Caldera Stage Research Articles

Deciphering the parent-daughter relationship between Ediacaran high-silica ignimbrites and their complementary silicic cumulates: Insights from zircon trace element composition

The Ediacaran Campo Alegre-Corupá Basin (CACB) comprises a rare and excellent exposure of caldera-forming pyroclastic rocks and their cogenetic underlaying plutons. The CACB experienced at least two major episodes of bimodal volcanic activity. The Basin Stage (∼605–590 Ma), characterized by transitional OIB-like basaltic lava flows with minor trachydacites and rhyolites, interbedded with surge-like, silicic pyroclastic deposits, and the Caldera Stage (∼583–577 Ma), marked by at least one cycle of silicic alkaline, caldera-forming eruption, dominated by rhyolitic to trachytic ignimbrites and lava flows/domes with subordinate IAB-like basalts. During the Caldera Stage, granitoid plutons were emplaced at shallow crustal levels (∼5–8 km deep), correlating with the depth of the magma chamber responsible for the contemporaneous large silicic eruption(s). Previous studies have suggested a genetic connection between the post-collisional volcanic and plutonic rocks based on their similar ages, composition, and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic signatures. In this study, we analyze zircon trace elements from the volcanic rocks of both stages in the CACB to constrain their evolutive compositional patterns, redox conditions, and Ti-in-zircon saturation temperatures. We compare our results with zircon compositions of the cogenetic granitoids, focusing on the Corupá Pluton, which likely supplied the magma for the caldera-forming eruption(s). By examining whole-rock and zircon chemical compositions, we establish a petrogenetic link between the volcanic rocks and their potential remnant magma reservoir. Our findings indicate that the silicic volcanic rocks from the Caldera Stage represent highly evolved compositions extracted from a crystal mush that solidified as a syenitic intrusion. During the evolution of the volcanic-plutonic system, zircon crystals tracked compositional changes associated with the extraction of residual silicic liquids from crystal mushes and the formation of intermediate-silicic cumulates. Unique variations in zircon compositions of volcanic and plutonic rocks, such as Eu/Eu*, Zr/Hf, and Th/U ratios support such a connection and suggest crystal-melt segregation processes at relatively low crystallinities (< 30 vol%). Additionally, our trace element data supports the occurrence of intense hydrothermal-induced recrystallization of zircon within the caldera structure, as suggested by the morphologic aspects of crystals previously analyzed for UPb and LuHf isotopes.

Petrogenesis and tectonic significance of two bimodal volcanic stages from the Ediacaran Campo Alegre-Corupá Basin (Brazil): Record of metacratonization during the consolidation of Western Gondwana

The Ediacaran Campo Alegre-Corupá Basin in South Brazil developed in two stages, the synorogenic passive rift (Basin Stage ∼605–590 Ma) and the post-collisional caldera volcano (Caldera Stage ∼583–577 Ma), respectively. Volcanic rocks from the Basin Stage show a bimodal compositional spectrum with dominant basalt and subordinate silicic rocks. The basaltic rocks are transitional to mildly alkaline, exhibiting Ocean Island Basalt-like (OIB-like) trace element enrichment patterns, with depletion in Nb and Ta, however, and crustal-like Sr-Nd isotopic signatures, suggesting that they were derived from low degrees (∼5%) of partial melting of an enriched lithospheric mantle source. The silicic rocks are transitional to mildly alkaline trachydacites associated with subordinate rhyolites, exhibiting trace element compositions typical of A2-type granitoids, produced by fractional crystallization of the coeval basalts in the Moho. Volcanic rocks from the Caldera Stage are constituted mainly by alkaline trachytes and rhyolites, occurring primarily as pyroclastic sequences coupled to minor effusive lava flows and domes, also exhibiting trace element compositions typical of A2-type granitoids. They are associated with subordinated effusive transitional to mildly alkaline basalts with Island Arc Basalt-like (IAB-like) trace element signatures. Compared to the Basin Stage, the basalts from the Caldera Stage result from higher degrees (∼15 %) of partial melting of possibly the same enriched lithospheric-mantle sources during the lithospheric root collapse of a cratonic terrane. The silicic rocks from the Caldera Stage are also derived from the coeval basalts by fractional crystallization in the Moho. However, an additional stage of differentiation in the upper crust is required to explain their silica-enriched compositions and eruptive styles. Results from this study support a connection between the silicic volcanic rocks from the Caldera Stage and the plutonic bodies from the nearby A-type Graciosa Province. Lu-Hf isotopes from detrital zircon suggest an Andean arc-type tectonic setting during the Paleoproterozoic (∼2,185 Ma) history of the Luis Alves Terrane (LAT) basement. This tectonic setting was responsible for the arc-like signatures of the intraplate lithospheric-derived rocks of both bimodal volcanic sequences. Crustal-like Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic characteristics result from a protracted isotope evolution of their enriched mantle sources, and each tectono-magmatic stage results from a different extensional setting, which has implications for the metacratonization of the LAT.

