Hafnium Isotope and Trace Element Constraints on the Nature of Mantle Heterogeneity beneath the Central Southwest Indian Ridge (13{degrees}E to 47{degrees}E)

Hafnium isotope and incompatible trace element data are presentedfor a suite of mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB) from 13 to 47°Eon the Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR), one of the slowest spreadingand most isotopically heterogeneous mid-ocean ridges. Variationsin Nd–Hf isotope compositions and Lu/Hf ratios clearlydistinguish an Atlantic–Pacific-type MORB source, presentwest of 26°E, characterized by relatively low _Hf valuesfor a given _Nd relative to the regression line through all Nd–Hfisotope data for oceanic basalts (termed the ‘Nd–Hfmantle array line’; the deviation from this line is termed_Hf) and low Lu/Hf ratios, from an Indian Ocean-type MORB signature,present east of 32°E, characterized by relatively high _Hfvalues and Lu/Hf ratios. Additionally, two localized, isotopicallyanomalous areas, at 13–15°E and 39–41°E,are characterized by distinctly low negative and high positive_Hf values, respectively. The low _Hf MORB from 13 to 15°Eappear to reflect contamination by HIMU-type mantle from thenearby Bouvet mantle plume, whereas the trace element and isotopiccompositions of MORB from 39 to 41°E are most consistentwith contamination by metasomatized Archean continental lithosphericmantle. Relatively small source-melt fractionation of Lu/Hfrelative to Sm/Nd, compared with MORB from faster-spreadingridges, argues against a significant role for garnet pyroxenitein the generation of most central SWIR MORB. Correlations between_Hf and Sr and Pb isotopic and trace element ratios clearly delineatea high-_Hf ‘Indian Ocean mantle component’ that canexplain the isotope composition of most Indian Ocean MORB asmixtures between this component and a heterogeneous Atlantic–Pacific-typeMORB source. The Hf, Nd and Sr isotope compositions of IndianOcean MORB appear to be most consistent with the hypothesisthat this component represents fragments of subduction-modifiedlithospheric mantle beneath Proterozoic orogenic belts thatfoundered into the nascent Indian Ocean upper mantle duringthe Mesozoic breakup of Gondwana. KEY WORDS: mid-ocean ridge basalt; isotopes; incompatible elements; Indian Ocean     

Pyroxenites from the Southwest Indian Ridge, 9-16{degrees}E: Cumulates from Incremental Melt Fractions Produced at the Top of a Cold Melting Regime

The Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR) at 9–16°E and 52–53°Sis characterized by ultra-slow, oblique spreading and containsone of the few documented occurrences of pyroxenite veins associatedwith abyssal peridotites. The origin of these uncommon lithologiesis still debated. We present a detailed study (including electronmicroprobe and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma massspectrometry) of spinel websterites collected during Cruise162, Leg 9, of the R.V. Knorr. Rare earth element patterns inclinopyroxenes (Cpx) lead us to discard a possible origin ofthe pyroxenites as residues from partial melting of garnet pyroxenites(i.e. relics of a layered mantle protolith). Their compositionand cumulate texture (when not obscured by mylonitization relatedto emplacement on the seafloor) are better interpreted in termsof fractional crystallization from a basaltic melt at relativelyhigh pressure. Evidence for a high pressure of crystallizationincludes the lack of plagioclase in the cumulate assemblageand the high Al₂O₃ contents of the pyroxenes: up to 5 wt % inorthopyroxene (Opx) and up to 7 wt % in Cpx. These values areamong the highest reported for pyroxenes in a mid-ocean ridgesetting. Sub-solidus breakdown of spinel to plagioclase (nowaltered) is observed in one sample, providing a rough estimateof the final equilibration pressure of these cumulates, around0· 6–0· 7 GPa (plagioclase–spineltransition for a bulk pyroxenite composition). The inferredpyroxenite parent melts were close to equilibrium with the associatedresidual peridotites; some samples have a slightly evolved compositionin terms of the Mg-number [Mg/(Mg + total Fe)]. These parentalmelts had major and trace element compositions consistent witha mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB) affinity, although they werenot rigorously identical to MORB. Among other characteristics,these melts were relatively depleted in highly incompatibleelements. We propose that they correspond to the latest, shallowest,incremental melt fractions produced during fractional decompressionmelting of a normal MORB (N-MORB) mantle source. These meltsexperienced fractional crystallization as soon as they segregatedfrom the peridotite matrix, moved upward, and crossed the lithosphere–asthenosphereboundary (defined here as the base of the conductive lid). Asa consequence, these shallow melt fractions produced beneathmid-ocean ridges did not fully mix with melt fractions producedand extracted at greater depths. Our study provides concreteevidence for the actuality of pyroxene crystallization in meltchannels beneath mid-ocean ridges at relatively high pressures,a process frequently invoked to account for the ‘pyroxeneparadox’ in MORB petrogenesis. KEY WORDS: abyssal pyroxenites; cumulates; lithospheric mantle; melt migration; Southwest Indian Ridge     

