Alkalic Basalts Research Articles

SO2 emissions from the Timanfaya eruption (1730–36 CE), Lanzarote, Canary Islands

The 1730–36 CE eruption of Lanzarote (Canary Islands) is the third largest basaltic fissure eruption known to have occurred in the last 1000 years, after the Icelandic events of Laki (1783–84 CE) and Eldgja (939 CE). Approximately 5.2 km3 (1.1 × 1012 kg) of alkalic basalt (sensu lato) lava and pyroclastic rocks were emplaced on land, with a further unknown amount entering the sea, The activity occurred in five eruptive phases from vents situated along a 15-km long, E-W trending fissure. Each phase began with Strombolian fire fountain activity, building large spatter and scoria cones, accompanied and followed by effusive ‘a'ā and pāhoehoe lava flow emplacement. Phases I and II were the most explosive and occurred between 1st September 1730 and June 1731. Samples of scoria and lava surfaces were collected from all phases and the major elements, S, Cl and F contents of matrix glasses and glass inclusions in olivine (the dominant phenocryst phase) were analysed by electron microprobe. Water contents of selected glasses were measured on polished wafers by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. Glass compositions mimic the range of published whole rock compositions, with Phase I being predominantly basanitic and later phases alkali basalt. Whole rock variations in incompatible trace element ratios are mimicked by ratios involving TiO2, K2O and P2O5 in glass. Matrix and glass inclusion analyses in a given sample are similar, indicating that the inclusions formed synchronously with eruption and that most phenocryst crystallization occurred during earlier evolution of the magmas. Matrix glasses in scoria and surface lava samples have 80–300 ppm S and 260–750 ppm H2O, whereas glass inclusions in olivine have 420–2650 ppm S and 0.1 to 0.5 wt% H2O. Glass inclusions with low sulfur contents were trapped during degassing-induced crystallization as the magma approached the surface. The inclusions with the highest sulfur contents, at given P2O5/TiO2 ratio, are inferred to represent un-degassed melt, and their S content and S/K2O ratios correlate very strongly with incompatible element concentrations and P2O5/TiO2 ratios. The original S contents of 131 matrix glasses were calculated from their P2O5/TiO2 ratios and compared to their measured degassed S contents. The mass of S released per unit mass of magma ranged from about 0.25% in Phase I Episode 1to 0.17% in later phases, with propagated uncertainties of about 2 to 5%. About 40 Mt. of SO2 was released overall, with ca. 25 Mt. being released during the first 5 months of the eruption (Phase I). Estimates of average magma discharge rates imply that plumes remained in the troposphere, with the possible exception of those associated with extreme peak discharge rates during Phase I Episode 1 which may have just reached the upper troposphere – lower stratosphere. Lower eruption rates during the later phases would have confined SO2 emissions to the troposphere. Although acid and sulfate peaks dated to 1730 and 1731 have been reported from some Greenland ice cores, the evidence for stratospheric impact, such as cooling at the Earth's surface and increased stratospheric turbidity, is minimal.

Generation of Continental Alkalic Mafic Melts by Tholeiitic Melt–Mush Reactions: a New Perspective from Contrasting Mafic Cumulates and Dikes in Central Tibet

Abstract Alkalic basalts from continental regions have been widely used to fingerprint chemically and lithologically distinct components in the mantle. However, superimposed on mantle source effects are the effects of intra-crustal magma differentiation, which may be underestimated when exclusively considering fractional crystallization (FC) in melt-rich magma chambers. Here we present extensive mineralogical and geochemical data for mafic cumulates and dolerite dikes from central Tibet to demonstrate that tholeiitic magma differentiation occurred in crystal-rich mushes and melt-filled fractures. The mafic cumulates provide a snapshot of the percolation of water-poor (<0.9 wt% H2O), oxide-undersaturated, tholeiitic melts through slightly hotter mushes (50–60% crystals) with a framework of primitive olivine ± plagioclase crystals. The highly corroded olivines indicate that thermo-chemical disequilibrium between the later percolating melts and pre-existing crystal framework triggered melt–mush reactions in an open system. High-temperature (>1060°C) reactions were accompanied by a decreasing melt mass, causing the initial tholeiitic melts to evolve into alkalic mafic melts during slow cooling. This process involved the dissolution and reprecipitation of olivine, plagioclase, and clinopyroxene as well as the late crystallization of high-TiO2 (up to 3.4 wt%) clinopyroxene and kaersutite. In contrast, the same tholeiitic magmas (i.e. dolerite dikes) that intruded the cold country rocks along fractures produced silica-rich residual melts saturated in Fe–Ti oxides and sodic plagioclase by FC during rapid cooling. The residual melt was always in equilibrium with the instantaneous crystal during closed-system FC, so there was no reaction between the interstitial melt and adjacent crystal even after a high degree of crystallization. Alkalic mafic melts that can be formed by melt–mush reactions exhibit strong enrichment of incompatible element contents (e.g. Ti and alkali and rare earth elements) and ratios (e.g. Ce/Y), but little Si enrichment and Mg depletion, compared with the parental tholeiitic magma, which cannot be reproduced by simple FC. We argue that tholeiitic melt–mush reactions at mid- to lower-crustal pressures (≥0.5 GPa) are a new mechanism for the generation of interstitial alkalic mafic melts in continental mush reservoirs. Continental alkalic basalts could be produced by this mechanism if such interstitial melts were concentrated into melt lenses by compaction and then transported rapidly upward to the surface by focused flow.

