Back-arc Spreading Center Research Articles

Curved orogenic belts, back-arc basins, and obduction as consequences of collision at irregular continental margins

Abstract Continental collisions commonly involve highly curved passive plate margins, leading to diachronous continental subduction during trench rollback. Such systems may feature back-arc extension and ophiolite obduction postdating initial collision. Modern examples include the Alboran and Banda arcs. Ancient systems include the Newfoundland and Norwegian Caledonides. While external forces or preexisting weaknesses are often invoked, we suggest that ophiolite obduction can equally be caused by internal stress buildup during collision. Here, we modeled collision with an irregular subducting continental margin in three-dimensional (3-D) thermo-mechanical models and used the generated stress field evolution to understand resulting geologic processes. Results show how tensional stresses are localized in the overriding plate during the diachronous onset of collision. These stresses thin the overriding plate and may open a back-arc spreading center. Collision along the entire trench follows rapidly, with inversion of this spreading center, ophiolite obduction, and compression in the overriding plate. The models show how subduction of an irregular continental margin can form a highly curved orogenic belt. With this mechanism, obduction of back-arc oceanic lithosphere naturally evolves from a given initial margin geometry during continental collision.

An iron isotope perspective on back-arc basin development: Messages from Mariana Trough basalts

The geology and magmatism of the northern Mariana Trough (NMT) represent a type example for the development of a back-arc basin (BAB). It is a mature spreading center in the south and propagating northward via rifting of arc and rear arc lithosphere in response to trench retreat and overriding plate extension in space and time. It is thus essential to fully characterize its tectonomagmatic processes that are potentially of global significance. For this reason, we carried out a comprehensive geochemical study on basaltic samples (glasses) from the NMT axis from 17 to 23°N by analyzing a full suite of major and trace elements, Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf radiogenic isotopes and stable Fe isotopes. The Fe isotopes, in particular, have the potential to offer novel perspectives beyond the aforementioned geochemical variables. From south to north, the δ56Fe of the NMT basalts (NMTB) decrease systematically, varying from a MOR-like value of +0.12‰ to an arc-like value of 0.00‰. Importantly, incompatible element abundances and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotope compositions of the NMTB also show systematic along-latitude variations. Positively correlated with δ56Fe, the abundances of fluid-insoluble elements (e.g., Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf, Ti and heavy rare earth elements) show the south-to-north decrease, suggesting that the NMTB δ56Fe systematics are inherited from the magma source variation. The source variation is most consistent with an asthenosphere source in the south and progressively more depleted harzburgitic lithosphere source of prior melt depletion towards north. On the other hand, there are scattered but significant enrichment trends towards north in terms of Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf radiogenic isotopes and fluid-soluble incompatible elements (e.g., Ba, Rb, Cs, Th, U, K, Pb, Sr and light rare earth elements), which is consistent with south-to-north increase in slab material (e.g., slab fluids, sediments etc.) contribution. These north-to-south magma source systematics defined by the NMTB can be readily understood as a tectonic response to the back-arc basin development with time from initial arc-magmatism dominated by sub-arc lithospheric mantle melting with significant slab material contributions to back-arc rifting and to back-arc spreading center magmatism characterized by increasing asthenospheric mantle melting, decreasing slab material contribution and diminishing sub-arc lithospheric mantle participation. This tectonic-magma source evolution in space and time is manifested by the snapshot of the NMTB magmatism in terms of the geology, petrology and geochemistry.The NMTB δ56Fe values and fluid-insoluble incompatible element abundances are unaffected by slab materials, but controlled by the harzburgitic residues of previous melt extraction depleted in these elements with low δ56Fe at the early arc-magmatism stage in the north and by the asthenosphere of MORB mantle characteristics in the south with well-developed back-arc spreading system. Importantly, these observations affirm the understanding that compositionally depleted and physically buoyant lithosphere is prerequisite as the overriding plate for subduction initiation at its edges.

