Abstract
Continental rifting and associated magmatism can eventually result in the formation of new ocean basins. However, the characteristics of magmatism in the latest stages of rifting are poorly understood. The Erta-Ale volcanic segment (EAVS) in the Danakil Depression of Afar, Ethiopia, provides a unique natural laboratory in which to investigate how magma generation evolves during the shift from continental rifting to oceanic spreading. Here we present new trace element data combined with Sr-Nd-Pb isotope ratios for three volcanoes, Alu, Dalafilla and Borale, in the north of the EAVS. These data shed light on the changes in melt production and storage that occur at this late stage in the rifting cycle. Elevated Ce/Pb and ΔNb (33–48, 0.25–0.47 respectively) of the basalts, alongside Sr-Nd-Pb isotope geochemistry indicate the presence of a HIMU component, supplied by the Afar plume, together with contamination by the crust. Melting conditions, estimated using the trace element ratios, Smn/Ybn, Dyn/Ybn and Cen/Smn, indicate that magmas were primarily derived from spinel lherzolite (85–90%) with minor garnet lherzolite (10–15%) with a melt fraction of ~4%. Melt-mantle equilibrium depths are estimated to be on the order of 64 to 83 km, shallower than that previously inferred within Afar. We suggest that this is likely a result of the increased plate thinning beneath the EAVS compared to other parts of Afar. Basaltic volcanics are found to exhibit heterogeneous Sr-Nd-Pb isotope compositions whilst more evolved rocks (i.e., SiO2 ≥52 wt%) exhibit consistent radiogenic compositions. This indicates that homogenisation of all melt compositions occurs prior to or during melt differentiation, with the latter process occurring rapidly in the upper crust with minimal crustal contamination. Overall whilst the Afar plume appears to be the dominant mantle component in the volcanic rocks, the melt characteristics and magmatic storage conditions beneath the EAVS shows variability that is likely controlled by a dynamic interplay between rifting and mantle processes.
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