Petrogenesis of the Greenhills Complex,Southland, New Zealand: magmatic differentiation and cumulate formation at the roots of a Permian island-arc volcano

A Permian (~265 Ma) intrusive complex which formed as a magmatic feeder reservoir to an immature island-arc volcano is fortuitously exposed in southern New Zealand. Known as the Greenhills Complex, this intrusion was emplaced at shallow crustal levels and consists of two layered bodies which were later intruded by a variety of dykes. Cumulates, which include dunite, olivine clinopyroxenite, olivine gabbro, and hornblende gabbro-norite, are related products of parent-magma fractionation. Both primary (magmatic) and secondary platinum-group minerals occur within dunite at one locality. Using the composition of cumulus minerals, mafic dykes and melt inclusions, we have determined that the parent magmas of the complex were hydrous, low-K island-arc tholeiites of ankaramitic affinities. Progressive magmatic differentiation of this parent magma generated fractionated melt of high-alumina basalt composition which is now preserved only as dykes which cut the Complex. Field evidence and cumulus mineral profiles reveal that the magma chambers experienced turbulent magmatic conditions during cumulate-rock formation. Recharge of the chambers by primitive magma is likely to have coincided with eruption of residual melt at the surface. Similar processes are inferred to account for volcanic-rock compositions in other parts of this arc terrane and in modern island-arc systems.     

Multiphase inclusions in plagioclase from anorthosites in the Stillwater Complex,Montana: implications for the origin of the anorthosites

Multiphase inclusions, consisting of clinopyroxene+ilmenite+apatite, occur within cumulus plagioclase grains from anorthosites in the Stillwater Complex, Montana, and in other rocks from the Middle Banded series of the intrusion. The textures and constant modal mineralogy of the inclusions indicate that they were incorporated in the plagioclase as liquid droplets that later crystallized rather than as solid aggregates. Their unusual assemblage, including a distinctive manganiferous ilmenite and the presence of baddeleyite (ZrO₂), indicates formation from an unusual liquid. A process involving silicater liquid immiscibility is proposed, whereby small globules of a liquid enriched in Mg, Fe, Ca, Ti, P, REE, Zr and Mn exsolved from the main liquid that gave rise to the anorthosites, became trapped in the plagioclase, and later crystallized to form the inclusions. The immiscibility could have occurred locally within compositional boundaries around crystallizing plagioclase grains or it could have occurred pervasively throughout the liquid. It is proposed that the two immiscible liquids were analogous, n terms of their melt structures, to immiscible liquid pairs reported in the literature both in experiments and in natural basalts. For the previously reported pairs, immiscibility is between a highly polymerized liquid, typically granitic in composition, and a depolymerized liquid, typically ferrobasaltic in composition. In the case of the anorthosites, the depolymerized liquid is represented by the inclusions, and the other liquid was a highly polymerized aluminosilicate melt with a high normative plagioclase content from which the bulk of the anorthosites crystallized. Crystallization of the anorthosites from this highly polymerized liquid accounts for various distinctive textural and chemical features of the anorthosites compared to other rocks in the Stillwater Complex. A lack of correlation between P contents and chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) ratios of plagioclase separates indicates that the amount of apatite in the inclusions is too low to affect the REE signature of the plagioclase separates. Nevertheless, workers should use caution when attempting REE modelling studies of cumulates having low REE contents, because apatite-bearing inclusions can potentially cause problems.     

Petrogenesis of alkalic and calcalkalic volcanic rocks of Mormon Mountain Volcanic Field,Arizona

The Cenozoic Mormon Mountain Volcanic Field (MMVF) of northern Arizona is situated in the transition zone between the Basin and Range and the Colorado Plateau. It is composed of alkalic to sub-alkalic basalts and calcalkalic andesites, dacites, and rhyodacites. Despite their spatial and temporal association, the basalts and the calcalkalic suite do not seem to be co-genetic. The petrogenesis of primitive MMVF basalts can be explained as the result of different degrees of partial melting of a relatively homogenous, incompatible element-enriched peridotitic source. The variety of evolved basalt types was the result of subsequent fractional crystallization of olivine, spinel, and clinopyroxene from the range of primitive basalts. Crustal contamination seems to have occurred, but affected only the highly incompatible element abundances. The formation of MMVF calcalkalic rocks is most readily explained by small to moderate amounts of partial melting of an amphibolitic lower crust. This source is LREE-enriched but depleted in Rb and relatively unradiogenic Sr (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr 0.7040). Calcalkalic rhyodacites may also be derived from andesitic parents by fractional crystallization. The overall petrogenesis of the MMVF complex is the result of intra-plate volcanism where mantle-derived magmas intrude and pass through thick continental crust.     