Mafic–Ultramafic Complexes of the Stalemate Ridge, NW Pacific, and the Shirshov Rise, Bering Sea: Geochemical Similarities and Differences

This study was focused on the estimation and geodynamic interpretation of the contents and character of distribution of highly siderophile and chalcophile elements in rock samples from mafic–ultramafic assemblage sampled at the Stalemate Ridge in the NW Pacific and the Shirshov Rise in the Bering Sea. All of the samples were collected during Cruise 249 of German R/V Sonne. These mafic–ultramafic rock complexes situated at the opposite sides of Aleutian Island Arc may carry important information on the structure and composition of the old Pacific lithosphere subducted under Aleutian Arc, as well as on the products of suprasubduction magmatism in back-arc basin of the Bering Sea. The newly acquired data presented in this paper indicate that the real structure of the northwestern segment of the Stalemate Ridge is inconsistent with the currently widely assumed model that the local lithosphere corresponds to the canonic oceanic type. The lithosphere in the area includes mafic–ultramafic complexes whose origin was not related to mantle reservoirs of the oceanic type (e.g., DM). At the same time, the tectonic remobilization of the lithosphere in this part of the NW Pacific suggested in (Lonsdale, 1988) is confirmed by results of dredging at sites on the northwestern flank of the Stalemate Ridge. Vertical tectonic motions in this region combined lithospheric blocks that might have been formed in contrasting geodynamic settings. These lithospheric blocks may have included fragments of magmatic complexes formed by suprasubduction magmatism and were identical in the their isotope geochemistry (87Sr/86Sr, 143SNd/144Nd) to the mafic–ultramafic assemblage occurring in the Shirshov Rise, which lies immediately north of the northwestern Stalemate Ridge segment and likely is a relic of a backarc spreading center.

Mineralogical Constraints on the Magma Mixing Beneath the Iheya Graben, an Active Back-Arc Spreading Centre of the Okinawa Trough

Abstract The Iheya Graben is a back-arc spreading centre in the middle part of the Okinawa Trough. It is also located in the centre of an anomalous volcanic zone (volcanic arc migration phenomenon, or VAMP) and is characterized by bimodal volcanism, unusually high heat flow and active hydrothermal circulation. The subvolcanic magma plumbing system and the magmatic processes related to the formation of rare erupted intermediate lavas in this area remain uncertain. In this study, we conducted systematic mineralogical analyses (in situ major element, trace element and Sr isotopes) and whole rock geochemical analyses (major element, trace element and Sr–Nd isotopes) on an andesite (T5-2; type C andesite) and a rhyolite (C11; type 2 rhyolite), and present evidence for magma mixing in the origins of these lavas. Andesite T5-2 contains a mafic mineral assemblage and a silicic mineral assemblage, which are derived from a basaltic melt and a type 2 rhyolitic melt, respectively. A 4:6 mixture of basalt and type 2 rhyolite from the Iheya Graben reproduces the whole-rock major element, trace element, and Sr–Nd isotope compositions of T5-2. Rhyolite C11 contains a group of disequilibrium minerals that crystallized from a less evolved rhyolitic melt with relatively more enriched Sr–Nd isotope compositions, suggesting mixing of this melt with a more evolved and isotopically more depleted rhyolitic melt. This mixing process could produce a series of rhyolitic melts with a negative correlation between SiO2 concentrations and 87Sr/86Sr ratios (or a positive correlation for 143Nd/144Nd ratios), which are recorded by the whole group of type 2 rhyolites. The results from mineral-based thermobarometers suggest that the premixing storage temperatures of the basaltic and rhyolitic melts are ∼1100 °C and 870–900 °C, respectively. The hybrid andesitic melt has temperatures of ∼950 to ∼980 °C. The magma storage pressures are not well constrained, ranging from ∼400 MPa to ∼100 MPa. We show that magma mixing plays a significant role in the origins of diverse volcanism in the middle Okinawa Trough; more specifically, two of the three types of andesites (types B and C) and one of the two types of rhyolites (type 2) are associated with magma mixing. We thus propose a complex magma plumbing system with multichamber magma storage and frequent magma mixing beneath the Iheya Graben.

In Situ Geochemical Compositions of the Minerals in Basaltic Rocks from the West Philippine Basin: Constraints on Source Lithology and Magmatic Processes

