Basalt Province Research Articles

Development of inter-lava drainage systems in LIPs: The Columbia River Flood Basalt Province (U.S.A.) as a case study

ABSTRACT Volcanism in large igneous provinces (LIPs) is understood to have had the potential to affect global environments and ecosystems, triggering mass extinctions, climate change, and ocean acidification. However, basin-scale studies sediment distribution and sedimentary-system development in LIP lava fields are sparse and often limited to localized exposure. To gain a better understanding of the controls on inter-lava sedimentology across a continental LIP, a new sedimentological data set is presented from the Miocene Columbia River Flood Basalt Province (CRBP), situated in the Columbia Basin in south-central Washington State, northeast Oregon and eastern Idaho. Based on the qualification and quantification of sedimentary facies, petrography, paleoflow, channel dimensions, and catchment size from 96 sites across the Columbia Basin, a refined model of regional and local environmental change, integrating local volcanic and tectonic evolution, is presented. Here, CRBP stratigraphy is divided into six distinctive sedimentation intervals, which allows correlation of sedimentary interbeds formed in the western part and in the eastern part of the basin. The model describes and reviews drainage-system development and discusses the control of volcanic and tectonic activity on sediment distribution in the CRBP lava field at local to basin scale. The data presented here largely support findings of previous works suggesting a highly complex interplay between sedimentary, volcanic, and tectonic evolution of the area. In addition, it elaborates on the aspects of sediment–lava interaction and indicates that individual sub-basins in the CRBP formed separated depositional settings, emphasizing the lateral complexity of inter-lava sedimentation. Importantly, this work improves our understanding of sediment–lava relationships in continental LIPs and helps in building more generic models for sediment distribution in volcanic terranes where exposure is limited or absent.

Coupled reduction of bicarbonate to methane and generation/ sequestration of carbon dioxide in natural basaltic- and clay- matrices at 25 °C ≤ T ≤ 100 °C

In nature, methane (CH4) is produced via both biotic and abiotic processes, yet little is known on the abiotic mechanism(s) on the hydrogenation of abiotic carbon (C) to produce CH4 at low temperatures. This study reports on the abiotic generation of CH4via Fischer-Tropsch type reactions at room temperature. Natural sources of mineral Fe2+ were reacted with aqueous bicarbonate under sterile and non-sterile conditions. The selected sources of mineral Fe2+ were well-characterized Ediacaran basalts and green clay veins in basalts from the Volyn-Brest continental flood basalt province and hectorite SHCa-1 from Hector, California. Quantitative X-ray powder diffraction results and the Mössbauer characteristics of these materials from the literature were supplemented with specific surface area values determined by N2 physisorption, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and nanodiffraction analysis. The headspace concentration of the gases in the dispersions was related to the presence of bicarbonate and the mineral composition. Evidence presented herein confirmed that wüstite occurs naturally in SHCa-1, which is unprecedented. Of all mineral dispersions those containing wüstite (basalt MIB and SHCa-1) showed the highest concentration of CH4 and CO2, ranging from 1457 to 6329 μmol CH4 g solid−1 and from 2100 to 8771 μmol CO2 g solid−1, respectively. The production of CO2 was also registered in dispersions containing the sources of mineral Fe(II) chlorite and saponite, which ranged from 375 to 8180 μmol CO2 g solid−1 and from 480 to 1230 μmol CO2 g solid−1, respectively. Registered mineral transformations i) wüstite → hematite and ii) chlorite or saponite → hematite, and iii) wüstite → pyrite → jarosite were explained because bicarbonate and wüstite (chlorite or saponite) reduction and oxidation to CH4 and hematite; and wustite dissolution releasing Fe2+ that reacted with sulfide ions.

Controls of mantle source and condition of melt extraction on generation of the picritic lavas from the Emeishan large igneous province, SW China

Like many continental flood basalt (CFB) provinces in the world, the source mantle compositions and melting conditions for generation of the Emeishan CFB are highly debated. We have carried out an integrated Sr-Nd-O-Mg isotopic study of the Emeishan picritic lavas to evaluate possible effects of mantle heterogeneity on the magma composition. Moreover, we have used PRIMELT3 (Herzberg and Asimow, 2015) to calculate the primary magma compositions and melting conditions for these picritic lavas. Picrites from Maoniuping, Tanglanghe and Wuguijing exhibit depleted Sr-Nd isotopic compositions (87Sr/86Sri = 0.7038–0.7050; εNd = 0.27–3.89), normal mantle-like δ26Mg (−0.27 to −0.2‰) and δ18O (5.0–5.4‰), which can be explained by partial melting of plume materials with negligible contribution of sedimentary carbonates. The Wulongba picrites are characterized by depleted Sr-Nd isotopic compositions (87Sr/86Sri = 0.7041–0.7045; εNd = 2.57–2.85), slightly lower δ26Mg (−0.36 to −0.23‰) and higher δ18O (5.6–5.7‰), which were attributed to involvement of minor sedimentary carbonates (magnesite) in their mantle source. The calculated mantle potential temperatures for the Emeishan picrites range from 1516 to 1596 °C. The initial melting pressures range from 4 to 5 GPa. The final melting pressures for the Wulongba picrites (2–3 GPa) are lower than those for the Tanglanghe, Maoniuping and Wuguijing picrites (>3 GPa). This suggests that the Wulongba picrites were generated in shallower garnet-spinel transition zone of the upper mantle. Picrites from other three localities are entirely generated in garnet stability field of the upper mantle.

