Pb-Sr-He isotope and trace element geochemistry of the Cape Verde Archipelago

Abstract

New lead, strontium and helium isotopic data, together with trace element concentrations, have been determined for basalts from the Cape Verde archipelago (Central Atlantic). Isotopic and chemical variations are observed at the scale of the archipelago and lead to the definition of two distinct groupings, in keeping with earlier studies. The Northern Islands (Santo Antão, São Vicente, São Nicolau and Sal) present Pb isotopic compositions below the Northern Hemisphere Reference Line (NHRL) (cf. Hart, 1984), unradiogenic Sr and relatively primitive 4He/ 3He ratios. In contrast, the Southern Islands (Fogo and Santiago) display Pb isotopes above the NHRL, moderately radiogenic Sr and MORB-like helium signatures. We propose that the dichotomy between the Northern and Southern Islands results from the presence of three isotopically distinct components in the source of the Cape Verde basalts: (1) recycled ∼1.6-Ga oceanic crust (high 206Pb/ 204Pb, low 87Sr/ 86Sr and high 4He/ 3He); (2) lower mantle material (high 3He); and (3) subcontinental lithosphere (low 206Pb/ 204Pb, high 87Sr/ 86Sr and moderately radiogenic 4He/ 3He ratios). The signature of the Northern Islands reflects mixing between recycled oceanic crust and lower mantle, to which small proportions of entrained depleted material from the local upper mantle are added. Basalts from the Southern Islands, however, require the addition of an enriched component thought to be subcontinental lithospheric material instead of depleted mantle. The subcontinental lithosphere may stem from delamination and subsequent incorporation into the Cape Verde plume, or may be remnant from delamination just before the opening of the Central Atlantic. Basalts from São Nicolau reflect the interaction with an additional component, which is identified as oceanic crustal material.