Lithostratigraphy and lithogeochemistry of Ediacaran alkaline basaltic rocks of the Musgravetown Group, Bonavista Peninsula, northeastern Newfoundland, Canada: an extensional volcanogenic basin in the type-Avalon terrane

Volcanic rocks of the Ediacaran Musgravetown Group on Bonavista Peninsula, Avalon terrane, Newfoundland, include basal ca. 600 Ma calc-alkaline basalt succeeded by continental tholeiite and alkaline rhyolite of the ca. 592 Ma Plate Cove volcanic belt (Bull Arm Formation), indicating a change from subduction-related to extensionrelated tectonic regimes during that interval. Alkalic basalts on northeastern (Dam Pond area) and southwestern (British Harbour area) Bonavista Peninsula occur below and above, respectively, the ca. 580 Ma glacial Trinity facies. Dam Pond basalt occurs in a structural dome intercalated with and flanked by fine-grained, siliciclastic deposits (Big Head Formation) overlain by Trinity facies. The British Harbour basalt occurs above the Trinity facies, in an upward- coarsening sandstone sequence (Rocky Harbour Formation) overlain by red beds of the Crown Hill Formation (uppermost Musgravetown Group). The Rocky Harbour and Big Head formations are likely stratigraphically interfingered proximal and distal deposits, respectively, derived from erosion of the Bull Arm Formation and older Avalonian assemblages.The Big Head basalts have lower SiO2, Zr, FeOT, P2O5, TiO2 and higher Mg#, Cr, V, Co and Ni contents, and are therefore more primitive than the more FeOT-, TiO2-, and P2O5-rich British Harbour basalts. Large-ionlithophile and rare-earth-element concentrations and ratios indicate that both suites originated from low degree partial melts of deep, weakly garnet-bearing, undepleted asthenospheric peridotite sources, with magma conduits likely focused along regional extensional faults. The protracted and episodic extension-related volcanic activity is consistent with a geodynamic setting that evolved from a mature arc into extensional basins with slowly waning magmatism, possibly involving slab rollback and delamination followed by magmatic underplating. The duration and variation of both volcanism and sedimentation indicate that the Musgravetown Group should be elevated to a Supergroup in order to facilitate future correlation of its constituent parts with other Avalonian basins.

Alkalic to tholeiitic magmatism near a mid-ocean ridge: petrogenesis of the KR1 Seamount Trail adjacent to the Australian-Antarctic Ridge

ABSTRACT Coexisting alkalic and tholeiitic basalt lavas has been identified in a seamount chain located near the Australian–Antarctic spreading ridge. The KR1 Seamount Trail (KR1 ST) is a series of volcanic seamounts extending to the southeast in the spreading direction of the Australian–Antarctic Ridge (AAR). We herein report Sr, Nd and Pb isotopic compositions and (U–Th)/He and K–Ar geochronology for dredge samples from the KR1 ST in order to evaluate mantle processes and the role of enriched components for alkalic to tholeiitic magma generation in this region. The KR1 ST is a medium-sized seamount chain that extends for ~60 km, has a maximum height of ~1600 m above the seafloor, and consists of alkaline basalts and tholeiites with formation ages of ~0.4 Ma to ≤1.3 Ma. The isotopic characteristics of the alkaline basalts (206Pb/204Pb = 19.52–19.91; 87Sr/86Sr = 0.7030–0.7033; 143Nd/144Nd = 0.5128–0.5130) from the KR1 ST reflect a dominant ‘PREMA (or FOZO)’ mantle component represented by radiogenic Pb and mildly enriched Sr and Nd isotopic compositions. On the other hand, the weak PREMA (FOZO)-affinity (206Pb/204Pb = 18.89–18.93; 87Sr/86Sr = 0.7028–0.7029; 143Nd/144Nd = ~0.5130; 3He/4He = 7.64 ± 0.13 (R/RA)) coupled with their enriched mid-ocean ridge basalt (E-MORB) characteristics of tholeiites from the KR1 ST largely overlap with the KR1 MORB composition. The potential source materials for the alkaline basalts are considered to be ancient, recycled oceanic crust (i.e. eclogite) as well as sub-KR1 depleted MORB mantle (DMM). Whereas the main source materials for the KR1 ST tholeiites are presumed to be the DMM-dominant lithology with minor recycled material. We interpret the KR1 ST as a submarine hotspot chain that was formed by asthenospheric upwelling and spreading processes that delivered fertile blobs of recycled oceanic crust to the sub-KR1 region. The fundamental reason for sub-KR1 upper mantle enrichment might be attributed to a mantle plume event that possibly occurred prior to the formation of the KR1 ST.