Abstract Since the early Cenozoic, the West Philippine Basin (WPB) and the whole Philippine Sea Plate (PSP) has undergone a complex geological evolution. In this study, we presented K-Ar ages, in situ trace element, and major element compositions of minerals of basalts collected from the Benham Rise and the Central Basin Fault (CBF) in the WPB, to constrain their magmatic process and regional geological evolution. Olivine phenocrysts and microlites in the alkali basalts (20.9 Ma) from the Benham Rise have forsterite (Fo) contents of 56.90%–76.10% and 53.13%-66.41%, respectively. The clinopyroxenes in the tholeiites (29.1 Ma) from the CBF is predominantly diopside and augite, and it is depleted in light rare earth elements (LREEs) (LaN/YbN=0.13–3.40) and large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs). The plagioclases in the basalts from both of the Benham Rise and the CBF are predominantly labradorite and andesine, with a minor amount of bytownite, and it is enriched in LREEs, Ba, Sr, and Pb and exhibits strong positive Eu anomalies. However, there exist obvious differences in plagioclase compositions between these two tectonic sites. The source lithology of the Benham Rise basaltic rocks could be garnet pyroxenite, and yet that of the CBF could be spinel-lherzolite. The calculated mantle potential temperature beneath the Benham Rise is 1439°C–1473°C, which is significantly higher than that beneath the CBF (1345°C–1381°C), suggesting there existed thermal anomaly beneath the Rise during basaltic magmatism. This study also calculated the temperature and pressure of the clinopyroxenes and plagioclases, which have been used to indicate magmatic processes. Finally, we suggest that the Benham Rise basaltic rocks may be related to a mantle plume (e.g., the Oki-Daito mantle plume), and the CBF was once located in a back-arc spreading center behind an active subduction zone. The extinction of the Oki-Daito mantle plume activity might be at about 20.9 Ma, and cessation of the back-arc spreading of WPB was at about 29.1 Ma or younger.

The characteristics of Fe speciation and Fe-binding ligands in the Mariana back-arc hydrothermal plumes

We investigated the speciation of Fe and distributions of Fe-binding ligands in the hydrothermal plumes over high- and low-temperature vents and over diffuse venting fields above the Mariana back-arc spreading center. The concentrations of ligands ([L]) and conditional stability constants (K’FeL) of the natural Fe ligand pool were measured by a reverse titration-competitive ligand exchange-adsorption cathodic stripping voltammetry (RT-CLE-ACSV). The results showed that the buoyant and non-buoyant plume samples over the low-temperature Burke had the highest dissolved Fe/total Fe (DFe/TFe) of 82.2 ± 8.8% and labile Fe/total Fe (FeLab/TFe) of 43.3 ± 5.6%. In contrast, in the plume samples above the high-temperature Perseverance field, TFe had the lowest proportions of DFe (48.8 ± 12.2%) and FeLab (19.4 ± 8.8%). The linear relationships between Fe species and total Mn (TMn) in the buoyant plume over Burke suggest a simple conservative mixing with ambient seawater, which resulted in constant values of DFe/TFe. However, in the non-buoyant plume over Burke, DFe/TFe decreased with plume dilution. The plume samples sourced from the diffuse flow over newly erupted lava had the highest proportion of DFe present as FeLab (74.6 ± 4.0%). The [L] in the buoyant plumes over low-temperature Burke vent were up to 113.6 nM, and the logK’FeL decreased with increasing DFe and [L], suggesting the importance of weaker ligands in stabilizing Fe. For all the plume samples, the organically complexed Fe (FeL) constituted significant proportions of the DFe (29.0 ± 9.3%) and FeLab (57.5 ± 15.6%) fractions. These Fe-binding ligands were likely sourced from diffuse venting fluids adjacent to the venting sites, and may be also produced by microbes within the hydrothermal plumes.

The origin of the Pailin Crystalline Complex in western Cambodia, and back-arc basin development in the Paleo-Tethys Ocean

The Pailin Crystalline Complex, which consists of amphibolites, metagabbros, and felsic igneous rocks, is located in western Cambodia. We used the geochemistry of the amphibolites and the zircon UPb ages of felsic igneous rocks to constrain the origin of the Pailin Crystalline Complex and to gain insights into the tectonic framework of Southeast Asia. Geochemical analyses indicate that the amphibolites are normal (N-type) mid-ocean ridge basalts, similar to the Sa Kaeo Back-arc Basin basalts of southeastern Thailand. The zircon UPb ages are 283 ± 2 Ma (anorthosite dike), 280 ± 2 Ma (aplite dike), and 275 ± 2 Ma (plagiogranite). The geochemistry and detrital zircon UPb ages of sandstones adjacent to the Pailin Crystalline Complex suggest that they are sediments that filled the Sa Kaeo Back-arc Basin during the Triassic. We infer that the Pailin Crystalline Complex is part of a dismembered ophiolite related to the back-arc basin, and that the igneous rocks formed during the Early Permian. Most of the metamorphism occurred during continental collision in Southeast Asia. However, the amphibolites of the Pailin Crystalline Complex also experienced ocean-floor metamorphism at a back-arc spreading center, in a tectonic setting similar to that of the mafic metamorphic rocks of the Nan Back-arc Basin, northern Thailand. We conclude that the Pailin Crystalline Complex is the southernmost extension of a back-arc basin related to subduction of Paleo-Tethys oceanic crust and the Sukhothai Arc.