Variations in Melt Productivity and Melting Conditions along SWIR (70{degrees}E-49{degrees}E): Evidence from Olivine-hosted and Plagioclase-hosted Melt Inclusions

Melt inclusion and host glass compositions from the easternend of the Southwest Indian Ridge show a progressive depletionin light rare earth elements (LREE), Na₈ and (La/Sm)_n, but anincrease in Fe₈, from the NE (64°E) towards the SW (49°E).These changes indicate an increase in the degree of mantle meltingtowards the SW and correlate with a shallowing of the ridgeaxial depth and increase in crustal thickness. In addition,LREE enrichment in both melt inclusions and host glasses fromthe NE end of the ridge are compatible with re-fertilizationof a depleted mantle source. The large compositional variations(e.g. P₂O₅ and K₂O) of the melt inclusions from the NE end ofthe ridge (64°E), coupled with low Fe₈ values, suggest thatmelts from the NE correspond to a variety of different batchesof melts generated at shallow levels in the mantle melting column.In contrast, the progressively more depleted compositions andhigher Fe₈ values of the olivine- and plagioclase-hosted meltinclusions at the SW end of the studied region (49°E), suggestthat these melt inclusions represent batches of melt generatedby higher degrees of melting at greater mean depths in the mantlemelting column. Systematic differences in Fe₈ values betweenthe plagioclase- and the olivine-hosted melt inclusions in theSW end (49°E) of the studied ridge area, suggest that theplagioclase-hosted melt inclusions represent final batches ofmelt generated at the top of the mantle melting column, whereasthe olivine-hosted melt inclusions correspond to melts generatedfrom less depleted, more fertile mantle at greater depths. KEY WORDS: basalt; melt inclusions; olivine; plagioclase; Southwest Indian Ridge     

Time Markers for the Evolution and Exhumation History of a Late Palaeozoic Paired Metamorphic Belt in North-Central Chile (34{degrees}-35{degrees}30'S)

A multi-method geochronological approach is applied to unravelthe dynamics of a paired metamorphic belt in the Coastal Cordilleraof central Chile. This is represented by high-pressure–low-temperaturerocks of an accretionary prism (Western Series), and a low-pressure–high-temperatureoverprint in the retro-wedge with less deformed metagreywackes(Eastern Series) intruded by magmas of the coeval arc. A pervasivetransposition foliation formed in metagreywackes and interlayeredoceanic crust of the Western Series during basal accretion nearmetamorphic peak conditions (350–400°C, 7–11kbar) at 292–319 Ma (⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar phengite plateau ages).⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar UV laser ablation ages of phengite record strain-freegrain growth and recrystallization with a duration of 31–41Myr during a pressure release of 3–4 kbar. During earlyaccretion the main intrusion in the arc occurred at 305 Ma (Pb–Pbevaporation; zircon) and the Eastern Series was overprintedby a short high-temperature metamorphism at 3 kbar, 296–301Ma (⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar muscovite plateau ages). Fission-track ages ofzircon (206–232 Ma) and of apatite (80–113 Ma) aresimilar in both series, indicating synchronous cooling duringdistinct periods of exhumation. Early exhumation (period I)during continuing basal accretion proceeded with mean ratesof 0·19–0·56 mm/yr, suggesting that erosionin a tectonically active area was an important unroofing mechanism.At the same time mean rates were 0·03–0·05mm/yr in the Eastern Series, where crustal thickening was minor.A shallow granite intruded into the Western Series at 224 Ma,at the end of basal accretion activity, when exhumation ratesdecreased to 0·04–0·06 mm/yr in both seriesduring period II (100–225 Ma). Major extension, basinformation and local bimodal dyke intrusion at 138 Ma were accompaniedby mean cooling rates of 1–2°C/Myr. Accelerated coolingof 3–5°C/Myr at 80–113 Ma suggests a mid-Cretaceousconvergence event (period III). After 80 Ma cooling rates decreasedto 1–2°C/Myr (period IV). The pressure–temperature–deformation–timeinformation for subduction, basal accretion and exhumation inthe accretionary wedge of central Chile illustrates that theseprocesses reflect a continuous cyclic mass flow that lastednearly 100 Myr, while the retro-wedge remained stable. Afterthe cessation of accretion activity a similarly long periodof retreat of the subducting slab occurred; this ended withrenewed convergence and shortening of the continental margin. KEY WORDS: exhumation rates; Ar/Ar geochronology; fission-track geochronology; Chile; paired metamorphic belt     