Paleovolcanology, geochemistry, and zircon U-Pb-Hf isotopes of the volcano-sedimentary sequences from the Ediacaran Campo Alegre-Corupá Basin, southern Brazil: Linking volcanism and tectonics during Western Gondwana consolidation

The Campo Alegre-Corupá Basin (CACB) records a well-documented sequence of volcano-sedimentary episodes associated with specific periods of crustal extension during the late-convergent to post-collisional tectonic stages of the consolidation of Western Gondwana. Two main volcano-sedimentary stages were detailed through stratigraphic and lithofaciological studies, combined with whole-rock geochemistry and zircon U-Pb-Hf analysis, resulting in a more complete understanding of the tectono-magmatic cycles and volcanological evolution of the CACB. During the Basin Stage (605–590 Ma), regional collisional tectonics was responsible for initiating the basin as a syn-orogenic rift, during which the sedimentary cycle progressed from alluvial fans at the northern limit of the basin to braided rivers and into a lake to the south. U-Pb geochronology and Lu-Hf isotope signatures of detrital zircon revealed that the sediments were mainly derived from the Paleoproterozoic basement of the Luis Alves Terrane, which constitutes the direct basement of the CACB, with contributions from the nearby Piên Magmatic Arc and possibly from the Curitiba Terrane to the North. The sedimentary strata were progressively covered by transitional to mildly alkaline OIB-like basalts, occurring mostly as lava flows with structural aspects suggestive of subaqueous to subaerial environments, interbedded with trachydacites and surge-like pyroclastic deposits. Large volumes of widespread and densely-welded to rheomorphic ignimbrite sheets within the CACB attest to a second infilling period corresponding to the Caldera Stage (583–577 Ma). This stage was inaugurated by the outpouring of trachytic and very subordinated IAB-like basaltic lava flows at ∼583 Ma. The caldera eruption seems to have been initiated by the production of pumiceous fallouts during an early Plinian-like period of decompression of shallow magma chambers at ∼580 Ma, during which the rift-related structural framework of the Basin Stage probably controlled the collapse of a graben-like caldera. Compositional and isotopic signatures suggest lithospheric mantle sources for the magmas from both volcanic stages and support a connection between basic-intermediate and silicic rocks from both bimodal associations. They also suggest a cogenetic nature between the silicic rocks from the Caldera Stage and the A-type granitoids from the nearby plutonic Graciosa Province.

Assembly and development of large active calderas hosting geothermal systems: Insights from Los Humeros volcanic complex (Mexico)

Caldera volcanoes are complex geological systems that show, during and after their formation, a wide variability in terms of eruptive styles, magmatic and geochemical evolution, and volcanic structures. Los Humeros Volcanic Complex (LHVC) is a key area where to study these factors. It is located in the easternmost sector of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt and hosts an active geothermal system. LHVC exemplifies the complex nature of calderas, recording periods of alternated effusive and explosive eruptive phases, a heterogenous magmatic source, diverse basaltic to rhyolitic products, and the overlapping of caldera collapse events. This study provides an up-to-date interpretation of the caldera framework. Our work is based on a detailed analysis of literature and novel data aimed at the morpho-structural caldera configuration, and supported by geophysical modeling, and petrology of the volcanic products. The new results confirm a more complex evolution of LHVC involving geometric configurations related to multiple caldera collapse events producing both asymmetric trapdoor, and piecemeal styles. The present configuration of the caldera framework involved the initial formation (at 164 ka) of a large caldera (Los Humeros) of ca. 15–17 km diam (shorter than previously reported), which was overlapped asymmetrically by the younger (69 ka) and smaller (ca. 8.5–10 km diam) Los Potreros caldera over the west side, as a result of multiple sequential collapsing events. The final configuration of the caldera rims (scarps) was promoted by incremental growth. A post-caldera resurgence phase was induced by the injection of multiple shallow intrusions of silicic bodies, causing a more localized deformation of the caldera floor. The Holocene volcanism records the recurrent injection of compositionally distinct magma batches uprising from different depths of the LHVC transcrustal magmatic plumbing system. This latter indicates the transition from the caldera stage magmatic system dominated by a single, large, and shallow magmatic body to a more complex, polybaric post-caldera stage plumbing system, made up of a lower crust mafic reservoir feeding smaller magma batches vertically distributed in the whole crust. The integration of all the existing data constitutes the archive to better understand how large active calderas hosting exploitable geothermal systems assemble through time.

