Degree Of Mantle Partial Melting Research Articles

Noble and base metal geochemistry of late- to post-orogenic mafic dykes from central Spain

The post-tectonic and post-orogenic mafic rocks from the Spanish Central System (SCS) (Iberian Massif) include dyke swarms of shoshonitic (microgabbros) and alkaline (lamprophyres and diabases) geochemical affinity, which register the nature of the metasomatic lithospheric mantle under central Spain. Such magmas sometimes show a direct (or indirect) relationship with the formation of orogenic and intrusion-related gold deposits, which are relatively abundant in the Iberian Massif. The noble and base metal composition of these intrusions shows Primitive Mantle-normalized patterns characterized by positive Au and Co anomalies and fractionated platinum group elements (PGE): from lower Ir-group PGE (IPGE; Ir–Ru) to higher Pd-group PGE (PPGE; Rh–Pt–Pd). The low contents of PGE, together with the base metal contents of pyrite (which is the dominant sulphide phase in the alkaline dykes), is in accordance with low degrees of mantle partial melting and the early segregation of sulphides during magma differentiation. The scarcity of PGE mineral deposits in the Iberian Massif could be explained in part by the apparent lack of PGE enrichment in the Iberian lithospheric mantle. On the contrary, the positive Au anomaly of the SCS mafic dykes represents relatively high Au contents, similar to (and higher than) those of mafic rocks derived from metasomatized subcontinental lithospheric mantle underlying Au-endowed cratons. Several geochemical features point to subduction-related metasomatism of either oceanic or continental nature as the main source of Au enrichment. The Au re-fertilization of the lithospheric mantle under central Spain makes it a potential source in the formation of gold mineralizations.

Modern ocean island basalt–like 182W signature in Paleoarchean mafic rocks: Implications for the generation, preservation, and destruction of early mantle heterogeneities

Komatiites and picrites generated by high degrees of mantle partial melting serve as potential probes of Earth’s deep mantle. Tungsten (W) isotopes in these rocks offer a rare chance to better understand early differentiation, late accretion, core-mantle interaction, and subsequent evolution of Earth’s mantle. We present new W isotope data for Archean komatiites and basalts from the Barberton (South Africa) and Suomussalmi (Finland) Greenstone Belts and Permian picrites from the Emeishan large igneous province (China). The Paleoarchean samples from the Barberton Greenstone Belt have modern ocean island basalt (OIB)−like μ182W values ranging from −20.4 to +5.6, whereas the Mesoarchean komatiites from the Suomussalmi Greenstone Belt show μ182W values of −2.2 to +11.3. The Permian Emeishan picrites give μ182W values of −7.1 to +3.1. Our data, combined with the published global data set, show that W isotope heterogeneity in the mantle has existed throughout Earth’s history, with positive μ182W values transitioning to near-zero in the upper mantle by the end of the Archean. The negative μ182W values of Paleoarchean samples in the Barberton Greenstone Belt and modern OIBs likely result from either early differentiation or core-mantle interaction. The incorporation of a plume-delivered negative μ182W component and enhanced mantle mixing is a viable mechanism to explain the transition of μ182W values in the upper mantle from positive to near-zero, while recycling of crustal materials into the mantle would result in a shift of negative μ182W values of the lower mantle closer to zero since the onset of plate tectonics. The latter process could possibly explain the slightly negative to near-zero μ182W values of the Emeishan picrites and some kimberlites. The well-resolved negative μ182W anomalies observed in this study provide important insights into the generation, preservation, and obliteration of W isotope heterogeneities in the lower mantle.

Architectural and Compositional Diversity of Early Earth Ocean Floor Evidenced by the Paleoarchean Nondweni Greenstone Belt, South Africa

Abstract The nature of the early Archean ocean floor remains a topic of important debate. There are relatively few well-preserved occurrences worldwide where such terrains may be studied in detail because of structural dismemberment, metamorphic overprinting and pervasive early stage hydrothermal alteration to recent weathering. The 3.41-Ga dominantly mafic formations of the Nondweni Greenstone Belt (NGB) covering 270 km2 in the south-eastern Kaapvaal Craton comprise submarine volcanics that exhibit a wide range of textural features, including pillows, chill zones and brecciated flow tops, and various spinifex textures, including the rare platy pyroxene type, cumulate layers, and tuffs. Channelized subaqueous lava lakes that underwent fractionation are capped by thick spinifex-textured units and pillows. Early stage seafloor alteration is regionally variable, ranging from intense to minimal, with preservation of original mineralogy in many areas. Mafic volcanic rocks of the NGB contrast with those of the Barberton Greenstone Belt both in the style of volcanism and in the associated compositional range of komatiitic basalt to basalt with a complete absence of high-Mg komatiites. Olivine-phyric rocks, or derivatives thereof, are largely absent and pyroxene is the main controlling phase with orthopyroxene in the most primitive komatiitic basalts and clinopyroxene in the evolved lava lake sequences. The abundance of orthopyroxene typifies the long-standing silica-enriched character of the Kaapvaal Craton. Three exceptionally well-preserved and well-exposed sequences were studied utilizing hand-drilled samples and deep coring providing unprecedented stratigraphic and textural detail and field controls for more than 400 samples. A unifying feature of the mafic volcanics of the NGB is the range of compositions and ratios of incompatible elements most clearly illustrated by a series of high- and low-Ti compositional lineages reflecting differing sources or degrees of mantle partial melting. Sharp boundaries between high- and low-Ti flow successions indicate sudden changes in the melting regimes or the interaction of flow sequences from different volcanic centres. Th/Nb ranges from 0.1 to 0.2 and reveals crustal contamination of primitive lavas. The primary magma that gave rise to the most primitive komatiitic basalts with 19.5% MgO was derived from partial melting of a mantle plume source in the garnet stability field. Trace element modeling shows that the sequences studied in detail have been modified by fractionation and crustal contamination with the most likely contaminant being the Ancient Gneiss Complex (3.43–3.66 Ga), which is extensively exposed in Eswatini and probably underlies the Paleoarchean terrains in the southern Kaapvaal Craton. The geotectonic setting was likely that of a submerged felsic crustal platform as enclaves within an oceanic plateau.

