Fluid-rock interactions at shallow depths in subduction zone: Insights from trace elements and B isotopic composition of metabasites from the Mariana forearc

Abstract

To reveal the spatial variations of slab-derived fluids and to trace the in-situ dehydration in the shallow subduction zone, we investigated the petrography, mineral chemistry, and whole-rock B isotopes of metabasites that were recovered from the Fantangisña and Asùt Tesoru serpentinite mud volcanoes and originated from the shallow subduction channel at the forearc of the Mariana subduction zone. The alteration mineral assemblages in the investigated metabasites suggest zeolite- to prehnite-pumpellyite-facies metamorphism and lawsonite-blueschist facies metamorphism beneath Fantangisña and Asùt Tesoru seamounts, respectively. The fluid mobile elements (e.g., B, As, Sb, Pb) are preserved in the low grade metamorphic phyllosilicate minerals (e.g., glauconite, pumpellyite, celadonite), thus fixing the B concentrations of the subducted oceanic crust during shallow subduction (<18 km). Both B concentrations (16.7 to 43.9 μg/g) and δ 11 B values (−5.0 to +3.2‰) of the investigated metabasites are significantly higher than fresh normal mid-ocean ridge basalts (N-MORB) and ocean island basalts (OIB), and are generally comparable to the uppermost altered oceanic slab. Notably, the recovered metabasites from the Mariana forearc exhibit a decreasing trend in δ 11 B values with increasing distance to the trench from Fantangisña (62 km) through Asùt Tesoru (72 km) to South Chamorro (78 km) Seamounts. This trend together with Rayleigh dehydration modeling indicate that the 11 B-enriched aqueous fluids were released from the subducting slab during prograde metamorphic dehydration. The estimated B isotopic compositions of the slab-derived fluids released at arc magma genesis depths are generally comparable to that of the Mariana arc lavas. However, the fluids released by dehydration of subducted sediments at shallow depths should be characterized by lower δ 11 B values than fluids released from the slab at depths of magma genesis beneath the island arc. Then, the recycling of the hydrated forearc mantle is necessary to explain the high δ 11 B values of the Mariana arc lavas. While, the variable B isotope compositions of Mariana arc lavas should be controlled by the different ratios of sediment/AOC ratios. • The investigated metabasites experienced low-grade metamorphism. • Both B concentrations and δ 11 B values are significantly higher than their protolith. • δ 11 B values exhibit a decreasing trend with increasing distance to the trench axis. • Subducted serpentine is necessary to explain the high δ 11 B values of the arc lavas.