Caledonia Ophiolite Research Articles

Forearc Variability and the Geochemical Diversity of Suprasubduction Zone Ophiolites: Insights From the Leka Ophiolite Complex, Norway

AbstractNew whole‐rock major and trace element geochemistry from the Leka Ophiolite Complex in Norway is presented and compared to the geochemical evolution and proposed tectonomagmatic processes recorded in the Izu‐Bonin‐Mariana system. These data demonstrate that the Leka Ophiolite Complex formed as forearc lithosphere during subduction initiation. A new high‐precision zircon U‐Pb date on forearc basalt constrains the timing of subduction initiation in the “Leka sector” of the Iapetus Ocean to 491.36 ± 0.17 Ma. The tectonomagmatic record of the Leka Ophiolite Complex captures only the earliest stages of subduction initiation and is thereby distinct from some other Appalachian–Caledonian ophiolites of similar age. The diversity of Appalachian–Caledonian ophiolite records may represent differing preservation and exposure of a variable forearc lithosphere.

New geochemical and age constraints ( 40 Ar/ 39 Ar and U–Pb) on forearc intrusive rocks from the New Caledonia Ophiolite (SW Pacific): diversity of melts generated at hot subduction inception

The New Caledonia Ophiolite is cross-cut by coarse- to medium-grained pyroxenite and hornblende gabbro/diorite dykes intruded between 55.5 and 50 Ma (U–Pb zircon and 40 Ar/ 39 Ar hornblende), whereas the finer grained dolerites of tholeiitic affinity are younger (50–47 Ma). The production of hornblende gabbros/diorites was modelled by moderate degrees (20–40%) of partial melting of the high-temperature amphibolites of the metamorphic sole. The end-member compositions (hornblendites and anorthosites) resulted from solid-state phase segregation of crystal mushes within tectonically active magmatic conduits. Cascade reactions of the slab melts with mantle wedge peridotites successively formed clinoenstatite-bearing boninite magmas, which fed gabbronorite cumulate lenses at the mantle–crust transition; in turn, the clinoenstatite-bearing boninite melts reacted with peridotites to form websterites. The youngest magmas (of tholeiitic affinity) appeared c. 6 Myr after the inception of subduction when the cooler subducting slab plunged more steeply. Incipient slab retreat allowed corner flow, triggering low-pressure hydrous melting of the uplifted asthenosphere. The early stages of forearc magmatism were closely associated with transcurrent shear zones, which recorded oblique subduction inception. The early Eocene tectonic and magmatic features of the New Caledonia Ophiolite provide evidence for a north- or NE-dipping hot (forced) subduction zone in the SW Pacific, notably distinct from the slightly younger west-dipping Izu-Bonin–Marianna cold (spontaneous) subduction system. Supplementary material: Field pictures, additional diagrams, GPS location of dated samples, whole-rock geochemical and isotope data, Ar/Ar data, U–Pb zircon data, and distribution coefficients ( K d ) of trace elements used for modelling are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6949265 Thematic collection: This article is part of the Ophiolites, melanges and blueschists collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/ophiolites-melanges-and-blueschists

Beyond zircon fingerprinting: Zircon and TiO2 polymorphs constrain genealogy and evolution of the New Caledonian ophiolite

Ophiolitic mantle rocks play a crucial role in understanding deep geochemical cycling and the transfer of components associated with slab-mantle interactions. Geochemical and geochronological and geochemical analysis of zircon and TiO2 polymorphs (e.g., rutile) present within mantle rocks of the Eocene New Caledonian ophiolite reveal discrete magmatic and xenocrystic populations amongst harzburgite from Me Maoya and chromitite from Tiébaghi massifs. Most mineral grains examined have a xenocrystic origin and are concentrated particularly in the harzburgite. Source tracking involved the use of UPb dating and trace element analysis. They are inferred to have been recycled from the northern end of the Norfolk Ridge that formed the leading edge of a thin continental slab of Gondwana affinity which had previously rifted from eastern Australia together with other elements of Zealandia. The slab was drawn into an intra-oceanic subduction zone beneath the proto-Loyalty arc immediately before the emplacement of the forearc ophiolite today represented by the New Caledonian Peridotite Nappe. Geochemical and geochronological data of these xenocrystic grains support a scenario in which these minerals were recycled into the mantle wedge at moderate mantle depths (above 60–80 km depth) within the subduction channel. In contrast, Eocene UPb ages of zircon and rutile grains, mostly found within the Tiébaghi chromitite, imply their formation through magmatic processes. These minerals' distinctive geochemical characteristics (e.g., HFSE enrichment in rutile) likely indicate an association with late-stage percolation of relatively enriched fluids and melt. Overlapping ages of the Eocene zircon and rutile grains, ArAr pargasite ages, and Zircon UPb ages of cross-cutting dikes in the Tiébaghi chromitite provide evidence that it cooled at ca. 47–46 Ma. This study demonstrates that mineral geochemistry of mantle rocks, when combined with data from geochronology, mineralogy, and petrology, is critical to enhance our comprehension of forearc mantle wedge evolution. It also highlights the potential for studying recycled solid mineral phases, tracing their thermal evolution, and characterizing potential subducted source terranes.

