Back-arc Spreading Center Research Articles

Oceanic geodiversity along back-arc spreading centers reveals analogies with mid-ocean ridges

Oceanic geodiversity provides essential information on the dynamics of the Earth. Here, we focus on the geodiversity of three oceanic back-arc spreading centers: the Mariana Spreading Center, the Central-Southern Lau Basin spreading centers, and the East Scotia Ridge. We defined a method to identify their axial zones, obtaining spreading center depths along the basins. Results improve global plate boundary models and morphology variations, revealing that the average depths along the Mariana, East Scotia, and Lau Basin spreading ridges are 4.5, 3.5, and 2 km, respectively. We also measured new spreading rates based on five magnetic profiles crossing the three back-arc spreading centers, contributing to plate kinematic models. Furthermore, we computed subduction rates, including hinge velocities along the Mariana, South Sandwich, and Tonga Subductions, to understand the existing interactions between the subducting slab hinge motion and the kinematics of their related back-arc spreading centers. Our bathymetric, magnetic, and kinematic data show several differences among the Mariana, the East Scotia, and the Lau spreading centers, stressing the oceanic geodiversity in a similar geodynamic context. Our results also suggest a strong correlation between axial depth and full spreading rates along the back-arc spreading centers, a geological correspondence that allows a similar description of these divergent plate boundaries within the mid-ocean ridge classification. Finally, we show how hinge kinematics affects the relationship between convergence along subduction zones and back-arc spreading rates. All our findings contribute to understand how the oceanic geodiversity is directly related to geodynamic processes, increasing the knowledge of global tectonics.

Coexistence of Algoma- and Superior-type BIFs in back-arc systems: Evidence from Xincai, North China Craton

Superior-type and Algoma-type banded iron formations (BIFs) generally developed in distinct tectonic environments and have unique geological characteristics. Superior-type BIFs were deposited on passive continental shelves or intracratonic basins and are laterally extensive, whereas Algoma-type BIFs were formed near volcanic arcs and spreading centers. Here, we present a case where late Archean (∼2.5 Ga) Superior- and Algoma-type BIFs co-developed in a back-arc setting at Xincai, along the southern margin of the North China Craton. The Algoma-type BIFs at Xincai exhibit high Ge/Si ratios (4.84 to 8.84) and a broad range of εNd(t) values (−7.2 to +1.2). These geochemical signatures, along with similar εNd(t) values (+1.2) in contemporaneous amphibolites, indicate a significant influence of hydrothermal fluids associated with submarine volcanism. In contrast, the Superior-type BIFs at Xincai are characterized by positive La anomalies, low Ge/Si ratios (0.21 to 4.60) and narrow range of εNd(t) values (−6.1 to −1.0) suggesting a major contribution from terrigenous sources. The coexistence of Algoma- and Superior-type BIF types at Xincai is related to the interplay of multiple fluid systems in a back-arc environment. The Algoma-type BIFs formed from the confluence of hydrothermal fluids originating from enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle (high Ge/Si and low εNd(t)) with those emanating from the adjacent back-arc spreading centers (depleted mantle like—high Ge/Si and εNd(t)). On the other hand, the Superior-type BIFs formed near the continental margins of the back-arc basins, where surface seawater carrying terrigenous substances (low Ge/Si and εNd(t)) mixed with hydrothermal fluids from the back-arc spreading centers. The distinct co-existence of Algoma- and Superior-type BIFs at Xincai underscores the dynamic nature of back-arc environments as crucibles for diverse BIF mineralization processes, offering new perspectives on the contributions of submarine volcanic activity and terrigenous inputs to the BIFs.

Tellurium Transport and Enrichment in Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide Deposits: Numerical Simulations of Vent Fluids and Comparison to Modern Sea-Floor Sulfides