A simple recipe for red bole formation in continental flood basalt provinces: weathering of flow-top and flow-bottom breccias

Continental flood basalt (CFB) provinces such as the Deccan Traps show numerous inter-flow horizons called boles, most commonly red or brown. These have been variably interpreted as altered glassy bases of basalt flows, paleosols developed on exposed flow tops, altered volcanic ash beds, or local inter-flow sediments. We believe that each of these mechanisms may apply, singly or in combination, to specific red boles, and propose an additional mechanism, namely the weathering of flow-top and flow-bottom breccias. The breccias are inherently highly prone to weathering, and evidence for the mechanism is a close observed correspondence between breccia zones and red boles. The mechanism explains the absence of red boles in the compound pāhoehoe flows which characteristically lack breccias, and their abundance in rubbly pāhoehoe and ‘a’a lava flows. The latter observation has been misinterpreted as indicating significant eruptive hiatuses and a low eruption frequency. Importantly, even all breccia-derived boles do not have the same significance: those derived from flow-top breccias are paleosols, formed by subaerial weathering during eruptive breaks. Those derived from flow-bottom breccias, thus not in contact with the atmosphere, were formed due to groundwater ingress along flow contacts and fractures. These boles have developed slowly over long time periods. Significant development of all bole types must also have occurred in post-volcanism time and is arguably ongoing even today in the exposed and unexposed parts of CFB sequences. Recognizing multiple and complex origins of superficially similar-looking red boles is of critical importance in CFB volcanology and flow stratigraphy, and a warning sign to straightforward application of mineral chemical, mineral magnetic, geochemical, and similar data on boles to interpreting paleoweathering, paleoclimates, and paleoenvironments.

The Southeastern Saurashtra dyke swarm, Deccan Traps: Magmatic evolution of a tholeiitic basalt–basaltic andesite–andesite–rhyolite suite

The Deccan Traps continental flood basalt (CFB) province of India contains several dyke swarms, which are dominated by tholeiitic basalts and basaltic andesites. The Southeastern Saurashtra dyke swarm, containing mainly these rock types, also contains an andesite and several rhyolites. Based on petrographic, mineral chemical, and whole-rock major and trace element and Sr-Nd isotopic data, we discuss the magmatic evolution and pressure-temperature conditions of crystallisation of these dyke magmas. The tholeiitic basalts and basaltic andesites have low to moderate TiO2 contents. The andesite and the rhyolites have low CaO, MgO, Fe2O3t, TiO2 and P2O5, and high K2O, Rb, Ba and light rare earth element contents. Thermobarometric calculations for equilibrium mineral–whole-rock pairs indicate plagioclase crystallisation at 1200–1170 °C, overlapping with clinopyroxene crystallisation at 1181–1143 °C, and a pressure range of 0.1–3.6 kbar indicating crystallisation during magma ascent or storage at shallow crustal levels. Major and trace element modelling is consistent with the rhyolites being produced by advanced fractional crystallisation of basaltic parental magmas. However, a broad trend of increasingly radiogenic Sr and nonradiogenic Nd isotopic ratios, from the mafic rocks through the andesite to the rhyolites, suggests a combined assimilation and fractional crystallisation (AFC) process between basaltic magma and ancient granitic crust. The rhyolites contain the largest crustal contributions and display the most “enriched” Sr-Nd isotopic characteristics yet recorded from the Deccan Traps (εNdt = −20.6, (87Sr/86Sr)t = 0.74855). The widespread occurrence of mafic enclaves in the rhyolite dykes suggests that processes such as magma mixing may also be responsible for some of the andesitic rocks known in Saurashtra.