Quaternary low-temperature serpentinization and carbonation in the New Caledonia ophiolite

The low-temperature alteration (< 150 °C) of ophiolites by infiltrated meteoric waters removes atmospheric CO2 through mineral carbonation and is assumed to generate H2 and possibly CH4 according to so-called serpentinization reactions. This overall alteration pattern is primarily constrained by the chemical composition of alkaline springs that are issued in several ophiolites worldwide. Here we report on the fingerprint, as veinlet mineralization, of the reactive percolation of such meteoric waters in the New Caledonia ophiolite (Massif du Sud). The mineralization which resulted from carbonation and serpentinization reactions, is young (< 2 Ma) and formed at a temperature of ca. 95 °C. It is mainly composed of lizardite, dolomite, magnetite ± pyroaurite. Thermochemical simulation of mineral–water equilibria shows that the percolating aqueous fluid was alkaline and H2 bearing. The δ13C of dolomite is exceptionally high, between 7.1 and up to 17.3‰, and is interpreted as evidence of low-temperature methanogenesis. Overall, the percolating fluid had a chemical composition similar to that of the waters issued today in the (hyper)alkaline springs of the Massif du Sud. The studied veinlets are thus interpreted as a sample of the plumbing system that fed an ancient Quaternary alkaline spring in the area.

Serpentinites of Different Tectonic Origin in an Exhumed Subduction Complex (New Caledonia, SW Pacific)

AbstractOwing to the importance of serpentinites for planetary geochemical and geodynamic processes, there has been much work discerning the origins of their parent rocks, including distinguishing between serpentinites derived from a subducting plate versus overlying mantle in exhumed subduction complexes. The island of New Caledonia (SW Pacific Ocean) provides a rare window into Cenozoic Pacific subduction processes. The island is unique in exposing both an exceptionally preserved high‐pressure, low‐temperature subduction complex and one of the largest supra‐subduction zone ophiolites in the world. Previous studies disagree on the origin of serpentinites in the subduction complex. In this study, we analyze 23 serpentinites from this complex for whole‐rock major and trace element geochemistry and stable isotope (δD, δ18O) compositions. Our data reveal two distinct groups of serpentinites: Group I samples in the northern portion of the complex are pervasively serpentinized, and exhibit enriched heavy rare earth element (REE) compositions and δ18O values between +6.7‰ and +10.2‰. In contrast, Group II serpentinites in the south preserve relict orthopyroxene and olivine, and show depleted trace element compositions and comparatively lower δ18O values between +5.1‰ and +8.0‰. We interpret Group I serpentinites to derive from downgoing plate mantle, whereas Group II serpentinites derive from overlying mantle wedge, exhibiting remarkable similarity to the REE geochemistry of the structurally overlying New Caledonia ophiolite. Our results establish the subduction complex in New Caledonia as an unusual natural record of the entrainment and exhumation of mantle from both the overlying mantle wedge and the downgoing plate in an oceanic subduction zone.

Temperatures and Cooling Rates Recorded by the New Caledonia Ophiolite: Implications for Cooling Mechanisms in Young Forearc Sequences

AbstractTo unveil how forearc lithosphere cools and re‐equilibrates, we carried out a comprehensive geothermometric investigation of the New Caledonia ophiolite, which represents a rare example of proto‐arc section generated during subduction infancy. A large data set, including more than 80 samples (peridotites and mafic‐ultramafic intrusives), was considered. Closure temperatures calculated for the lherzolites using slow (TREE‐Y) and fast diffusing (TCa‐in‐Opx, TBKN, TCa‐in‐Ol, TOl‐Sp) geothermometers provide some of the highest values ever documented for ophiolitic peridotites, akin to modern sub‐oceanic mantle. Cooling rates deduced from TREE‐Y and TBKN yield values of ≈10−3°C/y, similar to those obtained with TCa‐in‐Ol. These features are consistent with a post‐melting history of emplacement, possibly along a transform fault, and thermal re‐equilibration via conduction. Cpx‐free harzburgites register a high‐T evolution, followed by quenching and obduction. The relatively high TCa‐in‐Ol, TOl‐Sp and cooling rates computed from TCa‐in‐Ol (≈10−3°C/y) are atypical for this geodynamic setting, mirroring the development of an ephemeral subduction system, uplift and emplacement of the Peridotite Nappe. Temperature profiles across the crust‐mantle transect point to high closure temperatures, with limited variations with depth. These results are indicative of injection and crystallization of non‐cogenetic magma batches in the forearc lithosphere, followed by thermal re‐equilibration at rates of ≈10−4–10−3°C/y. Our study shows that the thermal conditions recorded by forearc sequences are intimately related to specific areal processes and previous lithospheric evolution. Thus, detailed sampling and exhaustive knowledge of the geological background are critical to unravel the cooling mechanisms in this geodynamic setting.