Petrogenesis of shield volcanism from the Juan Fernández Ridge, Southeast Pacific: Melting of a low-temperature pyroxenite-bearing mantle plume

Abstract The Juan Fernandez Ridge (JFR) is an age-progressive volcanic chain (∼800 km long) related to a fixed mantle plume in the Southeast Pacific offshore central Chile. The high 3He/4He ratio (up to 18 times higher than that of the atmosphere) and spatiotemporal 40Ar/39Ar geochronology suggest that the source material of the JFR is derived from the lower mantle and transferred to the surface by a relatively stationary plume. We used new whole-rock geochemical data (major-element, trace-element, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic data) for representative samples from the shield-stage of volcanism in the JFR (from O’Higgins Guyot, Alpha Seamount, Robinson Crusoe Island, and Alejandro Selkirk Island) to develop a petrogenetic model with the goal of understanding the temporal and spatial evolution of magmatism along the JFR. The shield-building lavas of JFR consist primarily of tholeiitic to alkalic basalts. Their compositional differences are explained by the fractional crystallization of olivine and clinopyroxene ± plagioclase, magmatic recharge, melt mixing, and olivine accumulation. Radiogenic Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes show a narrow field within the compositional range of the common FOZO mantle. The 206Pb/204Pb and 207Pb/204Pb ratios of JFR lavas are similar to those of other islands on the Nazca Plate (e.g., San Felix and San Ambrosio). However, the JFR lavas are more radiogenic and show a narrower compositional range compared to the Easter Seamount Chain. The low CaO content at a given MgO content, moderate Ti–Ta–Nb ‘TITAN' anomaly, fractionated heavy rare earth element values, and isotopic composition of JFR lavas are consistent with the presence of pyroxenite (recycled oceanic crust) in the mantle source. To estimate source parameters, we used OBS1 software (Kimura and Kawabata, 2015) to calculate the potential temperature (1316–1412 °C), total degree of melting (3.4–19.2 wt%), and pyroxenite fraction (0.6–18.4 wt%) of the mantle beneath JFR. The temporal changes in the thermal, compositional, and lithologic characteristics of the source material can explain the chemical differences observed between different JFR volcanoes. We propose that shield-stage volcanism in JFR is largely generated by the melting of pyroxenite in a relatively low-temperature mantle plume. As a result, this weak plume containing low mantle He is difficult to image using seismic tomography.

Shipboard Characterization of Tuvalu, Samoa, and Lau Dredge Samples Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)

Chemical analysis using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is well suited for field applications and was applied here for shipboard characterization of a large sample set during the RR1310 rock dredging expedition to the Tuvalu Seamounts. Although recently the most common data treatment for LIBS has consisted of a partial least squares approach to define sample groupings, we show that quantitative data of useful quality can be obtained with a univariate approach. Here, our analysis goal was a quantitative comparison of the total alkali (Na2O + K2O) versus silica (SiO2) contents of 586 representative dredge samples with known ranges in common rock types. Out of those samples, >400 form a single large group of alkalic basalts with minor basanites/tephrites (SiO2: 43-48 wt%, Na2O + K2O: 3-5 wt%), similar to known shield-stage compositions of the Rurutu and Samoa hotspots in the sampling area. In contrast, several dredge hauls contain samples with compositions that do not overlap with the majority of samples. This includes three dredges performed on the northern boundary of the Lau Basin that contain similar SiO2 compositions, but slightly higher total alkali (Na2O+K2O) content. Despite this difference, they classify as basanite/tephrite, similar to a subset of the main group. More importantly, similar compositions were previously reported from the same tectonic boundary, ascribed to hotspot mantle source material mixed into the Lau Basin back-arc. Although the quality of the compositional data suffices to enable sample selection for time-intensive analyses, higher precision is required for more in-depth petrogenetic interpretation. Error analysis based on repeat standard measurements suggests averaging 100 spectra per sample is optimal here, while use of a higher resolution spectrometer, together with better laser control, would improve results and interpretations.

The Miocene Goldfield-Superstition volcanic province, Central Arizona, USA: Geochemically distinct rhyolite sources, 20.5 to 19 Ma

