Kiglapait Geochemistry III: Potassium and Rubidium

The regular geometry and completeness of the Kiglapait intrusion permit its bulk composition to be obtained by summation, and the composition of successive liquids to be obtained by subtraction. The summations for K and Rb give 1806 and 1.08 ppm, yielding Rfrsol|K/Rb= 1670 for the intrusion, taken as equal to the parent magma. R increases slightly from this initial value to 2000 at the end of crystallization where MgO approaches zero in the rocks. K and Rb are therefore closely coherent and their distribution coefficients can differ only by a small amount in the Kiglapait system.Apparent feldspar/liquid distribution coefficients (D^F/L) can be estimated from detailed plots of feldspar and liquid compositions against F_L. The Kiglapait data imply that these coefficients are linear 1:1 functions of plagioclase composition within experimental error, having values given by D_KF/L = 1.42? X_AnD_RbF/L = 1.13? X_An with minimum values of 0.75 and 0.49, respectively. The ratio $\text{R}{}^{\mathrm{F}}\text{R}{}^{\mathrm{L}}$ lies in the range of 1.53± 0.03 for the plagioclase composition range X_An= 0.34 to 0.67 showing that high-R rocks such as anorthosite crystallized from high-R liquids.The apparent feldspar distribution coefficients are much closer to 1.0 than common literature values. They can be reduced by assuming that the cumulate pile was continuously recharged by the circulating magma until an advanced stage of differentiation was reached, and assuming that alkalies were exchanged to the feldspars from the magma. When such an ‘aquifer recharge’ model is calibrated using olivine-liquid equilibria as a time marker for the liquid, the inferred minimum equilibrium values of the distribution coefficients are $\text{D}{}_{\mathrm{K}}\text{F}\text{L}$= 0.42, $\text{D}{}_{\mathrm{Rb}}\text{F}\text{L}$ = 0.25 at the base of the intrusion. Their variation is given by $\text{D}{}_{\mathrm{K}}\text{F}\text{L}\text{= 1.66?1.88X}{}_{\mathrm{An}}$, $\text{D}{}_{\mathrm{Rb}}\text{F}\text{L}\text{= 1.17?1.41X}{}_{\mathrm{An}}$, The equilibrium values are considered to be appropriate for deducing liquid compositions in plutonic bodies where alkali exchange can be shown or inferred to have been inhibited, such as in small intrusions. The apparent values are considered to be appropriate, even though they may be artificial, for large intrusions similar to the Kiglapait.The bulk K and Rb concentrations in the Kiglapait intrusion are consistent with a plagioclase-rich abyssal tholeiite magma. Clinopyroxene and olivine fractionation in the mantle may contribute to the production of such high-Rmagmas.     

The nature and origin of geochemical variation in Mid-Atlantic Ridge basalts from the Central North Atlantic

Seventy-two basalts from 58 dredge stations located along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge from 29°N to 59°N have been analyzed for ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ and for K, Rb, Cc, Sr and Ba. The Sr-isotope profile along the ridge has three distinct maxima, one coinciding with the Azores platform (0.70345), one at 45°N (0.70340) and the third at 35°N, in the vicinity of the Oceanographer Fracture Zone. Basalts from ridge segments between 29°N and 33°N, and 49°N and 59°N have ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ ratios typical of ‘normal’ mid-ocean ridge basalts (0.70230–0.70280). Profiles of K, Rb, Cs, Sr, Bz, Rb/Sr and Ba/Sr are similar to the ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ profile, but Rb/K, Cs/K and Ba/K show broad maxima between 35°N and 45°N.These variations result from chemical and isotopic heterogeneity in the mantle, and are interpreted as caused by a mantle plume beneath the Azores which mixes with the LIL-element-depleted asthenosphere. Additional plumes may exist beneath 45°N and 35°N.Compared to the LIL-element-depleted asthenosphere, the Azores mantle plume is 10 to 30 times enriched in LIL elements with very small (? 0.1) bulk crystal/melt partition coefficients (Rb, Cs, Ba, La). Mildly incompatible elements (0.1 < D < 1) (Sr, Sm, Yb) are only 0.8–3 times enriched. These, observations suggest that LIL element differences between these two mantle reservoirs resulted from processes involving solid-liquid equilibria and not vapor-solid or vapor-liquid equilibria. Isotope systematics indicate that neither mantle reservoir remained a closed system since the formation of the Earth, but it is not possible to determine the time at which heterogeneity first developed.     