Petrogenesis of Eocene mafic and felsic magmas in the New Caledonia ophiolite: geochemistry and geochronology constraints

ABSTRACT Both felsic and mafic intrusions occur in mantle peridotites of the New Caledonia ophiolite (Peridotite Nappe) and record important information regarding the magmatic evolution during subduction initiation. A systematic petrological, geochronological and geochemical study on gabbro/diorite samples from the Peridotite Nappe is performed to explore their petrogenesis. The gabbro is mainly composed of plagioclase, clinopyroxene and amphibole. Most clinopyroxene have been altered to hornblende or actinolite, whereas some amphibole with high Al2O3 (>8 wt%) and low SiO2 (<46 wt%) contents are of a magmatic origin. This suggests that the gabbro crystallized from hydrous melts. The gabbro shows depleted Sr-Nd-Hf isotope compositions, suggesting that the parental magma of the gabbro could have been derived from the depleted MORB-type mantle (DMM) asthenosphere. The gabbro zircon have δ18O values of +4.74-+6.63‰, which are slightly higher than the mantle-like δ18O values of +5.3 ± 0.6‰, indicating the involvement of subduction-related fluids in their genesis. The diorite mainly consists of albite (An1-4) and tremolite. The felsic dikes within the New Caledonia ophiolite, including granitoids, high-Mg felsic dikes and diorites, are oceanic plagiogranites. Extremely low TiO2 contents, roughly negative correlation of Yb and SiO2 contents, REE patterns of plagiogranites and mafic rocks, and compositions of zircon suggest that the plagiogranites were not products of fractional crystallization of MORB but were generated by hydrous melting of mafic protoliths. The diorite zircon show core-rim textures. Both rims and cores yield identical U-Pb ages of 54.6 ± 0.9 Ma vs 54.6 ± 0.6 Ma, and no old inherited cores were identified based on significantly older dates. Our studies show zircon U-Pb ages of ~55 Ma for the gabbro/diorite and titanite U-Pb age of ~53 Ma for the gabbro, which are older than the New Caledonia CE-boninites (51–47 Ma). Therefore, the magmatic evolution of the New Caledonia ophiolite during subduction initiation has been reconstructed.

The Chemistry of Hyperalkaline Springs in Serpentinizing Environments: 1. The Composition of Free Gases in New Caledonia Compared to Other Springs Worldwide

AbstractSerpentinization is a natural process that transforms ferromagnesian minerals such as olivine into serpentine and that produces waters at very high pH and gases enriched in methane (CH4) and hydrogen (H2). We report the composition of gases venting at two springs (Bain des Japonais and Rivière des Kaoris) of the serpentinizing environment of the Prony Bay (New Caledonia) collected eight times between 2011 and 2014, along with in situ measurements (temperature, pH, oxydo‐reduction potential, dissolved oxygen content) of on‐land alkaline springs of the Southern New Caledonia ophiolite. Venting gases are mainly composed of H2, CH4, and N2 and their composition has slightly varied during the 4‐year field survey. An elevated oxygen (O2) content in a high‐pH water sample is due to air uptake during surface flow. O2‐corrected gas compositions along with those published for gas data obtained at similar serpentinizing environments (Italy, Turkey, Philippines, and Oman) show that the H2 and CH4 concentrations display a linear correlation with a slope close to the value corresponding to the CH4 production from carbon dioxide rather from a less oxidized carbon such as carbon monoxide. Although these data are consistent with the stoichiometry of the Sabatier reaction, as such in the gas phase, it is also possible that microbial hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis takes place in the aqueous phase followed by degassing. A diagram is proposed that outlines the partitioning of H2 and CH4 between the gaseous and aqueous phases and the need to consider a two‐phase flow in the hydrology of these hyperalkaline environments.

