Abstract

The lower Cryogenian mafic magmatism from the Igherm, Ifni and Kerdous inliers (Moroccan Western Anti-Atlas) have calc-alkaline, tholeiitic and alkaline affinities. The calc-alkaline dolerite dykes and gabbros bodies emplaced before the conglomeratic formations of the Upper Cryogenian and after the tholeiitic mafic rocks that characterize the pre-Pan-African rifting. They are similar to rocks from orogenic setting and characterized by high LILE, Th, Ce, P, Sm contents and La/Nb ratio and a low HFSE content with negative anomalies in Nb, Zr and Ti. The geodynamic environment of the sedimentary country rocks corresponds to that of a passive margin in a distensive tectonic context. The calc-alkaline affinity of these magmas can be attributed to the influence of a Palaeoproterozoic subduction zone that contributed to the enrichment of the sub-continental mantle. During the extensional event of the Pan-African orogenesis, the mantle would have produced tholeiitic, alkaline and/or transitional magmas before melting (caused by adiabatic decompression) reached the enriched sub-continental mantle. This mantle was previously enriched during the Eburnean subduction, where it would have generated calc-alkaline magmas.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.