Distribution coefficients of Eu and Sr for plagioclase-liquid and clinopyroxene-liquid equilibria in oceanic ridge basalt: an experimental study

The distribution coefficients of Eu and Sr for plagioclase-liquid and clinopyroxene-liquid pairs as a function of temperature and oxygen fugacity were experimentally investigated using an oceanic ridge basalt enriched with Eu and Sr as the starting material. Experiments were conducted between 1190° and 1140°C over a range of oxygen fugacities between 10^?8 and 10^?14 atm.The molar distribution coefficients are given by the equations: log^PL_Sr = 7320/T ? 4.62logK^CPX_Sr = 18020/T ? 13.10. Similarly, the weight fraction distribution coefficients are given by the equations: logD^PL_Sr = 6570/T ? 4.30logD^CPX_Sr = 18434/T ? 13.62.Although the mole fraction distribution coefficients have a smaller dependence on bulk composition than do the weight fraction distribution coefficients, they are not independent of bulk composition, thereby restricting the application of these experimental results to rocks similar to oceanic ridge basalts in bulk composition.Because the Sr distribution coefficients are independent of oxygen fugacity, they may be used as geothermometers. If the temperature can be determined independently — for example, with the Sr distribution coefficients, the Eu distribution coefficients may be used as oxygen geobarometers. Throughout the range of oxygen fugacities ascribed to terrestrial and lunar basalts, plagioclase concentrates Eu but clinopyroxene rejects Eu.     

Sr and Nd isotopic evidence for petrogenesis of mid-tertiary felsic volcanism in the mineral district of Zacatecas,Zac. (Sierra Madre Occidental), Mexico

Twelve samples of mid-Tertiary felsic volcanic rocks from Zacatecas and San Luis Potosí (both belonging to the Sierra Madre Occidental) and one sample of Lower Tertiary porphyritic andesite from Zacatecas are analyzed for ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$, K, Rb, and Sr. Eight selected samples are also analyzed for ${}^{143}\text{Nd}{}^{144}\text{Nd}$. A linear regression of the present-day ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}\text{and}{}^{87}\text{Rb}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ of the felsic volcanic rocks in Zacatecas gives an approximate date of 30 ± 8 Ma. The initial ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ ratios are high and widely distributed (from 0.705 to 0.712 or higher) whereas the initial ${}^{143}\text{Nd}{}^{144}\text{Nd}$ ratios are somewhat low and show a narrow range (0.5125–0.5127). The available isotopic and trace-element data are best explained in terms of a binary mixing model in which the magmas derived from a slightly depleted-mantle fractionate and mix with varying proportions of the overlying middle/upper continental crust and undergo further shallow-level fractional crystallization before eruption. This model is also compatible with the trace-element and Sr isotopic data published from other areas of the Sierra Madre Occidental for which a purely mantle origin has been proposed.     

Rb-Sr provenance ages from weathered and stream transported quartz grains from the Harney Peak Granite,Black Hills,South Dakota

Weathered quartz grus and stream transported quartz of the Harney Peak Granite, Black Hills, South Dakota, contain low concentrations of Rb (generally 0.3–6.8 ppm) and Sr (0.2–2.0 ppm) and variable Sr isotopic ratios (0.759–1.070).Six of seven single grains of large composite quartz grus which recently entered the weathering environment define an apparent isochron age (about 1800 Myr) and initial ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ ratio (0.7066) that approximate the whole-rock isochron age (1707 Myr) and initial ratio (0.7143) of the Harney Peak Granite. Apparently the Rb-Sr systematics of these grains were not significantly altered during initial weathering. Leached fluid inclusion material from a ca. 2 g aggregate of composite quartz grains contains very little Rb or Sr (0.019 and 0.17 μg, respectively) and has a very low ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ ratio (0.739). The Rb and Sr content of the quartz grains appears to be concentrated in minute, heterogeneously-distributed mineral inclusions.Five aggregates of more completely weathered, small non-composite quartz grains produce a widely scattered pattern on an isochron diagram with all samples plotting below the 1707 Myr isochron. Examination by SEM of these grains shows solution and precipitation features on their relatively large effective surface areas. The differential precipitation of Rb is believed to have been the major perturbating chemical process during weathering.Three aggregates of stream quartz grains define an apparent isochron age of 1777 Myr and an initial ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ ratio of 0.720 that suggest the initial ‘igneous’ Rb-Sr characteristics of the stream quartz were re-attained during their transportation, probably as a result of removal of the outer weathered surface by abrasion. The apparent resistance to chemical weathering of stream quartz and quartz which has just entered the weathering environment suggests that this mineral may be extremely useful in studies of provenance and the geochronology of strongly weathered terranes.     