Structural, textural, and chemical controls on the OH stretching vibrations in serpentine-group minerals

Abstract. The OH stretching vibrational properties of eight serpentine samples from veins of the New Caledonian ophiolite have been investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) in the mid-infrared and near-infrared ranges and by Raman spectroscopy. The samples were selected for their monophasic composition (Lz: lizardite; Ctl: chrysotile; and Atg: antigorite) making them representative of the three serpentine species. Comparison of fundamental and overtone spectra allowed us to interpret most of the observed bands and to propose consistent spectral decomposition in individual components. The OH stretching bands related to intrinsic vibrational properties of the minerals are distinguished from those associated with chemical substitutions in octahedral sites (mainly Fe and Ni for Mg substitutions). Observations made on the most symmetric Lz are consistent with previous interpretations and underline the effect of macroscopic parameters on OH stretching bands in the FTIR spectra. The major importance of the distribution of OH bond lengths in the broadening of the vibrational signals of the less symmetric and more distorted Atg is confirmed. The combination of the three spectroscopic methods makes it possible to unravel the occurrence of two different types of interlayer OH environments in Ctl nanotubes. One corresponds to the features observed at 3684 and 7171 cm−1 in the fundamental and overtone spectra, respectively, and is similar to the local OH environment observed in Lz. The other corresponds to broader signals observed at 3693 and 7200 cm−1 in the fundamental and overtone spectra, respectively. It reflects a distribution of OH bond lengths likely related to local structural misfits between adjacent layers in the tubular structure of Ctl.

Ancient depletion signals in lherzolites from forearc region: Constraints from Lu-Hf isotope compositions

The sub-arc mantle that experienced hydrous melting is commonly characterized by refractory geochemical compositions. Nevertheless, minor lherzolites with fertile compositions have also been reported for mantle peridotites from subduction zone. The petrogenesis and mantle source of the lherzolites are still controversial. The New Caledonia ophiolite (Peridotite Nappe) has been regarded as an allochthonous body of forearc lithosphere. This is supported by refractory compositions of its dominant mantle rocks. A few isolated lherzolitic massifs have also been observed in the northern part of New Caledonia. Those lherzolites are compositionally similar to abyssal peridotites, with negligible subduction-related modification. Here, we present new comprehensive geochemical compositions, in particular high-precision Sr-Nd-Hf isotope data, for the lherzolites. The initial 176Hf/177Hf ratios display moderate correlations with sensitive indicators for the extent of melting (i.e., olivine Fo, whole-rock Mg# and Yb contents in clinopyroxene) and whole-rock initial 187Os/188Os ratios. Some samples have ancient radiogenic Hf isotopes and unradiogenic Os isotope compositions, implying the preservation of ancient depletion signals in the lherzolites. The Nd isotope compositions, together with trace elements and mineral micro-textures, suggest that the lherzolites have been overprinted by a recent melt-rock interaction event. The high equilibrium temperatures of the studied samples have been estimated by the two-pyroxene REE thermometer, yielding temperatures of 1066–1315 °C. The lherzolites have more depleted Nd-Hf isotope compositions and higher equilibrium temperatures than the New Caledonia harzburgites. This indicates that the lherzolites may represent the residues of asthenosphere mantle trapped within the forearc region. Our studies on the New Caledonia lherzolites with ancient depletion signals suggest that ancient mantle domains in the convective mantle can be emplaced in forearc region by the upwelling of asthenosphere during the early stage of subduction initiation.

Origin of the spinel-pyroxene symplectites in the harzburgites from the New Caledonia Peridotite

The New Caledonia ophiolite (Peridotite Nappe) hosts one of the largest and best-exposed mantle section worldwide, providing an exceptional insight into upper mantle processes. The Peridotite Nappe is mostly dominated by harzburgites, locally overlain by mafic-ultramafic cumulates, but also includes minor spinel and plagioclase lherzolites, cropping out in the northern part of the island. The New Caledonia harzburgites are low-strain tectonites, showing dominant porphyroclastic textures. The main mantle paragenesis is constituted by olivine (~ 75-85 vol%), orthopyroxene (~ 15-25 vol%) and spinel (< 1 vol%), while primary clinopyroxene is notably absent. An important textural feature of these mantle rocks is represented by the common occurrence of spinel-pyroxene symplectitic aggregates.In this work, we present a petrographical, textural and major element chemical characterization of the spinel-pyroxene symplectitic intergrowths occurring in the New Caledonia harzburgites (Kopeto, Central Massif, and Yate, Massif du Sud). Based on textures, size and relationships with the other mineral phases, these spinel-pyroxene clusters have been divided into two types, named type-A and type-B.Type-A symplectites occur in the Kopeto harzburgites and are composed of spinel-orthopyroxene (± clinopyroxene) intergrowths. In type-A symplectites, symplectitic spinel (Spl2) occurs as abundant vermicular shaped grains, ranging in size from ~ 0.5 to 2 mm. By contrast, spinel of the porphyroclastic assemblage (Spl1) shows smaller size (in the range of few m) and notably lower abundances (< 1%). Type-A symplectites develop exclusively on porphyroclastic olivine, which in turn displays evidence of chemical disequilibrium and corroded outlines. Bulk major element composition reconstructed for type-A symplectites rule out a derivation from a pre-existing garnet phase, as the model garnet compositions do not satisfy garnet stoichiometry, being characterized by Si deficiency. By contrast, major element chemical variations of the symplectitic phases, coupled with the high abundance of Spl2 and olivine resorption, suggest an origin from reactive percolation of opx-saturated hydrous melts or slab-derived fluids in a subduction zone setting.Type-B symplectites are found in Yate sample and consist of spinel-orthopyroxene (± clinopyroxene). They are characterized by smaller size (few hundreds of m, i.e. “micro-symplectites”) and different shapes compared to type-A symplectites, growing as vermicular, “myrmekite-like” intergrowths at the rims of porphyroclastic orthopyroxene. Major element chemical compositions of type-B symplectites are consistent with an origin as “cooling textures”. These structures may derive from unmixing of a high-T, Al-Cr rich, orthopyroxene due to the decreased solubility of the Cr-Al component (CrMgTs) during post-melting lithospheric cooling at T < 900°C.