Abstract Volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits may represent a significant future source of Te, which is a critical element important for the green energy transition. Tellurium is enriched in these settings by up to 10,000 times over its crustal abundance, indicating that fluids in sea-floor hydrothermal systems may transport and precipitate Te. The major element composition of these hydrothermal fluids is controlled by fluid-rock interaction and is well documented based on experimental, modeling, and natural studies; however, controls on Te mobility are still unknown. To better understand Te enrichment in this deposit type, numerical simulations of the mafic-hosted Vienna Woods and the felsic-hosted Fenway sea-floor vents in the Manus basin were performed to predict Te mobility in modern sea-floor hydrothermal vent fluids and Te deposition during sulfide formation. These simulations demonstrate that the mobility of Te in sea-floor hydrothermal systems is primarily controlled by fluid redox and temperature. Tellurium mobility is low in reduced hydrothermal fluids, whereas mobility of this metal is high at oxidized conditions at temperatures above 250°C. Numerical simulations of the reduced vent fluids of the mafic-hosted Vienna Woods site at the back-arc spreading center in the Manus basin yielded Te concentrations as low as 0.2 ppt. In contrast, the more oxidized model fluids of the felsic-hosted Fenway site located on Pual Ridge in the eastern Manus basin contain 50 ppt Te. The models suggest that Te enrichment in these systems reflects rock-buffer control on oxygen fugacity, rather than an enriched source of Te. In fact, the mafic volcanic rocks probably contain more Te than felsic volcanic rocks. The association of elevated Te contents in the felsic-hosted Fenway system likely reflects magmatic volatile input resulting in lower pH and higher Eh of the fluids. More generally, analysis of sulfide samples collected from modern sea-floor vent sites confirms that redox buffering by the host rocks is a first-order control on Te mobility in hydrothermal fluids. The Te content of sulfides from sea-floor hydrothermal vents hosted by basalt-dominated host rocks is generally lower than those of sulfides from vents located in felsic volcanic successions. Literature review suggests that this relationship also holds true for volcanogenic massive sulfides hosted in ancient volcanic successions. Results from reactive transport simulations further suggest that Te deposition during sulfide formation is primarily temperature controlled. Modeling shows that tellurium minerals are coprecipitated with other sulfides at high temperatures (275°–350°C), whereas Te deposition is distinctly lower at intermediate (150°–275°C) and low temperatures (100°–150°C). These predictions agree with geochemical analyses of sea-floor sulfides as Te broadly correlates positively with Cu and Au enrichment in felsic-hosted systems. The findings of this study provide an important baseline for future studies on the behavior of Te in hydrothermal systems and the processes controlling enrichment of this critical mineral in polymetallic sulfide ores.

Influence of sedimentary processes and fault tectonics on the evolution of submarine canyons in the East Andaman Basin: Insights from high-resolution seismic data analysis

The Andaman Sea Basin, a well-known back-arc spreading centre and a mature petroliferous basin, presents a unique and complex scenario for understanding the interplay of sedimentary processes and fault tectonics on seafloor geomorphology evolution, particularly in the eastern shelf region. This study, using high-resolution 3D seismic data and published exploratory well-seismic interpretation results, aims to establish a comprehensive stratigraphic framework for the Tanintharyi region, spanning the Lower Miocene, Middle Miocene, Upper Miocene, Pliocene, and Quaternary. A submarine canyon system was identified and investigated along the Tanintharyi continental slope within the East Andaman Basin, comprising thirteen slope-confined canyons arranged predominantly in an east-west vertical slope orientation. By analysing seismic reflection features, five distinct seismic facies have been identified, including basal lag (BL), slump and debris-flow deposits (SDFDs), canyon confined sheets (CCSs), laterally inclined packages (LIPs), and channel-levees (CLs). The evolution of this canyon system, a vital focus of this study, can be categorised into three phases based on the morphology and sedimentary structures observed: canyon initiation, canyon extension, and erosion-sedimentation. The findings of this study highlight the critical controlling role of faults in canyon evolution, with the intensity of fault activity displaying a negative correlation with canyon size, indicating the direct impact of faults on geomorphological changes. In addition, the geomorphological changes induced by fault activity have resulted in changes in sediment supply, dispersal, and sedimentation rates, thus significantly impacting the spatial distribution and dimensions of slope-confined canyons within the East Andaman Basin, with far-reaching implications.

Geochemical Signatures of Mafic Volcanic Rocks in Modern Oceanic Settings and Implications for Archean Mafic Magmatism

Abstract Greenstone belts are dominated by mafic volcanic rocks with geochemical characteristics that indicate a range of possible geodynamic influences. Many analogies with modern tectonic settings have been suggested. Increasing exploration of the modern oceans and comprehensive sampling of volcanic rocks from the sea floor are now providing unique opportunities to characterize different melt sources and petrogenesis that can be more closely compared to greenstone belts. In this study, we have compiled high-quality geochemical analyses of more than 2,850 unique samples of submarine mafic volcanic rocks (<60 wt % SiO2) from a wide range of settings, including mid-ocean ridges, ridge-hotspot intersections, intraoceanic arc and back-arc spreading centers, and ocean islands. The compiled data show significant geochemical variability spanning the full range of compositions of basalts found in greenstone belts. This diversity is interpreted to be due to variable crustal thickness, dry melting versus wet melting conditions, mantle mixing, and contamination. In particular, different melting conditions have been linked to mantle heterogeneity, complex mantle flow regimes, and short-lived tectonic domains, such as those associated with diffuse spreading, overlapping spreading centers, and triple junctions. These are well documented in the microplate mosaics of the Western Pacific. Systematic differences in mafic volcanic rock compositions in modern oceanic settings are revealed by a combination of principal components analysis and unsupervised hierarchical clustering of the compiled data. Mafic volcanic rocks from most arc-back arc systems have strongly depleted mantle signatures and well-known subduction-related chemistry such as large ion lithophile element (LILE) enrichment in combination with strong negative Nb-Ta anomalies and low heavy rare earth elements (HREEs). This contrasts with mafic volcanic rocks in Archean greenstone belts, which show no, or at least weaker, subduction-related chemistry, a less depleted mantle, less wet melting, and variable crustal contamination. The differences are interpreted to be the result of the lower mantle temperatures, thinner crust, and subduction-related processes of present-day settings. However, mafic rocks that are geochemically identical to those in Archean greenstone belts occur in many modern back-arc basins, including the Lau basin, East Scotia ridge, Bransfield Strait, and Manus basin, which are characterized by fertile mantle sources, high heat flow, and complex spreading regimes typical of small-scale microplate mosaics. These types of settings are recognized as favorable for volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits in modern and ancient greenstone belts, and therefore the particular geochemical signatures of the mafic volcanic rocks are potentially important for area selection in base metal exploration.