Strontium and its isotopes in Canadian rivers: Fluxes and global implications

Systematic sampling of the 39 largest Canadian rivers shows that the weighted average ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ ratio in the dissolved load is 0.7111, similar to previous measurements on such large rivers as the Amazon and Mississippi. Consequently, we believe that the above estimate is likely representative of the global average. This imposes a limit of 6.5 × 10¹¹g yr^?1 on the amount of Sr exchanged with basalts in hydrothermal cells on mid-oceanic ridges. Evaluation of geological information suggests that Sr from silicate sources is of considerable importance for all but the largest Canadian rivers. The latter have chemical and isotopic composition consistent with ~4:1 carbonate vs. silicate derivation of Sr, but such interpretation is not unique. In terms of their water discharge, the 39 Canadian rivers studied account for 4.2% of the world total and their weighted average concentrations for other dissolved solutes are: TDS 176 ppm, Ca 18 ppm, Cl 6.8 ppm and Sr 84 ppb.     

Comment on “the statistical analysis and interpretation of imperfectly-fitted Rb-Sr isochrons from polymetamorphic terrains” by M. Cameron et al.

Cameronet al. (1981) proposed a “Free Line Model” for calculating formation ages for rock systems that have undergone local scale homogenization by ⁸⁷Sr migration. This model is valid only if the variation in the ${}^{87}\text{Rb}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ ratio is independent of the variation in Sr-content within the rock system. If Sr increases linearly with increasing ${}^{87}\text{Rb}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ the calculated age will be too high. If Sr decreases linearly with increasing ${}^{87}\text{Rb}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$, the calculated age will be systematically too low. If the rate of change in Sr with increasing ${}^{87}\text{Rb}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ varies systematically through a rock system the “isochron” will be curved and the calculated ages will be younger or older than the real age, depending on the position of samples in relation to the curvature of the “isochron.” This problem with the “Free Line Model” is inherited in both the “Bulk Earth Model 1” and the “Bulk Earth Model 2.”     

The RbSr isotope system as an index of origin and diagenetic evolution of southern Pacific red clays

Morphological, mineralogical, chemical and RbSr isotopic studies have been made on Fesmectites (nontronites) from southern Pacific red clays cored near the Marquisas Islands. These minerals have at the top of the core, an ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ ratio of 0.70917 ± 0.00007, which indicates an authigenic origin in isotopic equilibrium with seawater. Weak leaching experiments with 1N HCl show that the nontronites also contain a volcanic component with a lower ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ ratio which, combined with the morphology of the particles, suggests a transportation by bottom currents of clay formed elsewhere.During burial, the nontronites experience diagenetic modifications resulting in an increase in Fe, K and Rb contents, a concomitant decrease of Mg, Ca, Ti, Na and Sr, and a preferential migration of radiogenic ⁸⁷Sr from the clays into the surrounding pore waters.The ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ ratio of the Sr adsorbed on the outermost surfaces of the nontronites does not change with depth in the core, and is, therefore, independent of diagenetic influence, which is rather characterized by the ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ ratios of the interstitial waters. The isotopic composition of both the adsorbed Sr and that of the pore fluids may yield useful information on the crystallization environment and subsequent history of deep sea red clays.     