A North-South Transect across the Central Mexican Volcanic Belt at ~100{degrees}W: Spatial Distribution, Petrological, Geochemical, and Isotopic Characteristics of Quaternary Volcanism

Within the Zitácuaro–Valle de Bravo (ZVB) regionof the central Mexican Volcanic Belt (MVB), three lava serieshave erupted during the Quaternary: (1) high-K₂O basaltic andesitesand andesites; (2) medium-K₂O basaltic andesites, andesitesand dacites; (3) high-TiO₂ basalts and basaltic andesites. Thedominant feature of the first two groups is the lack of plagioclaseaccompanying the various ferromagnesian phenocrysts (olivine,orthopyroxene, augite, and hornblende) in all but the dacites.This absence of plagioclase in the phenocryst assemblages ofthe high-K₂O and medium-K₂O intermediate lavas is significantbecause it indicates high water contents during the stage ofphenocryst equilibration. In contrast, the high-TiO₂ group ischaracterized by phenocrysts of plagioclase and olivine. Thespatial distribution of these three lava series is systematic.The southern section of the ZVB transect, 280–330 km fromthe Middle America Trench (MAT), is characterized by high-K₂Omelts that are relatively enriched in fluid-mobile elementsand have the highest ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios. Medium-K₂O basaltic andesiteand andesite lavas are present throughout the transect, butthose closest to the MAT are MgO-rich (3·5–9·4wt %) and have phenocryst assemblages indicative of high magmaticwater contents (3·5–6·5 wt % water) andrelatively low temperatures (950–1000°C). In markedcontrast, the northern section of the ZVB transect (380–480km from the MAT) has high-TiO₂, high field strength element(HFSE)-enriched magmas that have comparatively dry (< 1·5wt % magmatic water) and hot (1100–1200°C) phenocrystequilibration conditions. The central section of the ZVB transect(330–380 km from the MAT) is a transition zone and producesmoderately light rare earth element (LREE) and large ion lithophileelement (LILE)-enriched, medium-K₂O lavas with phenocryst assemblagesindicative of intermediate (1·5–3·5 wt %)water contents and temperatures. The high-K₂O series compositionsare the most enriched in LILE and LREE, with a narrow rangeof radiogenic ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr from 0·704245 to 0·704507,¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd values ranging from 0·512857 to 0·512927(_Nd = 4·27–5·63), and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb valuesfrom 38·248 to 38·442, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb values from15·563 to 15·585, and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb values from18·598 to 18·688. The medium-K₂O series compositionsare only moderately enriched in the LILE and LREE, with a broaderrange of ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, but similar ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pbvalues to those of the high-K₂O series. In contrast, the high-TiO₂series compositions have little enrichment in LILE or LREE andinstead are enriched in the HFSE and heavy rare earth elements(HREE). The high-TiO₂ lavas are isotopically distinct in theirlower and narrower range of ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd. The isotopic variationsare believed to reflect the upper mantle magma source regionsas the low content of phenocrysts in most lavas precludes significantupper crustal assimilation or magma mixing, other than thatrepresented by the presence of quartz xenocrysts (< 2 vol.%) with rhyolitic glass inclusions, which are found in manyof these lavas. The systematic spatial variation in compositionof the three lava series is a reflection of the underlying subduction-modifiedmantle and its evolution. KEY WORDS: central Mexico; geochemistry; isotopes; Quaternary volcanism; hydrous lavas     

Submarine Basalts of the Northern Kerguelen Plateau: Interaction Between the Kerguelen Plume and the Southeast Indian Ridge Revealed at ODP Site 1140

During Ocean Drilling Program Leg 183, basaltic cores were retrievedfrom the Northern Kerguelen Plateau (NKP) at Site 1140 on theextreme north of the plateau,     

An Experimental Study of the Sulfur Content in Basaltic Melts Saturated with Immiscible Sulfide or Sulfate Liquids at 1300{degrees}C and 1{middle dot}0 GPa

