弧后盆地玄武岩(BABB)数据挖掘:与MORB及IAB的对比

弧后盆地玄武岩(BABB)全球分布有限,与板块俯冲有关,位于岛弧外侧,规模小,寿命短,现代BABB主要分布于西太平洋。通常认为,BABB地球化学成分变化较大,包括正常洋中脊玄武岩(N-MORB)、富集洋中脊玄武岩(E-MORB)、岛弧玄武岩(IAB)及少量洋岛玄武岩(OIB)组分。在玄武岩构造判别图中,BABB大多在洋中脊玄武岩(MORB)范围内,说明BABB类似MORB。新的全球MORB数据研究表明,MORB包含了从MORB到OIB及IAB的组分,而BABB相对于MORB更富集Cs,Rb,U,Ba,Th和Pb等不相容元素,有明显的Nb-Ta负异常,表明BABB兼具MORB和IAB的地球化学特征,是俯冲流体及沉积物参与其岩浆作用过程所致,大多是在湿的条件下部分熔融形成的。弧后盆地可分为初始弧后盆地和成熟弧后盆地,前者玄武岩具有明显的岛弧玄武岩的地球化学特征,而后者玄武岩更接近MORB的特征。     

Evidence for fractionation of Quaternary basalts on St. Paul Island, Alaska, with implications for the development of shallow magma chambers beneath Bering Sea volcanoes

St. Paul Island is the youngest volcanic center in the Bearing Sea basalt province. We have undertaken a field, petrographic, and geochemical study of select St. Paul volcanic rocks in order to better understand their differentiation; specifically, to test the hypothesis that magmas erupted from individual Bering Sea basaltic volcanoes are not related by shallow-level processes such as crystal fractionation. Petrographically, all of the St. Paul volcanic rocks are olivine-, plagioclase-, and clinopyroxene-phyric. Textural features and modal contents of olivine phenocrysts, however, vary widely throughout the spectrum of basalt compositions. Although differing in size and abundance, olivine phenocrysts in all rock compositions are euhedral and commonly skeletal, suggesting rapid growth during ascent or eruptive quenching. None, however, display reaction textures with surrounding groundmass liquid. Compositionally, the St. Paul volcanic rocks are basalts and tephritic basalts and all have high contents of normative nepheline (8% to 16%). Concentrations of many major and incompatible trace elements display no clear correlations with bulk-rock SiO₂ and MgO contents or modal abundances of phenocrysts, suggesting that much of the compositional diversity of these magmas reflects variable mantle sources and degrees of partial melting. Similarly, chondrite-normalized REE patterns show variable degrees of light REE enrichment (La_n=70–90) that do not correlate with bulk-rock mg-numbers. In contrast, concentrations of compatible trace elements (Ni, Cr, and Co) are positively correlated with MgO contents and modal percentages of olivine phenocrysts. Maximum forsterite contents of olivine phenocryst cores in most St. Paul rocks decrease with decreasing bulk-rock mg-number and are similar to the calculated equilibrium range. This is evidence that the high mg-numbers are magmatic and do not result from olivine accumulation. Instead, major and compatible trace element mass balance calculations support derivation of the low mg-number lavas from the high mg-number lavas mainly by olivine fractionation, which, in turn, implies that St. Paul magmas may have temporarily resided in crustal magma chambers prior to eruption.     

鲁东晚白垩世玄武岩及其中幔源包体的岩石学和地球化学研究

山东胶莱盆地大西庄的王氏群玄武岩属于高钛碱性岩系列,全岩40Ar-39Ar年龄为73.2±0.3Ma,形成于晚白垩世岩石富N2O,Mg#值为63-66,(Ne-Hy-Q)值为6.03-10.05,轻稀土富集,(La/Yb)N比值为11.18-12.56,重稀土有一是程度的分异,富集大离子亲石元素,Tb显著正异常,Zr轻微正异常,具有与大陆板内碱性玄武岩类似的特征。εNd(T)值为7.08-7.55,87Sr/86Sr(T)比值为0.7035-0.7038,反映了玄武岩浆来源于亏损的地幔源区,在上升过程中几乎没有受到地壳物质的混染,原始玄武岩浆由软流圈和新生岩石圈地幔分别部分熔融产生的熔体相混合而形成,起源深度为50-70km。玄武岩含有幔源包体,岩石类型为尖晶石二辉橄榄岩。包体的温压估算结果为T=1010-1140℃,P=20kb。包体的矿物相与平衡温压估算值以及玄武岩浆起源深度估计值表明,胶州地区晚白垩世时岩石圈厚度大约为60-70km,岩石圈地幔具有新生的性质。因此,中国东部岩石圈减薄发生在125-73Ma之间。此后,中国东部进入了统一的以拉张为主的动力学背景之下。     

Duration and extent of lunar volcanism: Comparison of 3D convection models to mare basalt ages

