite (100 Mg/(Mg+Fe+Mn) = 64–69), quartz,sillimanite, mullite, magnetite and ilmenite, crystallized fromthe peraluminous buchite melt. Green-brown spinels of the pleonaste-magnetite series have awide compositional variation of (mol. per cent) FeAl₂O₄—66·6–45·0;MgAl₂O₄—53·0–18·7; Fe₃O₄—6·9–28·1;MnAl₂O₄—1·2–1·5; Fe₂TiO₄—0·6–6·2.Rims are generally enriched in the Fe₃O₄ component as a resultof oxidation. Compositions of ilmenite and magnetite (single,homogeneous and composite grains) are highly variable and resultfrom varying degrees of high temperature oxidation that is associatedwith dehydroxylation of micas and melting. Oxidation mainlyresults in increasing Fe³⁺, Al and decreasing Ti⁴⁺, Fe²⁺ inilmenite, and increasing Fe²⁺, Ti⁴⁺ and decreasing Fe³⁺ in associatedmagnetite. A higher degree of oxidation is reached with exsolutionof rutile from ilmenite and formation of titanhematite and withexsolution of pleonaste from magnetite. Ti-Al rich magnetite(5·1–7·5 and 8·5–13·5wt. per cent respectively) and ilmenite crystallized from meltsin buchitic parts of the xenoliths. Chemical and mineralogic evidence indicates that even with extensivemelting the primary compositions of individual layers in thexenoliths remained unmodified. Apparently the xenoliths didnot remain long enough at high temperatures for desilicationand enrichment in Al₂O₃, TiO₂, FeO, Fe₂O₃, and MgO that resultsby removal of a ‘granitic’ melt, and/or by interactionwith the magma, to occur. T °C-f_o2 values calculated from unoxidized magnetite/ilmenitegive temperatures ranging from 615–710°C for contactmetamorphism and the beginning of melting, and between 873 and1054°C for the crystallization of oxides and mullite/sillimanitefrom high temperature peraluminous melts. f_o2 values of metamorphismand melting were between the Ni-NiO and Fe₂O₃-Fe₃O₄ buffer curves.The relative abundance of xenolith types, geophysical evidenceand contact metamorphic mineralogy indicates that the xenolithswere derived from depths corresponding to between 2–3kb P_load = P_fluid. The xenoliths were erupted during the latestphreatomagmatic eruption from the Wehr volcano which resultedin vesiculation of melts in partially molten xenoliths causingfragmentation and disorientation of solid restite layers.     

An Experimental Investigation of the Influence of Water and Oxygen Fugacity on Differentiation of MORB at 200 MPa

Crystallization experiments were performed at 200 MPa in thetemperature range 1150–950°C at oxygen fugacitiescorresponding to the quartz–fayalite–magnetite (QFM)and MnO–Mn₃O₄ buffers to assess the role of water andf_O2 on phase relations and differentiation trends in mid-oceanridge basalt (MORB) systems. Starting from a primitive (MgO9·8 wt %) and an evolved MORB (MgO 6·49 wt %),crystallization paths with four different water contents (0·35–4·7wt % H₂O) have been investigated. In primitive MORB, olivineis the liquidus phase followed by plagioclase + clinopyroxene.Amphibole is present only at water-saturated conditions below1000°C, but not all fluid-saturated runs contain amphibole.Magnetite and orthopyroxene are not stable at low f_O2 (QFM buffer).Residual liquids obtained at low f_O2 show a tholeiitic differentiationtrend. The crystallization of magnetite at high f_O2 (MnO–Mn₃O₄buffer) results in a decrease of melt FeO^*/MgO ratio, causinga calc-alkaline differentiation trend. Because the magnetitecrystallization temperature is nearly independent of the H₂Ocontent, in contrast to silicate minerals, the calc-alkalinedifferentiation trend is more pronounced at high water contents.Residual melts at 950°C in a primitive MORB system havecompositions approaching those of oceanic plagiogranites interms of SiO₂ and K₂O, but have Ca/Na ratios and FeO^* contentsthat are too high compared with the natural rocks, implyingthat fractionation processes are necessary to reach typicalcompositions of natural oceanic plagiogranites. KEY WORDS: differentiation; MORB; oxygen fugacity; water activity; oceanic plagiogranite     