3D Local Earthquake Tomography of the Andaman–Nicobar Subduction Zone Using Ocean-Bottom Seismometer Data

ABSTRACT The Andaman–Nicobar (A–N) subduction zone is one of the most seismically active subduction zones of the world where the Indian plate subducts beneath the Burmese–Sunda plate. Imaging the subducting Indian plate (SIP) geometry in this region is important to understand the subduction process, earthquake genesis, and associated seismic hazards. Therefore, we imaged the SIP for the first time using local earthquake data recorded from a network of nine ocean-bottom seismometers and six surface seismic stations. We inverted 2819 P and 2171 S phases picked from 410 local earthquakes recorded between December 2013 and May 2014 to obtain the tomographic images in the A–N region. The images show high-VP and VP/VS anomalies linked to colder and thicker SIP in the A–N region. We also observed seismic signatures of strong structural heterogeneity all along the SIP. The low-velocity anomaly at 60–100 km depth beneath the Andaman back-arc spreading center indicates mantle upwelling. Likewise, low-VP anomalies beneath the active volcano Barren Island indicate production of arc magmas by slab dehydration and corner flow in the mantle wedge.

Hydrothermal amorphous silica, barite and orpiment from the crater area of seamount (SM-13) off Nicobar island, Andaman sea: Indications for the development of a new hydrothermal field

The Andaman sea characterized by trench-arc-backarc elements (Andaman-Nicobar island-arc, the Andaman back-arc spreading center, the seamount complex, and the back-arc basin) is a complex active basin and is known for hydrothermal activity in some of the seamounts (subaerial and submarine) of the volcanic arc. In the present study, 13 submarine seamounts (SM1- SM13) in the southern Andaman volcanic arc, extending from 6°47′N: 94°43′E to 7° 56′ N: 94° 2.47′E, were surveyed onboard RV Sindhu Sadhana (November 2021) to find the evidences for the hydrothermal activity. Out of the 13 seamounts, at one crater seamount (SM-13) we have observed evidence for hydrothermal activity characterized by plumes rich in dissolved gases (mainly CO2) in the water column, live chemosymbiotic organisms (Bathymodiolus species), and neoforming minerals such as amorphous silica, barite and orpiment. We observed two plumes rich in dissolved gases (mainly CO2), called GP1 and GP2, in the water column at two different water depths i.e. 400 and 380 mbsl respectively. Geochemical analysis of the water samples shows enhanced TCO2 concentrations within the plumes rich in dissolved gases (mainly CO2) observed in sub-bottom profiler data, however, the dissolved methane concentrations do not show any enrichment when compared with ambient seawater concentrations. Apart from the enhancement in the TCO2 concentrations, pH and total alkalinity data also show fluctuations within the same depth zone which may be attributed to the hydrothermal plume exhausting from the crater seamount. The occurrence of live chemosymbiotic organism Bathymodiolus species indicate an active and continuous supply of H2S. The precipitation of neoforming hydrothermal minerals such as amorphous silica, tabular barite, and orpiment on the surface of the rock samples further supports the hydrothermal activity. Previous studies carried out in 2007 have reported hydrothermal ferromanganese oxides precipitated from low-temperature hydrothermal fluids (Surya prakash et al., 2012) and inferred SM-13 as a dormant submarine volcano (Kamesh Raju et al., 2012). However, after 14 years, we observe volatile emissions to the water column, hydrothermal mineral precipitation and live chemosymbiotic organisms from the same seamount. These observations of the present study infer development of a new hydrothermal field in the least explored Andaman Sea. This study adds up a new active site to the global hydrothermal inventory which may allow better estimation of global hydrothermal flux and its role in oceanic elemental cycle.

Geometrical Relations Between Slab Dip and the Location of Volcanic Arcs and Back‐Arc Spreading Centers

AbstractA global study of subduction zone dynamics indicates that the thermal structure of the overriding plate may control arc location. A fast convergence rate and a steep slab dip bring a hotter mantle further into the wedge corner, forming arc volcanoes closer to the trench. Separately, laboratory and numerical experiments showed that the development of a back‐arc spreading center (BASC) is driven by the migration of the subducting hinge, especially following changes in the slab geometry. As both arc location and the deformation regime of the overriding plate depend on slab kinematics and geometry, we investigate the possible correlations between BASC, the position of volcanic arcs, and slab dip at the scale of individual subduction zones. To do this, we compare the distance from trench to arc and trench to BASC at the Mariana, Scotia, Vanuatu, Tonga, and Kermadec subduction zones. In most cases, the arc and BASC are closer to the trench when the slab is dipping steeply. The correlation could result from an interplay between progressive changes in slab geometry and overriding plate deformation. This assumes, on the one hand, that the isotherm at the apex of which the arc forms is tied to a constant slab decoupling depth and, on the other hand, that back‐arc opening accommodates a change in slab dip. As slab dip decreases, both the BASC and the apex of the isotherm controlling the melt focusing move further from the trench. The observed trends are consistent with a slab anchored at 660 km depth.