Geodynamic nature of magmatic sources of North-West Pacific: an interpretation data on isotope composition of Sr and Nd in rocks dredged at Stalemate ridge, Ingenstrem depression, and Shirshov Rise

First data on isotope composition of Sr and Nd in rocks dredged at different areas belong to lithosphere of the NW Pacific are present. All samples examined were obtained from NW termination of Stalemate Ridge (NW Pacific) and Central part of Shirshov Rise (Western Bering Sea). Results of conducted study allow sure enough to judge on geodynamic affinity of the central segment of Shirshov Rise. Mafic-ultramafic rocks dredged here originated due evolution of magmatic melt formed by partial melting of source parental for MORB belongs to mantle wedge perhaps. Thus, this interpretation means that Shirshov Rise is remnant Back-Arc Spreading Center. Data on petrology and isotope chemistry of rocks from Stalemate magmatic assemblage demonstrate geochemical heterogeneity of their possible magmatic sources. The presented data allow to assume participation in magmatism of this region of NW Pacific source that responsible for formation of most older volcanic seamounts from NW Termination of Hawaiian-Emperor volcanic chain. There is petrographic similarity between rock assemblage recovered at NW Stalemate and plutonic rocks composed of xenoliths from volcanic effusions of Aleutian Island Arc exists. Considering the scarcity of existing information about the structure of the lithosphere in the NW Pacific it is possible to assume with caution the participation in the construction of the oceanic slope of the Aleutian Trench and the adjacent segment of the Stelmate Ridge fragments of Aleutian Arc basement.

Geodynamic Nature of Magmatic Sources in the Northwest Pacific: An Interpretation of Data on the Sr and Nd Isotope Composition of Rocks Dredged at the Stalemate Ridge, Ingenstrem Depression, and Shirshov Rise

The paper presents the first data on the Sr and Nd isotope composition of rocks from a unique collection of magmatic rocks of all petrographic types (basalts, gabbro, and peridotites) belonging to the lithosphere at the convergent plate boundary in the Aleutian Arc area. The rock samples were collected over large areas in the Northwest Pacific and Bering Sea. The results of this study provide reliable information on the geodynamic nature of the central segment of the Shirshov Rise, which is made up of magmatic rocks whose isotopic–geochemical features indicate that they were produced by magmatic melts that evolved within the crust and were derived by the partial melting of MORB parental source, which may have belonged to a mantle wedge. The isotopic–geochemical characteristics of the rocks at the Shirshov Rise suggest that the mafic–ultramafic rocks association may have been produced at a backarc spreading center. Petrological and isotopic–geochemical traits of rocks dredged at the northwestern flank of the Stalemate Ridge indicate that the sources of the parental melts were heterogeneous. Data on the rocks suggest that magmatism in this part of the Northwest Pacific may have involved a source responsible for the origin of the oldest seamounts in the Hawaiian–Emperor Volcanic Chain. Ultramafic rocks in the northwestern segment of the Stalemate Ridge show similarities with plutonic rocks found as xenoliths in volcanics of the Aleutian Island Arc. With regard for the scarcity of information on the structure of the lithosphere in this part of the Pacific, it can be cautiously suggested that the oceanic slope of the Aleutian Trench and adjacent segment of the Stalemate Ridge involve fragments of the basement of the Aleutian Island Arc.

Fauna of the Kemp Caldera and its upper bathyal hydrothermal vents (South Sandwich Arc, Antarctica).

Faunal assemblages at hydrothermal vents associated with island-arc volcanism are less well known than those at vents on mid-ocean ridges and back-arc spreading centres. This study characterizes chemosynthetic biotopes at active hydrothermal vents discovered at the Kemp Caldera in the South Sandwich Arc. The caldera hosts sulfur and anhydrite vent chimneys in 1375–1487 m depth, which emit sulfide-rich fluids with temperatures up to 212°C, and the microbial community of water samples in the buoyant plume rising from the vents was dominated by sulfur-oxidizing Gammaproteobacteria. A total of 12 macro- and megafaunal taxa depending on hydrothermal activity were collected in these biotopes, of which seven species were known from the East Scotia Ridge (ESR) vents and three species from vents outside the Southern Ocean. Faunal assemblages were dominated by large vesicomyid clams, actinostolid anemones, Sericosura sea spiders and lepetodrilid and cocculinid limpets, but several taxa abundant at nearby ESR hydrothermal vents were rare such as the stalked barnacle Neolepas scotiaensis. Multivariate analysis of fauna at Kemp Caldera and vents in neighbouring areas indicated that the Kemp Caldera is most similar to vent fields in the previously established Southern Ocean vent biogeographic province, showing that the species composition at island-arc hydrothermal vents can be distinct from nearby seafloor-spreading systems. δ13C and δ15N isotope values of megafaunal species analysed from the Kemp Caldera were similar to those of the same or related species at other vent fields, but none of the fauna sampled at Kemp Caldera had δ13C values, indicating nutritional dependence on Epsilonproteobacteria, unlike fauna at other island-arc hydrothermal vents.