A summary of sulfur dioxide emission rate measuremnts from Guatemalan volcanoes

Measurements of the sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emission rate from three Guatemalan volcanoes provide data which are consistent with theoretical and laboratory studies of eruptive and shallow magma chamber processes. In particular, unerupted magma makes a major contribution to the measured SO₂ emission rates at Santiaguito, a continuously erupting dacitic volcanic dome. Varying shallow magma convection rates can explain the variations in SO₂ emission rates at Santiaguito. At Fuego, a basaltic volcano currently in repose, SO₂ emission rate measurements are consistent with a high level magma body that is crystallizing and releasing volatiles. At Pacaya, a continuously erupting basaltic volcano, recent SO₂ emission rate measurements support laboratory simulation studies of strombolian eruptions; these studies indicate that the majority of gas escapes during eruptions and little gas escapes between eruptions.Average SO₂ emission rates over the last 20 years for Santiaguito, Fuego and Pacaya are 80, 160 and 260 Mg/d, respectively. On a global scale, these three volcanoes account for 1% of the annual global volcanic output of SO₂. Santiaguito and Pacaya, together, emit 6% of the total annual SO₂ emitted by continuously erupting volcanoes.Even though SO₂ measurements at these volcanoes have been made infrequently and by different investigators, the collective data help to establish a useful baseline by which to judge future changes. A more complete record of SO₂ emission rates from these volcanoes could lead to a better understanding of their eruption mechanisms and reduce the impact of their future eruptions on Guatemalan society.     

Origin of the Willaumez-Manus Rise,Papua New Guinea

The aseismic Willaumez-Manus Rise on the Bismarck Sea floor separates the Manus Basin from the New Guinea Basin. The rise does not appear to be an extinct spreading axis, or a remnant arc, but may be the result of excess magmatism possibly related to an inferred mantle hot spot beneath St. Andrew Strait. A preferred interpretation is that the rise is the raised edge of the New Guinea Basin, formed in response to a thermal anomaly beneath the extensional Manus Basin which formed later than the New Guinea Basin.     

Chemical characteristics of island-arc basalts: Implications for mantle sources

Major-element, trace-element and isotopic compositions of approximately 1200 basalts (< 53 wt. % SiO₂) from intra-oceanic island arcs have been compiled to assess the nature and possible sources of primitive island-arc basalts (IAB). The chemical characteristics of IAB are examined with reference to those of mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB) and intraplate oceanic basalts (IPB). Major-element compositions of primitive [$\text{Mg}\text{(}\text{Mg +Fe}{}^{\mathrm{2+}}\text{)}\text{> 65}$] IAB and MORB are similar, but differ significantly from IPB. In general, IAB do not have higher Al₂O₃, lower TiO₂ or a lack of Fe enrichment compared to primitive MORB but many do have greater K₂O contents. Differences in major- and minor-element contents between more evolved IAB and MORB result from the dominance of plagioclase + olivine crystal fractionation in MORB magmas vs. clinopyroxene + olivine controlled fractionation in IAB suites. This difference in crystallization history may be related to the higher P_H2O or greater depth of crystallization of IAB magmas compared to those inferred for MORB.IAB are characteristically enriched in large-ion-lithophile (LIL) elements and depleted in high-field-strength ions (e.g., Zr, Nb and Hf) relative to normal MORB (N-type) and IPB. The enrichment of some LIL elements (e.g., Sr, Rb, Ba and Pb) relative to the rare-earth elements in IAB is difficult to explain by simple partial melting alone and suggests a multistage petrogenesis involving an LIL-enriched component. Low abundances of high-field-strength ions in evolved IAB are explicable in terms of fractional crystallization, but the cause for consistently low abundances in primitive IAB remains problematic.Island-arc lavas contain greater concentrations of volatiles and have higher $\text{CO}{}_2\text{H}{}_2\text{O}$ and Cl/F ratios than either MORB or IPB, suggesting involvement of a slab-derived volatile component. However, this is not consistent with ${}^3\text{He}{}^4\text{He}$ data which indicate that only near-trench volcanics have been significantly affected by dehydration of the oceanic crust.Sr-, Nd-, Pb- and O-isotopic data, in conjunction with the trace-element data, clearly indicate that IAB are derived from heterogeneous, LIL-depleted mantle sources most similar to those which give rise to enriched MORB (E-type). The marked shift towards higher ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ in IAB compared to oceanic lavas with similar ${}^{143}\text{Nd}{}^{144}\text{Nd}$ values cannot be explained simply by the addition of radiogenic Sr from the slab. Variable degrees of contamination from a crustally-derived sedimentary component is consistent with the isotopic and trace-element data from a number of arcs. However, the lack of correlation between LIL/REE ratios and more radiogenic isotopic ratios suggests that this enrichment/contamination process is complex. A multi-stage petrogenetic model involving subducted oceanic crust (± sediments), dehydration/volatile transfer, and partial melting of metasomatized mantle beneath island arcs is considered the most reasonable, although least constrained, method to generate a variety of primitive IAB.     