Geophysical investigation of the Mado Megamullion oceanic core complex: implications for the end of back-arc spreading

Detachment faulting is one of the main styles of seafloor spreading at slow to intermediate mid-ocean ridges. However, we have limited insight into its role in back-arc basin formation. We surveyed a remnant back-arc spreading center in the Philippine Sea and determined the detailed features and formation processes of the Mado Megamullion (Mado MM) oceanic core complex (OCC). This was undertaken in the context of back-arc evolution, based on the shipborne bathymetry, magnetics, and gravity with radiometric age dating of the rock samples collected. The Mado MM OCC has a typical OCC morphology with prominent corrugations on the domed surface and positive gravity anomalies, suggesting that there has been an exposure of the lower crust and mantle materials by a detachment fault. The downdip side of the detachment continues to the relict axial rift valley, which has indicated that the Mado MM OCC was formed at the end of the back-arc basin opening. The spreading rate of the basin decreased once when the spreading direction changed after six million years of stable trench perpendicular spreading. The rate then further decreased immediately prior to the end of the spreading when the Mado MM OCC was formed. The existence of other OCC-like structures in the neighboring segment and the previously reported OCCs along the Parece Vela Rift have indicated that the melt-poor, tectonic-dominant spreading is a widespread phenomenon at the terminal phase of back-arc spreading. The decrease in spreading rate in the later stage is consistent with the previous numerical modeling because of the decrease in trench retreat. In the Izu–Bonin–Mariana arc trench system, the rotation of the spreading axis and the resultant axis segmentation have enhanced the lithosphere cooling and constrained mantle upwelling, which caused the tectonic-dominant spreading at the final phase of the basin evolution.

S, Pb, and Fe isotope compositions of sulfides in middle and southern Okinawa Trough: Implying the complicated hydrothermal systems in back-arc spreading centers

Sulfur, lead, and iron isotopic systematics of sulfides from the Iheya North hydrothermal field in middle Okinawa Trough and the Yonaguni Knoll IV hydrothermal field in southern Okinawa Trough were investigated to understand the origin of ore-forming material and isotope fractionation during sulfide precipitation in back-arc spreading centers. The δ34S values (from 8.60‰ to 9.68‰) of sulfide minerals in Iheya North field suggest sulfur was derived from the leaching of basement rocks and the reduction of seawater sulfate. But an additional light sulfur source from the dissolution of biogenic sulfides in sediments is indispensable for the observed low δ34S values (between 4.78‰ and 4.97‰) of Yonaguni Knoll IV sulfides. Lead isotope compositions of all sulfides vary in a relatively wide range (206Pb/204Pb = 18.432 to 18.563, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.579 to 15.671, and 208Pb/204Pb = 38.539 to 38.979, respectively) which involves the mixing of mantle-derived and sediment-derived lead in varying proportions. Unusually high radiogenic lead isotope ratios of Yonaguni Knoll IV sulfides (207Pb/204Pb = 15.628 to 15.671, and 208Pb/204Pb = 38.854 to 38.979) imply the presence of old crustal fragments beneath southern OT. The hydrothermal fluids in OT are characterized by extremely low calculated δ56Fe values (−1.00‰ to −1.32‰) which is attributed to reducing sediments. The paired Fe-isotope compositions of pyrite and chalcopyrite revealed significantly different iron isotope compositions of hydrothermal fluids in study areas and extremely complicated ore-forming processes. Rapid precipitation of pyrite from FeS precursors accompanying iron isotopic disequilibrium moves from FeS-fluid equilibrium to pyrite-fluid equilibrium during pyrite recrystallization. The combination of sulfur, lead, and iron isotopic data suggests that hydrothermal systems in back-arc spreading centers related to plate subduction are generally affected by mantle, overlying sediments as well as potential old continental crust fragments, which results in various hydrothermal fluids and complicated mineralization processes.

