Rare Earth Element Inversions and Percolation Models for Hawaii

A detailed study has been made of the evolution with time ofthe mantle source and degree of melting required to producea typical Hawaiian volcano. The preshield stage involves a changefrom a depleted to a primitive mantle source and an increasein the melt fraction. Important intra- and inter-volcano variationsoccur during the shield stage which may be related to melt transportprocesses. With time, Mauna Loa's lavas show depletion in increasinglycompatible elements, a result which is consistent with percolationprocesses. Postshield magmas are generated by very small degreesof melting of a depleted mantle source and may be importantin the development of posterosional volcanism. Posterosionallavas can be generated by variable degrees of melting of anamphibole-bearing source that has been enriched by postshieldmagma. A simple percolation model is consistent with the isotopic evolutionof Hawaiian volcanoes. All of the observed isotopic variationseen between Hawaiian volcanoes may be produced from only twomantle sources by small variations in the percolation processes. ^* Present address: Department of Earth Sciences, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PR, UK.