Constraints on the Source Components of Lavas Forming the Hawaiian North Arch and Honolulu Volcanics

Hawaiian volcanoes, dominantly shields of tholeiitic basalt,form as the Pacific Plate migrates over a hotspot in the mantle.As these shields migrate away from the hotspot, highly alkaliclavas, forming the rejuvenated stage of volcanism, may eruptafter an interval of erosion lasting for 0·25–2·5Myr. Alkalic lavas with geochemical characteristics similarto rejuvenated- stage lavas erupted on the sea floor north ofOahu along the Hawaiian Arch. The variable Tb/Yb, Sr/Ce, K/Ce,Rb/La, Ba/La, Ti/Eu and Zr/Sm ratios in lavas forming the NorthArch and the rejuvenated-stage Honolulu Volcanics were controlledduring partial melting by residual garnet, clinopyroxene, Fe–Tioxides and phlogopite. However, the distinctively high Ba/Thand Sr/Nd ratios of lava forming the North Arch and HonoluluVolcanics reflect source characteristics. These characteristicsare also associated with shield tholeiitic basalt; hence theyarise from the Hawaiian hotspot, which is interpreted to bea mantle plume. Inversion of the batch melting equation usingabundances of highly incompatible elements, such as Th and La,requires enriched sources with 10–55% clinopyroxene and5–25% garnet for North Arch lavas. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Ndratios in lavas forming the North Arch and Honolulu Volcanicsare consistent with mixing between the Hawaiian plume and adepleted component related to mid-ocean ridge basalts. Specifically,the enrichment of incompatible elements coupled with low ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Srand high ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd relative to bulk Earth ratios is best explainedby derivation from depleted lithosphere recently metasomatizedby incipient melt (<2% melting) from the Hawaiian plume.In this metasomatized source, the incompatible element abundances,as well as Sr and Nd isotopic ratios, are controlled by incipientmelts. In contrast, the large range of published ¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Osdata (0·134–0·176) reflects heterogeneitycaused by various proportions of pyroxenite veins residing ina depleted peridotite matrix. KEY WORDS: Hawaiian plume; Honolulu Volcanics; North Arch; plume–lithosphere interaction; rejuvenated stage; trace element geochemistry; alkalic lavas     

Petrology and Geochemistry of Mantle Peridotite Xenoliths from SE China

Geochemical data on Type I spinel peridotite and garnet peridotitexenoliths in Cenozoic basalts from SE China demonstrate thatthe lithospheric mantle under this region is heterogeneous.The depletion and enrichment shown by these peridotite xenolithsare not related to their locations as suggested earlier. Samplesfrom individual localities, at the continental margin or thecontinental interior, show large variational ranges from depletedharzburgite to fertile Iherzolite. The measured Nd and Sr isotopiccompositions of clinopyroxene separates range from _Nd 49 to160 and from ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr 070256 to 070407, respectively. Thedepleted signatures of Sr and Nd isotopic compositions and major-elementcontents (low CaO and Al₂O₃ in most xenoliths require an olddepletion event, probably mid-Proterozftic, and the enrichmentof LREE in the depleted peridotites implies a young metasomaticevent shortly before Cenozoic magmatism. Major-element compositionsof the peridotite xenoliths are controlled largely by the degreeof partial melting, and the extra fertile peridotites (highCaO and Al₂O₃) are probably the products of interaction betweenperidotites and a basaltic component. The equilibrium P–Tconditions, determined from coexisting mineral phases, indicatethat these xenoliths equilibrated over a wide P–T range,from 770 to 1250 C and from 10 to 27 kbar. Calculated oxygenfugacities for most spinel peridotites range from near the FMQbuffer to 25 log units below. The late-stage metasomatism didnot change the redox state in the upper mantle. ^*Corraponding author     

Age and petrology of alkalic postshield and rejuvenated-stage lava from Kauai,Hawaii

At the top of the Waimea Canyon Basalt on the island of Kauai, rare flows of alkalic postshield-stage hawaiite and mugearite overlie tholeiitic flows of the shield stage. These postshield-stage flows are 3.92 Ma and provide a younger limit for the age of the tholeiitic shield stage. The younger Koloa Volcanics consist of widespread alkalic rejuvenated-stage flows and vents of alkalic basalt, basanite, nephelinite, and nepheline melilitite that erupted between 3.65 and 0.52 Ma. All the flows older than 1.7 Ma occur in the west-northwestern half of the island and all the flows younger than 1.5 Ma occur in the east-southeastern half. The lithologies have no spatial or chronological pattern. The flows of the Koloa Volcanics are near-primary magmas generated by variable small degrees of partial melting of a compositionally heterogeneous garnet-bearing source that has about two-thirds the concentration of P₂O₅, rare-earth elements, and Sr of the source of the Honolulu Volcanics on the island of Oahu. The same lithology in the Koloa and Honolulu Volcanics is generated by similar degrees of partial melting of distinct source compositions. The lavas of the Koloa Volcanics can be generated by as little as 3 percent to as much as 17 percent partial melting for nepheline melilitite through alkalic basalt, respectively. Phases that remain in the residue of the Honolulu Volcanics, such as rutile and phlogopite, are exhausted during formation of the Koloa Volcanics at all but the smallest degrees of partial melting. The mantle source for Kauai lava becomes systematically more depleted in ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr as the volcano evolves from the tholeiitic shield stage to the alkalic postshield stage to the alkalic rejuvenated stage: at the same time, the lavas become systematically more enriched in incompatible trace elements. On a shorter timescale, the lavas of the Koloa Volcanics display the same compositional trends, but at a lower rate of change. The source characteristics of the Koloa Volcanics, considered along with those of the Honolulu Volcanics, support a mixing model in which the source of rejuvenated-stage lava represents large-percent melts of a plume source mixed with small amounts of small-percent melts of a heterogeneous mid-ocean-ridge source.     