The sulfur content in basaltic melts coexisting with eithersulfide or sulfate melts was determined experimentally. Theexperimental conditions were in the range of 1300–1355°Cand 1·0–1·6 GPa, conditions appropriatefor the melting of the upper mantle above subduction zones.Under these conditions, both sulfide and sulfate were presentas immiscible liquids, as inferred from the round geometriesof the quenched sulfide and sulfate phases. The measured S contentin basaltic melts saturated with sulfate liquids ([S] = 1·5± 0·2 wt %) was 10 times higher than the S contentin basaltic melts saturated with sulfide liquids ([S] = 0·14± 0·02 wt %). In our experiments, sulfate liquidswere stable at fO₂ as low as FMQ = +1·85 [FMQ = log (fO₂)_sample– log (fO₂)_FMQ, where FMQ is the fayalite–magnetite–quartzoxygen buffer], and evidence from other sources indicates thatsulfates will be stable at lower fO₂ in melts with lower activitiesof silica. Because chalcophile and highly siderophile elements,such as Cu, Ni, Au, and Pd, are partitioned preferentially intosulfide phases, melting of sufficiently oxidized sources, inwhich sulfides are not stable, would favor incorporation ofthese elements into the silicate melt produced. Such melts wouldhave a higher potential to generate ore deposits. This studyshows that the high sulfur contents of such oxidized basaltsalso means that relatively small amounts of such magmas canprovide significant amounts of sulfur to exsolving volatilephases and account for the bulk of the sulfur expelled in somevolcanic eruptions, such the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo. KEY WORDS: basalt; mantle; oxidation state; sulfate; sulfur     

An Experimental Study of Fe-Al Solubility in the System Corundum-Hematite up to 40 kbar and 1300{degrees}C

The mutual solubility in the system corundum–hematite[-(Al, Fe³⁺)₂O₃] was investigated experimentally using bothsynthetic and natural materials. Mixtures of -Al₂O₃ and -Fe₂O₃(weight ratios of 8:2 and 10:1) were used as starting materialsfor synthesis experiments in air at 800–1300°C withrun times of 7–34 days. Experiments at 8–40 kbarand 490–1100°C were performed in a piston-cylinderapparatus (run times of 0·8–7·4 days) usinga natural diasporite consisting of 60–70 vol. % diasporeand 20–30 vol. % Ti-hematite. During the diasporite–corunditetransformation, the FeTiO₃ component (12–18 mol %) ofTi-hematite only slightly increased, implying that oxygen fugacitywas maintained at high values. Run products were studied byelectron microprobe and X-ray diffraction (Rietveld) techniques.An essentially linear volume of mixing exists in the solid solutionwith a slight positive deviation at the hematite side. Up to1000°C, corundum contains <4 mol % Fe₂O₃ and hematite<10 mol % Al₂O₃; at 1200°C these amounts increase to9·3 and 17·0 mol %, respectively. At 1300°Chematite was no longer stable and coexists with the orthorhombic phase . The present results agree with corundum (solvus) compositions obtained inprevious studies but indicate a larger solubility of Al in hematite.The miscibility gap in the solution can be modelled with anasymmetric Margules equation with interaction parameters (2uncertainties): ; ; ; . Application of the corundum–hematite solution as a solvus geothermometer is limited because of thescarcity of suitable rock compositions. KEY WORDS: corundum; hematite; corundum–hematite miscibility gap; experimental study; Margules model; metabauxite     

Weathering Processes in the Min Jiang: Major Elements, {}^{87}{\text{Sr/}}{}^{86}{\text{Sr}},\;\delta {}^{34}{\text{S}}_{{\text{SO}}_{\text{4}} } ,\;{\text{and}}\;\delta {}^{18}{\text{O}}_{{\text{SO}}_{\text{4}} }