A precise geochemical volcano-stratigraphy of the Deccan traps

This geochemical study is based on 69 volcanic rocks representing the entire volcano-stratigraphy of the 12 lava formations of the Deccan Traps (DT) of the Indian peninsula. The DT constitutes one of the largest continental flood basalt province (CFB) in the world. More than 90% of the lavas of this province are considered to have erupted in less than one million years by plume volcanism, coinciding with the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary, leading to the speculation that this volcanism had a major role in the end-Cretaceous mass extinction. The current study was undertaken to fully geochemically characterize the DT plume with respect to major-trace element composition as well as their correlated Sr-Nd-Pb and Hf isotope geochemistry of each lava formation in step-by-step sampling the entire Deccan vertical stratigraphy of over 60 samples mostly on the Western Ghat Escarpment as collected by Beane (1988).The upper lava formations from Poladpur to Panhala-Desur, the Wai subgroup, are sharply distinguishable geochemically by all the geochemical parameters from the lower lava formations of the Lonavala and Kalsubai subgroups. This distinction is remarkable as they are on samples in a continuous supposedly vertical sequence in space and time. The Wai subgroup shows restricted range in FeO/MgO ratios at a given MgO wt% but indicating a more Fe-rich mantle source than many other CFB (average Mg# 46.7 as opposed to the 53.3 Mg# for the lower subgroups) province; the lower subgroups show a widely variable FeO/MgO ratios, interpreted as results of partial melting of subducted eclogitic slab. This interpretation is supported by the trace elements including the rare earths, and the isotopic ratios of Nd, Sr, Pb and Hf that were all measured in the same lava samples. Our high precision Pb isotopic measurements reveal the gist of the Deccan plume characteristics as Pb content in the mantle is low in contrast with their higher abundance in the continental crust. The Wai subgroup demonstrates a relatively consistent initial 206Pb/204Pb ratios as opposed to their heterogeneous compositions in the lower formations of Lonavala and Kalsubai. In addition, the Pb isotopes in a 206Pb/204Pb vs 207Pb/204Pb plot define an age of 2604 ± 140 Ma that we interpret as the “provenance” age of the subducted slab that sourced the lower formation lavas. Interestingly, this “errorchron” is also consistent with the “Dupal anomaly” concept developed on the sub Indian Oceanic mantle derived basalts.The combined multiple isotopic volcano-stratigraphy shows the geochemical contrast more dramatically than any other previous study on the Deccan. This high precision multiple isotopic study of the Deccan is consistent with recent U-Pb and Ar-Ar geochronologic studies on the rapid eruption of the Deccan, mostly the plume head, interpreted here constituting the upper lava formations of the Wai subgroup as without much interaction with the continental crust.

Multi-tiered, disrupted crust of a sheet lava flow from the Diveghat Formation of Deccan Traps: Implications on emplacement mechanisms

The crust is a vesicular layer that caps the compact core of sheet lava flows. We describe for the first time, a crust composed of multiple layers (each distinguished by a chilled glassy rind) from the Diveghat Formation in the western Deccan Volcanic Province. The multiple layers of crust developed over a single compact core of a single sheet lava flow, are shown to have been sequentially deformed in multiple phases. This is interpreted to have resulted from the endogenous emplacement of lava in successive pulses (rather than as a continuous stream) during the extrusion of the sheet lava flow. This model has several implications on the mechanism of emplacement of sheet flows in continental flood basalt provinces.

Mesogenetic diagenesis of the Ordovician limestone in Yubei area, Tarim Basin, NW China

The Lower Ordovician succession, consisting of the Yingshan and Penglaiba formations, encompasses significant petroleum reservoirs in Yubei area, southwest Tarim Basin. Mesogenetic dissolution and dolomitization strongly contributed to the increase in rock porosities here. Wells YB 7, YB 5, and YB 1-2X drilled in eastern Yubei area met the deposits of Yingshan and Penglaiba formations, providing abundant data for the mesogenetic diagenesis analysis. Among them, Well YB 5 encountered the thickest Penglaiba Formation and was chosen for detailed analysis. Eight diagenetic elements (i.e., micrite encrust, radial fibrous calcite cement, stylolites, poikilotopic calcite cement, dolomite, fracture, bladed quartz, and equant quartz) are identified and ascribed to seven paragenetic events. Their Paragenetic sequence evidences Yingshan and Penglaiba Formations experienced severe deep burial diagenesis. The presence of green luminescent fluorite, non-luminescent and zoned quartz, and violet to orange luminescent saddle dolomite with sweeping extinctions, together with the positive Eu2+ anomalies shown in the rare earth element (REE) patterns all help to ascribe the buried dissolution and dolomitization to the incorporation of hydrothermal fluids. The inconsistency between the REE patterns of the Yingshan and Penglaiba formations and that of the organic-rich source rocks of Lianglitage and Bachu Formations exclude the assumption that hydrocarbon influx caused the mesogenetic dissolution. High-angle fractures, generated by the Middle Caledonian–Early Hercynian tectonic movements, acted as conduits for hydrothermal fluid migration and promoted the mesogenetic dissolution to form dolomite reservoirs. The coincidence that samples with positive Eu2+ anomalies all fall in the basalt province, while samples lacking positive Eu2+ anomalies from Tahe fall out, backs up that the main source of the hydrothermal fluid promoting the mesogenetic dissolution was probably derived from the Permian magma. Strata possessing similar geochemical and petrological characteristics as Yingshan and Penglaiba formations in eastern Yubei area, and experiencing subsequent tectonic and magmatic activities could be potential exploration targets in further exploration practice in Tarim Basin and in the other basins in the world.