Mineralogy and petrology of Grenada,Lesser Antilles island arc

The mineralogy and petrology of volcanic and plutonic rocks from the island of Grenada are described. The volcanic rocks include basanitoids, alkalic and subalkalic basalts, andesites and dacites. Phenocryst phases in the basanitoids and basalts are olivine (Fo_90–71), zoned calcic augite, spinel ranging from ferrian pleonaste through chromite to titaniferous magnetite, and plagioclase. Some of the basalts contain pargasitic amphibole. Andesites and dacites generally contain hypersthene and augite, and one pigeonite-hypersthene-augite-bearing andesite was found. Apatite commonly occurs as a phenocryst in the andesites and dacites and quartz is present in some dacites as well as being a possible xenocryst in both alkalic and subalkalic basalts. Plutonic cumulates found as ejected fragments in tuffs and ashes are composed of variable proportions of olivine, magnetite, calcic augite, amphibole and plagioclase. One peridotitic (ol-cpx-opx) fragment was found but spinel or garnet peridotitis are absent. Despite the alkalic nature of the association, calcalkalic characteristics such as calcic plagioclase, restricted Feenrichment in coexisting pyroxenes and generally low TiO₂ content relative to oceanic suites are present in Grenada. Estimates of conditions of equilibration of the basanitoids with potential upper mantle materials using the results of high-pressure experiments are compared with estimates from thermodynamic data. Equating and basanitoid with hypothetical garnet peridotite assemblages gives a pressure and temperature of equilibration in the region of 35–38 kbar and 1550–1625 ° K. Experimental results are not supportive of these estimates.     

Evidence for discrete subpopulations of sea perch (Helicolenus ercoides) across four fjords in Fiordland,New Zealand

In coastal populations of invertebrates and fishes, the distribution of discrete subpopulations is influenced by adult and larval dispersal, as well as by the effects of habitat heterogeneity on site fidelity or connectivity. Here, we examine evidence for spatial structure of sea perch, Helicolenus percoides, populations among four fjords in the Fiordland region of southwestern New Zealand. We examine patterns in adult morphology, length-at-age, δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N of muscle tissue, and trace elemental composition of whole otoliths as proxies for population isolation among the four inner fjord regions. A multivariate analysis of morphometrics reveals significant differences among populations from each of the four sites, suggesting existence of four distinct subpopulations. These patterns are consistent with observed differences in δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N, and length-at-age estimates among the four subpopulations. Differences in whole otolith concentrations of Sr, Ba, Mg and Li, and high classification scores based on the whole otolith elemental fingerprint are also consistent with significant subdivision among areas. Patterns across all four markers are consistent with discrete subpopulation structure of adult sea perch among the four study sites. These data indicate that the newly implemented network of marine protected areas in Fiordland is likely to contain discrete populations of sea perch.     

Petrological and experimental evidence for differentiation of water-rich magmas beneath St. Kitts,Lesser Antilles

St. Kitts lies in the northern Lesser Antilles, a subduction-related intraoceanic volcanic arc known for its magmatic diversity and unusually abundant cognate xenoliths. We combine the geochemistry of xenoliths, melt inclusions and lavas with high pressure–temperature experiments to explore magma differentiation processes beneath St. Kitts. Lavas range from basalt to rhyolite, with predominant andesites and basaltic andesites. Xenoliths, dominated by calcic plagioclase and amphibole, typically in reaction relationship with pyroxenes and olivine, can be divided into plutonic and cumulate varieties based on mineral textures and compositions. Cumulate varieties, formed primarily by the accumulation of liquidus phases, comprise ensembles that represent instantaneous solid compositions from one or more magma batches; plutonic varieties have mineralogy and textures consistent with protracted solidification of magmatic mush. Mineral chemistry in lavas and xenoliths is subtly different. For example, plagioclase with unusually high anorthite content (An_≤100) occurs in some plutonic xenoliths, whereas the most calcic plagioclase in cumulate xenoliths and lavas are An₉₇ and An₉₅, respectively. Fluid-saturated, equilibrium crystallisation experiments were performed on a St. Kitts basaltic andesite, with three different fluid compositions (XH₂O = 1.0, 0.66 and 0.33) at 2.4 kbar, 950–1025 °C, and fO₂ = NNO ? 0.6 to NNO + 1.2 log units. Experiments reproduce lava liquid lines of descent and many xenolith assemblages, but fail to match xenolith and lava phenocryst mineral compositions, notably the very An-rich plagioclase. The strong positive correlation between experimentally determined plagioclase-melt Kd_Ca–Na and dissolved H₂O in the melt, together with the occurrence of Al-rich mafic lavas, suggests that parental magmas were water-rich (> 9 wt% H₂O) basaltic andesites that crystallised over a wide pressure range (1.5–6 kbar). Comparison of experimental and natural (lava, xenolith) mafic mineral composition reveals that whereas olivine in lavas is predominantly primocrysts precipitated at low-pressure, pyroxenes and spinel are predominantly xenocrysts formed by disaggregation of plutonic mushes. Overall, St. Kitts xenoliths and lavas testify to mid-crustal differentiation of low-MgO basalt and basaltic andesite magmas within a trans-crustal, magmatic mush system. Lower crustal ultramafic cumulates that relate parental low-MgO basalts to primary, mantle -derived melts are absent on St. Kitts.