We investigated the dissolved major elements, $ {}^{87}{\text{Sr/}}{}^{86}{\text{Sr}},\;\delta {}^{34}{\text{S}}_{{\text{SO}}_{\text{4}} } ,\;{\text{and}}\;\delta {}^{18}{\text{O}}_{{\text{SO}}_{\text{4}} } $ composition of the Min Jiang, a headwater tributary of the Chang Jiang (Yangtze River). A forward calculation method was applied to quantify the relative contribution to the dissolved load from rain, evaporite, carbonate, and silicate reservoirs. Input from carbonate weathering dominated the major element composition (58–93%) and that from silicate weathering ranged from 2 to 18% in unperturbed Min Jiang watersheds. Most samples were supersaturated with respect to calcite, and the CO₂ partial pressures were similar to or up to ～5 times higher than atmospheric levels. The Sr concentrations in our samples were low (1.3–2.5 μM) with isotopic composition ranging from 0.7108 to 0.7127, suggesting some contribution from felsic silicates. The Si/(Na^* + K) ratios ranged from 0.5 to 2.5, which indicate low to moderate silicate weathering intensity. The $ \delta {}^{34}{\text{S}}_{{\text{SO}}_{\text{4}} } \;{\text{and}}\;\delta {}^{18}{\text{O}}_{{\text{SO}}_{\text{4}} } $ for five select samples showed that the source of dissolved sulfate was combustion of locally consumed coal. The silicate weathering rates were 23–181 × 10³ mol/km²/year, and the CO₂ consumption rates were 31–246 × 10³ mol/km²/year, which are moderate on a global basis. Upon testing various climatic and geomorphic factors for correlation with the CO₂ consumption rate, the best correlation coefficients found were with water temperature (r ² = 0.284, p = 0.009), water discharge (r ² = 0.253, p = 0.014), and relief (r ² = 0.230, p = 0.019).     

Cumulate gabbros from the Southwest Indian Ridge, 54°S-7° 16′ E: implications for magmatic processes at a slow spreading ridge

A diverse volcanic and plutonic rock suite was recovered from the center of the 80 km long ridge segment of the Southwest Indian Ridge (54°S, 7°16 E) between the Islas Orcadas and Shaka Fracture Zones. The cumulus nature of the gabbroic rocks in the suite is indicated by phase, modal and cryptic layering, igneous lamination, and low incompatible element abundances. We present a mass-balance model for calculating the proportions and compositions of cumulus phases and crystallized intercumulus liquid from bulk-rock major element compositions. The model is based on the ability to define a compositional array of basaltic liquids and on the assumption that cumulus minerals are initially in equilibrium with trapped liquid. Calculated proportions of trapped liquid range from 3%–15%; values that are characteristic of adcumulates to mesocumulates. Models of postcumulus crystallization indicate significant enrichments of incompatible elements and buffering of compatible elements in residual trapped liquids, thus explaining the high TiO₂ contents observed in magnesian clinopyroxenes. Cumulus phase assemblages and compositions suggest solidification in shallow level magma chambers, but disequilibrium plagioclase compositions suggest some crystallization at greater depth. Furthermore, basalt compositions projected onto the olivine-clinopyroxenequartz pseudoternary suggest magma generation over a range of pressures (from less than 10 to greater than 20 kb) as well as polybaric fractional crystallization. We suggest that the Southwest Indian Ridge is characterized by low magma supply with small batches of melt that either ascend directly to the surface having undergone limited polybaric crystallization or are trapped in shallow crustal magma chambers where they evolve and solidify to form cumulate gabbros. The adcumulus nature of the gabbros investigated here suggests slow cooling rates typical of large intrusions implying relatively large, but ephemeral magma chambers below segments of the Southwest Indian Ridge.     

Ultrahigh-temperature Metamorphism (1150{degrees}C, 12 kbar) and Multistage Evolution of Mg-, Al-rich Granulites from the Central Highland Complex, Sri Lanka

Mg- and Al-rich granulites of the central Highland Complex,Sri Lanka preserve a range of reaction textures indicative ofa multistage P–T history following an ultrahigh-temperaturemetamorphic peak. The granulites contain a near-peak assemblageof sapphirine–garnet–orthopyroxene–sillimanite–quartz–K-feldspar,which was later overprinted by intergrowth, symplectite andcorona textures involving orthopyroxene, sapphirine, cordieriteand spinel. Biotite-rims, kornerupine and orthopyroxene-rimson biotite are considered to be late assemblages. Thermobarometriccalculations yield an estimated P–T of at least 1100°Cand 12 kbar for the near-peak metamorphism. Isopleths of Al₂O₃in orthopyroxene are consistent with a peak temperature above1150°C. The P–T path consists of four segments. Initialisobaric cooling after peak metamorphism (Segment A), whichproduced the garnet–sapphirine–quartz assemblage,was followed by near-isothermal decompression at ultrahigh temperature(Segment B), which produced the multiphase symplectites. Furtherisobaric cooling (Segment C) resulted in the formation of biotiteand kornerupine, and late isothermal decompression (SegmentD) formed orthopyroxene rims on biotite. This evolution canbe correlated with similar P–T paths elsewhere, but thereare not yet sufficient geochronological and structural dataavailable from the Highland Complex to allow the tectonic implicationsto be fully assessed. KEY WORDS: central Highland Complex; granulites; multistage evolution; Sri Lanka; UHT metamorphism     