Melt extraction and reaction in the forearc mantle: Constraints from trace elements and isotope geochemistry of ultra-refractory peridotites of the New Caledonia Peridotite Nappe

The forearc mantle has generally experienced high degrees of partial melting and pervasive melt-rock reactions. Large ultramafic massifs of the New Caledonia ophiolite (Peridotite Nappe) provide opportunities for studying processes within the forearc mantle. Samples of harzburgite, dunite and websterite from three massifs (i.e., Me Maoya, Ouassë Bay, Massif du Sud) have been selected in this study. The peridotites have low contents of Al2O3 (0.10–0.78 wt%) and CaO (0.21–0.58 wt%), but high olivine Fo (90.8–92.5) and spinel Cr# (0.55–0.74) values. This indicates that they have experienced high degrees of partial melting, resulting in the complete consumption of primary clinopyroxene. Trace elements of orthopyroxenes have been measured to constrain the evolution of the New Caledonia harzburgites. Results show that orthopyroxenes have low contents of heavy rare earth element (HREE); their Yb contents are 0.04–0.39 times of chondrites, which can be modeled by ~25–30% of fractional melting of a depleted MORB mantle (DMM) source. The orthopyroxenes also show variable enrichment of light and middle rare earth elements (LREEs and MREEs) and large ion lithophile elements (LILEs), implying late-stage metasomatism. The websterites have high CaO (9.02–9.75 wt%) but low Al2O3 (1.59–1.60 wt%) contents. They have depleted Sr-Nd-Hf isotope compositions similar to that of New Caledonia CE-boninites and plot within the MORB field. Both websterites and dunites have 187Os/188Os ratios (0.12348–0.13067) comparable to that of abyssal peridotites and the New Caledonia harzburgites (0.1203–0.1534). Geochemical compositions and modeling of whole-rock and minerals of harzburgites, dunites and websterites suggest that the New Caledonia peridotites have experienced at least two-stage partial melting and reactions with various migrating melts. Moreover, we also demonstrated that trace element of orthopyroxenes can be applied to discriminate ultra-refractory harzburgites from different tectonic settings.

New Caledonia Ophiolite, Marginal Rifting to Fore‐arc Evolution

AbstractThe New Caledonia Ophiolite (Peridotite Nappe), represents about one third of the island's surface (i.e. 5 500 km2). The ophiolite is composed of harzburgites, dunites, lherzolites, minor mafic‐ultramafic cumulates, and various dykes and sills. The mantle section underwent a polyphase evolution, which involved prominent depletion and re‐fertilization.The oldest events are probably recorded by abyssal‐type lherzolites of the northern massifs, which bear traces of moderate partial melting. Plagioclase lherzolites were formed by shallow entrapment of highly depleted MORB melt in residual spinel lherzolites. Nd isotope compositions are consistent with derivation from an asthenospheric mantle source that experienced a recent MORB‐producing depletion. This evolution was most likely accomplished during the late Cretaceous breakup of the eastern Australian margin.The harzburgite‐dunite association, which forms the bulk of Peridotite Nappe was probably formed through a multistage magma‐producing process. Harzburgites composition may have be obtained by a first phase of ∼15% dry fractional melting, followed by 15%–18% hydrous melting in a supra‐subduction zone setting. Variable ∊Nd negatively correlate with 87Sr/86Sr, while Pb isotopes cover a wide range, trending from depleted mantle towards enriched, sediment‐like, compositions. Such signatures likely reflect the evolution of a highly depleted fore‐arc mantle wedge variably modified by different fluid and melt inputs during Eocene subduction.The harzburgite‐dunite set is overlain by a dunite transition zone ∼300m thick, in turn discontinuously covered by cumulate lenses consisting of layered pyroxenites, dunites, and wherlites at the base and gabbronorites/websterites on top. The mafic cumulates crystallized from primitive, ultra‐depleted melts in the nascent lower fore‐arc crust. In particular, FME enrichments and Nd‐Pb isotopes support an origin from a refractory mantle source modified by slab fluids for the gabbronorite‐forming melts.The Peridotite Nappe has been extensively serpentinized (40% to 100%) with extremely scarce occurrences of unserpentinized rocks. Lizardite, brucite, magnetite and minor chrysotile developed from joints and intra‐granular cooling cracks in a near‐static environment. Serpentine‐coated joints and peridotite foliation have been thereafter reopened and injected by various felsic, mafic and ultramafic supra‐subduction melts emplaced within a narrow time interval (55–50 Ma), immediately after subduction inception at 56 Ma, i.e. the age of granulite‐facies metamorphic sole. The youngest magmatic event is represented by island‐arc tholeiite dykes dated at 50 Ma.A widespread set of antigorite and tremolite‐bearing veins crosscut all previous structures in a progressively cooling fore‐arc environment. The former are synkinematic crack seals, which display highly radiogenic, sediment‐like 87Sr/86Sr ratios suggesting direct derivation of fluids from the subduction zone, while the latter bear mantle‐like isotopic signatures and probably originated from the interaction of wall rocks with Ca‐rich fluids released by Eocene dykes or fluids that leached them.Finally, continental subduction and obduction occurred during the 44–34 Ma interval and were accompanied by the development of the HP‐LT metamorphic belt of northern New Caledonia, which constrains the polarity of subduction.