Boron isotope evidence for devolatilized and rehydrated recycled materials in the Icelandic mantle source

Enriched mantle heterogeneities are widely considered to be generated through subduction, but the connections between specific subducted materials and the chemical signatures of mantle heterogeneities are not clearly defined. Boron is strongly isotopically fractionated at the surface and traces slab devolatilization, making it a potent tracer of previously subducted and recycled materials. Here, we present high-precision SIMS boron concentrations and isotope ratios on a comprehensive suite of quenched basaltic glasses from all neovolcanic zones in Iceland, two rhyolite glasses, and a set of primitive melt inclusions from central Iceland. Boron isotope ratios (δ11B) in Icelandic basalts and melt inclusions range from −11.6‰ to −1.0‰, averaging −4.9‰, which is higher than mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB; δ11B=−7.1‰). Because the δ11B value of the Icelandic crust is low, the high δ11B compositions of the Icelandic lavas are not easily explained through crustal assimilation processes.Icelandic basalt glass and melt inclusion B/Ce and δ11B values correlate with trace element ratio indicators of the degree of mantle partial melting and mantle heterogeneity (e.g. Nb/Zr, La/Yb, Sm/Yb), which indicate that the boron systematics of basalts are controlled by mantle heterogeneity. Additionally, basalts with low B/Ce have high 206Pb/204Pb, further indicating mantle source control. These correlations can be used to deduce the boron systematics of the individual Icelandic mantle components. The enriched endmember within the Iceland mantle source has a high δ11B value and low B/Ce, consistent with the composition of “rehydrated” recycled oceanic crust. The depleted endmember comprises multiple distinct components with variable B/Ce, likely consisting of depleted MORB mantle and/or high 3He/4He mantle and two more minor depleted components that are consistent with recycled metasomatized mantle wedge and recycled slab gabbro.The compositions of these components place constraints on the devolatilization history of recycled oceanic crust. The high δ11B value and low B/Ce composition of the enriched component within the Iceland mantle source is inconsistent with a simple devolatilization process and suggests that the recycled oceanic crust component may have been isotopically overprinted by B-rich fluids derived from the underlying hydrated slab lithospheric mantle (i.e. “rehydration”). Further, the B/Ce and δ11B systematics of other OIBs can be used to constrain the devolatilization histories of recycled components on a global scale. Globally, most OIB B/Ce compositions suggest that recycled components have lost >99% of their boron, and their δ11B values suggest that rehydration may be a sporadic process, and not ubiquitous.

Experimental determination of the phase relations of Pt and Pd antimonides and bismuthinides in the Fe-Ni-Cu sulfide systems between 1100 and 700 °C

Abstract The stability relations of Pt and Pd antimonides and bismuthinides in the Sb- and Bi-bearing Fe-Ni-Cu sulfide systems have been experimentally determined at temperatures between 1100 and 700 °C in evacuated silica tubes. Both PtSb and PdSb are stable as immiscible liquids at temperatures above 1100 and 1000 °C, respectively. The Fe-Ni-Cu-sulfide melt that coexists with the immiscible antimonide melt can dissolve up to 3.8 wt% Sb at 1100 °C, whereas monosulfide solid solution (mss) dissolves very low amounts of Sb over the entire 1100–700 °C temperature range. The liquidus of Pt-antimonides and Pdantimonides are above 980 and 750 °C, respectively. Bismuth does not form immiscible melt at 1100 °C but may partially partition into a vapor phase at 1050 °C. The Pt- and Pd-bismuthinides crystallize directly from immiscible bismuthinide melt only after crystallization of the sulfide melt into intermediate solid solution (iss). Insizwaite (PtBi2) and froodite (PdBi2) are stable at 780 and 700 °C, respectively. At the last stage of evolution of Sb-bearing magmatic Fe-Ni-Cu sulfide melts, Sb will form immiscible antimonide melt that will extract Pt and Pd from the sulfide melt. During cooling, Pt and Pd-antimonides will crystallize directly from the immiscible antimonide melt, and Pt-phases will form at higher temperatures relative to Pd-phases. Bismuth will partition into vapor phase and concentrate into a low-temperature melt in hydrothermal and porphyry systems that scavenge precious metals. The Sb and Bi (like Te) will be highly incompatible at moderate degrees of mantle partial melting.