It is widely accepted that lunar volcanism started before the emplacement of the mare fills ( b.p.) and lasted for probably more than 3.0 Ga. While the early volcanic activity is relatively easy to understand from a thermal point of view, the late stages of volcanism are harder to explain, because a relatively small body like the Earth's Moon is expected to cool rapidly and any molten layer in the interior should solidify rather quickly. We present several thermal evolution models, in which we varied the boundary conditions at the model surface in order to evaluate the influence on the extent and lifetime of a molten layer in the lunar interior. To investigate the influence of a top insulating layer we used a fully three-dimensional spherical shell convection code for the modelling of the lunar thermal history. In all our models, a partial melt zone formed nearly immediately after the simulation started (early in lunar history), consistent with the identification of lunar cryptomare and early mare basalt volcanism on the Moon. Due to the characteristic thickening of the Moon's lithosphere the melt zone solidified from above. This suggests that the source regions of volcanic rock material proceeded to increasing depth with time. The rapid growth of a massive lithosphere kept the Moon's interior warm and prevented the melt zone from fast freezing. The lifetimes of the melt zones derived from our models are consistent with basalt ages obtained from crater chronology. We conclude that an insulating megaregolith layer is sufficient to prevent the interior from fast cooling, allowing for the thermal regime necessary for the production and eruption of young lava flows in Oceanus Procellarum.     

月球上的"水"

在地球科学的各个领域中,在行星演化学和太空探索中,水都是不可缺少的元素。长久以来,我们一直认为月球是干燥的。然而最新的研究成果推翻了这个观点。近期的遥感探测和撞月实验表明,月球表面不仅含有结构水(OH和H₂O), 而且还有固态冰的存在。对月球火山玻璃和玄武岩的磷灰石重新分析也发现了这些玻璃中的OH,揭示了月球内部有水的存在。这个发现,意味着我们可能需要重新审视现有的月球火山活动和演化的模式。月表水和内部水的存在,还为未来以月球为跳板进行太空探索,提供了重要的资源。这里,我们对月表水和内部水的研究作一总结,并就这些发现的意义展开讨论。     

Clinopyroxene compositions in the Deccan and Rajmahal Traps and their bearing on magma types and evolution

Electron probe analyses of clinopyroxenes from several areas of the Deccan and Rajmahal Traps consisting mostly of subalkalic and alkalic basalts, picritic basalts and a few dolerite dykes have been obtained. Evaluation of the data indicate the absence of pigeonite from subalkalic basalts that occur in close spatial association with mild or strongly alkalic basalts in areas such as Rajpipla, Navagam and central Kachchh. Co-existence of augite and pigeonite, however, has been noticed in subalkalic basalts/dykes and picritic basalts from a number of Deccan localities such as Sagar, Igatpuri, Kalsubai, Triambak, Pavagarh and Girnar besides the one sample from Rajmahal. Diopside, salite, and wollastonite-rich compositions dominate the basanites and foidites of Kachchh whereas chrome-diopside and salite are the main types in the picrite basalt samples from Anila, Botad and Paliyad in Saurashtra akin to those found in contiguous areas in the east from borehole flows at Dhandhuka and Wadhwan studied in detail previously. Compositional variations in zoned clinopyroxenes indicate differentiation of the parental magma and also mixing of different magma types (subalkalic and alkalic) from areas such as Igatpuri, Rajpipla and Kachchh. Based on host-rock chemistry, total alkalis-silica plot, CIPW norms, estimated temperatures of eruption and augite – pigeonite thermometry, it has been inferred that clinopyroxene compositions, especially the incidence of pigeonite, appear to be very sensitive to bulk chemistry of host rocks, especially their Na₂O, K₂O, SiO₂, total iron and TiO₂ contents. Non-quadrilateral cationic components in the clinopyroxenes, such as Al in tetrahedral and octahedral positions together with Si, Na, Ti and Cr abundances have been found to be useful to discriminate clinopyroxenes from alkalic and subalkalic basalt types besides inferences on the ferric iron component in them. Evaluation of host-rock compositions in the ternary olivine–clinopyroxene-quartz plot indicate polybaric conditions of crystallization and evolution especially in samples that are picritic (e.g. Pavagarh, Anila and Kachchh) and which could also breach the olivine–clinopyroxene-plagioclase thermal divide that exists in part between alkalic and subalkalic basalts under atmospheric conditions.     