New CA-ID-TIMS U–Pb zircon ages for the Altenberg–Teplice Volcanic Complex (ATVC) document discrete and coeval pulses of Variscan magmatic activity in the Eastern Erzgebirge (Eastern Variscan Belt)

The Altenberg–Teplice Volcanic Complex (ATVC) is a large ~ NNW–SSE trending volcano-plutonic system in the southern part of the Eastern Erzgebirge (northern Bohemian Massif, south-eastern Germany and northern Czech Republic). This study presents high precision U–Pb CA-ID-TIMS zircon ages for the pre-caldera volcano-sedimentary Schönfeld–Altenberg Complex and various rocks of the caldera stage: the Teplice rhyolite, the microgranite ring dyke, and the Sayda-Berggießhübel dyke swarm. These data revealed a prolonged time gap of ca. 7–8 Myr between the pre-caldera stage (Schönfeld–Altenberg Complex) and the climactic caldera stage. The volcanic rocks of the Schönfeld–Altenberg Complex represent the earliest volcanic activity in the Erzgebirge and central Europe at ca. 322 Ma. The subsequent Teplice rhyolite was formed during a relatively short time interval of only 1–2 Myr (314–313 Ma). During the same time interval (314–313 Ma), the microgranite ring dyke intruded at the rim of the caldera structure. In addition, one dyke of the Sayda-Berggiesshübel dyke swarm was dated at ca. 314 Ma, while another yielded a younger age (ca. 311 Ma). These data confirm the close genetic and temporal relationship of the Teplice rhyolite, the microgranite ring dyke, and (at least part of) the Sayda-Berggießhübel dyke swarm. Remarkably, the caldera formation in the south of the Eastern Erzgebirge (caldera stage of ATVC: 314–313 Ma) and that in the north (Tharandt Forest caldera: 314–312 Ma) occurred during the same time. These data document a large ~ 60 km NNW–SSE trending magmatic system in the whole Eastern Erzgebirge. For the first time, Hf-O-isotope zircon data was acquired on the ring dyke from the ATVC rocks to better characterize its possible sources. The homogeneous Hf-O-isotope zircon data from the microgranite ring dyke require preceding homogenization of basement rocks. Some small-scale melts that were produced during Variscan amphibolite-facies metamorphism show similar Hf-O-isotope characteristics and can therefore be considered as the most probable source for the microgranite ring dyke melt. In addition, a second source with low oxygen isotope ratios (e.g. basic rocks) probably contributed to the melt and possibly triggered the climactic eruption of the Teplice rhyolite as well as the crystal-rich intrusion of the ring dyke.

Structural architecture and the episodic evolution of the ediacaran Campo Alegre Basin (southern Brazil): Implications for the development of a synorogenic foreland rift and a post-collisional caldera-volcano

During the last decades, tectonic models provided new insight into the evolution of the Luis Alves, Curitiba, and Paranaguá terranes, which are all limited by thrust and transpressive shear zones, nowadays outcropping only as deep crustal horizons and presenting poorly known lateral displacements. An essential puzzle piece to understanding the juxtaposition processes and evolution of these blocks in the Neoproterozoic lies in the Campo Alegre Basin in Southern Brazil, a volcano-sedimentary sequence deposited during the middle to late Ediacaran. Based on new U–Pb geochronological, structural, and aero-geophysical data, at least two main stages of filling and subsidence have been identified in this region, namely the basin and the caldera stages. In the Basin Stage, the regional collisional tectonics triggered the far-field stress resulting in a local extension at ~605 ± 5 Ma through the reactivation of NNW-SSE inherited basement structures. The deposition of the sedimentary basin finishes with the Initial Volcanic Activity, corresponding to a bimodal mildly alkaline, predominantly mafic and effusive volcanism. After the transition to a post-collisional setting, probably at ca. 595 Ma, regional extension led to the Caldera Stage of the basin, which had its volcanic peak at ca. 583-580 Ma, contemporaneous with the intrusive A-type magmatism of the nearby Graciosa Province. The Main Volcanic Activity corresponds to a predominantly alkaline silica-saturated, effusive to explosive magmatic manifestation culminating with the formation of a caldera-volcano. The volcanic products from both the initial and the main volcanic activities were raised to the surface mainly through NNW-SSE and ENE-WSW oriented conduits, respectively reactivated and neo-formed during the collisional process. The crustal-scaled discontinuities associated with the development of the sedimentary basin have further controlled the subsidence of the caldera structure, which might be the main mechanism of preservation for these ancient volcano-sedimentary sequences in the evolution of the Campo Alegre Basin.