Petrogenesis of the ~740 Korab Kansi mafic-ultramafic intrusion, South Eastern Desert of Egypt: Evidence of Ti-rich ferropicritic magmatism

The Neoproterozoic Korab Kansi mafic-ultramafic intrusion is one of the largest (100 km2) intrusions in the Southern Eastern Desert of Egypt. The intrusion consists of Fe-Ti-bearing dunite layers, amphibole peridotites, pyroxenites, troctolites, olivine gabbros, gabbronorites, pyroxene gabbros and pyroxene-hornblende gabbros, and also hosts significant Fe-Ti deposits, mainly as titanomagnetite-ilmenite. These lithologies show rhythmic layers and intrusive contacts against the surrounding granites and ophiolitic-island arc assemblages. The wide ranges of olivine forsterite contents (Fo67.9-85.7), clinopyroxene Mg# (0.57–0.95), amphibole Mg# (0.47–0.88), and plagioclase compositions (An85.8-40.9) indicate the role of fractional crystallization in the evolution from ultramafic to mafic rock types. Clinopyroxene (Cpx) has high REE contents (2–30 times chondrite) with depleted LREE relative to HREE, like those crystallized from ferropicritic melts generated in an island-arc setting. Melts in equilibrium with Cpx also resemble ferropicrites crystallized from olivine-rich mantle melts. Cpx chemistry and its host rock compositions have affinities to tholeiitic and calc-alkaline magma types. Compositions of mafic-ultramafic rocks are depleted in HFSE (e.g. Nb, Ta, Zr, Th and U) relative to LILE (e.g. Li, Rb, Ba, Pb and Sr) due to the addition of subduction-related hydrous fluids (rich in LILE) to the mantle source, suggesting an island-arc setting. Fine-grained olivine gabbros may represent quenched melts approximating the primary magma compositions because they are typically similar in assemblage and chemistry as well as in whole-rock chemistry to ferropicrites. We suggest that the Korab Kansi intrusion crystallized at temperatures ranging from ~700 to 1100 °C from ferropicritic magma derived from melting of metasomatized mantle at <5 Kbar. These hydrous ferropicritic melts were generated in the deep mantle and evolved by fractional crystallization under high ƒO2 at relatively shallow depth. Fractionation formed calc-alkaline magmas during the maturation of an island arc system, reflecting the role of subduction-related fluids. The interaction of metasomatized lithosphere with upwelling asthenospheric melts produced the Fe and Ti-rich ferropicritic parental melts that are responsible for precipitating large quantities of Fe-Ti oxide layers in the Korab Kansi mafic-ultramafic intrusion. The other factors controlling these economic Fe-Ti deposits beside parental melts are high oxygen fugacity, water content and increasing degrees of mantle partial melting. The generation of Ti-rich melts and formation of Fe-Ti deposits in few layered intrusions in Egypt possibly reflect the Neoproterozoic mantle heterogeneity in the Nubian Shield. We suggest that Cryogenian-Tonian mafic intrusions in SE Egypt can be subdivided into Alaskan-type intrusions that are enriched in PGEs whereas Korab Kansi-type layered intrusions are enriched in Fe-Ti-V deposits.

Age and composition of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle beneath the Xing'an–Mongolia Orogenic Belt: Implications for the construction of microcontinents during accretionary orogenesis

We present major- and trace-element concentrations, Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions, ReOs isotopes, and highly siderophile element (HSE) abundances of 17 xenolithic mantle peridotites from the Nuomin volcanic field to constrain the assembly and evolution of the Xing'an–Mongolia Orogenic Belt (XMOB), Northeast China. The Nuomin peridotites are divided into five groups (harzburgite groups Haz-1, Haz-2, and Haz-3, and lherzolite groups Lhz-1 and Lhz-2). The Haz-1 peridotites are characterized by refractory chemical compositions (Al2O3 contents of 1.03–2.30 wt% and olivine forsterite (Fo) numbers of 90.7–92.5) that are best interpreted as residues after high degrees of mantle partial melting. The Haz-2 and Haz-3 peridotites exhibit slightly more fertile compositions (Al2O3 of 1.72–1.80 wt% and Fo of 89.0–89.9 for the Haz-2, and Al2O3 of 2.86 wt% and Fo of 91.2 for the Haz-3), resulting from refertilization by silicate melts. The Lhz-1 samples are more fertile (Al2O3 of 2.90–3.64 wt% and Fo of 89.1–90.3) than the Lhz-2 samples (Al2O3 of 1.64–2.16 wt% and Fo of 90.9–91.3). The combination of trace-element data (Ti/Eu ratio) and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions indicates the presence of at least three peridotite end-members (Haz-1, Haz-2, and Lhz-1–Lhz-2) beneath the Nuomin area, which can be explained by the infiltration of two distinct metasomatic agents (MA1: composition similar to potassic basaltic rocks in the Wudalianchi–Erkeshan–Keluo area, and MA2: Fe–Ti-enriched melt). HSE abundances and Os isotopic data show that the Os isotopic compositions of the Haz-1, Lhz-1, and Lhz-2 peridotites were not significantly affected by lithophile-element-dominated metasomatism and can be used to constrain the melt extraction ages of these peridotites. The lower 187Os/188Os ratios of Haz-1 peridotites define a prominent rhenium depletion age (TRD) of ~1.6 Ga and represent fragments of the Paleo–Mesoproterozoic lithospheric mantle rather than reflecting the heterogeneous characteristics of the asthenosphere or extraneous emplacement. In contrast, the Lhz-1 and Lhz-2 lherzolite groups together have a narrow range of 187Os/188Os ratios that give younger TRD ages (~0.5 to 1.0 Ga). Our data demonstrate that both the Paleo–Mesoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic subcontinental lithospheric mantle coexist beneath the XMOB and that they correspond respectively to the bimodal age peaks of crustal growth of ~1.6 Ga and ~0.8 Ga defined by the XMOB granitoids. The XMOB was assembled primarily during the Phanerozoic by multiple blocks that had formed from the Paleoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic. The similar chemical and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic signatures of both young and old lithospheric mantle indicate that the large-scale metasomatism event involving potassic melts most likely occurred during the evolution of the Paleo–Asian Ocean. The crustal materials carried to the mantle by multiple subduction events could be an effective source of potassium for the origin of potassic basaltic rocks.