Chalcophile element systematics of Mariana Trough basalts and implications for sulphide saturation evolution of intra-oceanic back-arc magmatic systems

ABSTRACT Magmatic sulphides largely control the behaviour of chalcophile elements in evolving magmas and also play critical roles in ore-forming processes at convergent plate margins. Magmas at the back-arc spreading centre of Mariana Trough are less affected by slab-derived fluids than Mariana arc basalts. However, whether the evolution of chalcophile elements in Mariana Trough magmas resembles or differs from those in arc magmas is poorly known. Based on the detailed petrological and geochemical studies, we present high-precision analyses of whole-rock chalcophile element (S, Cu, Ag, Re, Pd, Pt, Ru, Ir) contents for a suit of basaltic lavas (n = 15) from the central Mariana Trough. The occurrence of sulphides in high-Mg olivine crystals (Fo80) indicates that at least one episode of sulphide saturation occurred during early-stage magmatic evolution. The sulphur contents of most basalts were not significantly affected by degassing processes due to low oxidation state and high hydrostatic pressures. Instead, progressive fractionation of liquid sulphide with magmatic evolution is the dominant process, as reflected by sulphide petrography, the decrease in Cu, Ag, Pd, and Pt contents, and concomitant increase in Cu/Pd ratios (22,500–708,500), as well as nearly constant Cu/Ag (mean of 3137 ± 848, 1s) with decreasing MgO. We attribute early sulphide saturation of Mariana Trough basalts to their generation and evolution under relatively reducing conditions, with the limited effect of slab components. Combined with data from other island arc and back-arc lavas, we further show that the extent of adding slab-derived components, regardless of specific arc and back-arc tectonic settings, are determinants of the sulphide evolution and chalcophile element behaviour in magmatic systems above intra-oceanic subduction zones. Early magmatic sulphide saturation at central Mariana Trough would result in barren magmatic systems that are not suitable for the large-scale Cu-Au mineralization at the seafloor.

Geochemical Signatures of Felsic Volcanic Rocks in Modern Oceanic Settings and Implications for Archean Greenstone Belts

Abstract Felsic volcanic rocks are abundant in ancient greenstone belts and important host rocks for volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits. About half of all VMS deposits are hosted by dacite or rhyolite, an association that reflects anomalous heat flow during rifting, partial melting of basaltic crust, and fractional crystallization in high-level magma chambers. For over 30 years, geochemical signatures of these rocks (e.g., F classification of Archean rhyolites) have been widely used to identify possible hosts for VMS deposits in ancient greenstone belts. However, comparisons with modern oceanic settings have been limited, owing to a lack of samples of felsic volcanic rocks from the sea floor. This is changing with increasing exploration of the oceans. In this study, we have compiled high-quality geochemical analyses of more than 2,200 unique samples of submarine felsic volcanic rocks (>60 wt % SiO2) from a wide range of settings, including mid-ocean ridges, ridge-hot-spot intersections, intraoceanic arc and back-arc spreading centers, and ocean islands. The compiled data show significant geochemical diversity spanning the full range of compositions of rhyolites found in ancient greenstone belts. This diversity is interpreted to reflect variations in crustal thickness, the presence or absence of slab-derived fluids (dry melting versus wet melting), and mantle anomalies. Highly variable melting conditions are thought to be related to short-lived microplate domains, such as those caused by diffuse spreading and multiple overlapping spreading centers. Systematic differences in the compositions of felsic volcanic rocks in the modern oceanic settings are revealed by a combination of principal components analysis, unsupervised hierarchical clustering, and supervised random forest classification of the compiled data. Dacites and rhyolites from midocean ridge settings have moderately depleted mantle signatures, whereas rocks from ridge-hot-spot intersections and ocean islands reflect enriched mantle sources. Felsic volcanic rocks from arc-back-arc systems have strongly depleted mantle signatures and well-known subduction-related chemistry (strong large ion lithophile element enrichment in combination with strong negative Nb-Ta anomalies and low heavy rare earth elements [HREEs]). This contrasts with felsic volcanic rocks in Archean greenstone belts, which show high field strength element and HREE enrichment (so-called FIIIb-type) due to a less depleted mantle, a lack of wet melting, and variable crustal contamination. The differences between modern and ancient volcanic rocks are interpreted to reflect the lower mantle temperatures, thinner crust, and subduction-related processes in present-day settings. We suggest that the abundance of FIIIb-type felsic volcanic rocks in Archean greenstone belts is related to buoyant microplate domains with thickened oceanic crust that were better preserved on emerging Archean cratons, whereas in post-Archean tectonic settings most of these rocks are subducted.

Rare earth elements and origin of Fe[sbnd]Mn ores from the Lower Carboniferous Um Bogma Formation, Southwest Sinai, Egypt: A mixed source of metals and multiple formation processes