BRAVOSEIS: Geophysical investigation of rifting and volcanism in the Bransfield strait, Antarctica

The Bransfield Basin is a back-arc basin located in Western Antarctica between the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. Although the subduction of the Phoenix plate under the South Shetland block has ceased, extension continues through a combination of slab rollback and transtensional motions between the Scotia and Antarctic plates. This process has created a continental rift in the basin, interleaved with volcanic islands and seamounts, which may be near the transition from rifting to seafloor spreading. In the framework of the BRAVOSEIS project (2017–2020), we deployed a dense amphibious seismic network in the Bransfield Strait comprising 15 land stations and 24 ocean-bottom seismometers, as well as a network of 6 moored hydrophones; and acquired marine geophysics data including multibeam bathymetry, sub-bottom profiler, gravity & magnetics, multi-channel seismics, and seismic refraction data. The experiment has collected a unique, high quality, and multifaceted geophysical data set in the Central Bransfield Basin, with a special focus on Orca and Humpback seamounts. Preliminary results confirm that the Bransfield region has slab-related intermediate depth seismicity, with earthquake characteristics suggesting distributed extension across the rift. Gravity and magnetic highs delineate a segmented rift with along-axis variations that are consistent with increased accumulated strain to the northeast. Orca volcano shows evidences of an active caldera and magma accumulation at shallow depths, while Humpback volcano has evolved past the caldera stage and is currently dominated by rifting structures. These differences suggest that volcanic evolution is influenced by the position along the rift. Although a lot of analysis remains, these results provide useful constraints on the structure and dynamics of the Bransfield rift and associated volcanoes.

Temporal change of Barujari Volcano magmatic process: Inferred from petrological study of erupted products since AD 1944

Barujari volcano is an active volcano located in Lombok Island Indonesia. The volcano is a part of post caldera stage of Rinjani volcano. The volcano shows strombolian to vulcanian type eruption and produces mainly lava with basaltic-andesitic composition (54-56 wt% SiO2). The volcano actively erupts several times during past 70 years. However, temporal change of its petrological characteristic has not been discussed. This paper discusses petrological changes in Barujari volcano erupted material through time from AD 1944 to 2015. Total 31 samples erupted from AD 1944, 1966, 1994, 2004, 2009, and 2015 are observed and analyzed with XRF method. Our study shows that most of samples can be classified into basaltic trachy-andesite with 53-56 wt% SiO2. All samples show nearly linear trend in harker diagram and shows no systematic change through time. However, AD 1966 shows curved trend and more silicic composition compared to other samples. We suggest that magma mixing with repeated injection of more mafic magma play an important role in producing most of basaltic-andesitic Barujari lava as suggested by linear trend of harker diagram and appearance of heterogeneity in groundmass. AD 1966 samples also contain evidence of magma mixing but curved trend does not suggest simple mixing processes. Appearance of olivine-poor samples in SiO2 rich AD 1966 samples might suggest more close system differentiation process that mixed with common Barujari products.

Reappraisal of Los Humeros Volcanic Complex by New U/Th Zircon and 40Ar/39Ar Dating: Implications for Greater Geothermal Potential

AbstractLongevity and size of magmatic systems are fundamental factors for assessing the potential of a geothermal field. At Los Humeros volcanic complex (LHVC), the first caldera‐forming event was reported at 460 ± 40 ka. New zircon U/Th and plagioclase 40Ar/39Ar dates of pre‐, syn‐ and postcaldera volcanics allow a reappraisal of the evolution of the geothermally active LHVC. The age of the voluminous Xaltipan ignimbrite (115 km3 dense rock equivalent [DRE]) associated with the formation of the Los Humeros caldera is now constrained by two geochronometers (zircon U/Th and plagioclase 40Ar/39Ar dating) to 164 ± 4.2 ka, which postdates a long episode of precaldera volcanism (rhyolitic domes), the oldest age of which is 693.0 ± 1.9 ka (40Ar/39Ar). The inferred short residence time (around 5 ka) for the paroxysmal Xaltipan ignimbrite is indicative of rapid assembly of a large magma body and rejuvenation of the system due to recurrent recharge magmas, as it has been occurred in some other large magmatic systems. Younger ages than previously believed have been obtained also for the other voluminous explosive phases of the Faby fall tuff at ∼70 ka and the second caldera‐forming Zaragoza ignimbrite with 15 km3 DRE, which erupted immediately after. Thus, the time interval that separates the two caldera‐forming episodes at Los Humeros is only 94 kyr, which is a much shorter interval than suggested by previous K‐Ar dates (410 kyr). This temporal proximity allows us to propose a caldera stage encompassing the Xaltipan and the Zaragoza ignimbrites, followed by emplacement at 44.8 ± 1.7 ka of rhyolitic magmas interpreted to represent a postcaldera, resurgent stage. Rhyolitic eruptions have also occurred during the Holocene (&lt;7.3 ± 0.1 ka) along with olivine‐rich basalts that suggest recharge of the system. The estimated large volume magmatic reservoir for Los Humeros (&gt;∼1,200 km3) and these new ages indicating much younger caldera‐forming volcanism than previously believed are fundamental factors in the application of classical conductive models of heat resource, enhancing the heat production capacity and favor a higher geothermal potential.