Upper-Mantle Fragments from Beneath the Sierra Nevada Batholith: Partial Fusion, Fractional Crystallization, and Metasomatism in a Subduction Related Ancient Lithosphere

Upper-mantle xenoliths in volcanic pipes cutting the axis ofthe Sierra Nevada batholith contain predominantly spinel-bearingperidotites (with sporadic garnet) and garnet websterites. Inspite of the enormous thickness of the Sierran crust, the Sierranupper mantle has not attained the garnet peridotite stabilityfield. The peridotites have forsteritic (Fo_88–92) olivines,Cr-diopsides, Cr-spinels, and magnesian orthopyroxenes (En_88–92).Their texture and compositional characteristics of the coexistingphases indicate that these are fragments of the upper mantlethat had undergone various degrees of partial fusion. The Pconditions of reequilibration and mineralogical characteristicssuggest that the partial fusion was accompanied by diapiricuprise. The REE distribution patterns are nearly chondritic.Garnet websterite xenoliths also contain magnesian and Cr-richphases. Their bulk chemical compositions are like pyroxenitecumulates. The garnet websterites from Big Creek differ fromthose occurring at Pick and Shovel in having more Fe-rich phasesand occasional hydrous minerals. The Pick and Shovel garnetwebsterites are interpreted to be pyroxene-rich, garnet-freecumulates formed by fractional crystallization of melts generatedby partial melting of subcontinental lithosphere at depth 60km. The REE abundance of these xenoliths is consistent withthis mode of origin. Presence of jadeitic clinopyroxenes andF-rich phlogopites, and the LREE- and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr-enriched characterof the garnet websterites from Big Creek may suggest their originas metasomatized upper-mantle garnet peridotites. The latestP-T conditions of equilibration of all garnet-bearing samplesshow that they lie along a nearly adiabatic gradient in therange of 900–1000 C and 18–32 kbar. An isotopically heterogeneous, old (1 b.y.) subcontinental lithosphere,characterized by high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.7044–0.7082), radiogenic²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (18.86–20.04), ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (15.64–15.69)and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (38.69–39.11), and moderate ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd(0.51234–0.51260; E_Nd–0.35 to –5.8) is consideredto be the source of these rocks. There was a fluid influx froma subducted slab carrying Ba, K, Rb, U, Th, and radiogenic Pbinto the overlying ancient lithosphere.     

Chemical and Isotopic Studies of Ultramafic Inclusions from the San Carlos Volcanic Field, Arizona: A Bearing on their Petrogenesis

Compositions of the principal minerals and Pb, Nd, and Sr isotopeanalyses of clinopyroxene (cpx) separates are reported for TypeI spinel peridotite xenoliths from the Peridot Mesa vent ofthe San Carlos Volcanic Field. The principal phases are in chemicalequilibrium within each inclusion. Systematic changes in mineralcomposition accompany lithological changes from fertile lherzolitesto infertile harzburgites. These changes are consistent witha fusion residue origin for the major element component of thexenoliths, as noted previously by Frey & Prinz (1978). ExcessFe is additionally present in some inclusions. Pyroxene equilibrationtemperatures calculated using the Wells (1977) geothermometerfall in the narrow range of 1022?34?C (1 s.d.). Equilibrationpressures poorly limit corresponding depths to anywhere between30 and 65 km within the lithospheric mantle. The geotherm is‘advective’ and elevated by 500?C at the depth ofsampling over a reference conductive shield geotherm. The highheat flow measured at the surface results from a combinationof extension and magmatism, with the temperature perturbationextending into the lithospheric mantle. ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios (0?51251–0?51367) and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios(0?70190–0?70504) in cpx demonstrate gross isotopic heterogeneitybeneath the Peridot Mesa vent. This largely overlaps the oceanicmantle array, although four inclusions have Nd greater thanmid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB). PM-228J with _Nd = +20 is themost extreme yet reported for a spinel Iherzolite. Pb abundancesin cpx (generally <0?03ppm) are far lower than previouslyreported values. ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios (17?5–19?1) overlapoceanic basalts and do not correlate with ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio. However,some of the inclusions exhibit MORB-like ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratiosbut much higher ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios, which suggests a possiblegenetic link of detached lithospheric mantle with certain oceanicislands. Metasomatic trace element enrichment processes are most widespreadin the infertile (Al-poor, Cr-rich) inclusions, as noted byFrey & Prinz (1978). This systematic relationship is a localfeature of the mantle and suggests that some degree of meltingoccurs commensurately with incompatible element addition. Inparticular, anhydrous peridotite above its volatile-presentsolidus that was flushed with C-O-H fluids containing incompatibleelements would melt and form an enriched infertile fusion residue.The ascending magmas responsible for forming Type II peridotiteveins are the most probable source of the volatiles and mayin some cases react to produce chemical gradients in the wall-rock.Prior metasomatism is also evident isotopically in some inclusions.Overall, the lithospheric mantle beneath Peridot Mesa has suffereda multi-stage history of enrichment, depletion and melting atvarious times since it became attached to the crust above.     