Petrogenesis of South Armorican serpentinized peridotites

Twenty three serpentinite samples collected from five outcrops in south Brittany (Audierne near Quimper, Champtoceaux near Nantes), western France, were studied using optical microscopy, electron microprobe (EMP), inductively-coupled optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS). Their bulk-rock major and trace element contents recomputed on an anhydrous basis are broadly characteristic of mantle-derived peridotites, as are the covariation trends of inert elements despite evidence of serpentinization-related remobilization of some fluid-mobile elements (FME; e.g., Ca, La, Ce, Sr, U). One outcrop near Champtoceaux shows fertile lherzolite compositions and chondrite-normalized rare earth element patterns consistent with low (5–7%) degree of mantle partial melting. The other four occurrences are harzburgites displaying higher partial melting degrees (15–25%). Regardless of their degree of fertility, our South Armorican peridotites bear evidence of high-temperature melt/fluid - rock metasomatic interaction yielding an overall enrichment in highly incompatible elements (HIE; Cs, Rb, Ba, Th, U, Pb, La). Hydrous modal metasomatism has been identified in both lherzolites and harzburgites. The lherzolites reacted with HIE-enriched small-volume fluids at P = 1.5–2 Gpa for T > 900 °C that produced a Ti-poor pargasite. The Audierne harzburgites were pervasively refertilized by alkali-rich hydrous melts that precipitated K- and Cr-rich pargasite. Taken as a whole, South Armorican peridotites record a great diversity of protoliths, from supra-subduction zone ophiolites (Audierne) to arc-fore arc provenance.

Platinum‐Group Elements Geochemistry and Chromian Spinel Composition in Podiform Chromitites and Associated Peridotites from the Cheshmeh‐Bid Deposit, Neyriz, Southern Iran: Implications for Geotectonic Setting

AbstractDunite and serpentinized harzburgite in the Cheshmeh‐Bid area, northwest of the Neyriz ophiolite in Iran, host podiform chromitite that occur as schlieren‐type, tabular and aligned massive lenses of various sizes. The most important chromitite ore textures in the Cheshmeh‐Bid deposit are massive, nodular and disseminated. Massive chromitite, dunite, and harzburgite host rocks were analyzed for trace and platinum‐group elements geochemistry. Chromian spinel in chromitite is characterized by high Cr#(0.72–0.78), high Mg#(0.62–0.68) and low TiO2 (0.12 wt%–0.2 wt%) content. These data are similar to those of chromitites deposited from high degrees of mantle partial melting. The Cr# of chromian spinel ranges from 0.73 to 0.8 in dunite, similar to the high‐Cr chromitite, whereas it ranges from 0.56 to 0.65 in harzburgite. The calculated melt composition of the high‐Cr chromitites of the Cheshmeh‐Bid is 11.53 wt%–12.94 wt% Al2O3, 0.21 wt%–0.33 wt% TiO2 with FeO/MgO ratios of 0.69–0.97, which are interpreted as more refractory melts akin to boninitic compositions. The total PGE content of the Cheshmeh‐Bid chromitite, dunite and harzburgite are very low (average of 220.4, 34.5 and 47.3 ppb, respectively). The Pd/Ir ratio, which is an indicator of PGE fractionation, is very low (0.05–0.18) in the Cheshmeh‐Bid chromitites and show that these rocks derived from a depleted mantle. The chromitites are characterized by high‐Cr#, low Pd + Pt (4–14 ppb) and high IPGE/PPGE ratios (8.2–22.25), resulting in a general negatively patterns, suggesting a high‐degree of partial melting is responsible for the formation of the Cheshmeh‐Bid chromitites. Therefore parent magma probably experiences a very low fractionation and was derived by an increasing partial melting. These geochemical characteristics show that the Cheshmeh‐Bid chromitites have been probably derived from a boninitic melts in a supra‐subduction setting that reacted with depleted peridotites. The high‐Cr chromitite has relatively uniform mantle‐normalized PGE patterns, with a steep slope, positive Ru and negative Pt, Pd anomalies, and enrichment of PGE relative to the chondrite. The dunite (total PGE = 47.25 ppb) and harzburgite (total PGE = 3 4.5 ppb) are highly depleted in PGE and show slightly positive slopes PGE spidergrams, accompanied by a small positive Ru, Pt and Pd anomalies and their Pdn/Irn ratio ranges between 1.55–1.7 and 1.36–1.94, respectively. Trace element contents of the Cheshmeh‐Bid chromitites, such as Ga, V, Zn, Co, Ni, and Mn, are low and vary between 13–26, 466–842, 22–84, 115–179, 826—‐1210, and 697–1136 ppm, respectively. These contents are compatible with other boninitic chromitites worldwide. The chromian spinel and bulk PGE geochemistry for the Cheshmeh‐Bid chromitites suggest that high‐Cr chromitites were generated from Cr‐rich and, Ti‐ and Al‐poor boninitic melts, most probably in a fore‐arc tectonic setting related with a supra‐subduction zone, similarly to other ophiolites in the outer Zagros ophiolitic belt.