Highly siderophile and chalcophile element behaviour in abyssal-type and supra-subduction zone mantle: New insights from the New Caledonia ophiolite

The New Caledonia Ophiolite hosts one of the largest obducted mantle sections worldwide, offering a unique opportunity to investigate key mantle processes. The ophiolite comprises refractory harzburgites, locally overlain by mafic-ultramafic cumulates, and minor lherzolites. Previous geochemical studies indicated that the lherzolites are akin to abyssal-type peridotites, while the harzburgites underwent multiple melting episodes in MOR and supra-subduction zone environments, followed by late stage metasomatism.In this work, Os isotopes, highly siderophile (HSE) and chalcophile element data are reported for the New Caledonia peridotites, in order to constrain the behaviour of these elements in abyssal-type and fore-arc mantle.The variably serpentinised lherzolites (LOI = 6.4–10.7%) yield slightly subchondritic to suprachondritic initial Os isotopic compositions (187Os/188Osi = 0.1273–0.1329) and subchondritic to chondritic Re/Os ratios (0.04–0.11). The gently sloping HSE patterns with increasing depletion towards Au show concentrations in the range of other lherzolites from MOR or continental setting. Sulphur contents are high and variable (202–1268 ppm), and were likely increased during serpentinisation. By contrast, Se/Te ratios and concentrations are within the range of primitive mantle (PM) values, meaning that these elements were not significantly mobilised during serpentinisation.Although displaying homogenous petrographic and geochemical features, the harzburgites are characterised by extremely heterogeneous ReOs and HSE compositions.Type-A harzburgites exhibit subchondritic 187Os/188Osi (0.1203–0.1266) and low Re/Os ratios (0.01–0.04). The strong IPGE-PPGE fractionations (PdN/IrN = 0.21–0.56), coupled with positive Pt anomalies and S-Se-Te abundances often below the detection limit, suggest high melt extraction rates, resulting in sulphide consumption and OsRu metal alloy stabilisation.Type-B harzburgites possess strongly fractionated, Os-Ir-Pt poor (Os = 0.003–0.072 ng/g, Ir = 0.0015–0.079 ng/g) and PdRe enriched patterns, associated with chondritic to suprachondritic measured 187Os/188Os (0.127–0.153). These characters are uncommon for highly depleted mantle residues. Interaction with an oxidised component does not appear as a viable mechanism to account for the IPGE-depleted patterns of type-B harzburgites, as calculated oxygen fugacities are close to the FMQ buffer (Log ΔFMQ = 0.35 to 0.65).The strikingly uniform mineralogical and geochemical features displayed by both harzburgite sub-types suggest that the different HSE patterns are not linked to their recent evolution, implying that subduction-related processes were superimposed on geochemical heterogeneous mantle domains, which exerted an important control on HSE behaviour during melt extraction and post melting metasomatism.We propose that the HSE characters of the studied peridotites reflect the presence of a highly heterogeneous mantle source with a long term (>1 Ga) evolution, possibly linked to the Zealandia formation.