Integrated Models of Basalt Petrogenesis: A Study of Quartz Tholeiites to Olivine Melilitites from South Eastern Australia Utilizing Geochemical and Experimental Petrological Data

The Tertiary to Recent basalts of Victoria and Tasmania havemineralogical and major element characteristics of magmas encompassingthe range from quartz tholeiites to olivine melilitites. Abundancesof trace elements such as incompatible elements, including therare earth elements (REE), and the compatible elements Ni, Coand Sc, vary systematically through this compositional spectrum.On the basis of included mantle xenoliths, appropriate 100 Mg/Mg+ Fe₊₂ (68–72) and high Ni contents many of these basaltsrepresent primary magmas (i.e., unmodified partial melts ofmantle peridotite). For fractionated basalts we have derivedmodel primary magma compositions by estimating the compositionalchanges caused by fractional crystallization of olivine andpyroxene at low or moderate pressure. A pyrolite model mantlecomposition has been used to establish and evaluate partialmelting models for these primary magmas. By definition and experimentaltesting the specific pyrolite composition yields parental olivinetholeiite magma similar to that of KilaeauIki, Hawaii (1959–60)and residual harzburgite by 33 per cent melting. It is shownthat a source pyrolite composition differing only in having0.3–0.4 per cent TiO₂ rather than 0.7 per cent TiO₂, isable to yield the spectrum of primary basalts for the Victorian-Tasmanianprovince by 4 per cent to 25 per cent partial melting. The mineralogiesof residual peridotites are consistent with known liquidus phaserelationships of the primary magmas at high pressures and thechemical compositions of residual peridotite are similar tonatural depleted or refractory lherzolites and harzburgites.For low degrees of melting the nature of the liquid and of theresidual peridotite are sensitively dependent on the contentof H₂O, CO₂ and the CO₂/H₂O in the source pyrolite. The melting models have been tested for their ability to accountfor the minor and trace element, particularly the distinctivelyfractionated REE, contents of the primary magmas. A single sourcepyrolite composition can yield the observed minor and traceelement abundances (within at most a factor of 2 and commonlymuch closer) for olivine melilitite (4–6 per cent melt),olivine nephelinite, basanite (5–7 per cent melt), alkaliolivine basalt (11–15 per cent melt), olivine basalt andolivine tholeiite (20–25 per cent melt) provided thatthe source pyrolite was already enriched in strongly incompatibleelements (Ba, Sr, Th, U, LREE) at 6–9 x chondritic abundancesand less enriched (2.5–3 x chondrites) in moderately incompatible(Ti, Zr, Hf, Y, HREE) prior to the partial melting event. Thesources regions for S.E. Australian basalts are similar to thosefor oceanic island basalts (Hawaii, Comores, Iceland, Azores)or for continental and rift-valley basaltic provinces and verydifferent in trace element abundances from the model sourceregions for most mid-ocean ridge basalts. We infer that thismantle heterogeneity has resulted from migration within theupper mantle (LVZ or below the LVZ) of a melt or fluid (H₂O,CO₂-enriched) with incompatible element concentrations similarto those of olivine melilitite, kimberlite or carbonatite. Asa result of this migration, some mantle regions are enrichedin incompatible elements and other areas are depleted. Although it is possible, within the general framework of a lherzolitesource composition, to derive the basanites, olivine nephelinitesand olivine melilitites from a source rock with chondritic relativeREE abundances at 2–5 x chondritic levels, these modelsrequire extremely small degrees of melting (0.4 per cent forolivine melilitite to 1 per cent for basanite). Furthermore,it is not possible to derive the olivine tholeiite magmas fromsource regions with chondritic relative REE abundances withoutconflicting with major element and experimental petrology argumentsrequiring high degrees (15 per cent) of melting and the absenceof residual garnet. If these arguments are disregarded, andpartial melting models are constrained to source regions withchondritic relative REE abundances, then magmas from olivinemelilitites to olivine tholeiites can be modelled if degreesof melting are sufficiently small, e.g., 7 per cent meltingfor olivine tholeiite. However, the source regions must be heterogenousfrom 1 to 5 x chondritic in absolute REE abundances and heterogerieousin other trace elements as well. This model is rejected in favorof the model requiring variation in degree of melting from 4per cent to 25 per cent and mantle source regions ranging fromLREE-enriched to LREE-depleted relative to chondritic REE abundances.     

Geochemical Constraints on the Origin of the Late Archean Skjoldungen Alkaline Igneous Province, SE Greenland

The present work reports the first broad geochemical investigationof the recently discovered late Archean (2700 Ma) Skjoldungenalkaline igneous province (SAP) in southeast Greenland. Therocks studied range in composition from ultramafic to felsicand comprise pyroxenites, hornblendites, hornblende noritesand diorites, monzonites, syenites, and nephelinitic rocks andcarbonatites. Various lithologic units from the host Archeangneissic basement are also investigated. The magmatic rocksshow remarkably coherent major element, trace element, rareearth element (REE), and Sr and Nd isotope systematics, suggestinga petrogenetic relationship. The most important geochemicalfeatures are high normative proportions of nepheline, forsteriteand albite, low TiO₂ (<15 wt %) and moderate FeO (total)(<12 wt %) contents, enrichments in large ion lithophileelements (LILE) and light rare earth elements both absoluteand relative to high field strength elements (HFSE) that displaylarge negative anomalies, and generally low to moderate abundancesof compatible elements. Field relations and REE and compatibleelement systematics among Skjoldungen rocks suggest that maficand ultramafic hornblende-rich samples may represent cumulatelithologies of the regional parental magma. On the basis ofmineral data, this is deduced to have had mg-number of 064,shoshonitic affinities (K₂O15 wt %), been close to silica saturationand volatile rich. Major element, trace element and REE systematicsfurther suggest that felsic intrusions are related to the maficregional parental magma through extensive olivine, hyperstheneand hornblende fractionation. Lack of correlation between La/Yband other critical trace and REE ratios indicates that apatite,zircon and titaniferous minerals were not important cumulusphases at advanced stages of evolution. The measured Sm–Ndwhole-rock isochron age is 2716 23 Ma (2 error) [mean squareof weighted deviates (MSWD) = 14], whereas linear regressionof the Sr isotope data yields an age of 26047 Ma (2 error)(MSWD = 22•2). The age obtained by Nd isotopes is corroboratedby U–Pb zircon results (2698 7 Ma), suggesting thatthe Sm–Nd system remained closed since crystallization.By contrast, the 100 Ma younger age obtained by Sr isotopessuggests that the Rb–Sr system has been disturbed. Initial¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴ Nd ratios span a narrow range corresponding to _Nd(27Ga) =+074 to –109, whereas initial _Sr values at 27Ga cover a comparatively larger interval from –10 to +20.Neither initial _Nd nor initial _Sr values conform to previouslysuggested mantle depletion curves and no meaningful correlationexists between Nd and Sr isotopes for the Skjoldungen magmaticrocks as a whole. Although compositionally heterogeneous, theanalyzed suite of samples from the host agmatitic basement isextremely homogeneous with respect to age, with T^CHUR crustalresidence times around 2700–2800 Ma confirming limitedavailable isotopic evidence. Large-scale assimilation of Archeancrust or recycling of sediments derived from the local basementinto the mantle source fails to explain adequately negativeNb anomalies and low ^Nd signatures characteristic of the Skjoldungenintrusions. Rather, the nearchondritic isotopic compositionof Nd in the Skjoldungen samples together with the decoupledLILE and HFSE enrichment and slightly positive _Sr values areconsidered to reflect characteristics of the mantle source ina subduction zone environment. The geodynamic site hosting theSkjoldungen province thus may be an early manifestation of modern-styleplate tectonics. KEY WORDS: Skjoldungen province; Greenland; Archean; alkaline igneous rocks; geochronology; geochemistry ^*Corresponding author. Present address: Ecole Normale Suprieure de Lyon, 46 AlLe d'Italie, 69364 Lyon Cedex 07, France     