The Miocene Goldfield-Superstition volcanic province (G-SVP) in central Arizona is composed of silicic pyroclastic and lava flows, and, to a small extent, silicic domes, and mafic and intermediate lavas. Volcanism began ~20.5 Ma with small-scale silicic domes, followed by ≤1.5 m.y. of basaltic, andesitic, and dacitic lavas, after which large-scale pyroclastic flows and lavas created the bulk of this large province from ~19 to 18.5 Ma (~8000 km2).Rhyolite compositions dominate the G-SVP and our observations are that the earliest expressions, small-scale domes, had crustal sources geochemically different from those for the main mass of lavas and ash-flow tuffs. In particular, three early domes, while rhyolites, have notably low REE and HFSE abundances for high-SiO2 rocks (e.g., La 8–34 ppm; Zr 32–92; Nb 8–17, Th 6–7), generally lower than the abundances in overlying alkalic basalt lavas. They form two groups: one is higher in SiO2 (~77–79 wt%) than the other (~70–73 wt% SiO2). Both groups are crystal poor, from ~3 to 8 vol%. Modal mineralogy is mainly oligoclase, alkali feldspar, and quartz in the high-SiO2 group, and andesine and biotite in the low-SiO2 group. The high-SiO2 rhyolite domes have REE patterns that are nearly flat (La/Yb(n) 9–16), whereas the low-SiO2 domes have steeper REE patterns (La/Yb(n) 46–56).In comparison, the lavas and tuffs that erupted beginning ~1.5 m.y. later have REE patterns and higher REE and HFSE abundances (e.g., La largely 45–80 ppm; Nb 17–30; Th 9–20) characteristic of rhyolites in other western North American Oligocene-Miocene silicic large provinces. Their modal mineralogy (~2–13 vol% tuffs; ~5 to 26 vol% lavas) is andesine, oligoclase, alkali feldspar, quartz, biotite, edenitic amphibole, +/− pyroxene, titanite, zircon, and REE-rich perrierite.Our interpretation is that the earliest magmatism in the G-SVP – namely the domes – represents small percent (e.g., ≤10%) partial melts of lower crust amphibolite that had low trace element abundances, both with and without garnet (to influence the REE pattern slopes). Melting is attributed to heat from early stages of basaltic magmatism. The younger rhyolite lavas and pyroclastic flows are products of middle to upper granitoid crust anatexis (e.g., 40–60%) resulting from continual basalt magma injections up to 2 m.y. following dome emplacement (i.e., from ~20.5 to 19–18.5 Ma). The G-SVP therefore chronologically and geochemically tracks the change in sources for rhyolites over ~2 m.y. of volcanism to create a central Arizona large igneous province.

The trace element and Sr-Nd-Pb isotope geochemistry of Juan Fernandez lavas reveal variable contributions from a high-3He/4He mantle plume

The Juan Fernandez Islands in the southeastern Pacific are an atypical linear volcanic chain that exhibits a considerable range in 3He/4He ratios (8 to 18 RA, where RA is the 3He/4He ratio of air), but limited ranges of 87Sr/86Sr and 143Nd/144Nd. Here we report new trace element abundance data and Sr-Nd-Pb isotope data for mafic lavas previously analyzed for their 3He/4He and He contents from the two main islands of Robinson Crusoe and Alexander Selkirk. Lavas from these islands have been previously grouped based on geochemical and petrological classification into Group I and III basalts, and Group II basanites. In general, samples have overlapping Sr-Nd-Pb isotope compositions that suggest a common, albeit slightly heterogeneous mantle source. In detail, the Group I and III tholeiitic and alkalic basalts have nearly identical incompatible trace element patterns, whereas the Group II basanites show elevated incompatible trace element abundances. Major and incompatible trace element modeling indicates that Group III basalts (3He/4He=7.8–9.5 RA) from younger Alexander Selkirk Island were produced by the highest degree of partial melting (>10%) of a common mantle source, followed by Group I basalts (13.6–18.0 RA) and Group II basanites (11.2–12.5 RA) from older Robinson Crusoe Island. The 206Pb/204Pb of Group I basalts and Group II basanites are slightly more radiogenic and limited in range (19.163 to 19.292) compared with those of Group III (18.939 to 19.221). The Group I and II lavas from Robinson Crusoe are consistent with an origin from the so-called focus zone (FOZO) mantle component, whereas the Alexander Selkirk basalts additionally contain contributions from a less-enriched or relatively depleted mantle component. Juan Fernandez lavas reveal limited ranges of Sr-Nd-Pb isotopes but variable 3He/4He as their parental magmas originated mainly from the FOZO component with high 3He/4He (>9 RA) and variably polluted with a depleted component with lower 3He/4He (ca. 8 RA). Contributions from high-3He/4He mantle sources to ocean island basalts can therefore vary both spatially and temporally, over meter to kilometer lengths and hundred to million-year time scales, and may not be strongly correlated to radiogenic lithophile isotope systematics.

Sugarloaf Mountain, central Arizona, USA: A small-scale example of Miocene basalt-rhyolite magma mixing to yield andesitic magmas