The economic FeMn ores of the Lower Carboniferous Um Bogma Formation, Southwest Sinai are an important mineral resource, and are also of interest because of their significant enrichment in Cu and U compared to other Phanerozoic Mn deposits. However, their origin remains controversial. Genetic theories range from sedimentary, to hydrothermal, to karst and to laterization origins. This study integrates geological, sedimentological, mineralogical, and geochemical data, particularly rare earth elements, to elucidate the origin of these deposits. Field relations showed the occurrence of FeMn deposits as lenses of Mn-rich material surrounded by Fe-rich clastic deposits, which then are overlain by dolostones, which, in the subsurface, are known to also contain MnFe lenses. The occurrence of the largest of these deposits at a major transgressive surface is consistent with syndepositional Mn mineralization, but not of ironstones. Geochemical proxies, based on modern hydrothermal, diagenetic and hydrogeneous Mn deposits, are mixed: some suggest a hydrogenous and some a hydrothermal source of Fe and Mn. The sweater (hydrogenous) source of Mn and Fe is indicated by the plotting of these ores in the hydrogenous field of the SiAl discrimination plot, by high ΣREE (42–327 ppm), low La/Ce ratios (0.261.5), relatively high Y/Ho ratios for Mn but not for Fe (averages of 35 and 28), and positive YSN anomalies (1–1.8). The ores plot in the sweater fields of the (La/Sm)SN-(La/Yb)SN and (Sm/Yb)SN-Y/Ho diagrams, which also supports this interpretation. However, the hydrothermal input to the source of these ores cannot be ignored and is indicated by high Ba, Cu, Zn, and by high LREE/HREE ratio as well as the plotting of the FeMn samples in the hydrothermal field of the Fe-Mn-(Ni + Co + Cu)*10, (Co + Ni)-(As+Cu + Mo + Pb + V + Zn), (Co + Ni + Cu)-Co/Zn, CeSN/CeSN*-YSN/HoSN and CeSN/CeSN*-NdSN diagrams. In addition, lower Er/Nd ratios than that of seawater and similarity of REE parameters such as ΣREY, Nd and CeSN/CeSN* between the diagenetic FeMn nodules and the FeMn ores of Um Bogma Formation suggest a post-depositional overprint on the REEs geochemistry of these ores. We propose, as most consistent with the evidence from tectonic subsidence history, sequence stratigraphy, and our geochemical-mineralogical data combined with that of others, an initial synsedimentary deposition of Mn, derived from a distally-located back-arc spreading center where modified seawater at relatively low temperature was the hydrothermal fluid released into the surrounding seawater. This plume of Mn-rich water, which can be far-travelled, deposited Mn on the unconformity surface during a rapid transgression. This accumulation of Mn was subsequently modified and significantly upgraded during karstification of the host dolostones soon after deposition of the dolostones. It is likely that the Fe was introduced at this stage via low-oxygen ground water flow along with As and possibly Ba. Finally, much later, there was a flow of warm, saline oxidizing water through the dolomitic aquifer that precipitated Cu, U and Zn in the weathered material accumulated in the karst cavities.

Episodic back-arc spreading centre jumps controlled by transform fault to overriding plate strength ratio

Spreading centre jumps are a common feature of oceanic back-arc basins. Jumps are conventionally suggested to be triggered by plate velocity changes, pre-existing weaknesses, or punctuated events such as the opening of slab windows. Here, we present 3D numerical models of back-arc spreading centre jumps evolving naturally in a homogeneous subduction system surrounded by continents without a trigger event. Spreading centres jump towards their subduction zone if the distance from trench to spreading centre becomes too long. In particular, jumps to a new spreading centre occur when the resistance on the boundary transform faults enabling relative motion of back-arc and neighbouring plates is larger than the resistance to break the overriding plate closer to trench. Time and distance of spreading centres jumps are, thus, controlled by the ratio between the transform fault and overriding plate strengths. Despite being less complex than natural systems, our models explain why narrow subducting plates (e.g. Calabrian slab), have more frequent and closely-spaced spreading jumps than wider subduction zones (e.g. Scotia). It also explains why wide back-arc basins undergo no spreading centre jumps in their life cycle.

Back-Arc Spreading Centers and Superfast Subduction: The Case of the Northern Lau Basin (SW Pacific Ocean)

The Lau Basin is a back-arc region formed by the subduction of the Pacific plate below the Australian plate. We studied the regional morphology of the back-arc spreading centers of the Northern Lau basin, and we compared it to their relative spreading rates. We obtained a value of 60.2 mm/year along the Northwest Lau Spreading Centers based on magnetic data, improving on the spreading rate literature data. Furthermore, we carried out numerical models including visco-plastic rheologies and prescribed surface velocities, in an upper plate-fixed reference frame. Although our thermal model points to a high temperature only near the Tonga trench, the model of the second invariant of the strain rate shows active deformation in the mantle from the Tonga trench to ~800 km along the overriding plate. This explains the anomalous magmatic production along all the volcanic centers in the Northern Lau Back-Arc Basin.