Geochemistry of axial lavas from the mid- and southern Mariana Trough, and implications for back-arc magmatic processes

The Mariana Trough, a relatively simple intra-oceanic back-arc basin, is ideal for investigating magmatic processes and mantle-crust interaction in a subduction setting. We present new major- and trace element compositions for 31 basaltic lava and glass samples from the Mariana Trough back-arc spreading center. The studied lavas include phenocrysts of plagioclase, olivine and pyroxene. Major element compositions show that these lavas range from tholeiitic basalt to basaltic andesite, and belong to a sub-alkali tholeiitic series produced by fluid-influenced fractional crystallization of primary basaltic melts. Trace element compositions show that these lavas are transitional between typical normal mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB) and island arc basalt (IAB), and are enriched in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and light rare earth elements (LREEs). Trace element ratios, e.g., Ba/Th, Pb/Ce, Th/Nd, La/Sm, Th/Nb, Ba/Nb and Th/Nb, indicate that the mantle from which these lavas were derived underwent modification resulting from the addition of multiple subduction components. Some typical trace element ratios (e.g., Ba/Nb- total subduction component, Ba/Th- shallow subduction, and Th/Nb-deep subduction component) from our new data and the literature suggest that a latitudinal variation exists in addition to subduction components, and indicates a more complex and heterogeneous distribution of subduction components in the Mariana back-arc region. We suggest that, (1) compared to back-arc locations at 18° N and 15.5° N, lavas from back-arc locations at 17° N indicate higher levels of modification by hydrous fluid released from the subducted slab, and (2) compared to back-arc locations at 17° N and 15.5° N, petrogenesis of lavas from back-arc locations at 18° N indicates a greater influence of sediment melt.

A new species of alvinocaridid shrimp Rimicaris Williams & Rona, 1986 (Decapoda: Caridea) from hydrothermal vents on the Mariana Back Arc Spreading Center, northwestern Pacific

AbstractA new species of the alvinocaridid shrimp genus RimicarisWilliams & Rona, 1986, R. falkoraen. sp., is described and illustrated based on material from deep-sea hydrothermal vents (3,630–3,912 m deep) on the Mariana Back Arc Spreading Centre, northwestern Pacific, representing the tenth described species of the genus. The new species is morphologically most similar to R. paulexa (Martin & Shank, 2005), but the presence of numerous short setae scattered on the carapace surface, the relatively long antennular stylocerite usually reaching the distal margin of article 2 of the antennular peduncle and the spiniform posteromesial projection of the uropodal protopod distinguish the new species from all congeners. Genetic analysis using the barcoding region of the mitochondrial COI gene supports the recognition of the species as new.

Geochemical mapping of a paleo-subduction zone beneath the Troodos Ophiolite

Supra-subduction zone ophiolites such as the Cretaceous Troodos Ophiolite of Cyprus are fragments of oceanic crust formed by seafloor spreading close to subduction zones. Their exact tectonic setting of origin has been intensively debated. Although many supra-subduction zone ophiolites are thought to represent fore-arc crust, created during subduction initiation, others may have formed at a subducting ridge, or in a back-arc, ridge-trench-trench/transform triple junction or ‘plate edge’ setting. We carried out major and trace element analyses of 515 fresh volcanic glasses from 7 detailed sections through the Troodos lava sequence in order to determine the regional and temporal variation in the composition of Troodos magmatism, and hence reconstruct the distance and orientation of the Troodos spreading axis relative to the former subduction zone. Troodos glasses range from boninite through tholeiitic basalt and andesite to dacite. All glasses are enriched in fluid-mobile trace elements, and variably depleted in the high-field strength elements compared to Mid-Ocean Ridge Basalt (MORB). None of these glasses therefore have compositions identical to Izu-Bonin-Mariana fore-arc lavas that have been proposed to be the prime example of lavas formed during subduction initiation. Boninites are apparently restricted to the southern margin of the Troodos Ophiolite, and glasses from the southeast margin of the ophiolite are the most depleted and contain the strongest input of subduction zone fluid and melt signature. These geographic variations in glass composition indicate that the Troodos Ophiolite formed by NW-SE directed spreading (at 91 Ma) approximately 100–120 km above an eastward-dipping subducting plate. The orientation of the Troodos spreading axis relative to the former trench could be explained if the Troodos Ophiolite formed in a fore-arc position by subduction initiation at a transform fault. However, the lack of glasses with fore-arc basalt composition, and similarities between the trace element compositions of Troodos glasses and those from the Fonualei basin and northern Lau Basin in the southwest Pacific suggest that the Troodos Ophiolite formed in a ridge-trench-trench or ridge-trench-transform triple junction setting, at a back-arc spreading centre that propagated into arc and fore-arc crust.