Phase Equilibria Constraints on the Chemical and Physical Evolution of the Campanian Ignimbrite

The Campanian Ignimbrite is a > 200 km³ trachyte–phonolitepyroclastic deposit that erupted at 39·3 ± 0·1ka within the Campi Flegrei west of Naples, Italy. Here we testthe hypothesis that Campanian Ignimbrite magma was derived byisobaric crystal fractionation of a parental basaltic trachyandesiticmelt that reacted and came into local equilibrium with smallamounts (5–10 wt%) of crustal rock (skarns and foid-syenites)during crystallization. Comparison of observed crystal and magmacompositions with results of phase equilibria assimilation–fractionationsimulations (MELTS) is generally very good. Oxygen fugacitywas approximately buffered along QFM + 1 (where QFM is the quartz–fayalite–magnetitebuffer) during isobaric fractionation at 0·15 GPa ( 6km depth). The parental melt, reconstructed from melt inclusionand host clinopyroxene compositions, is found to be basaltictrachyandesite liquid (51·1 wt% SiO₂, 9·3 wt%MgO, 3 wt% H₂O). A significant feature of phase equilibria simulationsis the existence of a pseudo-invariant temperature, 883 °C,at which the fraction of melt remaining in the system decreasesabruptly from 0·5 to < 0·1. Crystallizationat the pseudo-invariant point leads to abrupt changes in thecomposition, properties (density, dissolved water content),and physical state (viscosity, volume fraction fluid) of meltand magma. A dramatic decrease in melt viscosity (from 1700Pa s to 200 Pa s), coupled with a change in the volume fractionof water in magma (from 0·1 to 0·8) and a dramaticdecrease in melt and magma density acted as a destabilizingeruption trigger. Thermal models suggest a timescale of 200kyr from the beginning of fractionation until eruption, leadingto an apparent rate of evolved magma generation of about 10^–3km³/year. In situ crystallization and crystal settling in density-stratifiedregions, as well as in convectively mixed, less evolved subjacentmagma, operate rapidly enough to match this apparent volumetricrate of evolved magma production. KEY WORDS: assimilation; Campanian Ignimbrite; fractional crystallization; magma dynamics; phase equilibria     

Generation of Palaeocene Adakitic Andesites by Magma Mixing; Yanji Area, NE China

Palaeocene (c. 55–58 Ma) adakitic andesites from the Yanjiarea, NE China, are typically clinopyroxene-bearing sodic andesitescontaining 60· 9–62· 2% SiO₂ and 4·02–4· 36% MgO, with high Mg-number [100 Mg/(Mg+ Fe) atomic ratio] from 65· 5 to 70· 1. Whole-rockgeochemical features include high Cr (128–161 ppm) andNi (86–117 ppm) concentrations, extremely high Sr (2013–2282ppm), low Y (10–11 ppm) and heavy rare earth elements(HREE; e.g. Yb = 0· 79–1· 01 ppm), and mid-oceanridge basalt (MORB)-like Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions[e.g. ⁸⁷Sr/ ⁸⁶Sr(i) = 0· 70298–0· 70316,_Nd(t) = +3· 8 to +6· 3 and ²⁰⁶Pb/ ²⁰⁴Pb = 17·98 – 18· 06], analogous to high-Mg adakites occurringin modern subduction zones. However, mineralogical evidencefrom clinopyroxene phenocrysts and microcrystalline plagioclaseclearly points to magma mixing during magma evolution. Iron-richclinopyroxene (augite) cores with low Sr, high Y and heavy REEcontents, slightly fractionated REE patterns and large negativeEu anomalies probably crystallized along with low-Ca plagioclasefrom a lower crustal felsic magma. In contrast, high Mg-numberclinopyroxene (diopside and endiopside) mantles and rims havehigher Sr and lower HREE and Y concentrations, highly fractionatedREE patterns (high La/Yb) and negligible Eu anomalies, similarto those found in adakites from subduction zones. The Yanjiadakitic andesites can be interpreted as a mixture between acrust-derived magma having low Mg-number and Sr, and high Yand HREE, and a mantle-derived high Mg-number adakite havinghigh Sr and low Y and HREE concentrations. During storage and/orascent, the mixed magma experienced further crustal contaminationto capture zircons, of a range of ages, from the wall rocks.The absence of coeval arc magmatism and an extensional tectonicregime in the Yanji area and surrounding regions suggest thatthese Palaeocene adakitic andesites were formed during post-subductionextension that followed the late Cretaceous Izanagi–Farallonridge subduction. Generation of these adakitic andesites doesnot require contemporaneous subduction of a young, hot oceanicridge or delamination of eclogitic lower crust as suggestedby previous models. KEY WORDS: magma mixing; adakitic andesites; Palaeocene; NE China     