Sugarloaf Mountain is a 200-m high volcanic landform in central Arizona, USA, within the transition from the southern Basin and Range to the Colorado Plateau. It is composed of Miocene alkalic basalt (47.2–49.1 wt.% SiO2; 6.7–7.7 wt.% MgO) and overlying andesite and dacite lavas (61.4–63.9 wt.% SiO2; 3.5–4.7 wt.% MgO). Sugarloaf Mountain therefore offers an opportunity to evaluate the origin of andesite magmas with respect to coexisting basalt. Important for evaluating Sugarloaf basalt and andesite (plus dacite) is that the andesites contain basaltic minerals olivine (cores Fo76-86) and clinopyroxene (∼Fs9-18Wo35-44) coexisting with Na-plagioclase (An48-28Or1.4–7), quartz, amphibole, and minor orthopyroxene, biotite, and sanidine. Noteworthy is that andesite mineral textures include reaction and spongy zones and embayments in and on Na-plagioclase and quartz phenocrysts, where some reacted Na-plagioclases have higher-An mantles, plus some similarly reacted and embayed olivine, clinopyroxene, and amphibole phenocrysts.Fractional crystallization of Sugarloaf basaltic magmas cannot alone yield the andesites because their ∼61 to 64 wt.% SiO2 is attended by incompatible REE and HFSE abundances lower than in the basalts (e.g., Ce 77–105 in andesites vs 114–166 ppm in basalts; Zr 149–173 vs 183–237; Nb 21–25 vs 34–42). On the other hand, andesite mineral assemblages, textures, and compositions are consistent with basaltic magmas having mixed with rhyolitic magmas, provided the rhyolite(s) had relatively low REE and HFSE abundances. Linear binary mixing calculations yield good first approximation results for producing andesitic compositions from Sugarloaf basalt compositions and a central Arizona low-REE, low-HFSE rhyolite. For example, mixing proportions 52:48 of Sugarloaf basalt and low incompatible-element rhyolite yields a hybrid composition that matches Sugarloaf andesite well − although we do not claim to have exact endmembers, but rather, viable proxies. Additionally, the observed mineral textures are all consistent with hot basalt magma mixing into rhyolite magma. Compositional differences among the phenocrysts of Na-plagioclase, clinopyroxene, and amphibole in the andesites suggest several mixing events, and amphibole thermobarometry calculates depths corresponding to 8–16 km and 850° to 980 °C. The amphibole P-T observed for a rather tight compositional range of andesite compositions is consistent with the gathering of several different basalt-rhyolite hybrids into a homogenizing ‘collection' zone prior to eruptions. We interpret Sugarloaf Mountain to represent basalt-rhyolite mixings on a relatively small scale as part of the large scale Miocene (∼20 to 15 Ma) magmatism of central Arizona. A particular qualification for this example of hybridization, however, is that the rhyolite endmember have relatively low REE and HFSE abundances.

Mineralogy and geochemistry of picro-dolerite dykes from the central Deccan Traps flood basaltic province, India, and their geodynamic significance

Constituent mineral compositions and whole rock major element geochemistry of picro-dolerite dykes from the central part of the Deccan flood basalt province are presented and discussed. The dykes are characterized by an MgO content of about 13 wt%, coupled with 13–16 modal percents of olivine. A high whole rock molar Mg# value of ~ 71 and the presence of magnesian olivine phenocrysts (~ Fo78) are consistent with a primitive (i.e. unevolved) geochemistry. The nature and composition of clinopyroxene (augite and pigeonite), plagioclase feldspar (labradorite) and Fe-Ti oxides (mostly ilmenite and magnetite) are also discussed, with implications drawn with respect to the geodynamics. High MgO magmas and rocks such as picrites are generally considered to be indicative of plume magmatism, formed by high degrees of partial melting in, e.g. the high-temperature region of a plume head. Recent age data is consistent with a model in which the Deccan LIP picritic magmatism is associated with the main phase of Deccan Trap activity at ~ 66 Ma, as a result of a syn- to post rifting phase associated with the impact of the Reunion mantle plume. It is speculated that the differentiation of primary olivine basaltic magma of picritic composition, may have been the mechanism for the generation of alkalic basalts which occurs in the Deccan Trap basaltic sequence.

Differential partial melting process for temporal variations of Shandong basalts revealed by melt inclusions and their host olivines

The link between the geochemical variability of lavas and their source lithologies is very important in understanding the nature of mantle sources and melting processes. The Cenozoic basalts of Shandong province are ideal targets for addressing this issue. Previous studies have revealed two different types of basalts in Shandong province. The first type includes older, slightly alkalic basalts (SAB) with EMI oceanic island basalt (OIB)-like trace element and isotope compositions, whereas the second type includes younger, highly alkalic basalts (HAB) with HIMU OIB-like trace element compositions, but depleted isotope compositions. However, the source lithologies and temporal variations of these basalts are still debated. In this study, we present data from olivine-hosted melt inclusions and whole rock samples for the Cenozoic Yujiagou basalts of Shandong province in the North China Craton. The Yujiagou basalts are alkalic basalts with trace element compositions more like those of EMI OIB, suggesting that the Yujiagou basalts are SAB. In contrast, the olivine-hosted melt inclusions have more variable compositions, straddling the compositional field between the SAB and the HAB. In particular, the melt inclusions exhibit variable Pb isotope compositions ranging from the HAB to the SAB, arguing for the coexistence of HAB and SAB melts in the Yujiagou basalts. Compared with olivines crystallized from partial melts of peridotite, olivines from the Yujiagou basalts show lower Ca concentrations, but higher Ni abundances and Fe/Mn ratios. Combined with the low CaO contents of the bulk rocks and melt inclusions, this evidence suggests that the Yujiagou basalts represent the products of partial melting of pyroxenite. The mantle potential temperature and crystallizing temperatures of primary magmas calculated based on melt inclusions within high Fo olivines (Fo=~90) are >100°C higher than those of the ambient mantle, suggesting a probable thermal anomaly in the mantle. Combined with experimental results, we deduce that the temporal change in Cenozoic basalt compositions in Shandong province is due to differential partial melting processes that could be attributable to a thermal anomaly.