Geology, zircon geochronology, and petrogenesis of Sabalan volcano (northwestern Iran)

Sabalan Volcano (NW Iran) is an isolated voluminous (4821m elevation; >800km2) composite volcano that is located within the Arabia-Eurasia collision zone. Its edifice was assembled by recurrent eruptions of trachyandesite and dacite magma falling into a relatively restricted compositional range (56–67% SiO2) with high-K calc-alkaline and adakitic trace element (Sr/Y) signatures. Previous K-Ar dating suggested protracted eruptive activity between 5.6 and 1.4Ma, and a two stage evolution which resulted in the construction of the Paleo- and Neo-Sabalan edifices, respectively. The presence of a topographic moat surrounding Neo-Sabalan and volcanic breccias with locally intense hydrothermal alteration are indicative of intermittent caldera collapse of the central part of Paleo-Sabalan. Volcanic debris-flow and debris-avalanche deposits indicate earlier episodes of volcanic edifice collapse during the Paleo-Sabalan stage. In the Neo-Sabalan stage, three dacitic domes extruded to form the summits of Sabalan (Soltan, Heram, and Kasra). Ignimbrites and minor pumice fall-out deposits are exposed in strongly dissected drainages that in part have breached the caldera depression. Lavas and pyroclastic rocks are varyingly porphyritic with Paleo-Sabalan rocks being trachyandesites carrying abundant phenocrysts (plagioclase+amphibole+pyroxene+biotite). The Neo-Sabalan rocks are slightly more evolved and include dacitic compositions with phenocrysts of plagioclase+amphibole±alkali-feldspar±quartz. All Sabalan rock types share a common accessory assemblage (oxides+apatite+zircon). High spatial resolution and sensitivity U-Pb geochronology using Secondary Ionization Mass Spectrometry yielded two clusters of zircon ages which range from 4.5 to 1.3Ma and 545 to 149ka, respectively (all ages are averages of multiple determinations per sample). U-Th zircon geochronology for selected Neo-Sabalan rocks agrees with the U-Pb ages, with the youngest zircon rims dating to ca. 110 ka. Because zircon crystallization predates eruption, this age represents the upper limit for the youngest eruptions of Sabalan. Valley-filling ignimbrites yielded variable U-Pb zircon ages which argue against these pyroclastic rocks being generated in a single caldera forming event. These results indicate that eruptions occurred more recently than previously indicated by K-Ar dating. Paleo-Sabalan and Neo-Sabalan volcanic rocks have similar geochemical characteristics, including enrichment of LILE and LREE relative to HFSE and HREE, respectively, and prominent negative Ti, Nb, and Ta anomalies. The trachyandesitic to dacitic rocks of Sabalan also share negative Eu anomalies. This, together with horizontal or slightly increasing Y vs. Rb trends, indicates fractionation of plagioclase-amphibole or plagioclase-clinopyroxene assemblages with negligible crustal assimilation (based on low and invariant Rb/Th). High degrees of mantle partial melting are inferred from high (La/Yb)N (from 28 to 48). Overall, the subduction-affinity of Sabalan volcanic rocks agrees with models of melt generation following a Quaternary slab break-off event coeval with continental collision.

Genesis and tectonic setting of ophiolitic chromitites from the Dehsheikh ultramafic complex (Kerman, southeastern Iran): Inferences from platinum-group elements and chromite compositions

Chromitite bodies of various sizes associated with dunite envelopes have been found in the Dehsheikh ultramafic massif, in the southeastern part of the outer Zagros ophiolite belt. The chromitites occur as layered and lenticular bodies, and show both magmatic and deformational textures, including massive, disseminated, banded and nodular types. The Dehsheikh chromitites display a variation in Cr# [100×Cr/(Cr+Al)] from 69 to 78, which is typical of high-Cr chromitites. The Al2O3 and TiO2 contents of chromites range from 10.3wt.% to 16.9wt.% and 0.12wt.% to 0.35wt.%, respectively. The Al2O3, TiO2, and FeO/MgO values calculated for parental melts of Dehsheikh chromitites are within the range of boninitic melts. Chondrite-normalized distribution patterns of platinum-group elements show relative enrichments in Ru, Ir, and Os, and depletions in Rh, Pd, and Pt that are typical of chromitites associated with ophiolites formed by high degrees of mantle partial melting. The presence of Na-rich amphibole inclusions in chromite grains, together with the mineralogical and chemical composition of the chromitites and estimates of their parental melt compositions are used to help establish the tectono-magmatic setting. It is shown that the Dehsheikh massif is an ophiolite formed in a suprasubduction zone setting. We suggest that the composition of the rocks in this section was influenced by hydrous partial melts which might be formed in the subduction zone. Variable melt/rock interaction produced melt channel networks in the dunite which allowed the parental melt of the chromitite to percolate through them. Similar characteristics have been observed in other ophiolite complexes from the outer Zagros Iranian ophiolitic belt; these are believed to be the product of magmatism in a fore-arc environment.