Fractionation and Assimilation Processes in the Alkaline Augite Syenite Unit of the Ilimaussaq Intrusion, South Greenland, as Deduced from Phase Equilibria

The early augite syenite unit in the 1·13-Ga-old Ilímaussaqintrusive complex, South Greenland, consists of a magmatic assemblageof ternary alkali feldspar + fayalitic olivine + augite + titanomagnetite+ apatite + baddeleyite ± nepheline ± quartz ±ilmenite ± zircon. Feldspar, nepheline and QUILF thermometryyield T = 1000–700°C, at P = 1 kbar, which is derivedfrom fluid inclusion data from other parts of the complex. Ternaryfeldspar was the first major liquidus phase. It crystallizedat temperatures between 950 and 1000°C from a homogeneousmagma with a_SiO2 = 0·8 and f_O2 about 1·5–2log units below the fayalite–magnetite–quartz (FMQ)buffer. Later, closed system fractionation produced nepheline-bearingassemblages with a_SiO2 = 0·4 and log f_O2 = FMQ –3 to FMQ – 5. Assimilation of wall rocks produced localvariations of melt composition. Four traverses through the unitwere sampled parallel to the assumed direction of crystallization.They exhibit significant differences in their mineral assemblagesand compositions. The chemical zoning and calculated intensiveparameters of four sample suites reflect both closed systemfractional crystallization and local assimilation of wall rocks. KEY WORDS: alkaline magmatism; assimilation; fractionation; redox equilibria; QUILF     

Transition from the Zeolite to Prehnite-Pumpellyite Facies in the Karmutsen Metabasites, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