Trace Element and Isotope Systematics in Vent Fluids and Sulphides From Maka Volcano, North Eastern Lau Spreading Centre: Insights Into Three-Component Fluid Mixing

Back-arc spreading centres and related volcanic structures are known for their intense hydrothermal activity. The axial volcanic edifice of Maka at the North Eastern Lau Spreading Centre is such an example, where fluids of distinct composition are emitted at the Maka hydrothermal field (HF) and at Maka South in 1,525–1,543 m water depth. At Maka HF black smoker-type fluids are actively discharged at temperatures of 329°C and are characterized by low pH values (2.79–3.03) and a depletion in Mg (5.5 mmol/kg) and SO4 (0.5 mmol/L) relative to seawater. High metal (e.g., Fe up to ∼6 mmol/kg) and rare Earth element (REE) contents in the fluids, are indicative for a rock-buffered hydrothermal system at low water/rock ratios (2–3). At Maka South, venting of white smoke with temperatures up to 301°C occurs at chimneys and flanges. Measured pH values range from 4.53 to 5.42 and Mg (31.0 mmol/kg), SO4 (8.2 mmol/L), Cl (309 mmol/kg), Br (0.50 mmol/kg) and Na (230 mmol/kg) are depleted compared to seawater, whereas metals like Li and Mn are typically enriched together with H2S. We propose a three-component mixing model with respect to the fluid composition at Maka South including seawater, a boiling-induced low-Cl vapour and a black smoker-type fluid similar to that of Maka HF, which is also preserved by the trace element signature of hydrothermal pyrite. At Maka South, high As/Co (>10–100) and Sb/Pb (>0.1) in pyrite are suggested to be related to a boiling-induced element fractionation between vapour (As, Sb) and liquid (Co, Pb). By contrast, lower As/Co (<100) and a tendency to higher Co/Ni values in pyrite from Maka HF likely reflect the black smoker-type fluid. The Se/Ge ratio in pyrite provides evidence for fluid-seawater mixing, where lower values (<10) are the result of a seawater contribution at the seafloor or during fluid upflow. Sulphur and Pb isotopes in hydrothermal sulphides indicate a common metal (loid) source at the two vent sites by host rock leaching in the reaction zone, as also reflected by the REE patterns in the vent fluids.

Geochemical characteristics of back-arc basin lower crust and upper mantle at final spreading stage of Shikoku Basin: an example of Mado Megamullion

This paper explores the evolutional process of back-arc basin (BAB) magma system at final spreading stage of extinct BAB, Shikoku Basin (Philippine Sea) and assesses its tectonic evolution using a newly discovered oceanic core complex, the Mado Megamullion. Bulk and in-situ chemical compositions together with in-situ Pb isotope composition of dolerite, oxide gabbro, gabbro, olivine gabbro, dunite, and peridotite are presented. Compositional ranges and trends of the igneous and peridotitic rocks from the Mado Megamullion are similar to those from the slow- to ultraslow-spreading mid-ocean ridges (MOR). Since the timing of the Mado Megamullion exhumation corresponds to the very end of the Shikoku Basin opening, the magma supply was subdued and highly episodic, leading to extreme magma differentiation to form ferrobasaltic, hydrous magmas. In-situ Pb isotope composition of magmatic brown amphibole in the oxide gabbro is identical to that of depleted source mantle for mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB). In the context of hydrous BAB magma genesis, the magmatic water was derived solely from the MORB source mantle. The distance from the back-arc spreading center to the arc front increased away through maturing of the Shikoku Basin to cause MORB-like magmatism. After the exhumation of Mado Megamullion along detachment faults, dolerite dikes intruded as a post-spreading magmatism. The final magmatism along with post-spreading Kinan Seamount Chain volcanism were introduced around the extinct back-arc spreading center after the opening of Shikoku Basin by residual mantle upwelling.

Seismotectonic evaluation of off Nicobar earthquake swarms, Andaman Sea

The Andaman Sea has experienced a number of earthquake swarms as a result of complex tectonics arising from oblique subduction, active volcanic arc, the backarc spreading center, and sliver fault systems. One of the most energetic offshore earthquake swarms occurred in the off Nicobar region of the Andaman Sea in January 2005, following the 26th December 2004 (9.1 Mw) Sumatra megathrust event. After a brief quiescence, this region got reactivated again after the 21st March 2014 (6.5 Mw) event, followed by the occurrence of earthquake swarms in March 2014, October 2014, November 2015, and April 2019. In the present study, we analysed the temporal variation of the b-value of these swarms using the global network data and the Ocean Bottom Seismometer data to understand their genesis. Temporal variation of b-value suggests that b-values are larger than unity for earthquake swarms, indicating volcanic origin. Bimodal distribution of frequency magnitude relation suggests that the earthquake swarms have occurred due to complex seismic processes controlled by both tectonic and volcanic activities. We propose that a combination of magmatic pulsation in the arc volcanism in response to 2004 and 2005 megathrust events and the 6.5 Mw magnitude 21st March 2014 event in off Nicobar region, and reactivation of sliver fault systems, are the dominant mechanisms for the observed frequent earthquake swarms.