Basalts From the Chukchi Borderland: 40Ar/39Ar Ages and Geochemistry of Submarine Intraplate Lavas Dredged From the Western Arctic Ocean

AbstractSubmarine volcanism in the western Arctic Ocean, known as Amerasia Basin, is attributed to a mantle plume based on geophysics and meager geochemical evidence. Basaltic samples dredged from Chukchi Borderland within the basin have produced minimum 40Ar/39Ar ages for eruption at circa 118–112, circa 105–100, and circa 90–70 Ma, which we use to constrain tectonic models for basin opening. Major oxide and trace element concentrations and Sr, Nd, and Hf isotopic ratios of the lavas show that the circa 118–112 Ma samples from Northwind Ridge are tholeiites (low‐Ti tholeiite I) with low degrees of rare‐earth element (REE) fractionation, high overall heavy rare‐earth element (HREE), and Mg# (Mg‐number), which suggests magma derivation from a garnet‐free source followed by minor crystal fractionation. Strontium, Nd, and Hf isotope systematics for these lavas and ratios of highly incompatible trace elements point toward a lithospheric source. Eruptions at circa 105–100 and circa 90–70 Ma, both at Healy Spur, produced two types of lavas: low‐Ti tholeiite II—which are generally older than high‐Ti tholeiite—both common in continental flood basalt (CFB) provinces and both with trace element abundance patterns typifying a garnet‐free source and significant crystal fractionation for the high‐Ti tholeiite. The isotope characteristics for both groups are common features of asthenospheric sources. Composition‐time relationships for the lavas suggest inception of melting in the subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM)—probably due to introduction of a heat source by a plume—followed later (at ca. 105–100 and ca. 90–70 Ma) by asthenospheric melting possibly triggered by plume rise.

Pervasive Hydrothermal Events Associated with Large Igneous Provinces Documented by the Columbia River Basaltic Province

The degree and extent of crustal hydrothermal alteration related to the eruption of large igneous provinces is poorly known and not easily recognizable in the field. We here report a new δ18O dataset for dikes and lavas from the Columbia River Basalt Group (16–15 Ma) in the western USA, and document that dikes on average are 1–2‰ more depleted in δ18O than basalt flows. We show that this observation is best explained with the involvement of heated meteoric waters during their cooling in the crust. The largest 6–8‰ depletion is found around and inside a 10 m-thick feeder dike that intruded the 125 Ma Wallowa tonalitic batholith. This dike likely operated as a magma conduit for 4–7 years, based on the extent of heating and melting its host rocks. We show that this dike also created a hydrothermal system around its contacts extending up to 100 m into the surrounding bedrock. A model that considers (a) hydrothermal circulation around the dike, (b) magma flow and (c) oxygen isotope exchange rates, suggests that the hydrothermal system operated for ~150 years after the cessation of magma flow. In agreement with a previously published (U-Th)/He thermochronology profile, our model shows that rocks 100 m away from such a dike can be hydrothermally altered. Collectively, our sample set is the first documentation of the widespread hydrothermal alteration of the shallow crust caused by the intrusion of dikes and sills of the Columbia River Basalt Province. It is estimated that heating and hydrothermal alteration of sediments rich in organic matter and carbonates around the dikes and sills releases 18 Gt of greenhouse gases (CH4 and CO2). Furthermore, hydrothermal δ18O depletion of rocks around dikes covers 500–600 km3, which, when scaled to the total CRB province constitutes 31,000 km3 of low-δ18O rocks. These volumes of crust depleted in δ18O are sufficient to explain the abundant low-δ18O magmas in eastern Oregon and western Idaho. This work also demonstrates that the width and magnitude of δ18O depletion around dikes can identify them as feeders. Given this, we here interpret Paleoproterozoic dikes in Karelia with the world’s lowest δ18O depletions (−27.8‰) as feeders to the coeval large igneous province aged 2.2–2.4 Ga that operated under the Snowball Earth glaciation conditions.