Modification of the Continental Crust by Subduction Zone Magmatism and Vice-Versa: Across-Strike Geochemical Variations of Silicic Lavas from Individual Eruptive Centers in the Andean Central Volcanic Zone

To better understand the origin of across-strike K2O enrichments in silicic volcanic rocks from the Andean Central Volcanic Zone, we compare geochemical data for Quaternary volcanic rocks erupted from three well-characterized composite volcanoes situated along a southeast striking transect between 21° and 22° S latitude (Aucanquilcha, Ollagüe, and Uturuncu). At a given SiO2 content, lavas erupted with increasing distance from the arc front display systematically higher K2O, Rb, Th, Y, REE and HFSE contents; Rb/Sr ratios; and Sr isotopic ratios. In contrast, the lavas display systematically lower Al2O3, Na2O, Sr, and Ba contents; Ba/La, Ba/Zr, K/Rb, and Sr/Y ratios; Nd isotopic ratios; and more negative Eu anomalies toward the east. We suggest that silicic magmas along the arc front reflect melting of relatively young, mafic composition amphibolitic source rocks and that the mid- to deep-crust becomes increasingly older with a more felsic bulk composition in which residual mineralogies are progressively more feldspar-rich toward the east. Collectively, these data suggest the continental crust becomes strongly hybridized beneath frontal arc localities due to protracted intrusion of primary, mantle-derived basaltic magmas with a diminishing effect behind the arc front because of smaller degrees of mantle partial melting and primary melt generation.

Viscous flow behavior of tholeiitic and alkaline Fe-rich martian basalts

The chemical compositions of martian basalts are enriched in iron with respect to terrestrial basalts. Their rheology is poorly known and liquids of this chemical composition have not been experimentally investigated. Here, we determine the viscosity of five synthetic silicate liquids having compositions representative of the diversity of martian volcanic rocks including primary martian mantle melts and alkali basalts. The concentric cylinder method has been employed between 1500°C and the respective liquidus temperatures of these liquids. The viscosity near the glass transition has been derived from calorimetric measurements of the glass transition. Although some glass heterogeneity limits the accuracy of the data near the glass transition, it was nevertheless possible to determine the parameters of the non-Arrhenian temperature-dependence of viscosity over a wide temperature range (1500°C to the glass transition temperature). At superliquidus conditions, the martian basalt viscosities are as low as those of the Fe–Ti-rich lunar basalts, similar to the lowest viscosities recorded for terrestrial ferrobasalts, and 0.5 to 1 order of magnitude lower than terrestrial tholeiitic basalts. Comparison with empirical models reveals that Giordano et al. (2008) offers the best approximation, whereas the model proposed by Hui and Zhang (2007) is inappropriate for the compositions considered.The slightly lower viscosities exhibited by the melts produced by low degree of mantle partial melting versus melts produced at high degree of mantle partial melting (likely corresponding to the early history of Mars), is not deemed sufficient to lead to viscosity variations large enough to produce an overall shift of martian lava flow morphologies over time. Rather, the details of the crystallization sequence (and in particular the ability of some of these magmas to form spinifex texture) is proposed to be a dominant effect on the viscosity during martian lava flow emplacement and may explain the lower range of viscosities (102–104Pas) inferred from lava flow morphology. Further, the differences between the rheological behaviors of tholeiitic vs. trachy-basalts are significant enough to affect their emplacement as intrusive bodies or as effusive lava flows. The upper range of viscosities (106–108Pas) suggested from lava flow morphology is found consistent with the occurrence of alkali basalt documented from in situ analyses and does not necessarily imply the occurrence of basaltic-andesite or andesitic rocks.

Geochemical Characteristics and Metallogenesis of the Qingkuangshan Ni‐Cu‐PGE Mineralized Mafic‐Ultramafic Intrusion in Huili County, Sichuan Province, SW China

Abstract:The Qingkuangshan Ni‐Cu‐PGE deposit, located in the Xiaoguanhe region of Huili County, Sichuan Province, is one of several Ni‐Cu‐PGE deposits in the Emeishan Large Igneous Province (ELIP). The ore‐bearing intrusion is a mafic‐ultramafic body. This paper reports major elements, trace elements and platinum‐group elements in different types of rocks and sulfide‐mineralized samples in the intrusion. These data are used to evaluate the source mantle characteristics, the degree of mantle partial melting, the composition of parental magma and the ore‐forming processes. The results show that Qingkuangshan intrusion is part of the ELIP. The rocks have trace element ratios similar to the coeval Emeishan basalts. The primitive mantle‐normalized patterns of Ni‐Cu‐PGE have positive slopes, and the ratios of Pd/Ir are lower than 22. The PGE compositions of sulfide ores and associated rocks are characterized by Ru depletion. The PGE contents in bulk sulfides are slightly depleted relative to Ni and Cu, which is similar to the Yangliuping Ni‐Cu‐PGE deposit. The composition of the parental magma for the intrusion is estimated to contain about 14.65 wt% MgO, 48.66 wt% SiO2 and 15.48 wt% FeOt, and the degree of mantle partial melting is estimated to be about 20%. In comparison with other typical Ni‐Cu‐PGE deposits in the ELIP, the Qingkuangshan Ni‐Cu‐PGE deposit has lower PGE contents than the Jinbaoshan PGE deposit, but has higher PGE contents than the Limahe and Baimazhai Ni‐Cu deposit, and has similar PGE contents to the Yangliuping Ni‐Cu‐PGE deposit. The moderate PGE depletions in the bulk sulfide of the Qingkuanghan deposit suggest that the parental magma of the host intrusion may have undergone minor sulfide segregation at depth. The mixing calculations suggests that an average of 10% crustal contamination in the magma, which may have been the main cause of sulfide saturation in the magma. We propose that sulfide segregation from a moderately PGE depleted magma took place prior to magma emplacement at Qingkuangshan, that small amounts of immiscible sulfide droplets and olivine and chromite crystals were suspended in the ascending magma, and that the suspended materials settled down when the magma passed trough the Qingkuangshan conduit. The Qingkuangshan sulfide‐bearing intrusion is interpreted to a feeder of Emeishan flood basalts in the region.