Late Pleistocene Tendürek Volcano (Eastern Anatolia, Turkey): I. Geochronology and petrographic characteristics of igneous rocks

The series of two papers presents a comprehensive isotope-geochronological and petrological-geochemical study of the Late Quaternary Tendurek Volcano (Eastern Turkey), one of the greatest volcanoes within the Caucasian—Eastern Anatolian segment of the Alpine foldbelt. The first article discusses the results of chronostratigraphic reconstruction and provides the main petrographic characteristics of the Tendurek’s igneous rocks. The K-Ar dating results show that the magmatic activity of the Tendurek Volcano developed in the Late Pleistocene time, over the period of the last 250 thousand years. Five discrete phases (I—250–200 ka, II—200–150 ka, III—150–100 ka, IV—100–70 ka, and V—<50 ka) of the youngest magmatism were identified in this study. The first two phases were represented by the fissure eruptions of alkaline basic lavas and subsequent formation of vast lava plateaus, the Caldiran and Dogubeyazit plains. In the following phases, the intermediate and moderately-acid volcanic rocks of mildly-alkaline or alkaline series started to dominate among the eruption products. According to their petrographic characteristics, the rocks of Tendurek Volcano are assigned to the alkaline association with Na-specifics (hawaiites-mugearites-benmoreites). The available geological, isotope-geochronological, and geomorphological data suggest that the Tendurek Volcano is potentially active. Nowadays, Tendurek reaches the caldera stage of its development.

Wendo Koshe Pumice: The latest Holocene silicic explosive eruption product of the Corbetti Volcanic System (Southern Ethiopia)

The Plinian eruption of the Wendo Koshe crater within the Corbetti Caldera occurred around 396 BC. The pumice lapilli deposit, with a thickness exceeding 10cm, dispersed over an area of over 1000km2 around the towns of Hawasa and Shashemene. Most of the pumice was deposited by fall-out; however, minor local pyroclastic density currents also occurred. The calculated volume of preserved pumice fall deposit (approximately 1.2km3), combined with the estimated volume of dispersed fine ash distributed further from the volcano, corresponds to an estimated volume of 0.4km3 (dense rock equivalent) of erupted magma. The age of the pumice eruption (396±38 BC) was determined by 14C radiometric dating of a paleosoil that developed on previous pyroclastic deposits buried by the pumice. The majority of the post-caldera volcanic products are characterized by a relatively uniform chemical composition (TiO2=0.24–0.27 wt.%, Zr=1300–1600ppm, ƩREE=920–1150ppm) without any significant development in composition. Despite the negligible variations in composition of the magmas that erupted during the last 2500years within the Corbetti Volcanic System, a significant change in composition was documented prior to the 396 BC Wendo Koshe younger pumice eruption. The caldera stage ignimbrite of Corbetti (TiO2=0.34 wt.%, Zr=500ppm, ƩREE=370ppm) and the early post-caldera obsidians are (TiO2=0.34 wt.%, Zr=800ppm, ƩREE=410ppm) characterized by a commenditic composition, and the character of the rhyolitic magmas shifted towards pantellerites in the post-caldera stage. The compositional contrast is confirmed also by Sr isotope ratios. The Corbetti ignimbrite is characterized by being more radiogenic (87Sr/86Sr=0.70678) than the post-caldera obsidians (87Sr/86Sr=0.7046–0.7047). In contrast to the trace-element concentrations, the early Chabi obsidian does not differ from younger obsidians in isotope composition. Similarly to other silicic volcanic systems of the Main Ethiopian Rift, the rhyolitic magmas of the recently active volcanoes within the Corbetti Volcanic System are most likely produced by extreme fractional crystallization of basaltic melts.

Two stages of explosive volcanism of the Elbrus area: Geochronology, petrochemical and isotopic-geochemical characteristics of volcanic rocks, and their role in the neogene-quaternary evolution of the Greater Caucasus

The chronology of evolution of the young explosive volcanism in the Elbrus area of the Greater Caucasus is revealed. The isotopic-geochronological data indicate that ignimbrites and associated volcanic rocks were formed during the Middle Pliocene (3.0–2.75 Ma) and Early Pleistocene (0.84–0.70 Ma) stages of magmatic activity of the Greater Caucasus. The presence of two groups of pyroclastic rocks significantly different in age and analysis of their location indicate two spatially combined volcanic centers different in age in this part of the Elbrus volcanic area: Pliocene Tyrnyauz center localized in the eastern and southern parts and Quaternary Elbrus volcanic center which is the only newest center of volcanic activity both in the Elbrus and in the entire neovolcanic area. The analysis of chronology of magmatic events and compositional peculiarities of the young igneous rocks of the Elbrus area for the period from 3 Ma to the Holocene shows that the caldera stage of the evolution of the Elbrus Volcano has not come yet and future catastrophic magmatism is highly possible.