The upper Triassic Karmutsen metabasites from northeast VancouverIsland, B.C., are thermally metamorphosed by the intrusion ofthe Coast Range Batholith. The amygdaloidal metabasites developedin the outer portion of the contact aureole show a progressivemetamorphism from zeolite to prehnite-pumpellyite facies. Thesize of an equilibrium domain is extremely small for these metabasites,and the individual amygdule assemblages are assumed to be inequilibrium. Two major calcite-free assemblages (+chlorite+quartz)are characteristic: (i) laumontite+pumpellyite+epidote in thezeolite facies and (ii) prehnite+pumpellyite+epidote in theprehnite-pumpellyite facies. The assemblages and compositionsof Ca-Al silicates are chemographically and theoretically interpretedon the basis of the predicted P-T grid for the model basalticsystem, CaO-MgO-A1₂O₃-Fe₂O₃-SiO₂-H₂O. The results indicate:(1) local equilibrium has been approached in mineral assemblagesand compositions; (2) the X_Fe³⁺ values in the coexisting Ca-Alsilicates decrease from epidote, through pumpellyite to prehnite;(3) with increasing metamorphic grade, the Fe³⁺ contents ofepidotes in reaction assemblages decrease in the zeolite facies,then increase in the prehnite-pumpellyite facies rocks. Suchvariations in the assemblages and mineral compositions are controlledby a sequence of continuous and discontinuous reactions, andallow delineation of T-X_Fe³⁺ relations at constant pressure.The transition from the zeolite to prehnite-pumpellyite faciesof the Karmutsen metabasites is defined by a discontinuous reaction:0·18 laumontite+pumpellyite+0·15 quartz = 1·31prehnite+ 0·78 epidote+0·2 chlorite+ 1·72H₂O, where the X_Fe³⁺ values of prehnite, pumpellyite and epidoteare 0·03, 0·10 and 0·18, respectively.These values together with available thermodynamic data andour preliminary experimental data are used to calculate theP-T condition for the discontinuous reaction as P = 1·1±0·5 kb and T = 190±30°C. The effectsof pressure on the upper stability of the zeolite facies assemblagesare discussed utilizing T-X_Fe³⁺ diagrams. The stability of thelaumontite-bearing assemblages for the zeolite facies metamorphismof basaltic rocks may be defined by either continuous or discontinuousreactions depending on the imposed metamorphic field gradient.Hence, the zeolite and prehnite-pumpellyite facies transitionboundary is multivariant.     

The Klokken Gabbro-Syenite Complex, South Greenland: Quantitative Interpretation of Mineral Chemistry

The layered syenite series in the Klokken stock formed by continuousin situ fractionation of a trachytic magma in a chamber linedby gabbro with 3000 m of cover rocks. The following mineralsand reactions are assessed as geothermometers and barometers:two feldspars; hypersolvus ternary feldspars; ferrohedenbergite-ß-wollastonite;clinopyroxene-olivine Fe-Mg exchange; Fe-Ti oxides; sanidine-magnetite-annite;ferroedenite stability. Estimates of silica activity are obtainedfrom the silica-magnetite-fayalite assemblage. The gabbros ended magmatic crystallization at > 1000–1050°C.The less fractionated members of the syenite range probablycrystallized with P_H2O < P_total, at T > 870°C and,P_H2O 800 bars. In the more fractionated syenites P_H2O = P_totalduring intercumulus feldspar growth, and all magmatic phasescrystallized within the interval 940–830°C and P_H2O< 1100 bars. Magmatic f_O2 (bars) was 1 log unit below theQFM buffer. a_SIO2 in gabbros was slightly above the albite-nephelinebuffer, but rose suddenly to just <1 in the syenites, a jumpmirrored by minor elements in pyroxenes and opaque oxides. Biotitegrew subsolidus in most rocks, at f_O2 < QFM, except in intermediaterocks when f_O2 > QFM and was defined by the sanidine-magnetite-biotiteassemblage. In these rocks P_H2O of 450 bars at 760°C isobtained using existing experimental data, but application ofthis data to Fe-rich biotites in the layered series (where biotiteis an intercumulus phase) requires P > 10 kb at magmatictemperatures. High TiO₂ or F: OH probably accounts for increasedT stability of natural annites at low P. The syenitic liquid fractionated down a low temperature zonein a multicomponent system precipitating alk fsp + ol + cpx+ mt and the more fractionated members of the layered serieshad a negligible crystallization interval, a prerequisite forthe development of the unique Klokken-type inversely gradedmineral layering.     