Geochemistry of southern Pagan Island lavas, Mariana arc: the role of subduction zone processes

New major and trace element abundances, and Pb, Sr, and Nd isotopic ratios of Quaternary lavas from two adjacent volcanoes (South Pagan and the Central Volcanic Region, or CVR) located on Pagan Island allow us to investigate the mantle source (i.e., slab components) and melting dynamics within the Mariana intra-oceanic arc. Geologic mapping reveals a pre-caldera (780-9.4 ka) and post-caldera (\9.4 ka) eruptive stage for South Pagan, whereas the eruptive history of the older CVR is poorly constrained. Crystal fractionation and magma mixing were important crustal processes for lavas from both volcanoes. Geochemical and isotopic variations indicate that South Pagan and CVR lavas, and lavas from the northern volcano on the island, Mt. Pagan, originated from compositionally distinct parental magmas due to variations in slab contri- butions (sediment and aqueous fluid) to the mantle wedge and the extent of mantle partial melting. A mixing model based on Pb and Nd isotopic ratios suggests that the average amount of sediment in the source of CVR (*2.1%) and South Pagan (*1.8%) lavas is slightly higher than Mt. Pagan (*1.4%) lavas. These estimates span the range of sediment-poor Guguan (*1.3%) and sediment-rich Agrigan (*2.0%) lavas for the Mariana arc. Melt modeling demonstrates that the saucer-shaped nor- malized rare earth element (REE) patterns observed in Pagan lavas can arise from partial melting of a mixed source of depleted mantle and enriched sediment, and do not require amphibole interaction or fractionation to depress the middle REE abundances of the lavas. The modeled degree of mantle partial melting for Agrigan (2-5%), Pagan (3-7%), and Guguan (9-15%) lavas corre- lates with indicators of fluid addition (e.g., Ba/Th). This relationship suggests that the fluid flux to the mantle wedge is the dominant control on the extent of partial melting beneath Mariana arc volcanoes. A decrease in the amount of fluid addition (lower Ba/Th) and extent of melting (higher Sm/Yb), and an increase in the sediment contri- bution (higher Th/Nb, La/Sm, and Pb isotopic ratios) from Mt. Pagan to South Pagan could reflect systematic cross- arc or irregular along-arc melting variations. These obser- vations indicate that the length scale of compositional heterogeneity in the mantle wedge beneath Mariana arc volcanoes is small (*10 km).

Crystallization pressures of mid‐ocean ridge basalts derived from major element variations of glasses from equilibrium and fractional crystallization experiments

A new method for calculating fractionation pressures of mid‐ocean ridge basalts (MORB) that are saturated in clinopyroxene and plagioclase is presented. This mineral assemblage is the major control on the CaO versus Mg # (molar Mg/(Mg + Fetot), all Fe as Fe2+) chemical variations of basaltic liquids. By combining new equilibrium and fractional crystallization experiments on primitive mid‐ocean ridge basalts at high pressure with previously published experiments on natural basaltic systems, we derive an expression for fractionation pressures that depends only on the CaO content and the Mg # of the liquid. P (kbar) = [CaO (wt %) − 3.98(±0.17) − 14.96(±0.34) × Mg # (molar)]/[−0.260(±0.008)], r2 = 0.92. We compare our formulation of a liquid barometer with those of Grove et al. (1992), Yang et al. (1996), and Herzberg (2004). The equation can be used to predict crystallization pressures of dry tholeiitic liquids with Mg # &lt; 0.6. Low H2O contents in the liquid (&lt;1 wt %) do not significantly affect the calculated pressures compared to anhydrous liquids. Pressure calculations have been performed on MORB glasses for three mid‐ocean ridge systems with different spreading rates (East Pacific Rise, Mid‐Atlantic Ridge, Southwest Indian Ridge). Average pressure estimates correlate negatively with spreading rate when the MORB data are filtered for hot spot‐affected compositions. Major element variations indicate that MORB crystallizing at elevated pressures also require lower degrees of mantle partial melting. Locations and compositions of MORB glasses crystallized at elevated pressures can be explained with models where conductive cooling is enhanced, either at segmented ridges with slow spreading rates or along ridge segment terminations at fast spreading ridges.

Cretaceous Na‐Alkaline Magmatism from the Misiones Province (Paraguay): Its Relationships with the Paleocene Na‐Alkaline Analog from Asunción and Geodynamic Significance