Petrogenesis and Tectonic Significance of the Cuobuzha Peridotite, Yarlung Zangbo Suture Zone, China

AbstractThe Yarlung Zangbo suture zone (YZSZ) in southern Tibet includes the remnants of Neo‐Tethyan oceanic lithosphere and marks a major suture between the Indian plate to the south and the Lhasa terrane of Tibet to the north. The upper mantle section of the Cuobuzha ophiolite in the northern subbelt of the western YZSZ comprises mainly clinopyroxene (cpx)‐rich and depleted harzburgites. Spinels in the cpx‐harzburgites show lower Cr# values (12.6–15.1) than the spinels in the harzburgites (26.1–34.5), and the cpx‐harzburgites display higher heavy rare earth element concentrations than the depleted harzburgites. The harzburgites have subchondritic Os isotopic compositions (0.11624–0.11699), yielding Re‐depletion model ages (TRD) ages from 1.8 to 1.7 Ga, indicating that the Cubuzha mantle underwent at least one ancient melt extraction event ca. 1.8‐1.7Ga; whereas the cpx‐harzburgites have suprachondritic 187Os/188Os ratios (0.12831–0.13125) with higher Re concentrations (0.380–0.575 ppb), indicating subsequent addition of Re following the last partial melting event that occurred during mid‐ocean ridge melt evolution processes. Although these geochemical and isotopic signatures suggest that both peridotite types in the ophiolite represent mid‐oceanic ridge–type upper mantle units, their melt evolution trends reflect different mantle processes. The cpx‐harzburgites formed from low‐degree partial melting of a primitive mantle source, and they were subsequently modified by melt‐rock interactions in a mid‐oceanic ridge environment. The depleted harzburgites, however, were produced by remelting of the cpx‐harzburgites, which later interacted with mid‐oceanic ridge basalt– or island‐arc tholeiite–like melts, possibly in a trench–distal backarc spreading center. Our new isotopic and geochemical data from the Cuobuzha peridotites confirm that the Neo‐Tethyan upper mantle had highly heterogeneous Os isotopic compositions as a result of multiple melt production and melt extraction events during its seafloor spreading evolution.

A Recent Volcanic Eruption Discovered on the Central Mariana Back-Arc Spreading Center

Submarine volcanic eruptions are difficult to detect because they are hidden from view at the bottom of the ocean and far from land-based sensors. However, most of Earth’s volcanic activity is in the oceans along tectonic plate boundaries, and modern tools of oceanography now allow us to find and study recent eruptions in the deep sea. The first known historical eruption on the Mariana back-arc spreading center was discovered in December 2015 during exploration of the southern back-arc for new hydrothermal vent sites. A water-column survey along the axis of the back-arc showed hydrothermal plumes over the site characterized by low particle concentrations and relatively high reduced chemical anomalies. A dive with the autonomous underwater vehicle Sentry collected high-resolution (1 m) multibeam sonar bathymetry over the site, followed by a near-bottom photographic survey of a smaller area. The photo survey revealed the presence of a pristine, dark, glassy lava flow on the seafloor with no sediment cover. Venting of milky hydrothermal fluid indicated that the lava flow was still warm and therefore very young. A comparison of multibeam sonar bathymetry collected by R/V Falkor in December 2015, to the most recent previous survey of the area by R/V Melville in February 2013, revealed large depth changes in the same area, effectively bracketing the timing of the eruption within a window of less than 3 years. The bathymetric comparison shows the eruption produced a string of lava flows with maximum thicknesses of 40–138 m along a distance of 7.3 km (from latitude 15∘22.3′ to 15∘26.3′N) between depths of 4050–4450 m bsl (meters below sea level), making this the deepest known historical submarine volcanic eruption on Earth. The cross-axis width of the lava flows is 200–800 m. The Sentry bathymetry shows that the new lava flows are constructed of steep-sided hummocky pillow mounds and are surrounded by older flows with similar morphology. In April and December 2016, two dives were made on the new lava flows by remotely operated vehicles Deep Discoverer and SuBastian. The pillow lavas have many small glassy buds on the steep flanks of the mounds, locally thick accumulations of hydrothermal sediment near the tops of mounds, and small cones of radiating pillows at their summits. The 2015–2016 observations show a rapidly declining hydrothermal system on the lava flows, suggesting that the eruption had occurred only months before its discovery in December 2015. The morphology of the pillow lavas is similar to other historical eruption sites, so the greater depth and ambient pressure of this site had no apparent effect on the processes of lava extrusion and emplacement. This study reveals that some segments of the Mariana back-arc have active magmatic systems despite the relatively low spreading rate, and that other eruptions are possible in the near future.