Volcanism in the Vitim Volcanic Field, Siberia: Geochemical Evidence for a Mantle Plume Beneath the Baikal Rift Zone

The Baikal Rift is a zone of active lithospheric extension adjacentto the Siberian Craton. The 6–16 Myr old Vitim VolcanicField (VVF) lies approximately 200 km east of the rift axisand consists of 5000 km³ of melanephelinites, basanites, alkaliand tholeiitic basalts, and minor nephelinites. In the volcanicpile, 142 drill core samples were used to study temporal andspatial variations. Variations in major element abundances (e.g.MgO = 3·3–14·6 wt %) reflect polybaric fractionalcrystallization of olivine, clinopyroxene and plagioclase. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_i(0·7039–0·7049), ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd_i (0·5127–0·5129)and ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf_i (0·2829–0·2830) ratiosare similar to those for ocean island basalts and suggest thatthe magmas have not assimilated significant amounts of continentalcrust. Variable degrees of partial melting appear to be responsiblefor differences in Na₂O, P₂O₅, K₂O and incompatible trace elementabundances in the most primitive (high-MgO) magmas. Fractionatedheavy rare earth element (HREE) ratios (e.g. [Gd/Lu]_n > 2·5)indicate that the parental magmas of the Vitim lavas were predominantlygenerated within the garnet stability field. Forward major elementand REE inversion models suggest that the tholeiitic and alkalibasalts were generated by decompression melting of a fertileperidotite source within the convecting mantle beneath Vitim.Ba/Sr ratios and negative K anomalies in normalized multi-elementplots suggest that phlogopite was a residual mantle phase duringthe genesis of the nephelinites and basanites. Relatively highlight REE (LREE) abundances in the silica-undersaturated meltsrequire a metasomatically enriched lithospheric mantle source.Results of forward major element modelling suggest that meltingof phlogopite-bearing pyroxenite veins could explain the majorelement composition of these melts. In support of this, pyroxenitexenoliths have been found in the VVF. High Cenozoic mantle potentialtemperatures (1450°C) predicted from geochemical modellingsuggest the presence of a mantle plume beneath the Baikal RiftZone. KEY WORDS: Baikal Rift; mafic magmatism; mantle plume; metasomatism; partial melting     

Bulk-rock Major and Trace Element Compositions of Abyssal Peridotites: Implications for Mantle Melting, Melt Extraction and Post-melting Processes Beneath Mid-Ocean Ridges

This paper presents the first comprehensive major and traceelement data for 130 abyssal peridotite samples from the Pacificand Indian ocean ridge–transform systems. The data revealimportant features about the petrogenesis of these rocks, mantlemelting and melt extraction processes beneath ocean ridges,and elemental behaviours. Although abyssal peridotites are serpentinized,and have also experienced seafloor weathering, magmatic signaturesremain well preserved in the bulk-rock compositions. The betterinverse correlation of MgO with progressively heavier rare earthelements (REE) reflects varying amounts of melt depletion. Thismelt depletion may result from recent sub-ridge mantle melting,but could also be inherited from previous melt extraction eventsfrom the fertile mantle source. Light REE (LREE) in bulk-rocksamples are more enriched, not more depleted, than in the constituentclinopyroxenes (cpx) of the same sample suites. If the cpx LREErecord sub-ridge mantle melting processes, then the bulk-rockLREE must reflect post-melting refertilization. The significantcorrelations of LREE (e.g. La, Ce, Pr, Nd) with immobile highfield strength elements (HFSE, e.g. Nb and Zr) suggest thatenrichments of both LREE and HFSE resulted from a common magmaticprocess. The refertilization takes place in the ‘cold’thermal boundary layer (TBL) beneath ridges through which theascending melts migrate and interact with the advanced residues.The refertilization apparently did not affect the cpx relicsanalyzed for trace elements. This observation suggests grain-boundaryporous melt migration in the TBL. The ascending melts may notbe thermally ‘reactive’, and thus may have affectedonly cpx rims, which, together with precipitated olivine, entrappedmelt, and the rest of the rock, were subsequently serpentinized.Very large variations in bulk-rock Zr/Hf and Nb/Ta ratios areobserved, which are unexpected. The correlation between thetwo ratios is consistent with observations on basalts that D_Zr/D_Hf< 1 and D_Nb/D_Ta < 1. Given the identical charges (5⁺ forNb and Ta; 4⁺ for Zr and Hf) and essentially the same ionicradii (R_Nb/R_Ta = 1·000 and R_Zr/R_Hf = 1·006–1·026),yet a factor of 2 mass differences (M_Zr/M_Hf = 0·511 andM_Nb/M_Ta = 0·513), it is hypothesized that mass-dependentD values, or diffusion or mass-transfer rates may be importantin causing elemental fractionations during porous melt migrationin the TBL. It is also possible that some ‘exotic’phases with highly fractionated Zr/Hf and Nb/Ta ratios may existin these rocks, thus having ‘nugget’ effects onthe bulk-rock analyses. All these hypotheses need testing byconstraining the storage and distribution of all the incompatibletrace elements in mantle peridotite. As serpentine containsup to 13 wt % H₂O, and is stable up to 7 GPa before it is transformedto dense hydrous magnesium silicate phases that are stable atpressures of 5–50 GPa, it is possible that the serpentinizedperidotites may survive, at least partly, subduction-zone dehydration,and transport large amounts of H₂O (also Ba, Rb, Cs, K, U, Sr,Pb, etc. with elevated U/Pb ratios) into the deep mantle. Thelatter may contribute to the HIMU component in the source regionsof some oceanic basalts. KEY WORDS: abyssal peridotites; serpentinization; seafloor weathering; bulk-rock major and trace element compositions; mantle melting; melt extraction; melt–residue interaction; porous flows; Nb/Ta and Zr/Hf fractionations; HIMU mantle sources     