Coexisting arc and MORB signatures in the Sonakhan greenstone belt, India: late Neoarchean – early Proterozoic subduction rollback and back-arc formation

Differentiation of rock suites related to mid-ocean ridge and subduction zone in Archean greenstone belts is important in tracing back tectonic processes related to evolution of these belts. The late Neoarchean – early Paleoproterozoic Sonakhan greenstone belt (SGB) lying between Mesoarchean gneisses of the Bastar craton and the Mesoproterozoic Chattisgarh Supergroup in central India was earlier interpreted to have arc-like affinity. New data from the SGB is presented to reinterpret the Archean tectonic setting. NNW-SSE trending SGB is constituted of three domains. The Baghmara domain in the west is dominantly a mafic metavolcanic rock succession (BGMV group), with repeated cycles of massive to pillowed basalts, pillow breccia and thin chert-BIF-shale and greywacke interlayers, representing an oceanic back-arc system. The Bilari domain in the east, with mixed mafic and felsic metavolcanic rocks (BLMV group) and minor clastic metasediments, presents an ancient magmatic arc. Overlapping these, a polymictic conglomerate-sandstone (greywacke) intercalation of the Arjuni Formation occurs in the central part of steep fold-fault belt of the SGB. Basic to intermediate intrusives (SMI group) and syn- to late-tectonic granitoids occur in all three domains. The BGMV group samples are low-K tholeiites and characterized by modern MORB like major element composition and near-flat REE patterns, reminiscent of some basalts of back-arc spreading centres, such as Parece Vela off Mariana arc. These features together with plots in Sm/Yb versus La/Sm diagram suggest derivation of their parental magmas from primitive spinel lherzolite mantle source with an N-MORB affinity that subsequently fractionated under low-pressure conditions. The BLMV and SMI samples with calc-alkaline major element composition are characterized by E-MORB type REE profiles, with enriched LREE and fractionated HREE patterns, and enrichment in trace elements more incompatible than Ti, relative to N-MORB. In addition, plots in Sm/Yb versus La/Sm diagram indicate derivation of parental magmas from partial melting of enriched garnet lherzolite mantle source at different depths, less and more deep for the BLMV and SMI groups, respectively. The BLMV magmas evolved via crystal fractionation under high water pressure conditions. The intermediate to acidic intrusives of the SGB are calc-alkaline and metaluminous, similar to I-type granites. Although in Th/Yb versus Nb/Yb diagram all the SGB mafic rocks plot above MORB array, restriction of the BGMV samples near N-MORB – PM field and distribution of the BLMV and SMI samples along AFC curve above the MORB array confirm juxtaposition of two contrasting suites, with oceanic back-arc and arc affinities, in the SGB. The Arjuni Formation apparently represents an accretionary wedge lodged in between the Baghmara and Bilari domains. Based on geological and geochemical characteristics, we suggest influence of subduction rollback and oceanic back-arc spreading in the tectonic evolution of the Sonakhan greenstone belt, which may have been common in other late Neoarchean – early Proterozoic greenstone belts.

The upper Cretaceous Ermioni VMS deposit, Argolis Peninsula, Peloponnese, Greece: Type, genesis, and geotectonic setting

The age, type and geotectonic setting of the Ermioni VMS are explored. Although obscured by post-ore deformation and metamorphism, the Ermioni VMS is genetically and spatially related to hydrothermally altered volcaniclastic rocks and arkoses at the footwall, and turbidites at the hangingwall. The Ermioni VMS deposits occur at Karakasi, Roro and Cambrorosso mine sites, and in close proximity to each other. At Karakasi, the identified hydrothermal alteration zones include a lower and innermost grunerite zone, succeded by an intermediate silica-chlorite zone which shows the largest spatial development and surrounded by a silica-epidote-chlorite zone at the flanks, whereas an albite-prehnite zone is developed at the top of the VMS system. The Ermioni VMS comprises nearly monomineralic pyrite with elevated Cu and Co content, and Cu/(Cu + Zn) and Co/Ni ratios typical for “Mafic-Pelitic”-type VMS deposit. Two ore stages are recognized, Stage I euhedral and coarse-grained pyrite (major Co carrier) with minor chalcopyrite, magnetite and pyrrhotite was followed by Stage II pyrite and minor chalcopyrite and sphalerite. Rubidium-Sr and Os-Re radiogenic pairs on pyrite from the Roro massive and Karakasi stringer ores define an upper Cretaceous age of VMS formation (65.58 ± 0.9 to 66.02 ± 0.1 Ma and 64.96 ± 0.9 to 65.12 ± 0.1 Ma, respectively). This age debunks the previously proposed classification as Cyprus-type. The stable isotope compositions of the hydrothermal fluids, including δ18OΗ2Ο, δDΗ2Ο, δ13CCO2, δ30SiNBS, point to mixing between subduction related hydrothermal fluids, seawater and seafloor turbidites, which accords well with the proposed classification. The δ34SH2S and δ57Fe values confirm a magmatic origin of sulfur and leaching of the footwall volcaniclastic rocks with contributions from seawater and turbidites. Radiogenic isotope and trace element geochemistry indicate that the Ermioni “Mafic-Pelitic” VMS was formed at a partly sediment-covered, upper Cretaceous back-arc spreading center above a retreating subduction zone setting within the “Adheres Melange unit”. The Ermioni VMS is the only known upper Cretaceous sulfide ore identified in Greece. The findings of this work may be used in expanding future research on the metallogenic potential of Greece.