Petrogenesis of Olivine-phyric Basalts from the Aphanasey Nikitin Rise: Evidence for Contamination by Cratonic Lower Continental Crust

In this work we investigate the olivine-phyric basalt suiteof the Aphanasey Nikitin Rise, an intraplate volcanic structureformed during the Late Cretaceous in the Indian Ocean. The parentalmelt of the basalt suite has a hypersthene-normative tholeiiticcomposition with low H₂O content (0·3–0·5wt %) and high SiO₂/Al₂O₃ (3·5). The basalt suite ischaracterized by Nb, Ta, Th and U depletion, and uniquely low²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd among the Cretaceous tholeiiticbasalts of the Indian Ocean. Our modelling demonstrates thatfractional crystallization of depleted mantle-derived melt andlower continental crust assimilation is a suitable model forthe genesis of the parental magma of this suite. The continentalcrustal material involved is characterized by long-term Rb,U and Th depletion and probably remained isolated for >10⁹years in cratonic Gondwanan lithosphere. On a broader scale,two geochemical groups can be distinguished among tholeiitesformed in the Indian Ocean basin during the period 115–75Ma, from the Aphanasey Nikitin Rise, the southern Kerguelenand Naturaliste plateaux and the Broken Ridge. Both groups havea compositional range from hypersthene-normative basalt to basalticandesite and are characterized by Nb–Ta depletion, extremelylow     

Compositional Layering and Syn-eruptive Mixing of a Periodically Refilled Shallow Magma Chamber: the AD 79 Plinian Eruption of Vesuvius

A detailed study of the pyroclastic deposits of the AD 79 ‘Pompei’Plinian eruption of Vesuvius has allowed: (1) reconstructionof the thermal, compositional and isotopic (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr) pre-eruptivelayering of the shallow magma chamber; (2) quantitative definitionof the syn-eruptive mixing between the different magmas occupyingthe chamber, and its relationships with eruption dynamics; (3)recognition of the variability of mafic magma batches supplyingthe chamber. During the different phases of the eruption 25–30%of the magma was ejected as white K-phonolitic pumice, and 70–75%as grey K-tephri-phonolitic pumice. The white pumice resultsfrom the tapping of progressively deeper magma from a body (T= 850–900%C) consisting of two distinct layers mainlyformed by crystal fractionation. The grey pumice results fromsyn-eruptive mixing involving three main end-members: the phonolitic‘white’ magmas (salic end-member, SEM), mafic cumulates(cumulate end-member, CEM) and a crystal-poor ‘grey’phono-tephritic magma (mafic end-member, MEM), which was nevererupted without first being mixed with ‘white’ magma.Evidence is provided that mixing occurred within the chamberand was characterized by a transition with time from physicalmixing at a microscopic scale to chemical hybridization. TheMEM magma had a homogeneous composition and constant ⁸⁷Sr⁸⁶Srisotopic ratio, possibly as a result of sustained convection.No unambiguous liquidus phases were found, suggesting that theMEM magma was superheated (T = 1000–1100C); its verylow viscosity was a main cause in the establishment of a physicaldiscontinuity separating the white and the grey magmas. Thewhite-grey boundary layer possibly consisted of a multiply diffusiveinterface, periodically broken and recreated, supplying thephonolitic body through mixing of moderate amounts of fractionatedgrey melts with the overlying white magma. The presence of alarge overheated mass indicates the young, growing stage ofthe AD 79 chamber, whose main engine was the periodic arrivalof hot mafic magma batches. These were characterized by K-tephriticto K-basanitic compositions, high temperatures (>1150C),high volatile contents (20–25% H₂O +Cl+F+S), low viscosities[(1+2 10² poises)] and relatively low densities (2500–2600kg/m³). The birth of the Pompei chamber followed the repeatedarrival of these batches (on average characterized by ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr070729)into a reservoir containing a tephriticphonolitic, crystal-enriched,magma, a residue from the preceding ‘Avellino’ Plinianeruption (3400 BP).In fact, about half of magma ejected duringthe AD 79 eruption could have been inherited from pre-Avellinotimes. KEY WORDS: Vesuvius; magma chamber; magma mixing; compositional layering phonolites; magma supply; potassic magmas ^*Correponding author     

The Stability of Andradite, Hedenbergite, and Related Minerals in the System Ca--Fe--Si--O--H