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     

Sources and Petrogenesis of Late Triassic Dolerite Dikes in the Liaodong Peninsula: Implications for Post-collisional Lithosphere Thinning of the Eastern North China Craton

A combination of major and trace element, whole-rock Sr, Ndand Hf isotope, and zircon U–Pb isotopic data are reportedfor a suite of dolerite dikes from the Liaodong Peninsula inthe northeastern North China Craton. The study aimed to investigatethe source, petrogenesis and tectonic setting of the dikes.Sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe U–Pb zircon analysesyield a Late Triassic emplacement age of 213 Ma for these dikes,post-dating the collision between the North China and Yangtzecratons and consequent ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism. Threegeochemical groups of dikes have been identified in the LiaodongPeninsula based on their geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hfisotope characteristics. Group 1 dikes are tholeiitic, withhigh TiO₂ and total Fe₂O₃ and low MgO contents, absent to weaknegative Nb and Ta anomalies, variable (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i (0·7060–0·7153),_Nd(t) (– 0·8 to –6·5) and _Hf(t) (–2·7to –7·8) values, and negative _Hf(t) (–1·1to –7·8). They are inferred to be derived frompartial melting of a relatively fertile asthenospheric mantlein the spinel stability field, with some upper crustal assimilationand fractional crystallization. Group 2 dikes have geochemicalfeatures of high-Mg andesites with (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i values of 0·7063–0·7072,and negative _Nd(t) (–3·0 to –9·5)and _Hf(t) (–3·2 to –10·1) values,and may have originated as melts of foundered lower crust, withsubsequent interaction with mantle peridotite. Group 3 dikesare shoshonitic in composition with relatively low (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_ivalues (0·7061–0·7063), and negative _Nd(t)(–13·2 to –13·4) and _Hf(t) (–11·0to –11·5) values, and were derived by partial meltingof an ancient, re-enriched, refractory lithospheric mantle inthe garnet stability field. The geochemical and geochronologicaldata presented here indicate that Late Triassic magmatism occurredin an extensional setting, most probably related to post-orogeniclithospheric delamination. KEY WORDS: mafic dike; asthenospheric mantle; lithospheric mantle; delamination; North China Craton     

Geochemistry and Evolution of Subcontinental Lithospheric Mantle in Central Europe: Evidence from Peridotite Xenoliths of the Kozakov Volcano, Czech Republic

Neogene basanite lavas of Kozákov volcano, located alongthe Lusatian fault in the northeastern Czech Republic, containabundant anhydrous spinel lherzolite xenoliths that providean exceptionally continuous sampling of the upper two-thirdsof central European lithospheric mantle. The xenoliths yielda range of two-pyroxene equilibration temperatures from 680°Cto 1070°C, and are estimated to originate from depths of32–70 km, based on a tectonothermal model for basalticunderplating associated with Neogene rifting. The sub-Kozákovmantle is layered, consisting of an equigranular upper layer(32–43 km), a protogranular intermediate layer that containsspinel–pyroxene symplectites after garnet (43–67km), and an equigranular lower layer (67–70 km). Negativecorrelations of wt % TiO₂, Al₂O₃, and CaO with MgO and clinopyroxenemode with Cr-number in the lherzolites record the effects ofpartial fusion and melt extraction; Y and Yb contents of clinopyroxeneand the Cr-number in spinel indicate 5 to 15% partial melting.Subsequent metasomatism of a depleted lherzolite protolith,probably by a silicate melt, produced enrichments in the largeion lithophile elements, light rare earth elements and highfield strength elements, and positive anomalies in primitivemantle normalized trace element patterns for P, Zr, and Hf.Although there are slight geochemical discontinuities at theboundaries between the three textural layers of mantle, theretends to be an overall decrease in the degree of depletion withdepth, accompanied by a decrease in the magnitude of metasomatism.Clinopyroxene separates from the intermediate protogranularlayer and the lower equigranular layer yield ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd valuesof 0·51287–0·51307 (_Nd = +4·6 to+8·4) and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values of 0·70328–0·70339.Such values are intermediate with respect to the Nd–Srisotopic array defined by anhydrous spinel peridotite xenolithsfrom central Europe and are similar to those associated withthe present-day low-velocity anomaly in the upper mantle beneathEurope. The geochemical characteristics of the central Europeanlithospheric mantle reflect a complex evolution related to Devonianto Early Carboniferous plate convergence, accretion, and crustalthickening, Late Carboniferous to Permian extension and gravitationalcollapse, and Neogene rifting, lithospheric thinning, and magmatism. KEY WORDS: xenoliths; lithospheric mantle; REE–LILE–HFSE; Sr–Nd isotopes; Bohemian Massif     

Source of the Quaternary Alkalic Basalts, Picrites and Basanites of the Potrillo Volcanic Field, New Mexico, USA: Lithosphere or Convecting Mantle?