Alkaline (sodic) volcanic rocks, i.e., ankaratrites‐melanephelinites, basanites‐tephrites, and phonolites, dated at 119 Ma and similar in composition to the 60‐Ma plugs of the Asunción Province, occur in Eastern Paraguay and belong to the Misiones Province. The age relationships confirm that the youngest volcanic events in Eastern Paraguay, at the central westernmost side of the Paraná basin, are represented by alkaline rock types of sodic affinity emplaced in late Early Cretaceous and Paleocene times. This sodic magmatism contrasts with the Early Cretaceous alkaline (potassic) magmatism of the region, and it is associated in space and time with the Paraná basin tholeiites. Geological and geophysical results for Eastern Paraguay indicate transtensional tectonics, with a NE‐SW regional extensional stress field. The geochemistry and Sr‐Nd‐Pb isotope systematics are consistent with a lithospheric mantle source(s) enriched in incompatible elements by metasomatic processes. Nd model ages suggest that these probably occurred during Meso‐ and/or Neoproterozoic times and may be regarded as precursors of both alkaline and tholeiitic magmas in Eastern Paraguay. Potential parents for the alkaline (sodic) liquids have been modeled in terms of small degrees of mantle partial melting. Multielemental plots of calculated mantle sources for these liquids from Asunción and Misiones contrast with the analog mantle sources for the Paraguayan alkaline (potassic) suite, confirming the view that popular geodynamic markers of this type remain implausible indicators of subduction. Our results support the view that the magma genesis and the emplacement of the alkaline magmatism in southeastern Paraguay, and even in northwestern Argentina and Bolivia, is related to and probably driven by reactivation of preexisting lithospheric discontinuities in the various South American blocks, which promoted local decompression melting of previously enriched mantle sources.

Compositional heterogeneity of the ancient Martian crust: Analysis of Ares Vallis bedrock with THEMIS and TES data

THEMIS multispectral and thermophysical information combined with TES hyperspectral and albedo data is used as a powerful high spectral/spatial resolution tool to investigate the mineralogic heterogeneity of ancient Martian crust exposed in Ares Vallis bedrock. Three major spectral units are present in the upper Ares Vallis region: (1) a regional unit that is composed primarily of a high‐silica (Si/O &gt; ∼0.35) component, with lesser amounts of plagioclase and pyroxene, and is associated with channel wall rock and surrounding plains; (2) a pyroxene‐ and olivine‐rich rock unit exposed as a ∼250 m thick contiguous layer in the wall rock of Ares Vallis, as well as in isolated exposures in the plains outside of the channel; and (3) a unit composed of plagioclase, pyroxene, and lesser high‐silica component(s) (Si/O &gt; ∼0.35) that primarily occurs as low‐albedo sand. The spatial and stratigraphic distribution of these units suggests that the pyroxene‐ and olivine‐enriched unit may be extrusive and/or intrusive in origin, indicating that this region experienced either a single stage or repeated episodes of olivine‐enriched magmatism during the first 1.5 Gyr of crust formation. This olivine enrichment may have been caused by a larger degree of mantle partial melting, facilitated by higher mantle temperature, melting from a more depleted mantle source, and/or less olivine fractionation relative to regional rock parent magmas. The olivine‐rich unit is similar in thermophysical character to previously published olivine‐bearing terrains on Mars, but the derived modal mineralogy consists of &gt;∼20% more pyroxene and less plagioclase than those terrains.

Mantle melting beneath Gakkel Ridge (Arctic Ocean): abyssal peridotite spinel compositions

The ultraslow spreading Gakkel Ridge represents one of the most extreme spreading environments on the Earth. Full spreading rates there of 0.6–1.3 cm/year and Na 8.0 in basalts of 3.3 imply an extremely low degree of mantle partial melting. For this reason, the complementary degree of melting registered by abyssal peridotite melting residues is highly interesting. In a single sample of serpentinized peridotite from Gakkel Ridge, we found spinels which, though locally altered, have otherwise unzoned and thus primary compositions in the cores of the grains. These reflect a somewhat higher degree of melting of the uppermost oceanic mantle than indicated by basalt compositions. Cr/(Cr+Al) ratios of these grains lie between 0.23 and 0.24, which is significantly higher than spinels from peridotites collected along the faster spreading Mid-Atlantic and Southwest Indian Ridges. Crustal thickness at Gakkel Ridge can be calculated from the peridotite spinel compositions, and is thicker than the crustal thickness of less than 4 km estimated from gravity data, or predicted from global correlations between spreading rate and seismically determined crustal thickness. The reason for this unexpected result may be local heterogeneity due to enhanced melt focussing at an ultraslow spreading ridge.

Serpentinized peridotites and gabbros in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge axial valley at 15°37′N and 16°52′N

Serpentinized peridotites dredged in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge axial valley at 15°37′N and 16°52′N during the ridelente cruise of R.V. Jean Charcot are mantle-derived harzburgites, plastically deformed in low stress/high temperature conditions similar to those inferred for the asthenospheric mantle. This early asthenospheric event was followed by ductile, then brittle, deformation in higher stress and progressively lower temperature conditions. We argue that this deformation occurred during the tectonic uplift of the peridotites throughout the lithosphere of the axial region. The ultramafics studied have mineral compositions similar to those of other mantle-derived Mid-Atlantic Ridge harzburgites. Strongly depleted mineral compositions in samples from the 15°37′N dredge could reflect a high degree of mantle partial melting. Emplacement of peridotites in the seafloor at mid-ocean ridges may not therefore be systematically correlated with low degrees of mantle partial melting. Serpentinized peridotites dredged at 15°37′N were intruded by evolved Na- and Fe-rich apatite and zircon-bearing gabbros. These gabbros were emplaced after the ductile deformation of the peridotites, and prior to their extensive serpentinization. Similar intrusive relationships between extensively fractionated gabbros and mantle peridotites have been observed in samples from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge axial valley south of the Kane transform, in dredged samples from Southwest Indian Ocean fracture zones, and in western Alps ophiolites. We propose that such intrusive relationships are characteristic of magma-starved spreading environments, in which stretching of the axial lithosphere may locally lead to emplacement of peridotites and gabbros in the seafloor.