Phase relations for the bulk compositions 3CaO·2FeO_x·3SiO₂+excessH₂O and CaO·FeO_x·2SiO₂+excess H₂O were determinedusing conventional hydrothermal techniques with solid phaseoxygen buffers to control fO₂. Andradite, Ca₃Fe³⁺₂Si₃O₁₂, synthesized above 550 °C hasan average unit cell edge, a_o, of 12.055±0.001 Å,and an index of refraction, n, of 1.887±0.003. Belowthis temperature, a_o increases whereas n decreases, indicatingthe formation of a member of the andradite-hydroandradite solidsolution. At 2000 bars P_fluid andradite is stable above an f_O2of 10¹⁵ bar at 800 °C and 10-³² bar at 400 °C. At lowerf_O2 andradite+fluid gives way at successively lower temperaturesto the condensed assemblages magnetite+wollastonite, kirschsteinite(CaFe²⁺SiO₄)+ wollastonite and kirschsteinite+xonotlite (Ca₆Si₆O₁₇(OH)₂). Synthetic hedenbergite, CaFe²⁺Si₂O₆, has average unit cell dimensionsof a_o = 9.857± 0.004 Å, b_o = 9.033±0.002Å, c_o = 5.254±0.002 Å and ß = 104.82°±0.03°,and refractive indices of n = 1.731±0.003 and n = 1.755±0.005.At 2000 bars P_fiuid, hedenbergite is stable below an f_O2 of10-¹³ bar at 800 °C and 10-²⁸ bar at 400 °C. Above thesef_O2 values, hedenbergite+O₂ breaks down to andradite+magnetite+quartz. The mineral pair andradite +hedenbergite thus limit the f_O2range possible for their joint formation under equilibrium conditions. The hydration of wollastonite to xonotlite occurs at much lowertemperatures than previous experimental work indicated. A tentativehigh temperature limit for this reaction is set at 185°±15°C and 5000±25 bars and 210°±15 °Cand 2000±20 bars. Inasmuch as the growth of xonotlitefrom wollastonite + H₂O was never accomplished, this high temperaturelimit does not represent an equilibrium univariant curve. Nine phases were encountered in the study of andradite and hedenbergite.They are andradite, hedenbergite, magnetite, wollastonite, kirschsteinite,xonotlite, quartz, ilvaite, and vapor (fluid). An invariantpoint analysis using the method of Schreinemakers shows thetopologic relations of the reactions involved. The resultinggrid can be used to interpret natural occurrences.     

Water-deficient Calc-alkaline Plutonic Rocks of Northeastern Superior Province, Canada: Significance of Charnockitic Magmatism

Calc-alkaline batholiths of the Archaean Minto block, northeasternSuperior Province, Canada, have pyroxene- and hornblende-bearingmineral assemblages inferred to have crystallized from hot,water-undersaturated magmas at 2·729–2·724Ga. A regional amphibolite- to granulite-facies tectonothermalevent at 2·70 Ga resulted in mild to negligible metamorphiceffects on the dominantly granodioritic units. Geochemical,textural and thermobarometric studies define the crystallizationhistory in compositions ranging from cumulate pyroxenite throughquartz diorite, granodiorite, granite, and syn-magmatic gabbroicdykes. Early magmatic assemblages include orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene,plagioclase, biotite, Fe–Ti oxides and ternary feldspar,indicating crystallization from magmas containing <2 wt %H₂O at 1100–900°C. Water enrichment in the residualmelt induced hornblende crystallization at 5 ± 1 kbar,800–600°C. Characterized by a continuum of large ionlithophile element (LILE)-enriched, high field strength element(HFSE)-depleted compositions, the I-type suite resembles moderncontinental arc batholiths in composition and size but not primarymineralogy. Magmatic arcs produced between 2·75 and 1·85Ga commonly have charnockitic components, possibly because slab-derivedfluids interacted with mantle wedges at ambient temperatureshigher by 100°C than at present, producing large volumesof water-deficient magma. KEY WORDS: granitoid rocks; igneous pyroxenes; water-undersaturated magma; charnockite