The <80 ka basalts–basanites of the Potrillo VolcanicField (PVF) form scattered scoria cones, lava flows and maarsadjacent to the New Mexico–Mexico border. MgO ranges upto 12·5%; lavas with MgO < 10·7% have fractionatedboth olivine and clinopyroxene. Cumulate fragments are commonin the lavas, as are subhedral megacrysts of aluminous clinopyroxene(with pleonaste inclusions) and kaersutitic amphibole. REE modellingindicates that these megacrysts could be in equilibrium withthe PVF melts at 1·6–1·7 GPa pressure. Thelavas fall into two geochemical groups: the Main Series (85%of lavas) have major- and trace-element abundances and ratiosclosely resembling those of worldwide ocean-island alkali basaltsand basanites (OIB); the Low-K Series (15%) differ principallyby having relatively low K₂O and Rb contents. Otherwise, theyare chemically indistinguishable from the Main Series lavas.Sr- and Nd-isotopic ratios in the two series are identical andvary by scarcely more than analytical error, averaging ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr= 0·70308 (SD = 0·00004) and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0·512952(SD=0·000025). Such compositions would be expected ifboth series originated from the same mantle source, with Low-Kmelts generated when amphibole remained in the residuum. ThreePVF lavas have very low Os contents (<14 ppt) and appearto have become contaminated by crustal Os. One Main Series picritehas 209 ppt Os and has a _Os value of +13·6, typical forOIB. This contrasts with published ¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os ratios for KilbourneHole peridotite mantle xenoliths, which give mostly negative_Os values and show that Proterozoic lithospheric mantle formsa thick Mechanical Boundary Layer (MBL) that extends to 70 kmdepth beneath the PVF area. The calculated mean primary magma,in equilibrium with Fo₈₉, has Na₂O and FeO contents that givea lherzolite decompression melting trajectory from 2·8GPa (95 km depth) to 2·2 GPa (70 km depth). Inverse modellingof REE abundances in Main Series Mg-rich lavas is successfulfor a model invoking decompression melting of convecting sub-lithosphericlherzolite mantle (Nd = 6·4; T_p 1400°C) between90 and 70 km. Nevertheless, such a one-stage model cannot accountfor the genesis of the Low-K Series because amphibole wouldnot be stable within convecting mantle at T_f 1400°C. Thesemagmas can only be accommodated by a three-stage model thatenvisages a Thermal Boundary Layer (TBL) freezing conductivelyonto the 70 km base of the Proterozoic MBL during the 20 Myrtectonomagmatic quiescence before PVF eruptions. As it grew,this was veined by hydrous small-fraction melts from below.The geologically recent arrival of hotter-than-ambient (T_p 1400°C) convecting mantle beneath the Potrillo area re-meltedthe TBL and caused the magmatism. KEY WORDS: western USA; picrites; Sr–Nd–Os isotopes; petrogenetic modelling; thermal boundary layer     

Petrology, Mineral and Isotope Geochemistry of the External Liguride Peridotites (Northern Apennines, Italy)

Mantle peridotites of the External Liguride (EL) units (NorthernApennines) represent slices of subcontinental lithospheric mantleemplaced at the surface during early stages of rifting of theJurassic Ligurian Piemontese basin. Petrological, ion probeand isotopic investigations have been used to unravel the natureof their mantle protolith and to constrain the timing and mechanismsof their evolution. EL peridotites are dominantly fertile spinelIherzolites partly recrystallizfd in the plagiodase Iherzplitestability field Clinopyroxenes stable in thespinel-facies assemblagehave nearly fiat REE patterns (Ce_N/Sm_N=06–08) at (10–16)C1and high Na, Sr, Ti and Zr contents. Kaersutitic-Ti-pargasiticamphiboles also occur in the spinel-facies assemblage. TheirLREE-depleted REE spectra and very low Sr, Zr and Ba contentsindicate that they crystallized from hydrous fluids with lowconcentrations of incompatible elements. Thermometric estimateson the spinelfacies parageneses yield lithospheric equilibriumtemperatures in the range 1000–1100C, in agreement withthe stability of amphibole, which implies T<1100C. Sr andNd isotopic compositions, determined on carefully handpickedclinopyroxene separates, plot within the depleted end of theMORB field (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr=070222–070263; ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd=0513047–0513205)similar to many subcontinental orogenic spinel Iherzolites fromthe western Mediterranean area (e.g. Ivrea Zpne and Lanzfl N).The interpretation of the EL Iherzolites as subcontinental lithosphericmantle is reinforced by the occurrence of one extremely depletedisotopic composition (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr=0701736; ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd=0513543).Sr and Nd model ages, calculated assuming both CHUR and DM mantlesources, range between 24 Ga and 780 Ma. In particular, the12-Ga Sr age and the 780-Ma Nd age can be regarded as minimumages of differentiation. The transition from spinel-to plagioclase-faciesassemblage, accompanied by progressive deformation (from granularto tectonite-mylonite textures), indicate that the EL Iherzolitesexperienced a later, subsolidus decompressional evolution, startingfrom subcontinental lithospheric levels. Sm/Nd isochrons onplagioclase-clinopyroxene pairs furnish ages of 165 Ma. Thisearly Jurassic subsolidus decompressional history is consistentwith uplift by means of denudation in response to passive andasymmetric lithospheric extension. This is considered to bethe most suitable geodynamic mechanism to account for the exposureof huge bodies of subcontinental lithospheric mantle duringearly stages of opening of an oceanic basin. ^*Corresponding author. Present address: Dipartimento di Stienze della Terra, Univenit di Geneva, Corso Europa 26,16132 Genova, Italy     