Marine dipole–dipole controlled source electromagnetic and coincident-loop transient electromagnetic experiments to detect seafloor massive sulphides: effects of three-dimensional bathymetry

Seafloor massive sulphides (SMSs) are regarded as a potential future resource to satisfy the growing global demand of metals including copper, zinc and gold. Aside from mining and retrieving profitable amounts of massive sulphides from the seafloor, the present challenge is to detect and delineate significant SMS accumulations, which are generally located near mid-ocean ridges and along submarine volcanic arc and backarc spreading centres. Currently, several geophysical technologies are being developed to detect and quantify SMS occurrences that often exhibit measurable contrasts in their physical parameters compared to the surrounding host rock. Here, we use a short, fixed-offset controlled source electromagnetic (CSEM) system and a coincident-loop transient electromagnetic (TEM) system, which in theory allow the detection of SMS in the shallow seafloor due to a significant electrical conductivity contrast to their surroundings. In 2016, CSEM and TEM experiments were carried out at several locations near the Trans- Atlantic Geotraverse hydrothermal field to investigate shallow occurrences of massive sulphides below the seafloor. Measurements were conducted in an area that contains distinct SMS sites located several kilometres off-axis from the Mid-Atlantic ridge, some of which are still connected to hydrothermal activity and others where hydrothermal activity has ceased. Based on the quality of the acquired data, both experiments were operationally successful. However, the data analysis indicates bias caused by three-dimensional (3D) effects of the rough bathymetry in the study area and, thus, data interpretation remains challenging. Therefore, we study the influence of 3D bathymetry for marine CSEM and TEM experiments, focusing on shallow 3D conductors located beneath mound-like structures.We analyse synthetic inversion models for attributes associated with 3D distortions of CSEM and TEM data that are not sufficiently accounted for in conventional 1D (TEM) and 2D (CSEM) interpretation schemes. Before an adequate quantification of SMS in the region is feasible, these 3D effects need to be studied to avoid over/underestimation of SMS using the acquired EM data. The sensitivity of CSEM and TEM to bathymetry is investigated by means of 3D forward modelling, followed by 1D (TEM) and 2D (CSEM) inversion of the synthetic data using realistic error conditions. Subsequently, inversion models of the synthetic 3D data are analysed and compared to models derived from the measured data to illustrate that 3D distortions are evident in the recorded data sets.

P-wave attenuation structure of the Lau back-arc basin and implications for mantle wedge processes

We image 3-D seismic P-wave attenuation structure of the Tonga subduction zone and the Lau back-arc basin using local earthquake waveforms recorded by land and ocean bottom seismographs of the 2009–2010 Lau Spreading Center Imaging project. The amplitude spectra of P waves from local earthquakes are inverted for the path-average attenuation operator (t⁎), with a variety of frequency-dependence exponent values (α). Analysis shows that the data are best fit by the assumption of a weak frequency dependence (α≈0.3), consistent with laboratory results modeled as the effects of grain boundary sliding. The t⁎ measurements are inverted for a 3-D tomographic QP−1 model. The results show high P-wave attenuation within the upper 100 km of the back-arc mantle, with a sharp boundary at the Tofua arc between high attenuation sub-arc mantle and the low attenuation fore-arc. Perhaps the highest P-wave attenuation (QP−1≈0.036 or QP≈28) known in the mantle occurs at 20–60 km depth beneath the back-arc spreading centers. High attenuation anomalies form an inclined zone dipping from the spreading centers to the west away from the slab, indicating abnormally high temperature and the existence of hydrous partial melt. These observations suggest that hot materials supplied from the Australian mantle upwell along with the mantle wedge flow pattern, triggering extensive decompression melting near the back-arc spreading centers. The along-strike variation of P-wave attenuation is different from that of SV-velocity, possibly implying the different effects of partial melt on seismic attenuation and velocity.