Partition of Ni between olivine and sulfide: the effect of temperature,f_{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}} } and f_{{\text{S}}_{\text{2}} }

The experimental distribution coefficient for Ni/ Fe exchange between olivine and monosulfide (K_D3) is 35.6±1.1 at 1385° C, \(f_{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}} } = 10^{ - 8.87} ,f_{{\text{S}}_{\text{2}} } = 10^{ - 1.02} \) , and olivine of composition Fo96 to Fo92. These are the physicochemical conditions appropriate to hypothesized sulfur-saturated komatiite magma. The present experiments equilibrated natural olivine grains with sulfide-oxide liquid in the presence of a (Mg, Fe)-alumino-silicate melt. By a variety of different experimental procedures, K _D3 is shown to be essentially constant at about 30 to 35 in the temperature range 900 to 1400° C, for olivine of composition Fo97 to FoO, monosulfide composition with up to 70 mol. % NiS, and a wide range of \(f_{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}} } \) and \(f_{{\text{S}}_{\text{2}} } \) .     

Petrology and Geochemistry of MORB from 25?E to 46?E along the Southwest Indian Ridge: Evidence for Contrasting Styles of Mantle Enrichment

The 1984 PROTEA expedition, leg 5, to the central SouthwestIndian Ridge recovered basaltic lavas from fracture zones andridge segments between 25?E and 48?E. In terms of petrographyand major element variations the samples are unremarkable forocean ridge basalts and range from aphyric to highly plagioclasephyric and from primitive (mg-number = 70) to moderately evolved(mg-number = 40) in composition. Multiply saturated (i.e., olivine,plagioclase, and clinopyroxene) basalts are common within thisregion. There is no systematic difference in compositional characteristicsbetween basalts dredged from fracture zone walls and those dredgedfrom ridge segments, and fractional crystallization has playedan important role in controlling the overall range in lava compositionin both tectonic environments. Incompatible element abundance ratios in the basalts are morenotable and distinguish between geochemically depleted (N-type)MORB with high Zr/Nb (1668) and Y/Nb (4?723) ratios and low(La/Sm)^m, ratios (0-?76–1?00), and geochemically enriched(E-type) MORB with low Zr/Nb (3?4–15?8) and Y/Nb (0?5–8?8)and high (La/Sm). ratios (1?07–3?8). N-type MORB appearsto be absent in the immediate vicinity of Marion Island, butoccurs further along the ridge to the northeast and southwest.Geochemically enriched MORB occurs at scattered localities alongthe ridge but is particularly abundant along the section ofthe ridge closest to the Marion hotspot. In detail, two distinct varieties of E-type MORB can be recognized.The one type has incompatible element and isotopic ratios similarto, although slightly less enriched than, those characteristicof the Marion hotspot (Zr/Nb=5?8–8?6; Y/Nb=0?5–0?8;Ba/Nb=5?1–9?0). The second type can be distinguished byhaving high Ba/Nb ratios (9–22), unlike any lavas directlyassociated with the Marion hotspot, but similar to those characteristicof DUPAL ocean island basalts (OIB). A single sample from thisgroup for which there are isotopic data indicates derivationfrom an isotopically anomalous source region. A model is proposed whereby the sub-oceanic mantle below thisportion of the southwest Indian Ocean has experienced at leasttwo distinct enrichment events. The one is associated with theupwelling of the Marion mantle plume (geochemically characterizedby having low Ba/Nb ratios and normal OIB isotopic ratios).The other is associated with upwelling from a DUPAL source (characterizedby having high Ba/Nb ratio and unusual isotopic ratios) whichhas been proposed to exist beneath this portion of the southwestIndian Ocean (Hart, 1984). On the basis of Ba/Nb and Nb/U ratios,recycled oceanic lithosphere is favoured as a source for theMarion hotspot, while recycled oceanic lithosphere plus ancientpelagic sediment appears to be the most likely source for theDUPAL anomaly and the DUPAL E-type MORB in this region.     