Widespread rheomorphic and lava-like silicic ignimbrites overlying flood basalts in the northwestern and northern Deccan Traps

The physical volcanology of widespread rhyolites and dacites overlying flood basalt lavas in the northwestern and northern parts of the 65.5-Ma Deccan Traps, India, is poorly known. We show that these are not lava flows but high-grade (welded and rheomorphic) to extremely high-grade (lava-like) ignimbrites deposited by pyroclastic density currents. Evidence for this interpretation includes the following: (i) flat, planar contacts with the underlying basalts and absence of basal brecciated zones; (ii) pervasive millimeter-to-centimeter-scale flow banding; (iii) parataxitic textures indicating very high degrees of compaction and welding; (iv) strong rheomorphic deformation, producing folds of diverse geometries and sizes showing overprinting relationships, with common tight-isoclinal and sheath (eye) folds that are sometimes refolded into F2 and even F3 folds; (v) curvilinear fold hinges with elongation lineations varying from transverse to subparallel to the fold axes; (vi) local boudinage and autobrecciation in flow-banded glassy tuffs; (vii) common and abundant spherulites and lithophysae; (viii) intimate association of tuff and vitrophyre at millimeter to tens-of-meter scales; and (ix) vitroclastic textures showing highly flattened and stretched glass shards and pumice fiamme wrapping around phenocrysts. Whereas rheomorphic and lava-like ignimbrites dominate, some non-welded and welded (eutaxitic) ignimbrites also occur. Voluminous rhyolites and dacites in many flood basalt provinces of the world are recognized as high-grade to extremely high-grade ignimbrites, and the Deccan is no exception. This Deccan explosive silicic volcanism may have significantly contributed to the K/Pg boundary mass extinctions, if contemporaneity can be established by future geochronological work.

Pinched between the plates: Armenia's voluminous record of volcanic activity

Located in the heart of the Lesser Caucasus mountains, where the Arabian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide, Armenia occupies an exceptional geological position shaped through millions of years of subduction and collision. It is a unique place on the Earth recording extensive intrusive and volcanic activity related to the long‐standing continental convergence. The volcanoes of Armenia provide a rare opportunity to study the sources and processes involved in this unusual type of magmatism. More than 500 Quaternary volcanoes have been mapped in Armenia, most of them formed from single eruptive episodes. Among several large composite volcanoes, the mighty Aragats stands out as the largest volcano in Armenia and the region altogether. Volcanic deposits testify to the range of eruptive styles—from the ignimbrites formed in eruptions as explosive and voluminous as any seen globally in the modern era to the enormous fissure‐fed lava flows that form the Southern Caucasus flood basalt province, the smallest and youngest Large Igneous Province in the world. Several pre‐historical and historical eruptions have been documented, highlighting the potential for future volcanic activity in the region. In recent years, research has focused on the volcanic hazards associated with the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant, located in the foothills of Aragats volcano. This article highlights some of the extraordinary volcanic and intrusive features observed in Armenia and summarizes aspects of recent volcanological and petrological research.

Structure and Composition of the Nadayansky Lava Flow: an Example of the Homogeneity of Lava Flows of the Siberian Trap Province

The Nadayansky Flow is one of the main markers of the volcanic pile of the Siberian Trap Province and covers an area of approximately 48 000 km2 at an average thickness of 30 to 50 m. The paper is the first to present data demonstrating the constancy of the major- and trace-element composition of the Nadayansky Flow, typifying basalt lava flows in the province. The flow makes up the bottom part of the Mokulaevsky Formation in the Norilsk area and the bottom of the Khonnamansky Formation at the Putorana Plateau and, correspondingly, overlies the Morongovsky and Ayansky formations (the names of these formations differ because they are used in different schemes for the stratigraphic subdivision of the volcanic rock sequence). The rocks show an obvious glomerophyric texture, which makes this flow clearly distinguishable from the under- and overlying rock units. The composition of the Nadayansky Flow was studied throughout its length of a few hundred kilometers and shows very little varying concentrations of major components (48.31 SiO2, 1.26 TiO2, 15.8 Al2O3, 12.71 Fe2O3, 0.19 MnO, 6.89 MgO, 11.1 CaO, 2.25 Na2O, 0.37 K2O, 0.14 P2O5, 0.02 Cr2O3) and trace elements (2.44 La/Sm and 1.56 Gd/Yb), whose variations are within the analytical uncertainties (XRF and ICP-MS analyses). The basalt of the flow crystallized from tholeiitic melt, whose composition was analogous to those of melts that produced all other flows of the Mokulaevsky Formation. For comparison, the paper displays the inner structures of the underlying Morongovsky and Mokulaevsky formations in the basin of the Mikchangda River in the eastern part of the Norilsk area. The composition of the basalts of these formations also varies insignificantly. The main difference is an increase in TiO2 concentration from 1.19 to 1.3 wt % with the transition from the lower formation to the upper one. In spite of the insignificant difference between the concentrations, it is of principal importance and makes it possible to distinguish between the basalts of these formations. The detected constancy of the compositions of the formations as a whole and the Nadayansky Flow in particular are principally important for studying continental flood basalt provinces and demonstrates the compositional homogeneity of the erupted magmas and their sources. These results are important as an example how geochemical data can be used to correlate widely spaced sequences of volcanic rocks.

