Melting of metasomatically enriched lithospheric mantle – Constraints from Pan-African monzonites (Damara Orogen, Namibia)

Abstract

The 560.8 ± 2.4 Ma old Okamutambo Pluton is the easternmost intrusion of the syn-collisional Otjimbingwe Alkaline Complex (OAC; Damara Belt, Namibia) and consists of mafic to intermediate alkaline rocks that belong to the monzodiorite-syenite series. The studied samples are potassic (K2O/Na2O > 1) and have moderately high magnesium (MgO: 5.7–2.6 wt%), nickel (Ni: 66–26 ppm), and chromium (Cr: 223–62 ppm) concentrations. LILE (Ba: 2425–1243 ppm; Sr: 1359–941 ppm) and HFSE (Zr: 447–202 ppm, Nb: 32.8–16.4 ppm, Hf: 4.7–9.4 ppm, Ta: 1.2–2.0 ppm) contents are also high. Strontium and Nd isotope data reveal the existence of two magmatic suites indicating a multi-source origin. Group 1 monzonites-quartz monzonites have moderately evolved Sr and Nd isotopic compositions (initial 87Sr/86Sr: 0.7066 to 0.7073; initial εNd: −3.5 to −5.0) and radiogenic Pb isotope ratios (206Pb/204Pb: 17.65–18.02; 207Pb/204Pb: 15.62–15.67; 208Pb/204Pb: 38.19–38.32). In contrast, group 2 monzodiorites-syenites display more evolved Sr and Nd isotopic compositions (initial 87Sr/86Sr: 0.7088 to 0.7090; initial εNd: −6.7 to −7.1) but similar Pb isotope ratios (206Pb/204Pb: 17.63–17.82; 207Pb/204Pb: 15.64–15.66; 208Pb/204Pb: 38.21–38.37). Differentiation involved AFC processes in group 1 monzonites-quartz monzonites whereas group 2 monzodiorites-syenites were modified by fractional crystallization. Although second-order processes were operative, high total alkali contents, incompatible trace element concentrations in excess of bulk crustal values, and evolved isotopic compositions of the most primitive samples are source-controlled and provide insight into the origin of the parental magmas. With reference to experimental data from the literature, it is inferred that the Okamutambo alkaline rocks represent evolved melts that were generated through melting of enriched lithospheric mantle (phlogopite-lherzolite). The observed negative Nb-Ta and Ti anomalies and positive Pb anomalies in primitive mantle-normalized trace element patterns are in line with a mantle source that contains a recycled crustal component. Isotopic compositions indicate that mantle enrichment is an ancient feature that might be linked to Proterozoic subduction. At 561 Ma, the geodynamic regime in the Damara Orogen was mainly characterized by compression during convergence and continental collision between the Congo and Kalahari cratons which is difficult to reconcile with the generation of the OAC as alkaline magmatism is commonly associated with extensional tectonic regimes. The OAC is, however, associated with a major suture zone that may have been involved in localized transtensional tectonics during oblique flat subduction and thus enabled the generation and ascent of mantle-derived alkaline melts.