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

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

Continental Lithospheric Contribution to Alkaline Magmatism: Isotopic (Nd, Sr, Pb) and Geochemical (REE) Evidence from Serra de Monchique and Mount Ormonde Complexes

Isotopic results (Sr, Nd, Pb), as well as concentrations ofmajor and trace elements (REE) are reported for whole-rock samplesand mineral separates from the onland alkaline complex of Serrade Monchique (South Portugal) and the offshore alkali basaltvolcanic suite of Mount Ormonde (Gorringe Bank). These two geneticallyrelated alkaline complexes were emplaced at the east Atlanticcontinent–ocean boundary during the Upper Cretaceous,i.e. 66–72 m.y. ago. Taken together, Serra de Monchiqueand Mount Ormonde may be seen as one of the few examples ofwithin-plate magmatism that straddles the continent–oceanboundary. Major and trace element compositions fail to revealany significant differences between onland and offshore complexes.This is particularly true regarding less differentiated samples(mg-number 0.40) which show the same progressive and continuousenrichment of their trace element patterns, with no specificanomaly (e.g. negative Nb anomaly) being present in samplesfrom the onland complex. Initial Pb and Sr isotopic compositionsalso do not allow any distinction to be made between Serra deMonchique and Mount Ormonde samples. Initial Pb isotope ratiosare moderately high (19.1 < ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb < 19.8; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb= 15.6) in both cases. Moreover, once the effects of Sr contaminationby seawater are taken into account and the most contaminatedsamples discarded using data from fresh clinopyroxene separatesand results of leaching experiments, the initial Sr isotopiccompositions of Mount Ormonde samples are found to be unradiogenic(⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7031±1) and identical to those obtainedat Serra de Monchique (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7032±1). In contrast,a systematic mean difference of 2 _Nd units is observed betweenSerra de Monchique [_Nd(T) = +4.8] and Mount Ormonde [_Nd(T) =+6.6] whole-rock samples. Surprisingly, a variation is alsoobserved at Mount Ormonde between the whole-rock samples andone of the two analysed clinopyroxene separates. Whereas MountOrmonde whole-rock samples invariably yielded _Nd(T) = +6.6 (meanvalue), a value of +0.5 is obtained for one clinopyroxene separate,whereas another gives +6.0. The above geochemical and isotopicresults make it possible to assign respective roles to the asthenosphere,lithosphere and crust in the petrogenesis of Serra de Monchiqueand Mount Ormonde complexes. We propose that both complexesshare a common mantle source whose isotopic characteristicsare very similar to the source of oceanic island basalts. Continentalmantle lithosphere, already characterized isotopically by studiesof peridotite massifs within the Iberian peninsula, acts asa contaminant which is evident onland on the whole-rock scale,and also present offshore as discrete clinopyroxene xenocrysts.The continental crust appears to play no role in the petrogenesisof the Serra de Monchique alkaline rocks. KEY WORDS: alkaline complexes; continental lithosphere; isotope geochemistry; passive continental margin; within-plate volcanics     

Sources and Fluids in the Mantle Wedge below Kamchatka, Evidence from Across-arc Geochemical Variation

Major and trace element and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic variationsin mafic volcanic rocks hve been studied in a 220 km transectacross the Kamchatka arc from the Eastern Volcanic Front, overthe Central Kamchatka Depression to the Sredinny Ridge in theback-arc. Thirteen volcanoes and lava fields, from 110 to 400km above the subducted slab, were sampled. This allows us tocharacterize spatial variations and the relative amount andcomposition of the slab fluid involved in magma genesis. TypicalKamchatka arc basalts, normalized for fractionation to 6% MgO,display a strong increase in large ion lithophile, light rareearth and high field strength elements from the arc front tothe back-arc. Ba/Zr and Ce/Pb ratios, however, are nearly constantacross the arc, which suggests a similar fluid input for Baand Pb. La/Yb and Nb/Zr increase from the arc front to the back-arc.Rocks from the Central Kamchatka Depression range in ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Srfrom 0·70334 to 0·70366, but have almost constantNd isotopic compositions (¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd 0·51307–0·51312).This correlates with the highest U/Th ratios in these rocks.Pb-isotopic ratios are mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB)-like butdecrease slightly from the volcanic front to the back-arc. Theinitial mantle source ranged from N-MORB-like in the volcanicfront and Central Kamchatka Depression to more enriched in theback-arc. This enriched component is similar to an ocean-islandbasalt (OIB) source. Variations in (CaO)_6·0–(Na₂O)_6·0show that degree of melting decreases from the arc front tothe Central Kamchatka Depression and remains constant from thereto the Sredinny Ridge. Calculated fluid compositions have asimilar trace element pattern across the arc, although minordifferences are implied. A model is presented that quantifiesthe various mantle components (variably depleted N-MORB-mantleand enriched OIB-mantle) and the fluid compositions added tothis mantle wedge. The amount of fluid added ranges from 0·7to 2·1%. The degree of melting changes from     

Evidence of Two Different Components in a Hercynian Peraluminous Cordierite-bearing Granite: the San Basilio Intrusion (Central Sardinia, Italy)