Volcanic evolution of Moloka‘i, Hawai‘i: Implications for the shield to postshield transition in Hawaiian volcanoes

New mapping, geochronology and petrological investigations reveal that the two volcanoes of the island of Moloka‘i, Hawai‘i exhibit striking contrasts in composition and volcanic production in the waning stages of their activity. Postshield lava extrusion on West Moloka‘i produced less than 1km3 of alkalic basalt and hawaiite, most likely in less than 100k.y, beginning ~1.8Ma. West Moloka‘i is unique among Hawaiian volcanoes that reached the postshield stage of evolution in lacking a protracted period of transitional volcanism in the late shield stage. Petrological modeling indicates that volatile-poor (<0.5 wt % H2O) West Moloka‘i postshield magmas evolved in reservoirs in the upper mantle, 20-26km beneath the summit. In contrast, following a protracted transitional period, East Moloka‘i extruded postshield magmas ranging from hawaiite to benmoreite that evolved in magma reservoirs lying within the crust, 11- 17km beneath the summit. Parental magmas to the East Moloka‘i postshield were hydrous and enriched in phosphorous and Sr (2.5 wt % P2O5, 2500 ppm Sr at 6 wt % MgO, 45 wt % SiO2), a magma type known previously only from Kohala volcano. Although the overall volume of East Moloka‘i volcano is less than that of West Moloka‘i, its proportion of postshield extrusives is greater by a factor of 8, and its postshield volumetric production rate (~155km3/m.y.) is greater than that at West Moloka‘i by a factor of 3. The lower volume and deeper magmatic evolution of the West Moloka‘i postshield compared to that of East Moloka‘i is consistent with a thermally controlled relationship between magma supply, as inferred from volcanic production rate, and magma reservoir depth.

Comparison of geochemical characteristics and forming environment of volcanic rocks in Northern Xinjiang and the Songliao Basin, China

The tectonic settings of Northern Xinjiang, Songliao Basin, and its peripheral areas all belong to the Paleoasian orogenic region. Their main structures are all composed of multiple continental segments and peripheral fold belts. Similar tectonic setting and complicated basement structure give rise to the similarities and differences in the forming environment and geochemical characteristics of volcanic rocks in the two regions. The similarities include lack of typical calc-alkalic volcanic rocks, inconsistent covariant relationship between oxide content and SiO2 with that of calc-alkalic volcanic rock in the consuming zone, the distribution pattern of trace elements featuring the enrichment of highly incompatible elements, Nb negative anomaly, La positive anomaly, Ba partially positive anomaly, as well as different enrichment degrees of light rare earth. The differences between the Northern Xinjiang and Songliao Basin are characterized by the developed alkalic basalt, rich highly incompatible elements and light rare earth. Volcanic rocks in Northern Xinjiang shows an increase in both total rare earth and light rare earth enrichment from south to north, whereas the total rare earth and light rare earth enrichment in Songliao Basin are also higher than the adjacent Daxing'anling. Generally, both the Carboniferous-Lower Permian volcanic rock in Northern Xinjiang and Mesozoic volcanic rock in Songliao Basin and its peripheral areas developed in the post-collision intracontinental extensional tectonic environment, indicating that the post-collision extensional basin in Junggar-Xingmeng Paleoasian Ocean orogenic region has promising oil-gas exploration potential for volcanic reservoirs.

C06 日本海溝東海域の太平洋プレート上に噴出したアルカリ玄武岩の起源を探る高温高圧実験(マグマの発生と噴火のダイナミクス,日本火山学会2007年秋季大会)

C06 日本海溝東海域の太平洋プレート上に噴出したアルカリ玄武岩の起源を探る高温高圧実験(マグマの発生と噴火のダイナミクス,日本火山学会2007年秋季大会)

Origin of Miocene andesite and dacite in the Goldfield–Superstition volcanic province, central Arizona: Hybrids of mafic and silicic magma mixing

