Trace element geochemistry of Archean volcanic rocks

K, Rb, Sr, Ba and rare earth elements of some Archean volcanic rocks from the Vermilion greenstone belt, northeast Minnesota, were determined by the isotopic dilution method. The characteristics of trace element abundances, supported by the field occurrences and major element chemistry, suggest that these volcanic rocks were formed in an ancient island arc system. A felsic rock is suggested to be derived by partial melting of a basaltic source, presumably in an ancient subduction zone.It is well known that the distribution coefficients (liquid/source) for the above trace elements are almost invariably greater than one. Continuous extraction of volcanic liquids from the upper mantle through geologic time would result in depletion of these elements in the upper mantle. However, all trace element abundances in many Archean volcanic rocks are almost identical to their modern equivalents. This gross constancy of trace element concentration in rocks of different geologic age raises some important questions as to the evolution of the upper mantle. It is proposed that the trace elements have been repeatedly and fully recycled in a restrictive and closed system of crust and upper mantle during the last three billion years (recycled mantle), or the trace elements have been replenished from the lower part of the mantle by some undefined process (replenished mantle). It is believed that interplay of both recycling and replenishment have been responsible for crust-mantle evolution in geological history.