Detailed petrographic and geochemical data and Sr and Nd isotopecompositions of enclaves and host-granite are reported for oneof the largest strongly peraluminous cordierite-bearing intrusionsof the Hercynian Sardinia-Corsica Batholith: the San BasilioGranite. Compared with other peraluminous series, the San BasilioGranite has a ‘non-minimum melt’ composition andshows variations primarily owing to fractionation of early-crystallizedplagioclase, quartz and biotite. Crystallization age is constrainedat 305 Ma, by Rb-Sr whole-rock age [30523 Ma with (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i= 0.711050.00041], and occurred during late Hercynian tectonicevents. _Nd(305Ma) values range from –7.8 to –7.5.The San Basilio Granite contains both magmatic and metamorphicenclaves. Magmatic enclaves, similar to mafic microgranularenclaves common in calc-alkaline granitoids, are tonalitic incomposition and show a variation in silica content from 60.3to 67.7 wt % correlating with a variation in (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶ Sr) _(305Ma)and _{Nd (305 Ma)} from 0.7092 to 0.7109 and from –6.6 to–7.4, respectively. Together with petrographic and othergeochemical data, the Sr and Nd isotopic data record differentstages in a complex homogenization process of an unrelated maficmagma with a crustal melt. A process of simple mixing may accountfor the variations of nonalkali elements and, to some extent,of Sr and Nd isotopes, whereas the distribution of alkali elementsrequires diffusioncontrolled mass transfer. Petrographic andmineralogical data on metamorphic enclaves and geochemical modellingfor trace elements in granite indicate melt generation by high-degreepartial melting involving biotite breakdown of a dominantlyquartzo-feldspathic protolith at about T>750–800Cand P>6 kbar leaving a granulite facies garnet-bearing residue,followed by emplacement at 3 kbar. _Nd(305Ma) values of thegranite fall within the range defined by the pre-existing metamorphicrocks but (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr) _(305Ma) ratios are lower, indicating involvementof at least two distinct components: a dominant crustal componentand a minor well-mixed mafic end-member. These data point toa decoupling between the Sr-Nd isotope systematics and majorand trace element compositions, suggesting that the effect ofthe mafic component was minor on granite major and trace elementconcentrations, but significant on Sr and Nd isotopes. The studyof the magmatic enclaves and the isotopic evidence demonstratethat unrelated mafic magmas, probably derived from the mantle,had a close spatial and temporal association with the productionof ‘on-minimum melt’ strongly peraluminous granites,and support the proposal that heat from the mafic magma contributedto crustal melting. KEY WORDS: cordierite-bearing granite; enclaves; felsic-mafic interaction; Sardinia-Corsica Batholith; Sr and Nd isotopes ^*Corresponding author.     

Geochemical Evidence for Slab Melting in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt

Geochemical studies of Plio-Quaternary volcanic rocks from theValle de Bravo–Zitácuaro volcanic field (VBZ) incentral Mexico indicate that slab melting plays a key role inthe petrogenesis of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. Rocks fromthe VBZ are typical arc-related high-Mg andesites, but two differentrock suites with distinct trace element patterns and isotopiccompositions erupted concurrently in the area, with a traceelement character that is also distinct from that of other Mexicanvolcanoes. The geochemical differences between the VBZ suitescannot be explained by simple crystal fractionation and/or crustalassimilation of a common primitive magma, but can be reconciledby the participation of different proportions of melts derivedfrom the subducted basalt and sediments interacting with themantle wedge. Sr/Y and Sr/Pb ratios of the VBZ rocks correlateinversely with Pb and Sr isotopic compositions, indicating thatthe Sr and Pb budgets are strongly controlled by melt additionsfrom the subducted slab. In contrast, an inverse correlationbetween Pb(Th)/Nd and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios, which extend to lowerisotopic values than those for Pacific mid-ocean ridge basalts,indicates the participation of an enriched mantle wedge thatis similar to the source of Mexican intraplate basalts. In addition,a systematic decrease in middle and heavy rare earth concentrationsand Nb/Ta ratios with increasing SiO₂ contents in the VBZ rocksis best explained if these elements are mobilized to some extentin the subduction flux, and suggests that slab partial fusionoccurred under garnet amphibolite-facies conditions. KEY WORDS: arcs; mantle; Mexico; sediment melting; slab melting     

Melting Behavior of Simplified Lherzolite in the System CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2-Na2O from 7 to 35 kbar

Phase equilibrium data have been collected for isobaricallyunivariant melting of simplified Iherzolite compositions inthe system CaO-MgO-Al₂O₃ SiO₂-Na₂O over a pressure range of7–35 kbar. These data permit the melting behavior of awide variety of model lherzolite compositions to be determinedquantitatively by algebraic methods. Two P-T univariant meltingreactions, corresponding to plagioclase to spinel lherzoliteand spinel to garnet lherzolite, are identified as peritectic-typetransitions and have positive Clapeyron slopes. The univariantcurves move to higher pressures and temperatures with increasingNa₂O in the liquid. The effect of the univariant curves on meltingis to produce low-temperature regions and isobarically invariantmelting intervals along lherzolite solidi. In the plagioclaselherzolite stability field, melting of four-phase model lherzoliteis pseudo-invariant, occurring over small temperature intervals(5C) and producing liquids that are quartz tholeiites at <8kbar and olivine tholeiites at >8 kbar. Calculated equilibriumconstants for plagioclase-liquid equilibria show both temperatureand pressure dependence. Plagioclase with anorthite content(AN) >90 mol%, as observed in some oceanic basalts, can crystallizefrom liquids with <1% Na₂O. Melting of spinel lherzoliteis not pseudo-invariant but occurs over large temperature intervals(15–60 C), producing a wide range in liquid compositions,from alkali basalts and alkali picrites at low to moderate degreesof melting (<1–10%) to olivine tholeiites and picritesat higher degrees of melting (>10%). On the basis of limiteddata in the garnet Iherzolite field, melts from garnet lherzoliteare more silica rich for a given degree of melting than meltsfrom spinel lherzolite, and liquid compositions trend towardenstatite with increase in pressure. Source fertility (especiallyNa₂O content) has a strong control on the temperature of meltingand liquid composition. Less fertile sources produce smalleramounts of liquids richer in normative silica. For certain bulkcompositions (high SiO₂ and low Al₂O₃), spinel is not a stablephase along the lherzolite solidus.