The Miocene Goldfield–Superstition volcanic province (G-SVP), ∼8000km2 in central Arizona, is composed largely of silicic pyroclastic rocks and lavas, and smaller volumes of alkalic basalt and intermediate-composition lavas. Volcanism began ∼20.5Ma as sparse rhyolitic and mainly basaltic lavas followed by intermediate lavas, lasting until ∼19Ma. At that time, ∼1 m.y. of silicic eruptions began, creating most of the G-SVP. Petrologic studies are available for basalts and some for silicic rocks, but petrologic/geochemical information is sparse for intermediate-composition lavas. These latter, andesites and dacites, are the focus of this study, in which we present the processes and sources responsible for their origins.Goldfield–Superstition andesites and dacites have SiO2 ∼56–70wt.% and Na2O+K2O that qualifies some as trachy-andesite and -dacite. A prominent petrographic feature is plagioclase-phyric texture (∼11–30vol% plagioclase), where oligoclase–andesine phenocrysts have cores surrounded by corroded, or reacted, zones, mantled by higher An% plagioclase. Where corroded zones are absent, margins are etched, curved, or embayed. Groundmass plagioclase is labradorite, also more calcic than the phenocrysts. Other minerals are quartz (subrounded; embayed), clinopyroxene, amphibole, biotite, and rare titanite and zircon.A salient compositional characteristic that provides insight to andesite–dacite origins with respect to other G-SVP rocks is revealed when using SiO2 as an index. Namely, abundances of many incompatible elements, mainly HFSE and REE, decrease over the low to high SiO2 range (i.e., abundances are lower in dacites than in co-eruptive andesites and underlying alkalic basalts). As examples: G-SVP basalts have ∼50–70ppm La, and andesites–dacites have ∼59–22ppm La; for Zr, basalts have ∼225–170ppm, but most andesites–dacites have ∼180–50; for Y, basalts >20ppm, andesites–dacites ∼18–9ppm. To understand these trends of lower HFSE and REE with increasing SiO2, we modeled fractional crystallization of G-SVP alkalic basalt (∼50wt.% SiO2; ∼9wt.% MgO), dehydration melting (10–25%) of granodiorite and high-K amphibolite, and basalt–rhyolite magma mixing.Fractionation and melting each require specific modal percentages of titanite, zircon, and allanite (e.g., ⩽1%), the high ends of ranges for accessory-mineral/liquid partitioning coefficients, continual crystallization of accessory minerals from basalt to dacite (for fractionation), and specific source-melting percentages and low titanite, zircon, and allanite melting proportions (∼0.02; dehydration melting). These requirements are too stringent to be realistic. Moreover, accessory minerals are rare in these lavas, and neither fractionation nor melting accounts for the plagioclase textures observed.On the other hand, low-HFSE, -REE rhyolites (e.g., La 9–31ppm; Zr 31–93; Nb 9–17; Y 4–10) containing Na-plagioclase are in the G-SVP and were temporally and spatially available to have mixed with G-SVP basalts. Mixing proportions of 20:80 to 90:10 for different rhyolite:basalt combinations yield hybrid compositions that overlap the G-SVP andesite–dacite compositional fields. Also, basalt invading rhyolite reservoirs containing mush zones can account for Na-plagioclase concentrations of ∼11–30vol% formed after mush disruption and dispersal, plagioclase corroded-cores and higher-An% mantles and groundmass, and subrounded-embayed quartz. The straightforward explanation for G-SVP intermediate lavas, then, is repeated hybridization of basaltic and low-HFSE, -REE rhyolitic magmas during the early stages of G-SVP magmatism.

Petrology and geochronology of lavas from Ka‘ula Volcano: Implications for rejuvenated volcanism of the Hawaiian mantle plume

Marine surveying and submersible sampling of Ka‘ula Volcano, located 100km off the axis of the Hawaiian chain, revealed widespread areas of young volcanism. New 40Ar/39Ar and geochemical analyses of the olivine-phyric submarine and subaerial volcanic rocks show that Ka‘ula is shrouded with 1.9–0.5Ma alkalic basalts. The ages and chemistry of these rocks overlap with rejuvenated lavas on nearby, northern Hawaiian Island shields (Ni‘ihau, Kaua‘i and South Kaua‘i Swell). Collectively, these rejuvenated lavas cover a vast area (∼7000km2), much more extensive than any other area of rejuvenated volcanism worldwide. Ka‘ula rejuvenated lavas range widely in alkalinity and incompatible element abundances (e.g., up to 10× P2O5 at a given MgO value) and ratios indicating variable degrees of melting of a heterogeneous source. Heavy REE elements in Ka‘ula lavas are pinned at a mantle normalized Yb value of 10±1, reflecting the presence of garnet in the source. Trace element ratios indicate the source also contained phlogopite and an Fe–Ti oxide. The new Ka‘ula ages show that rejuvenated volcanism was nearly coeval from ∼0.3 to 0.6Ma along a 450km segment of the Hawaiian Islands (from West Maui to north of Ka‘ula). The ages and volumes for rejuvenated volcanism are inconsistent with all but one geodynamic melting model proposed to date. This model advocates a significant contribution of pyroxenite to rejuvenated magmas. Analyses of olivine phenocryst compositions suggest a major (33–69%) pyroxenite component in Ka‘ula rejuvenated lavas, which correlates positively with radiogenic Pb isotope ratios for Ka‘ula. This correlation is also observed in lavas from nearby South Kaua‘i lavas, as was reported for Atlantic oceanic islands. The presence of pyroxenite in the source may have extended the duration and volume of Hawaiian rejuvenated volcanism.

Degassing and magma mixing during the eruption of Surtsey Volcano (Iceland, 1963–1967): the signatures of a dynamic and discrete rift propagation event