Platinum-group element systematics in Mid-Oceanic Ridge basaltic glasses from the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans

The concentrations of Ir, Ru, Pt and Pd have been determined in 29 Mid-Oceanic Ridge basaltic (MORB) glasses from the Pacific (N = 7), the Atlantic (N = 10) and the Indian (N = 11) oceanic ridges and the Red Sea (N = 1) spreading centers. The effect of sulfide segregation during magmatic differentiation has been discussed with sample suites deriving from parental melts produced by high (16%) and low (6%) degrees of partial melting, respectively. Both sample suites define positive and distinct covariation trends in platinum-group elements (PGE) vs. Ni binary plots. The high-degree melting suite displays, for a given Ni content, systematically higher PGE contents relative to the low-degree melting suite. The mass fraction of sulfide segregated during crystallization (X_sulf), the achievement of equilibrium between sulfide melt and silicate melts (R_eff), and the respective proportions between fractional and batch crystallization processes (S_b) are key parameters for modeling the PGE partitioning behavior during S-saturated MORB differentiation. Regardless of the model chosen, similar sulfide melt/silicate melt partition coefficients for Ir, Ru, Pt and Pd are needed to model the sulfide segregation process, in agreement with experimental data. When corrected for the effect of magmatic differentiation, the PGE data display coherent variations with partial melting degrees. Iridium, Ru and Pt are found to be compatible in nonsulfide minerals whereas the Pd behaves as a purely chalcophile element. The calculated partition coefficients between mantle sulfides and silicate melts (assuming a PGE concentration in the oceanic mantle at ∼0.007 × CI-chondritic abundances) increase from Pd (∼10³) to Ir (∼10⁵). This contrasting behavior of PGE during S-saturated magmatic differentiation and mantle melting processes can be accounted for by assuming that Monosufide Solid Solution (Mss) controls the PGE budget in MORB melting residues whereas MORB differentiation processes involve Cu-Ni-rich sulfide melt segregation.     

Eruptive Stratigraphy of the Tatara-San Pedro Complex, 36{degrees}S, Southern Volcanic Zone, Chilean Andes: Reconstruction Method and Implications for Magma Evolution at Long-lived Arc Volcanic Centers

The Quaternary Tatara–San Pedro volcanic complex (36°S,Chilean Andes) comprises eight or more unconformity-bound volcanicsequences, representing variably preserved erosional remnantsof volcanic centers generated during     

西南印度洋中脊63.9°E斜长石超斑状玄武岩对超慢速扩张洋脊岩浆过程的指示

人们对超慢速扩张洋中脊深部岩浆过程的了解至今仍十分模糊。我们对西南印度洋洋中脊(Southwest Indian Ridge,SWIR) 63. 9°E处采集到的斜长石超斑状玄武岩(Plagioclase Ultra-Phyric Basalt,PUB)进行了岩石学和地球化学研究。样品具有以下几个特征:斜长石斑晶的体积分数高达～25%,而橄榄石斑晶的体积分数约1%;尽管该样品中玻璃的成分与同一洋脊段玄武岩的成分基本一致,但高Fo橄榄石斑晶与玻璃基质的成分不平衡;不同类型的斜长石晶体之间存在成分差异,单个斜长石大斑晶中的An值也呈现出与正常的结晶分异过程不符的环带;斜长石斑晶中发育溶蚀、筛状等不平衡结构。因此,我们认为,斜长石超斑状玄武岩经历了多期次熔体的作用,是由通过密度分选聚集在岩浆房顶部的斜长石斑晶被之后的火山喷发带出海底形成。尽管斜长石超斑状玄武岩与同一洋脊段的非斑状玄武岩之间并不存在母熔体成分上的差别,但超斑状玄武岩的出现进一步反映了超慢速扩张洋壳岩浆活动的多样性。     

中印度洋脊Edmond区热液硫化物的形成——来自铅和硫同位素的约束

位于中印度洋脊23°52’S的Edmond热液区发现于2000年,属于典型的以玄武岩为宿主的活动热液区。首次测得了Edmond热液区9件硫化物的铅同位素和6件样品的硫同位素组成,结果表明:硫化物矿石的206Pb/204Pb为17.879～17.970,207Pb/204Pb为15.433～15.550,208Pb/204Pb为37.743～38.130。Pb-Pb图解表明,Edmond热液区硫化物的铅同位素数据与中印度洋脊玄武岩的铅同位素组成较一致,与印度洋沉积物和锰结壳相比具较低放射性成因铅的特征,说明硫化物中的铅主要来源于地幔(玄武岩),海水的贡献微弱。硫化物的δ34S为5.7‰～7.2‰,明显高于玄武岩的硫同位素组成(δ34S≈0‰),认为Edmond热液区硫化物中的硫除地幔的贡献外,海水中硫酸盐还原作用产生的硫的贡献可能超过30%。中印度洋脊Edmond热液区存在非常活跃的浅循环系统,可能是造成硫化物中硫同位素组成偏重的主要原因。     