Combined XRF, XRD, SEM-EDS, and Raman Analyses on Serpentinized Harzburgite (Nickel Laterite Mine, New Caledonia): Implications for Exploration and Geometallurgy

Different techniques have been combined to determine the crystallography and the chemical composition of serpentinized harzburgite sampled in a drill core coming from the lower part of the New Caledonia ophiolite. Specifically, this serpentinized harzburgite is the common bedrock of most of the nickel laterite mines in New Caledonia. Most of the minerals present in serpentinized harzburgite were analyzed by Raman spectroscopy and XRD. In this study, Raman spectroscopy has been applied for the first time to estimate the nickel content in lizardite, forsterite, talc, and goethite. The analyses confirm that the major serpentine minerals show two varieties: (1) Ni-bearing lizardite and (2) Ni-free lizardite. Furthermore, Ni-rich forsterite, enstatite, Ni-rich talc, sepiolite, periclase (MgO), and quartz were detected. Additionally, Raman spectroscopy evidence minor phases not detected by XRD: anatase, rutile, pyrite, hematite, chromite, magnesiochromite, and Ni-rich goethite. Our results show that the Ni substitution is only present in lizardite exhibiting turbostratic-stacking disorder. This finding has potential for being used as an exploration tool using short-wave-infrared spectroscopy online or as a portable instrument, and for defining geometallurgical parameters for processing these complex ores.

Phyllomanganate vein-infillings in faulted and Al-poor regoliths of the New Caledonian ophiolite: periodic and sequential crystallization of Ni–asbolane, Alk–birnessite and H–birnessite

Phyllomanganate vein-infillings in faulted and Al-poor regoliths of the New Caledonian ophiolite: periodic and sequential crystallization of Ni–asbolane, Alk–birnessite and H–birnessite

Hypervelocity Impacts and Exposed Lithospheric Mantle: A Way to Recognize Large Terrestrial Impact Basins?

On the Moon and Mars olivine of probable mantle origin is detected at rims of large Late Heavy Bombardment (LHB) age impact basins for which excavation depth estimates exceed crustal thickness estimates. But lunar Crisium size impact basins are not recognized on Earth nor expected in the Phanerozoic from conventional interpretations of crater size frequency distributions. In this study several large circular to elliptical basin structures on Earth, for which hypothesized impact excavation depth would greatly exceed crustal thickness, are examined for the presence of exposed lithospheric mantle, expressed as ophiolite, at the rims. Three Phanerozoic impact basins, modified by plate tectonics and tentatively correlated with “ophiolite obduction” plus global extinction events, are proposed here. These tentatively suggested Phanerozoic impact basins are: (1) Yucatan Basin/Puerto Rico Trench with a Greater Antilles ophiolite rim. Cretaceous-Paleogene Boundary global extinction may correlate with Maastrichtian ophiolite obduction in Southeast Cuba. (2) Loyalty Basin with a New Caledonia ophiolite plus d’Entrecasteaux Ridge rim. Late Eocene global extinction may correlate with obduction of the New Caledonia Peridotite Nappe. (3) Sulu Sea Basin with a Palawan, Sabah etc. ophiolite rim. The Middle Miocene Disruption Event may correlate with ophiolite obduction plus ophiolitic melange emplacement in Sabah and in Palawan. These originally circular to elliptical belts of exposed lithospheric mantle may serve as strain markers for relative plate motions in the vicinity of plate boundaries during post-impact geologic times. It is further speculated that plate boundaries may be initiated and/or modified by such impacts.

Sr, Nd, Pb and trace element systematics of the New Caledonia harzburgites: Tracking source depletion and contamination processes in a SSZ setting

The New Caledonia ophiolite (Peridotite Nappe) consists primarily of harzburgites, locally overlain by mafic-ultramafic cumulates, and minor spinel and plagioclase lherzolites. In this study, a comprehensive geochemical data set (major and trace element, Sr-Nd-Pb isotopes) has been obtained on a new set of fresh harzburgites in order to track the processes recorded by this mantle section and its evolution.The studied harzburgites are low-strain tectonites showing porphyroclastic textures, locally grading into protomylonitic textures. They exhibit a refractory nature, as attested by the notable absence of primary clinopyroxene, very high Fo content of olivine (91–93 mol.%), high Mg# of orthopyroxene (0.91–0.93) and high Cr# of spinel (0.44–0.71). The harzburgites are characterised by remarkably low REE concentrations (<0.1 chondritic values) and display "U-shaped" profiles, with steeply sloping HREE (DyN/YbN = 0.07–0.16) and fractionated LREE-MREE segments (LaN/SmN = 2.1–8.3), in the range of modern fore-arc peridotites. Geochemical modelling shows that the HREE composition of the harzburgites can be reproduced by multi-stage melting including a first phase of melt depletion in dry conditions (15% fractional melting), followed by hydrous melting in a subduction zone setting (up to 15%–18%). However, melting models fail to explain the enrichments observed for some FME (i.e. Ba, Sr, Pb), LREE-MREE and Zr–Hf. These enrichments, coupled with the frequent occurrence of thin, undeformed films of Al2O3, and CaO-poor orthopyroxene (Al2O3 = 0.88–1.53 wt.%, CaO = 0.31–0.56 wt.%) and clinopyroxene with low Na2O (0.03–0.16 wt.%), Al2O3 (0.66–1.35 wt.%) and TiO2 (0.04–0.10 wt.%) contents, point to FME addition during fluid-assisted melting followed by late stage metasomatism most likely operated by subduction-related melts with a depleted trace element signature.Nd isotopic ratios range from unradiogenic to radiogenic (−0.80≤εNdi≤+13.32) and negatively correlate with Sr isotopes (0.70257≤87Sr/86Sr ≤ 0.70770). Pb isotopes cover a wide range, trending from DMM toward enriched, sediment-like, compositions. We interpret the geochemical signature displayed by the New Caledonia harzburgites as reflecting the evolution of a highly depleted fore-arc mantle wedge variably modified by different fluid and melt inputs during Eocene subduction.