Precise age determinations and petrogenetic studies using the KCa method

High precision mass spectrometric determination of calcium isotope ratios allows the ⁴⁰K → ⁴⁰Ca radioactive decay to be used for dating a much broader range of geologic materials than is suggested by previous work. ${}^{40}\text{Ca}{}^{42}\text{Ca}$ is used to monitor enrichments in ⁴⁰Ca and can be measured to ±0.01% (2σ) using an exponential mass discrimination correction (Russell et al., 1978) and large ion currents. The earth's mantle has such a low $\text{K}\text{Ca}$ (～0.01) that it has retained “primordial” ${}^{40}\text{Ca}{}^{42}\text{Ca}\text{= 151.016}$ ± 0.011 (normalized to ${}^{42}\text{Ca}{}^{44}\text{Ca}\text{= 0.31221}$), as determined by measurements on two meteorites, pyroxene from an ultramafic nodule, metabasalt, and carbonatite. ${}^{40}\text{Ca}{}^{42}\text{Ca}$ ratios can be conveniently expressed relative to this value as ?_Ca in units of 10^?4. To test the method for age dating, a mineral isochron has been obtained on a sample of Pikes Peak granite, which has been shown to have concordant KAr, RbSr, and UPb ages. Plagioclase, K-feldspar, biotite, and whole rock yield an age of 1041 ± 32 m.y. (2σ) in agreement with previous age determinations (λ_K = 0.5543 b.y.^?1, $\text{λ}{}_{\mathrm{\beta ?}}\text{λ}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>K</mtext>}}\text{= 0.8952}$, ⁴⁰K = 0.01167%). The initial ${}^{40}\text{Ca}{}^{42}\text{Ca}$ of 151.024 ± 0.016 (?_Ca = +0.5 ± 1.0), indicates that assimilation of high K/Ca crust was insufficient to affect calcium isotopes. Measurements on two-mica granite from eastern Nevada indicate that the magma sources had K/Ca ≈ 1, similar to intermediate-composition crustal rocks. These results show that the KCa system can be used as a precise geochromometer for common felsic igneous and metamorphic rocks, and may prove applicable to sedimentary rocks containing authigenic K minerals. The relatively short half-life of ⁴⁰K, the non-volatile daughter, and the fact that potassium and calcium are stoichiometric constituents of many minerals, make the KCa system complementary to other dating methods, and potentially applicable to a variety of geologic problems.     

Systematic variations of sialic and volcanic detritus in piston cores from the Red Sea

The ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ ratios and Sr concentrations of the non-carbonate fractions of sediment from two cores taken in the median valley of the Red Sea indicate that the detrital fractions are mixtures of two components originating from old sialic and young volcanic rocks of the surrounding land areas. The mixing equations were derived from the data and were used to estimate the Sr concentrations of the two components. The volcanogenic detritus has a Sr content between 770 and 800 ppm while the component derived from old sialic rocks contains from 50 to 70 ppm. The volcanic component consists primarily of unweathered particles of alkali basalt and volcanic glass while the sialic component is represented by clay minerals and X-ray amorphous material. Systematic variations of the concentration of volcanogenic detritus were used to define layers of sediment which correlate over a distance of about 200 km separating the two cores. The concentrations of quartz, feldspar, amphibole, illite, kaolinite and chlorite were found to vary systematically with the content of volcanogenic detritus as calculated from the Sr data. The carbonate concentrations of the sediment range from 33 to 87% and appear to increase in a southerly direction. The rate of carbonate deposition increased at times of more efficient input of sediment derived from old sialic rocks. This relationship is explained by the hypothesis that both were influenced indirectly by brief warming trends during the Würm glaciation. The occurrence of sediment layers enriched in sediment derived from old sialic rocks correlates approximately with interstadials of the Würm glaciation in northern Europe. Increased input of volcanogenic detritus occurred around 37,000 and 26,000yr ago and during the past 5000 yr. A plot of ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ and ${}^{87}\text{Rb}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ ratios defines a line on the Rb-Sr isochron diagram yielding a fictitious date of about 230 million yr.     

Strontium isotopic studies of the volcanic rocks of the Saunda arc,Indonesia, and their petrogenetic implications