A thermodynamic model of high temperature lava vaporization on Io

We modified the MAGMA chemical equilibrium code developed by Fegley and Cameron (1987, Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 82, 207-222) and used it to model vaporization of high temperature silicate lavas on Io. The MAGMA code computes chemical equilibria in a melt, between melt and its equilibrium vapor, and in the gas phase. The good agreement of MAGMA code results with experimental data and with other computer codes is demonstrated. The temperature-dependent pressure and composition of vapor in equilibrium with lava is calculated from 1700 to 2400 K for 109 different silicate lavas in the ONaKFeSiMgCaAlTi system. Results for five lavas (tholeiitic basalt, alkali basalt, Barberton komatiite, dunite, and a molten type B1 Ca, Al-rich inclusion) are discussed in detail. The effects of continuous fractional vaporization on chemistry of these lavas and their equilibrium vapor are presented. The predicted abundances (relative to Na) of K, Fe, Si, Al, Ca, and Ti in the vapor equilibrated with lavas at 1900 K are lower than published upper limits for Io's atmosphere (which do not include Mg). We predict evaporative loss of alkalis, Fe, and Si during volcanic eruptions. Sodium is more volatile than K, and the Na/K ratio in the gas is decreased by fractional vaporization. This process can match Io's atmospheric Na/K ratio of 10±3 reported by Brown (2001, Icarus 151, 190-195). Silicon monoxide is an abundant species in the vapor above lavas. Spectroscopic searches are recommended for SiO at IR and mm wavelengths. Reactions of metallic vapors with S- and Cl-bearing volcanic gases may form other unusual gases including MgCl₂, MgS, MgCl, FeCl₂, FeS, FeCl, and SiS.     

Metamorphic consequences of secular changes in oceanic crust composition and implications for uniformitarianism in the geological record

Cooling of the Earth's mantle since the Meso-Archean is predicted by thermal and petrological models to have induced a secular change in the composition of primary mantle-derived magmas-and thus bulk oceanic crust; in particular, suggesting a decrease in maficity over time. This hypothesis underpins several recent studies that have addressed key geological questions concerning evolving plate tectonic styles, the rates and timing of continental crust formation, comparative planetology, and the emergence of complex life on Earth. Major, minor, and trace element geochemical analyses of(meta)mafic rocks preserved in the geological record allows exploration of this theory, although no consensus currently exists about the magnitude of this change and what compositions-if anything-constitute representative examples of Paleo-, Meso-, or Neo-Archean primitive oceanic crust. In this work, we review the current state of understanding of this issue, and use phase equilibria to examine the different mineral assemblages and rock types that would form during metamorphism of basalt of varying maficity in subduction zone environments. The presence(or absence) of such metamorphic products in the geological record is often used as evidence for(or against) the operation of modern-day subductiondriven plate tectonics on Earth at particular time periods; however, the control that secular changes in composition have on the stability of mineral assemblages diagnostic of subduction-zone metamorphism weakens such uniformitarianistic approaches. Geodynamic interpretations of the Archean metamorphic rock record must therefore employ a different set of petrological criteria for determining tectonothermal histories than those applied to Proterozoic or Phanerozoic equivalents.     

Extreme source heterogeneity and complex contamination patterns along the Cameroon Volcanic Line: New geochemical data from the Bamoun plateau

We investigated mafic and felsic volcanic rocks from the Bamoun plateau, a magmatic province located north of Mount Cameroon, in the continental part of the Cameroon Volcanic Line (CVL). Basalts and dacites were probably emplaced more than 40 Ma ago, while basanites represent very young volcanic eruptions. Among the basalts, some of them have suffered crustal contamination during their uprise through the continental crust, and their primary trace element and isotopic compositions have been slightly modified. The formation of the dacites was also accompanied by some crustal contamination. Non-contaminated rocks show that the oldest magmas are transitional basalts formed by relatively high degrees of partial melting of a moderately enriched mantle source, probably containing pyroxenites. Recent basanites were produced by very low partial melting degrees of an enriched mantle source with HIMU composition, but different from the source of the nearby Mount Cameroon lavas. The mantle beneath the CVL is thus very heterogeneous, and the tendency towards more alkaline mafic-ultramafic compositions in the youngest volcanic manifestations along the CVL seems to be a general feature of all CVL.     

The initiation of brittle faults in crystalline rock

Faults in the upper crust initiate from pre-existing (inherited) or precursory (early-formed) structures and typically grow by the mechanical interaction and linkage of these structures. In crystalline rock, rock architecture, composition, cooling, and exhumation influence the initiation of faults, with contrasting styles observed in plutonic rocks, extrusive igneous rocks, and foliated metamorphic rocks. Brittle fault growth in granitic rock is commonly controlled by the architecture of inherited joints or preexisting dikes. In basalt, abundant joints control the surface expression of faulting, and enhanced compliance due to abundant joints leads to folding and deformation asymmetry in the fault zone. Highly reactive mafic minerals likely become rapidly evolving fault rocks. In foliated metamorphic rocks, fault initiation style is strongly influenced by strength anisotropy relative to the principal stress directions, with fracturing favored when the foliation is aligned with the directions of principal stress. The continuity of micas within the foliation also influences the micromechanics of fault initiation. Brittle kink bands are an example of a strain-hardening precursory structure unique to foliated rock. Each of these fault initiation processes produces different initial fault geometry and spatial heterogeneity that influence such properties as fault permeability and seismogenesis.