Perspectives on basaltic magma crystallization and differentiation: Lava-lake blocks erupted at Mauna Loa volcano summit, Hawaii

Explosive eruptions at Mauna Loa summit ejected coarse-grained blocks (free of lava coatings) from Moku'aweoweo caldera. Most are gabbronorites and gabbros that have 0–26 vol.% olivine and 1–29 vol.% oikocrystic orthopyroxene. Some blocks are ferrogabbros and diorites with micrographic matrices, and diorite veins (≤ 2 cm) cross-cut some gabbronorites and gabbros. One block is an open-textured dunite. The MgO of the gabbronorites and gabbros ranges ∼ 7–21 wt.%. Those with MgO > 10 wt.% have some incompatible-element abundances (Zr, Y, REE; positive Eu anomalies) lower than those in Mauna Loa lavas of comparable MgO; gabbros (MgO < 10 wt.%) generally overlap lava compositions. Olivines range Fo 83–58, clinopyroxenes have Mg#s ∼ 83–62, and orthopyroxene Mg#s are 84–63 — all evolved beyond the mineral-Mg#s of Mauna Loa lavas. Plagioclase is An 75–50. Ferrogabbro and diorite blocks have ∼ 3–5 wt.% MgO (TiO 2 3.2–5.4%; K 2O 0.8–1.3%; La 16–27 ppm), and a diorite vein is the most evolved (SiO 2 59%, K 2O 1.5%, La 38 ppm). They have clinopyroxene Mg#s 67–46, and plagioclase An 57–40. The open-textured dunite has olivine ∼ Fo 83.5. Seven isotope ratios are 87Sr/ 86Sr 0.70394–0.70374 and 143Nd/ 144Nd 0.51293–0.51286, and identify the suite as belonging to the Mauna Loa system. Gabbronorites and gabbros originated in solidification zones of Moku'aweoweo lava lakes where they acquired orthocumulate textures and incompatible-element depletions. These features suggest deeper and slower cooling lakes than the lava lake paradigm, Kilauea Iki, which is basalt and picrite. Clinopyroxene geobarometry suggests crystallization at < 1 kbar P. Highly evolved mineral Mg#s, < 75, are largely explained by cumulus phases exposed to evolving intercumulus liquids causing compositional ‘shifts.’ Ferrogabbro and diorite represent segregation veins from differentiated intercumulus liquids filter pressed into rigid zones of cooling lakes. Clinopyroxene geobarometry suggests < 300 bar P. Open-textured dunite represents olivine-melt mush, precursor to vertical olivine-rich bodies (as in Kilauea Iki). Its Fo 83.5 identifies the most primitive lake magma as ∼ 8.3 wt.% MgO. Mass balancing and MELTS show that such a magma could have yielded both ferrogabbro and diorite by ≥ 50% fractional crystallization, but under different fO 2: < FMQ (250 bar) led to diorite, and FMQ (250 bar) yielded ferrogabbro. These segregation veins, documented as similar to those of Kilauea, testify to appreciable volumes of ‘rhyolitic’ liquid forming in oceanic environments. Namely, SiO 2-rich veins are intrinsic to all shields that reached caldera stage to accommodate various-sized cooling, differentiating lava lakes.

Stratigraphy of Ninokura Scoria Group in the Post Caldera stage, Towada Volcano, NE Japan : Sequence of Ninokura Scoria eruption

Stratigraphy of Ninokura Scoria Group in the Post Caldera stage, Towada Volcano, NE Japan : Sequence of Ninokura Scoria eruption

