Re and Os concentrations in arc basalts: The roles of volatility and source region fO 2 variations

Abstract

Olivine and spinel compositions, major elements (including ferric and ferrous iron), S, Re and Os contents have been measured for a suite of primitive (most >6 wt% MgO) basalts from the Trans Mexican Volcanic Belt (TMVB), including the western Mexican volcanic belt, the Michoacan-Guanajuato Volcanic Field, Sierra Chichinautzin, Pico de Orizaba region, Palma Sola, San Martin Tuxtlas, and the eastern alkaline province (EAP). Sulfur contents at sulfide saturation were calculated to determine whether the measured S contents are representative of sulfide saturated liquids. Most of the samples have S contents much lower than expected for sulfide saturation. A few have higher contents than calculated perhaps due to the presence of sulfate in the measured total sulfur (i.e., more oxidized samples). Comparison of the TMVB samples along with previously analyzed MORB, OIB, BABB and arc samples reveals a continuum of Re and Os contents that is best explained by variation in oxygen fugacity—and thus sulfide stability—in the source region. High Re and Os magmatic suites are best explained by derivation by melting of oxidized mantle, where sulfide is no longer stable and Re and Os behave incompatibly, whereas low Re and Os magmatic suites are derived from melting of relatively reduced mantle where sulfide is stable, and Re and Os behave compatibly. Intermediate examples abound, and arc magmas span a wide range of Re and Os concentrations due to variation of fO 2 in the source during genesis of arc magmas. Low Re magmatic suites are furthermore potentially affected by volatility which can lower Re by a factor of 3–5.