Palaeogene Continental to Oceanic Magmatism on the SE Greenland Continental Margin at 63{degrees}N: a Review of the Results of Ocean Drilling Program Legs 152 and 163

Drilling along a 63°N transect off SE Greenland during OceanDrilling Program (ODP) Legs 152 and 163 recovered a successionof volcanic rocks representing all stages in the break-up ofthe volcanic rifted margin. The rocks range from pre-break-upcontinental tholeiitic flood basalt, through syn-break-up picrite,to truly oceanic basalt forming the main part of the seaward-dippingreflector sequence (SDRS). All the lava flows recovered fromthe transect were erupted in a subaerial environment. ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ardating shows that the earliest magmas were erupted at     

Dissolution of Corundum and Andalusite in H2O-Saturated Haplogranitic Melts at 800{degrees}C and 200 MPa: Constraints on Diffusivities and the Generation of Peraluminous Melts

The mechanisms and kinetics of equilibration between peraluminousminerals and granitic melt were investigated experimentallyby the dissolution of corundum and andalusite into H₂O-saturatedmetaluminous haplogranitic melt at 800°C and 200 MPa. Mineraland haplogranitic glass rods were juxtaposed inside platinumcapsules, and then subjected to experimental conditions fortimes ranging from 12 to 2900 h. Upon melting, the mineral –meltinterface retreats with the square root of time. The compositionof the melt at the interface changes with time, but its ASI[aluminum saturation index = molar Al₂O₃/(CaO + Na₂O + K₂O)]remains constant at     

Geochemical and Isotopic Heterogeneities along an Island Arc-Spreading Ridge Intersection: Evidence from the Lewis Hills, Bay of Islands Ophiolite, Newfoundland

This study focuses on the origin of magma heterogeneity andthe genesis of refractory, boninite-type magmas along an arc–ridgeintersection, exposed in the Lewis Hills (Bay of Islands Ophiolite).The Lewis Hills contain the fossil fracture zone contact betweena split island arc and its related marginal oceanic basin. Threetypes of intrusions, which are closely related to this narrowtectonic boundary, have been investigated. Parental melts inequilibrium with the ultramafic cumulates of the PyroxeniteSuite are inferred to have high MgO contents and low Al₂O₃,Na₂O and TiO₂ contents. The trace element signatures of thesePyroxenite Suite parental melts indicate a re-enriched, highlydepleted source with 0·1 x mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB)abundances of the heavy rare earth elements (HREE). Initial_Nd values of the Pyroxenite Suite range from -1·5 to+0·6, which overlap those observed for the island arc.Furthermore, the Pyroxenite Suite parental melts bear strongsimilarities to boninite-type equilibrium melts from islandarc-related pyroxenitic dykes and harzburgites. Basaltic dykessplit into two groups. Group I dykes have 0·6 x MORBabundances of the HREE, and initial _Nd values ranging from +5·4to +7·5. Thus, they have a strong geochemical affinitywith basalts derived from the marginal basin spreading ridge.Group II dykes have comparatively lower trace element abundances(0·3 x MORB abundances of HREE), and slightly lower initial_Nd values (+5·4 to +5·9). The geochemical characteristicsof the Group II dykes are transitional between those of GroupI dykes and the Pyroxenite Suite parental melts. Cumulates fromthe Late Intrusion Suite are similarly transitional, with _Ndvalues ranging from +2·9 to +4·6. We suggest thatthe magma heterogeneity observed in the Lewis Hills is due tothe involvement of two compositionally distinct mantle sources,which are the sub-island lithospheric mantle and the asthenosphericmarginal basin mantle. It is likely that the refractory, boninite-typeparental melts of the Pyroxenite Suite result from remeltingof the sub-arc lithospheric mantle at an arc–ridge intersection.Furthermore, it is suggested that the thermal-dynamic conditionsof the transtensional transform fault have provided the prerequisitefor generating magma heterogeneity, as a result of mixing relationshipsbetween arc-related and marginal basin-related magmas. KEY WORDS: Bay of Islands ophiolite; transform (arc)–ridge intersection; boninites; rare earth elements, Nd isotopes