Impacts and Exposed Lithospheric Mantle: A Way to Recognize large Terrestrial Impact basins?

AbstractOrientale size craters are not recognized on Earth nor expected for Phanerozoic and Proterozoic eons from conventional crater size frequency distributions (Ivanov et al., 2002). Here suggested are three such Phanerozoic craters, modified by plate tectonics, and tentatively correlated with extinction and “ophiolite obduction” events. Hypothesis testing is proposed and plate tectonics implications are discussed. Such basins might manifest: circular to elliptical rims (or rim segments), with exposed lithospheric mantle, as strain markers for plate boundary motion; thick ejecta near rim expressed as “ophiolitic melange”; power law decay of ejecta thickness with radial distance from rim (McGetchin et al., 1973) and/or systematic azimuthal variation of ejecta thickness for low angle impacts (Schultz, 1999); weathering resistant shocked mantle minerals (Bohor et al., 1990) in ejecta;• global spherule layer with PGE anomalies (Alvarez et al., 1980); rim structures consistent with cratering mechanics (Melosh, 1989; Kenkmann, 2014); impact melt basement (Grieve et al., 1992; Pierazzo et al. 2000) recording uniform cooling age and Earth's magnetic polarity of the time. Tentatively suggested Phanerozoic impact basins: Yucatan Basin: Greater Antilles ophiolite rim – KPg Boundary? Maastrichtian ophiolite obduction in southeast Cuba (Iturralde‐Vinent et al., 2006). Sulu Sea Basin: Palawan, Sabah etc. ophiolite rim – Middle Miocene Disruption? MM ophiolitic mélange emplacement in Sabah (Clennell, 1991). Loyalty Basin: New Caledonia ophiolite and d'Entrecasteaux ridge rim – EO Boundary? EO ophiolite obduction in New Caledonia (Cluzel et al., 2012).

Weathering processes and crystal chemistry of Ni-bearing minerals in saprock horizons of New Caledonia ophiolite

This paper proposes a detailed study of the formation of the main Ni ore that is today mined in the saprock horizon of New Caledonia ophiolite. More specifically, this study aims at, i) characterizing the nature and the crystal chemistry of the main Ni-bearing phases, and ii) better understanding the weathering processes that lead to such nickel enrichment in these horizons. The study focuses on a boulder (~20 cm in diameter) sampled in the saprock facies of the Koniambo massif, reflecting the early stages of peridotite bedrock weathering. This boulder is explored with a large panel of techniques, from the centimeter to the nanometer scale, including micro-imaging and X-ray absorption spectroscopy at the Ni and Fe K-edges. A characterization along the cross section reveals important heterogeneities in textures, and a large concentration of nickel in the outer part through an intense and connected Ni-phyllosilicate network that develop at the expense of the primary lizardite network. The inner part is preserved from the weathering by supergene fluids. Primary lizardite initially contains about 0.4 wt% NiO, similarly to surrounding olivine and pyroxene. In the outer part, the main Ni-bearing phases are identified as polygonal serpentine (up to ~5 wt% NiO) and two successive generations of talc-like minerals that contain ~20 to 36 wt% NiO. In these two minerals, nickel is very likely to form nano-clusters in the octahedral layers. The Fe3+/Fetotal ratios in serpentine minerals increases regularly from ~0.5 in primary lizardite, to ~0.95 in polygonal serpentine, traducing increasing local oxygen fugacity with increasing weathering degree.From molecular modeling, we propose that the large excess of water systematically observed for these Ni-rich minerals can be explained by nanometer sized crystals, which potentially require many additional hydrogen bonds (i.e., mainly silanol groups) to passivate crystal edges and preserve electro-neutrality. On the other hand, the main driving force leading to important nickel accumulation in the saprock horizon is likely to be the strong pH gradient present at all scales in the regolith profile, including at the boulder scale, which have major effects on the hydroxide solubility. As the pH decreases in the phyllosilicate network, we observe, i) the weathering and oxidation of the primary lizardite network, ii) the formation of a newly formed lizardite, iii) the formation of Ni-rich polygonal serpentine, iv) the formation of successive generations of Ni-rich talc-like minerals.