Sm–Nd and Rb–Sr isotope geochemistry and petrology of Abu Hamamid intrusion, Eastern Desert, Egypt: An Alaskan-type complex in a backarc setting

Abstract

Alaskan-type complexes are uplifted fragments of the deep levels of island arcs. These complexes usually reveal chemical diversity that cannot be assigned to a unique setting within arcs. Here we report the petrology, Rb–Sr and Sm–Nd isotopic data of the Abu Hamamid intrusion from the Eastern Desert of Egypt as an example of Neoproterozoic backarc Alaskan-type complex. The intrusion comprises clinopyroxene dunite, olivine clinopyroxenite, amphibole clinopyroxenite and gabbro. All rock units represent cumulates crystallized from a high-MgO hydrous magma with geochemical characteristics intermediate between mid-ocean ridge basalt and island arc magmas. Slab signatures of the parental magma comprise elevated H2O, 87Sr/86Sr and large ion lithophile element contents and relative depletion in Nb. High positive initial ɛNd (+6.2 to +11.0) is consistent with the Abu Hamamid magma being extracted from a highly depleted mantle source. The parental magma was generated by 10% partial melting of a mantle source modified by 10% MORB (ecolgite) derived fluid. The Abu Hamamid Alaskan-type complex and the surrounding related volcanic rocks were formed in a Neoproterozoic backarc setting. The magmas forming the lower crust of the Arabian-Nubian shield were liberated from a depleted mantle before 900Ma.