Pleistocene and Recent lavas from the Sunda arc range from those showing affinities with the island arc tholeiitic series, through a spectrum of calc-alkaline to high-K alkaline rocks. The tholeiitic rocks have relatively low ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ ratios averaging 0–7043; the calc-alkaline rocks show a wide range (from 0.7038 to 0.7059, averaging 0.7048); the high-K alkaline rocks average 0.7045. A rhyolitic ignimbrite from Sumatra has an ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ ratio of 0.7139.The relationship between ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ and major and trace element geochemistry is variable and complex. Lavas from the same volcano sometimes show significant differences in ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ despite close geochemical relationships. Rocks of the calc-alkaline suite show a regular decrease in ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ from West Java to Bali and there is some evidence for increasing ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ with increasing depth to the Benioff zone. Calc-alkaline and tholeiitic rocks from the Sunda arc have significantly higher ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ ratios than those from other island arcs, except from those arcs where continental crustal involvement has been inferred (e.g. New Zealand).A model of ⁸⁷Sr enrichment due to isotopic equilibration of oceanic crust with sea water and disequilibrium melting in the slab and/or mantle is favoured to explain the Sr isotopic composition of the tholeiitic and normal calc-alkaline lavas. Calc-alkaline lavas with high ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ ratios are best explained by either sialic contamination, or the presence of alkali basalt as a component of the downgoing slab. The Sr isotopic data for the high-K alkaline lavas suggest a mantle origin. The high ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ ratio in the Lake Toba rhyolite implies a crustal origin.     

Rb—Sr and Sm—Nd geochronology of lower Proterozoic granite—greenstone terrains in French Guiana,South America

Nine samples of metavolcanic rock from the lower parts of greenstone belts in central French Guiana (the Paramaca series) and 14 granitic samples from the intrusive gneisses (the Degrad Roche and Arawa gneisses) were selected for Sm—Nd and Rb—Sr analysis.The Sm—Nd results from the metavolcanic series (including two tholeiites, five peridotitic komatiites and two andesites) yield an isochron age of 2.11±0.09 (2 σ) Ga with an initial ${}^{143}\text{Nd}{}^{144}\text{Nd}$ ratio (I_Nd) of 0.51002±9 (2 σ), corresponding to ?_Nd(T) = + 2.1 ± 1.8. This isochron is interpreted as representing the age of initial volcanism of the Paramaca series. Acid intrusives were dated by the Rb—Sr method. A whole rock Rb—Sr isochron, including data points from both the Degrad Roche and Arawa gneisses, yields an age of 2.00±0.07 (2 σ) Ga with initial ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ ratio (I_Sr value) of 0.7019±4 (2 σ). This result is considered to be the time of emplacement of the orthogneiss protoliths.The positive ε_Nd value (+ 2.1 ± 1.8) obtained from the metavolcanic rocks of French Guiana suggests that their mantle sources have evolved in reservoirs slightly depleted in Light Rare Earth Elements (LREE). This result confirms the possible existence of ancient LREE-depleted reservoirs within the lower Proterozoic mantle. Moreover, the high ε_Nd(T) value for these rocks excludes any significant crustal contamination during magma genesis.The French Guianese orthogneisses yield a low I_Sr value (0.7019±4 (2 σ)) which, together with geochemical considerations, suggests that their granitic protoliths could have originated by partial melting of short-lived crustal precursors of basaltic to granodioritic composition.The present geochronological and isotopic study suggests that the Guiana Shield may represent a major continental accretion event during the lower Proterozoic.     

Isotopic composition of strontium in Indian kimberlites

Strontium isotopic studies on twenty three whole rock kimberlites from two petrographic provinces in India show variation of initial ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ ratios from 0.7027 to 0.7102. The variation is unrelated to the degree of alteration. Between the micaceous and basaltic varieties there is some overlap in the Sr isotopic ratios. Leaching experiments on whole rock samples showed more highly radiogenic Sr in leaches compared to the bulk samples.In two diatremes, the initial ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ ratios show a positive correlation with $\text{Rb}\text{Sr}$ which is believed to reflect a source event earlier than the formation of the kimberlites. The observed Sr isotopic data can be caused by (i) melting of a heterogeneous source or (ii) disequilibrium partial melting in the source region. In the former case, variable isotopic composition would be a necessary consequence of melting in small subsystems.     

Diffusion of ions in sea water and in deep-sea sediments

The tracer-diffusion coefficient of ions in water, D_j⁰, and in sea water, $\text{D}{}_{\mathrm{j}}{}^1$, differ by no more than zero to 8 per cent. When sea water diffuses into a dilute solution of water, in order to maintain the electro-neutrality, the average diffusion coefficients of major cations become greater but of major anions smaller than their respective $\text{D}{}_{\mathrm{j}}{}^1$ or D_j⁰ values. The tracer diffusion coefficients of ions in deep-sea sediments, D_j,sed., can be related to $\text{D}{}_{\mathrm{j}}{}^1$ by $\text{D}{}_{\mathrm{j,sed.}}\text{= D}{}_{\mathrm{j}}{}^1\text{·}\text{α}\text{θ}{}^2$, where θ is the tortuosity of the bulk sediment and a a constant close to one.     

