Abstract
Abstract The Yemen basaltic plateau (Trap Series) was built up by fissure eruptions related to tensional tectonics in the Afro-Arabian plate. Two main phases of activity have been identified and dated between 30 and 26, and 23 and 19 Ma, respectively. The first phase was dominated by eruptions of alkaline to transitional basalts with a few rhyolitic ignimbrites. During the second phase, rhyolites with minor transitional basalts were erupted in the southern and southwestern part of the area. Geochemical and isotopic data indicate that the basalts are the result of combined processes of crystal fractionation and crustal contamination on mantle derived parental liquids. The degree of crustal contamination generally decreases from south to north.
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