The eruption of Surtsey (Iceland, 1963–1967) is a rare example of observed volcanism at a propagating rift tip, where Iceland’s Eastern Volcanic Zone is advancing southwesterly toward the Reykjanes Ridge. We use olivine-hosted melt inclusions, embayments, and matrix glasses to investigate major element, trace element, and volatile characteristics of Surtsey’s magmatic system, and to parameterize decompression models that describe degassing of C-H-S-O species during this well-studied eruption. Major elements show that the inclusions represent heterogeneous melts with a range of compositions similar to those of Icelandic lavas. Trace elements discriminate between two groups of inclusions: the majority are compositionally similar to Eastern Volcanic Zone alkalic basalts, and the remainder are notably more depleted in incompatible trace elements and trend toward fields defined by tholeiites on and around Iceland. Strongly correlated Cl and Nb for all inclusions indicates that seawater did not affect Surtsey’s volatile budget, despite having clearly affected its eruption style. Both types of inclusions are volatile rich (≤1.47 wt.% H2O; ≤2534 ppm CO2 as measured or ≤5286 ppm once corrected for vapor bubbles and post-entrapment crystallization). They are more hydrous than primary melts in the onshore Eastern Volcanic Zone and have parental CO2/Nb (≤590) at the upper end of regional estimates. Saturation pressures calculated from corrected CO2 values indicate that melts in both inclusion types initially crystallized at similar depths in the upper mantle (17–21 km), and then partially crystallized during ascent through the lower crust (7–13 km). Historical data show that gases emitted on Surtsey shifted from being relatively reduced in 1964/1965 to more oxidized in 1967, after a protracted period of effusive activity and resurgence of pyroclastic activity from satellite vents. Closed-system degassing models predict the compositions and redox states of the 1964/1965 gases extremely well, but cannot account for the oxidized gases emitted in 1967, which may have been contaminated by ambient air in a system that was opening as the eruption waned. Surtsey’s pyroclastic resurgence can be explained by recharge from ephemeral and compositionally heterogeneous magma bodies, tapped from possibly as deep as the mantle-crust boundary, in a process consistent with the progressively increasing interconnection between magma bodies that is typical at propagating rift tips. The eruption of Surtsey therefore shows that magma system evolution at rift tips can occur in dynamic and discrete events, with influx of new magma having explosive consequences.

Evaluation of Boundary Lines in Some Diagrams for the Discrimination between Subalkalic and Alkalic Basalts

Some boundary lines in the total alkalis-SiO 2 diagram have been evaluated for the discrimination between alkalic and subalkalic basalts. The boundary line of Macdonald and Katsura has been found to be the most effective line for this purpose. A boundary line with constant Suite Index (σ) of 2.2 has been also found effective n a modified Rittmann's diagram. For distinguishing transitional basalts, a new method has been introduced, based on a combination of CIPW norm, two discriminants of Macdonald and Katsura boundary line, the Poldervaart Index, and Rittmann's Suite Index. The method has been found to be more efficient than graphical means, hitherto used.

Exploring the mineralogical heterogeneities of the Louisville Seamount Trail

AbstractDiopside phenocrysts of the Louisville Seamount Trail show an increase in Ti, Al, and Na with decreasing Mg/(Mg + Fe) as is typical for clinopyroxene in alkalic basalts. Chondrite‐normalized REE patterns of calculated liquids from LA‐ICPMS analyses are comparable to whole‐rock and glass values. Exceptions are clinopyroxene crystals from the Rigil Seamount, the second oldest seamount drilled at the northern end of the chain. Some crystals from this site are strongly zoned with distinct compositional boundaries between cores and mantles. The cores have high Mg/(Mg + Fe) and low Al and Ti concentrations compared to the mantles and phenocrysts. Major element, clinopyroxene discrimination diagrams indicate that the clinopyroxene mantles and phenocrysts crystallized from alkalic basalts. In contrast, the Mg‐rich cores have tholeiitic affinities. The REE abundances of the cores are similar to that of clinopyroxene from transitional tholeiites of the Kerguelen Archipelago. Calculated liquid La/Yb values for the cores have ratios that are similar to transitional tholeiites in Hawaii, whereas the mantles have higher La/Yb values similar to Hawaiian alkalic basalts. The major and trace element compositions of clinopyroxene cores from the Rigil seamount suggest that a transitional tholeiitic magma was present, but no evidence for Hawaiian shield‐type tholeiites was found. Plagioclase crystals from the Rigil seamount have 86Sr/86Sr from 0.70306 to 0.70363, within the range of FOZO. The transitional tholeiitic signature of the Mg‐rich clinopyroxene cores probably did not have a distinct source compared to other Louisville magmas, but more likely indicates a higher degree of partial melting (2–5%) of that FOZO source.

The Surtsey Magma Series.

The volcanic island of Surtsey (Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland) is the product of a 3.5-year-long eruption that began in November 1963. Observations of magma-water interaction during pyroclastic episodes made Surtsey the type example of shallow-to-emergent phreatomagmatic eruptions. Here, in part to mark the 50th anniversary of this canonical eruption, we present previously unpublished major-element whole-rock compositions, and new major and trace-element compositions of sideromelane glasses in tephra collected by observers and retrieved from the 1979 drill core. Compositions became progressively more primitive as the eruption progressed, with abrupt changes corresponding to shifts between the eruption’s four edifices. Trace-element ratios indicate that the chemical variation is best explained by mixing of different proportions of depleted ridge-like basalt, with ponded, enriched alkalic basalt similar to that of Iceland’s Eastern Volcanic Zone; however, the systematic offset of Surtsey compositions to lower Nb/Zr than other Vestmannaeyjar lavas indicates that these mixing end members are as-yet poorly contained by compositions in the literature. As the southwestern-most volcano in the Vestmannaeyjar, the geochemistry of the Surtsey Magma Series exemplifies processes occurring within ephemeral magma bodies on the extreme leading edge of a propagating off-axis rift in the vicinity of the Iceland plume.