Geochemistry of Deccan Tholeiite Flows and Dykes of Elephanta Island: Insights into the Stratigraphy and Structure of the Panvel Flexure Zone, Western Indian Rifted Margin

Elephanta Island near Mumbai is an important area for understanding the stratigraphic and structural framework of the Deccan flood basalt province in the tectonically disturbed Panvel flexure zone on the western Indian rifted margin. Elephanta exposes a west-dipping, 66–65 Ma sequence of tholeiitic lava flows and dykes. Geochemical correlations with the thick, horizontal, 66–65 Ma Western Ghats sequence to the east show that lava flows of the Khandala and Ambenali formations are present at Elephanta, with two lava flows probably being locally derived. The Elephanta tholeiites have experienced crystal fractionation and accumulation, particularly of olivine. They have εNd(t) ranging from +5.4 to −7.9 and (87Sr/86Sr)t from 0.70391 to 0.70784, with most tholeiites little contaminated by continental lithosphere, probably lower crust. Field and geochemical data indicate a normal fault along the central part of Elephanta with a 220 m downthrow, consistent with a domino-type block-faulted structure of Elephanta, and the surrounding area as previously known. Seventeen of the 20 analyzed Elephanta intrusions, striking ~N–S, belong to the Coastal dyke swarm of the western Deccan province. Several of these are probable feeders to the Ambenali Formation in the Western Ghats sequence, requiring reconsideration of the current view that the voluminous Wai Subgroup lavas of the Western Ghats were erupted without organized crustal extension. East–west-directed extensional strain was already active at 66–65 Ma along this future (62.5 Ma) rifted continental margin. A young (~62 Ma) ankaramite dyke on Elephanta Island is a probable feeder to the Powai ankaramite flow in the 62.5 Ma Mumbai sequence 20 km to the northwest.

The role of sub-continental mantle as both “sink” and “source” in deep Earth volatile cycles

The extent to which Earth’s sub-continental lithospheric mantle modulates the flux of volatile elements from our planet’s deep interior to its atmosphere (via volcanism) is poorly constrained. Here, we focus on “off-craton” sub-continental lithospheric mantle because this long-lived reservoir potentially acts as both a volatile “sink” and “source” during major heating and rifting events. The sub-continental lithospheric mantle is primarily formed of peridotites with subordinate amounts of pyroxenites. While both lithologies are dominated by nominally-volatile-free mantle minerals, some of these phases have been shown to contain non-negligible amounts of H2O (e.g. 100’s of ppmw in clinopyroxene). Data for volatile elements other than Li are, however, limited. We present new, high-precision, in-situ Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry analyses of H, F, Cl, Li and B in olivine and pyroxenes from well-characterised garnet- and spinel-bearing peridotites and pyroxenites (from southern Patagonia and the Antarctic Peninsula). Our study confirms that clinopyroxene is the main host of H2O and F. The maximum F contents we report (up to 154 ppmw) are higher than those in previous studies and occur in Ti-Cr diopsides in highly-metasomatised peridotites and Ti-Al augites from clinopyroxenite veins. Water contents of clinopyroxenes (up to 615 ppmw) are within the range previously published for continental mantle. Lithium concentrations are low (<5 ppmw) in all analysed phases and both Cl and B are below detection levels (14 ppmw and 0.03 ppmw, respectively).Unique to our study is the large variation in major- and trace-element concentrations of the clinopyroxenes, which allows us to place quantitative constraints on how volatiles are stored in the mantle. We demonstrate that: (i) F contents of clinopyroxenes closely correlate with Ti and (ii) DHCpx-Opx and DFCpx-Opx is systematic and inversely correlated with temperature. Despite the redistribution of volatiles during sub-solidus re-equilibration, we show that the first order control on the concentration of volatiles in clinopyroxene is the style of metasomatism, i.e. channellised flow versus reactive percolation. The mean bulk volatile contents of peridotites from Pali Aike and the Antarctic Peninsula (H2O = 89 ± 31 ppmw, F = 16 ± 11.2 ppmw and Li = 2 ± 0.7 ppmw) are within the range previously published for continental “off-craton” mantle. The pyroxenites have significantly higher mean bulk concentrations of H2O (260 ± 59 ppmw), F (86 ± 43 ppmw) and Li (1.0 ± 0.35 ppmw). While the greater capacity of mantle pyroxenites to host H2O relative to the associated peridotites has previously been observed in global “off-craton” mantle xenolith suites (e.g. Oahu, Hawaii; eastern China and the Rio Grande Rift, SW USA), here we show for the first time that pyroxenites are also major hosts of F (but not Cl, Li or B). Because of their relatively low solidus temperatures, pyroxenites in “off-craton” settings will be readily re-mobilised during lithospheric extension (and heating). We suggest these pyroxene-rich mantle lithologies may be responsible for the elevated concentrations of H2O and F observed in basalts and volcanic gasses from major continental rift zones and flood basalt provinces, and hence an important consideration in models of global volatile cycles.