Ultramafic–Mafic Assemblage of Plutonic Rocks and Hornblende Schists of Shirshov Rise, Bering Sea, and Stalemate Ridge, Northwest Pacific: Geodynamic Interpretations of Geochemical Data

The paper presents data on plutonic and metamorphic rocks dredged during Cruise 249 of the German R/V Sonne to the Stalemate Ridge, Northwest Pacific Ocean and the Shirshov Rise, western Bering Sea. Dredges in the northwestern sector of the Stalemate Ridge and central portion of the Shirshov Rise show that the plutonic and metamorphic rocks obtained here are amazingly similar. Our petrologic and geochemical data led us to view the rocks as members of a mafic–ultramafic assemblage typical of cumulate portions of ophiolite complexes and backarc spreading centers. The plutonic complexes of the Shirshov Rise and Stalemate Ridge show similarities not only in the petrography and mineralogy of their protoliths but also in the character of their metamorphic transformations. Plutonic rocks from both areas display mineralogical evidence of metamorphism within a broad temperature range: from the high-temperature amphibolite facies to the greenschist facies. Relations between the index mineral assemblages indicate that the metamorphic history of plutonic complexes in the Stalemate Ridge and Shirshov Rise proceeded along a retrograde path. Hornblende schists accompanying the plutonic rocks of the Stalemate Ridge and Shirshov Rise are petrographically close to foliated amphibolites in subophiolitic metamorphic aureoles. Within the framework of geodynamic interpretations of our results, it is realistic to suggest that the examined plutonic complexes were exhumed from subduction zones of various age.

Petrogenesis of boninitic lavas from the Troodos Ophiolite, and comparison with Izu–Bonin–Mariana fore-arc crust

Supra-subduction zone (SSZ) ophiolites such as the Troodos Ophiolite of Cyprus are thought to have formed at spreading centres close to subduction zones. Similarities in the geochemistry between lavas from SSZ ophiolites and fore-arc lavas from active subduction zones, and the presence of boninites in both, have led to the suggestion that SSZ ophiolites represent fragments of fore-arc crust and mantle, formed during subduction initiation. Here we present major and trace element and Sr, Nd and Pb isotope data for fresh volcanic glasses from a section through the lava pile on the southern margin of the Troodos Ophiolite, and compare these to lavas from the Izu–Bonin–Mariana fore-arc. In Troodos, boninites and tholeiitic basalts are interbedded and were derived from a highly depleted mantle source that was later enriched by both fluids and melts derived largely from subducted sediment, before melting beneath the spreading axis. Troodos boninites differ from Izu–Bonin–Mariana boninites by their greater source depletion, enrichment in Nb by small degree melts, and lack of Zr enrichment relative to Sm. Together with the lack of fore-arc basalts in Troodos, our data imply that the Troodos Ophiolite was formed in a fore-arc location at a back-arc spreading centre that propagated into arc crust. The Troodos Ophiolite was thus not formed during subduction initiation and thus may not be used as analogue for the formation of fore-arc basalts.

Ophiolitic Complex of the Matachingai River on Eastern Chukotka: Fragment of Lithosphere in Mesozoic Back-Arc Basin

The Matachingai River basin is known among the few ophiolitic complexes on eastern Chukotka as the southern boundary of the Chukotka Fold System (in terms of tectonics, the Chukotka microcontinent or a fragment of the Arctic Alaska–Chukotka microplate). This complex comprises tectonic blocks of residual spinel harzburgite with dunite bodies and pyroxenite, olivine gabbro, and leucogabbro veins; blocks of hornblende gabbro, diorite, and plagiogranite; and Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous basaltic–cherty and cherty–carbonate rocks. The geological relationships of rocks within tectonic blocks, the compositions of primary minerals, the bulk geochemistry of rocks, as well as the strontium, neodymium, and lead isotopic compositions, make it possible to consider individual tectonic blocks of the complex as fragments of a disintegrated oceanic-type lithosphere that formed in a back-arc spreading center. The melts, crystallization products of which are represented by hornblende gabbro of blocks, olivine gabbro of veins, and basalts, separated from geochemically and isotopically heterogeneous mantle. Blocks composed of rocks with various modal composition are likely relicts of an oceanic lithosphere of different segments of a back-arc basin. The studied complex may be a lithosphere of one of the Middle–Late Jurassic back-arc basins. Fragments of these basins are retained in ophiolitic complexes on Great Lyakhovsky Island of the New Siberian Islands Archipelago, western Chukotka, and the Brooks Range in Alaska.