Metallogeny and lead isotope data from the Oslo Paleorift

The Permian Oslo Paleorift, situated at the southwestern margin of the Baltic shield, includes the Oslo Region and its southward extension under Skagerak. The exposed part of the paleorift comprises two half-grabens (Vestfold and Akershus graben segments) filled with Permian sediments, volcanics and intrusive rocks as well as Cambrc-Silurian sedimentary rocks. The evolution of the Oslo Rift can be divided into a rifting stage, a caldera stage and a batholith stage. The rifting stage is characterized by weak mineralization of native copper in basalts. The caldera stage includes Fe-Ti cumulates in subvolcanic layered alkali gabbros, Nb-REE disseminations in aphyric trachytes, and epigenetic Mo-mineralizations. The batholith stage includes porphyry and intraplutonic vein deposits of Mo and contact metasomatic deposits of Fe, W, Mo, Be, Zn, Pb, Cu, Bi, As and F. Along the rift margin in Precambrian gneisses and amphibolites there are vein deposits of Fe-oxides, base metals and native silver. The relationship between the rift margin deposits and the evolution of the rift is still unclear, but many deposits are spatially related to Permian dolerite dykes. Lead isotope data from hydrothermal deposits in the Oslo Rift fall into two main groups. The first group comprises the rift margin deposits. They are very radiogenic and reflect an upper crustal source for the metals. The source of the silver deposits generally has a lower μ-value and a higher w- value than the base metal deposits. The rift margin deposits are therefore not a product of metal zonation from a single hydrothermal solution. The second group comprises deposits associated with granitic intrusions in the Oslo Graben and reflects a lower to intermediate crustal source for the metals. Deposits in the Vestfold graben segment are generally more radiogenic than deposits in the Akershus graben segment and this difference may be explained by a small contribution of highly radiogenic lead from underlying Precambrian granites. The data show that individual intrusions can be characterized by their lead isotope composition and thus confirm the relationship between intrusions and mineralizations. The data indicate a more radiogenic source for the peralkaline intrusions compared to the biotite granites, but more data are needed to confirm this suggestion.

Evolution of silicic magma in the upper crust: the mid-Tertiary Latir volcanic field and its cogenetic granitic batholith, northern New Mexico, U.S.A.

ABSTRACTStructural and topographic relief along the eastern margin of the Rio Grande rift, northern New Mexico, provides a remarkable cross-section through the 26-Ma Questa caldera and cogenetic volcanic and plutonic rocks of the Latir field. Exposed levels increase in depth from mid-Tertiary depositional surfaces in northern parts of the igneous complex to plutonic rocks originally at 3–5 km depths in the S. Erosional remnants of an ash-flow sheet of weakly peralkaline rhyolite (Amalia Tuff) and andesitic to dacitic precursor lavas, disrupted by rift-related faults, are preserved as far as 45 km beyond their sources at the Questa caldera. Broadly comagmatic 26 Ma batholithic granitic rocks, exposed over an area of 20 by 35 km, range from mesozonal granodiorite to epizonal porphyritic granite and aplite; shallower and more silicic phases are mostly within the caldera. Compositionally and texturally distinct granites define resurgent intrusions within the caldera and discontinuous ring dikes along its margins; a batholithic mass of granodiorite extends 20 km S of the caldera and locally grades vertically to granite below its flat-lying roof. A negative Bouguer gravity anomaly (15–20 mgal), which encloses exposed granitic rocks and coincides with boundaries of the Questa caldera, defines boundaries of the shallow batholith, emplaced low in the volcanic sequence and in underlying Precambrian rocks. Palaeomagnetic pole positions indicate that successively crystallised granitic plutons cooled through Curie temperatures during the time of caldera formation, initial regional extension, and rotational tilting of the volcanic rocks. Isotopic ages for most intrusions are indistinguishable from the volcanic rocks. These relations indicate that the batholithic complex broadly represents the source magma for the volcanic rocks, into which the Questa caldera collapsed, and that the magma was largely liquid during regional tectonic disruption.Volcanic and plutonic magmas (1) changed from early high-K calc-alkaline to alkalic prior to caldera eruptions; (2) differentiated to a weakly peralkaline rhyolite and equivalent acmiteartvedsonite granite cap (underlain by calc-alkaline granite) when the caldera formed at 26·5 Ma; then (3) reverted to calc-alkaline compositions. Concentrations of alkalis and minor elements such as Rb, Th, U, Nb, Zr, and Y reached maxima at the caldera stage. The volcanic rocks constitute intermittently quenched samples of upper parts of Questa magma bodies at early stages of crystallisation; in contrast, the comagmatic granitic rocks preserve an integrated record of protracted crystallisation of the magmatic residue as eruptions diminished. Multiple differentiation processes were active during evolution of the Questa magmatic system: crystal fractionation, replenishment by mantle and lower crustal melts of varying chemical and isotopic character, mixing of evolved with more primitive magmas, upper crustal assimilation, and perhaps volatile-transfer processes. As a result, an evolving batholithic cluster of coalesced magma chambers generated diverse assemblages of broadly cogenetic rocks within a few million years. Evolution of the Questa magmatic system and similar high-level Tertiary granitic batholiths nearby in the southern Rocky Mountains provides broad insights into magmatic processes in continental regions such as the overall shapes of batholiths, time and compositional relations between cogenetic volcanic and plutonic rocks, density equilibration of magmas with country rocks, and thermal evolution of continental crust.