Reshuffling the Columbia River Basalt chronology—Picture Gorge Basalt, the earliest- and longest-erupting formation

Abstract The Columbia River Basalt Group (CRBG) is the world’s youngest continental flood basalt province, presumably sourced from the deep-seated plume that currently resides underneath Yellowstone National Park in the northwestern United States. The earliest-erupted basalts from this province aid in understanding and modeling plume impingement and the subsequent evolution of basaltic volcanism. We explore the Picture Gorge Basalt (PGB) formation of the CRBG, and discuss the location and geochemical significance in a temporal context of early CRBG magmatism. We report new ARGUS-VI multicollector 40Ar/39Ar incremental heating ages from known PGB localities and additional outcrops that we can geochemically classify as PGB. These 40Ar/39Ar ages range between 17.23 ± 0.04 Ma and 16.06 ± 0.14 Ma, indicating that PGB erupted earlier and for longer than other CRBG main-phase units. These ages illustrate that volcanism initiated over a broad area in the center of the province, and the geochemistry of these early lavas reflects a mantle source that is distinct both spatially and temporally. Combining ages with the strongest arc-like (but depleted) geochemical signal of PGB among CRBG units indicates that the shallowest metasomatized backarc-like mantle was tapped first and concurrently, with later units (Steens and Imnaha Basalts) showing increased influence of a plume-like source.

Fluidized sand effusion over successive basalt flows of the northwestern Paraná volcanic province

A remarkable sand injectite complex (1 million km2) is hosted in Paraná volcanic province, South America, and is here described. Named Novo Hamburgo Complex, these sand injectites originated by the interaction of several major geological processes, as presently described in Campo Grande and Serra de Maracaju cuesta, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The geologically unique relationship of a major continental flood basalt province with the underlying large freshwater Guarani aquifer – hosted in paleodune sands of the largest known paleoerg – resulted in a network of sand injectites where each basalt lava flow was injected and then covered by sand extrudite. The basaltic lavas were individualized by chemical characteristics and correlated (with cover extrudite) along the escarpment of the cuesta for 10–30 km. After cooling, each volcanic unit underwent prolonged hydrothermal alteration. Porosity vanished by sealing with chalcedony during continued percolation of hot water. The process culminated in the explosive injection and effusion of fluidized sand, resulting in the covering of each lava flow with a sand extrudite. Lavas were sealed in sequence above the underlying aquifer, resulting in the explosive injection and effusion of fluidized sand. The interplay of three major geological features was required in the Cretaceous Paraná Basin to build the geology of Serra de Maracaju and Novo Hamburgo Complex: (1) a huge continental flood basalt province, (2) a huge underlying paleoerg, and (3) a large, underlying Guarani aquifer. An infinite volume of hot water and its vapor was available for the alteration, injection, and effusion processes of sand extrudites. Injection was triggered by residual volcanic heat and possibly earthquakes.

Noble gases, dead carbon, and reinterpretation of groundwater ages and travel time in local aquifers of the Columbia River Basalt Group

Groundwater noble gas concentrations are used to model the temperature of aquifer recharge but also may be used to understand geologic influences on water chemistry. Aquifers in the South Fork Palouse River Basin are hosted within the fractured basalts of the Columbia River Basalt Group and the interbedded sediments of the Latah Formation. The travel time of groundwater, and the associated recharge rate, in this multiple aquifer system is of primary interest to water resource managers because of declining water levels. Prior investigations of the deeper groundwater indicated low values of percent modern carbon and elevated alkalinity and δ13C values compared to shallower groundwater. The groundwater travel time suggested by the uncorrected carbon-14 ages (up to 31,000 BP) implies a recharge rate much slower than hypothesized from identified recharge pathways, low storativity values, and relatively large groundwater withdrawals. No sources of dead carbon were previously identified, but the disconnect between old groundwater and likely recharge pathways suggest input from a dead carbon source. Groundwater collected for this study contained elevated alkalinity, δ13C, He, and 3He/4He values deeper in this aquifer system located in this young flood basalt province. Elevated alkalinity and δ13C values correlate with a mantle CO2 source that is reflected in oversaturated He and elevated 3He/4He (R/Ra) ratios. The flood basalts are Miocene expressions of the modern Yellowstone hotspot, which exudes relatively large concentrations of He (with elevated 3He/4He (R/Ra) ratios) and CO2. A deep and 14C-free geologic source of CO2 helps to explain the low percent modern carbon in the deeper groundwater. Correction of groundwater ages through incorporation of this dead carbon source produced ages up to 64% smaller than previous age estimates; although, greater age corrections may be necessary because of differences in sample and analysis methods for alkalinity, δ13C, and 14C that influence detection of the dead carbon input.

