The significance of incompatible elements in mid-Atlantic ridge basalts from 45�N with particular reference to Zr/Nb

Abstract

K, Rb, Ba, Sr, Y, Zr and Nb have been determined in samples of MORB (mid-ocean ridge basalt) from the mid-Atlantic ridge at 45 °N by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. This suite is characterised by higher concentrations of K, Rb, Ba and Nb (and lower K/Rb, K/Ba and Zr/Nb) than low-K tholeiites (typical MORB) previously described in the literature. Available data from other sources also shows that the 45 °N suite has higher Cs and U contents, rare earth-patterns enriched in the light REE, and higher 87Sr/86Sr ratios relative to typical MORB. The inter-element and isotopic ratios of typical MORB have been previously interpreted to imply that these samples have been derived from source areas which have undergone earlier differentiation and/or melting episodes. The 45 °N MORB samples are considered to be derived from more primitive or relatively undepleted mantle. It is noteworthy that these samples have inter-element ratios very similar to those obtained for oceanic island basalts associated with the mid-ocean ridges. The significance of the relative enrichment or depletion of Nb in MORB has not been previously noted and the use of the Zr/Nb ratio to illustrate these effects is emphasised. The abundances of Zr and Nb are apparently unaffected by sea-water alteration and thus the Zr/Nb ratio is potentially a more useful measure of depletion than ratios involving K and Rb, which are very sensitive to sea-water alteration. Brief mention is made of the variation of Zr/Nb in other MORB samples to demonstrate the existence of varying degrees of depletion in the respective source areas of these samples.