87Sr/86Sr composition of seawater during the Phanerozoic

${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ measurements of 108 sedimentary carbonate rocks have been used to trace variations in the strontium isotopic composition of seawater during the Phanerozoic. The lowest ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr observed for any suite of carbonates is taken as the best approximation to the value in well-mixed contemporary seawater. Our data support the existence of low ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ in the Cretaceous and Late Jurassic but they do not support further structure beyond a general trend through the Phanerozoic, which may correlate with the continental denudation rate.     

The variation of the marine 87Sr86Sr ratio during Phanerozonic time: interpretation using a flux model

The ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ ratio in sea water has varied over geologic time due to the addition of strontium to the sea from rocks with a variety of ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ ratios. The measurements by Petermanet al. (Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta34, 105–120, 1970) of the value of the marine ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ ratio have been confirmed by several other workers and by some new measurements on JOIDES samples. They form the basis of a model calculation of the relative proportions of ‘basaltic’ (${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}\text{= 0.704}$) and ‘granitic’ (${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}\text{= 0.718}$) strontium being supplied to the sea. For the last 200 million years, the proportions of these two sources appear to reflect the history of global tectonics; ‘basaltic’ during rifting and increasingly ‘granitic’ during the present episodes of uplift and continental collision     

Sr and Pb isotopes,U and Th chemistry of the alkaline Monteregian and White Mountain igneous provinces,eastern North America

The Monteregian Hills and younger White Mountain alkaline intrusions were emplaced into the Cambro-Ordovician sediments of the St. Lawrence Lowlands and the folded and thrusted Lower Paleozoic sequence of the Appalachian orogen. Age relations indicate that there is a fine-scale structure to the igneous activity, with slightly undersaturated to critically saturated rocks emplaced between 141 and 128 Ma and strongly undersaturated rocks emplaced between 121 and 117 Ma.Sr and Pb isotopic data for the mantle-derived alkali picrite, alkali olivine basalt and basanite magmas, indicate derivation from a depleted mantle similar to that which produces present-day oceanic island basalts. For the most isotopically primitive samples, decay-corrected ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}\text{= 0.7030–0.7037}$, ${}^{206}\text{Pb}{}^{204}\text{Pb}\text{= 19.05–19.72}$, ${}^{207}\text{Pb}{}^{204}\text{Pb}\text{= 15.56–15.65}$, and ${}^{208}\text{Pb}{}^{204}\text{Pb}\text{= 38.64–39.26}$. On Pb-Sr isotope correlation diagrams the data define trends similar to those for MOR basalts, implying mantle heterogeneity which requires the presence of a component enriched in radiogenic Pb relative to Sr. The interaction of these isotopically primitive magmas with the crust can be defined in terms of a three component system: depleted mantle-Grenville age crust-Lower Paleozoic age crust. The granitic magmas were apparently derived from the Lower Paleozoic crust of the Appalachian orogen.For the mantle-derived magmas, Th/U ratios vary from 2.5 (estimated ratio for MORB source) to 5.1, with the mean value near that of the bulk earth. The variations in Th/U suggest mantle heterogeneity on a local scale, and the high Th/U of some samples suggests that the mantle was enriched in incompatible elements shortly before melting. The magmas derived by partial melting of the crust have Th/U of 3.3 to 8.7, and the higher ratios are associated with rocks crystallized from magmas that originated by melting of Lower Paleozoic sediments.The Sr and Pb isotopic data support the conclusion of Bellet al. (1982) that the subcontinental mantle under eastern Canada underwent a Precambrian depletion event. This depleted mantle apparently extends under the White Mountain province and is isotopically similar to the mantle which gives rise to oceanic island basalts. In contrast, Pb isotopic ratios for the New England Seamount chain (TARAS and HART, 1983), which apparently represents the oceanic extension of this magmatic activity, are significantly more radiogenic. It is possible that a mantle plume provided the heat energy, and perhaps metasomatic fluids, to trigger melting in the subcontinental mantle, whereas in the case of the oceanic extension the plume directly contributed to the observed magmatism, as reflected in the more radiogenic Pb ratios.