Constraints upon models of greenstone belt evolution by gravity modelling, Birch-Uchi greenstone belt, northern Ontario

Abstract Eight two-dimensional gravity models, incorporating most of the major hypotheses proposed for the development of Precambrian greenstone belts, are computed. Maximum use is made of geological and geophysical constraints, in an attempt to explain the disparity between the 11 000 m measured stratigraphic thickness and the maximum 5000 m interpreted vertical extent of a portion of the Birch-Uchi metavolcanic-metasedimentary belt. The two-dimensional modelling concentrates on an east-trending profile across a dominantly volcanic portion of the belt comprising three superposed basalt to rhyolite cycles. It is supplemented by a computed second vertical derivative map of the gravity field. Metamorphic and geophysical considerations show simple, isoclinal, parallel folding of the mapped stratigraphic thickness to be unacceptable. Proposed mechanisms which could explain the shallow interpreted vertical extent are a density gradient, a granite root, more complex folding of the belt and restriction of the metavolcanic basin. Taken individually, however, none of these mechanisms is entirely adequate. The model which best fits the gravity and geological data suggests that the shallow vertical extent is the result of both magmatic stoping by a subjacent granitic magma chamber during the caldera stage of cycle III volcanism and partial melting of the basaltic rocks during earlier cycles of volcanism.

GEOMORPHOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS AND CLASSIFICATION OF THE QUATERNARY VOLCANOES IN JAPAN

The evolutions of 140 Quaternary volcanoes in Japan have been studied mainly with the aid of air-photo interpretation. The study has revealed that these volcanoes have been evolved along three definite courses. On the basis of the result, the Quaternary volcanoes in Japan are classified into three types: A-, B and C-type volcanoes. A-type volcanoes generally take an evolutional course as follows : The 1 st stage : A gently sloping large cone with simple structure is constructed. The cone is composed of mafic thin lava flows and scoria falls (olivine-pyroxene basalt-andesite, SiO2 56% in average). The 2nd stage: Thick lava flows are added on the upper slope of the large cone. Therefore, the surfaces of the cone show stepped slopes. In some volcanoes, the cone iss greatly destructed by the Bandaian eruption just after the maximum growth of it, forming a horseshoe-shaped caldera on the summit. The 3rd stage: Explosive eruptions eruptions of pyroclastic flows and falls (pumiceous, hornblende-pyroxene andesite-dacite, SiO2 62%) are repeated, causing destruction of the older cone and construction of pyroclastic cones and pyroclastic flow surfaces. The 4th stage: A small caldera is formed on the summit of the cone, constructing lava domes within it. Typical cone volcanoes with simple structure, such as Fuji and Yotei Volcanoes, have developed only to the 1st stage. The volcanoes with horsehoe-shaped calderas, such as Chokai and Bandai Volcanoes, have evolved to the 2nd stage. Oshima-Komagatake and Asama Volcanoes frequently erupting pumice flows and falls, have developed to the 3rd stage. Truncated volcanoes with small calderas on the summits such as Akagi and Haruna Volcanoes, have evolved to the 4th stage. Small Krakatoan caldera volcanoes, such as Nigorigawa and Hijiori Volcanoes would be considered as A-type volcanoes which have developed to the 3rd or 4th stage without passing through the 1st and 2nd stages, because the properties and volumes of the eruptive materials are similar to those of typical A-type volcanoes. A-type volcanoes are subdivided into three-Al, A2, A3 type volcanoes-according to the difference of the developmental stage of each volcano. A1-type volcanoes are typical, large cone volcanoes with simple structure, having developed to the earlier stage (the 1st and/or 2nd stage). A2-type volcanoes are dissected or truncated composite volcanoes, having developed to the later stage (the 3rd and/or 4th stage). A3-type volcanoes are small Krakatoan caldera volcanoes, having developed to the later stage without passing through the earlier stage. B-type volcanoes are large Krakatoan caldera volcanoes which are characterised by voluminous pumice eruptions, resulting in the formations of large calderas, such as Aso, Ata, Towada and so forth. Their evolutions may be simplified as follows: Caldera stage Voluminous acidic pumice flows (ash flows) and falls violently issue out, resulting in formation of a large caldera and extensive pyroclastic flow surfaces. Post caldera stage Within and around the large caldera a-type volcanoes (small stratovolcanoes), histories and landforms of which are similar to those of A-type volcanoes, are constructed. They aree also subdivided into three-a1, a2 and a3 type volcanoes. Classification and definition of a1, a2 and a3-type volcanoes are same to those of A1, A2 and A3 type volcanoes. Sakurajima Volcano standing at the rim of Aira Caldera Volcano is regarded as a1-type volcano. Examples of a2-type volcanoes are Mashu Volcano rising at the eastern rim of Kutcharo Caldera Volcano, and Usu Volcano formed at the southern rim of Toya Caldera Volcano. Tarumai Volcano built up at the southern rim of Shikotsu Caldera Vocano is a3-type volcano.