Comparative Geothermometry in High-Mg Magmas from the Etendeka Province and Constraints on their Mantle Source

Abstract There is still debate whether Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs) are caused by high mantle temperatures induced by thermal plumes or by other factors that enhance melt production from the mantle. A prerequisite for assessing the thermal plume model is a reliable estimate of liquidus temperatures of the magmas produced, preferably based on more than one method of geothermometry. The study reported here compares multiple geothermometers for the Etendeka LIP, which is among the largest Phanerozoic examples and one that shows several features suggestive of a plume origin (continental flood basalt province linked via an age-progressive volcanic ridge to an active hotspot). Magnesium (Mg)-rich magmas emplaced as dikes in NW Namibia are the most primitive rocks known from this province and are thus best suited to determine the composition and melting conditions of their mantle source. Earlier studies of the Etendeka Mg-rich dikes reported high liquidus temperatures based on olivine-melt Mg–Fe equilibria. We extend that work to a larger set of samples and compare the results of olivine-melt Mg–Fe thermometry with other methods based on spinel-melt and spinel–olivine equilibria (Al-in-olivine thermometry), as well as olivine-melt trace-element exchange (Sc/Y thermometry and V oxybarometry). All methods used the same starting assumptions of nominally anhydrous melts and a crystallization pressure of 0·5 GPa. Only mineral-melt or mineral-mineral pairs consistent with compositional equilibrium were used for calculating temperatures. The trace-element compositions of olivine are also used to discuss the relative proportion of peridotite and pyroxenite in the mantle source for these magmas. Twelve dike samples were studied, with whole-rock MgO concentrations ranging from 8·4 to 19·4 wt %. Diagnostic element ratios of transition metals in olivine (e.g., Mn/Fe, Mn/Zn, Zn/Fe) indicate a peridotite-dominated mantle source for the magmas, which is consistent with the other indicators based on whole-rock data e.g., 10 000×Zn/Fe, CaO–MgO trend, FeO/MnO and FC3MS (FeO/CaO–3×MgO/SiO2). The temperature variations show a positive correlation with the Fo-content of host olivines, and values from high-Fo olivine agree well with olivine and spinel liquidus temperatures calculated from thermodynamic models of bulk-rock composition. All methods and most samples yielded a temperature range between 1300 °C and 1400 °C. An exceptional few samples returned temperatures below 1300 °C, the minimum being 1193 °C, whereas several samples yielded temperatures above 1400 °C, the upper range being 1420–1440°C, which we consider to be a robust estimate of the maximum liquidus temperatures for the high-Mg magmas studied. The conversion to mantle potential temperatures is complicated by uncertain depth and degree of melting, but the functional relationship between Tp and primary melt MgO contents, using melt inclusions from olivine phenocrysts with of Fo &amp;gt; 90, indicate a Tp range from 1414 to 1525 °C ( 42 °C), which is 100–150°C higher than estimates of ambient upper mantle Tp in the South Atlantic today.

Hot and Heterogenous High‐3He/4He Components: New Constraints From Proto‐Iceland Plume Lavas From Baffin Island

AbstractThe Icelandic hotspot has erupted basaltic magma with the highest mantle‐derived 3He/4He over a period spanning much of the Cenozoic, from the early‐Cenozoic Baffin Island‐West Greenland flood basalt province (49.8 RA), to mid‐Miocene lavas in northwest Iceland (40.2 to 47.5 RA), to Pleistocene lavas in Iceland's neovolcanic zone (34.3 RA). The Baffin Island lavas transited through and potentially assimilated variable amounts of Precambrian continental basement. We use geochemical indicators sensitive to continental crust assimilation (Nb/Th, Ce/Pb, MgO) to identify the least crustally contaminated lavas. Four lavas, identified as “least crustally contaminated,” have high MgO (&gt;15 wt.%), and Nb/Th and Ce/Pb that fall within the mantle range (Nb/Th = 15.6 ± 2.6, Ce/Pb = 24.3 ± 4.3). These lavas have 87Sr/86Sr = 0.703008–0.703021, 143Nd/144Nd = 0.513094–0.513128, 176Hf/177Hf = 0.283265–0.283284, 206Pb/204Pb = 17.7560–17.9375, 3He/4He up to 39.9 RA, and mantle‐like δ18O of 5.03–5.21‰. The radiogenic isotopic compositions of the least crustally contaminated lavas are more geochemically depleted than Iceland high‐3He/4He lavas, a shift that cannot be explained by continental crust assimilation in the Baffin suite. Thus, we argue for the presence of two geochemically distinct high‐3He/4He components within the Iceland plume. Additionally, the least crustally contaminated primary melts from Baffin Island‐West Greenland have higher mantle potential temperatures (1510 to 1630 °C) than Siqueiros mid‐ocean ridge basalts (1300 to 1410 °C), which attests to a hot, buoyant plume origin for early Iceland plume lavas. These observations support the contention that the geochemically heterogeneous high‐3He/4He domain is dense, located in the deep mantle, and sampled by only the hottest plumes.