Incompatible Element Concentrations Research Articles

Archean versus Phanerozoic oceanic crust formation and tectonics: Ophiolites through time

• Global compilation of the salient features of ophiolites. • Lithological differences between Archean and Proterozoic/Phanerozoic ophiolites. • Subduction-dominant Archean oceanic crust with accretionary cycle plate tectonics. • For Proterozoic and Phanerozoic a combination of both accretionary cycle and Wilson cycles. A global compilation of structural, lithological, and geochemical data on a selection of Archean, Proterozoic and Phanerozoic magmatic complexes, interpreted as ophiolites, is presented. Ophiolites, based on Phanerozoic examples, can be classified into subduction-related and subduction unrelated categories. These categories can be further subdivided into several subtypes depending on the proximity to subduction zones, and on sequential development from rifting – drifting to seafloor spreading for the subduction-unrelated category. From bottom to top ophiolites exhibit a magmatic sequence of ultramafic rocks (upper mantle units), gabbros (layered and isotropic), basaltic dikes and lavas, as well as boninites and felsic dikes and lavas in the subduction-related types. Archean greenstone belts show large variations in their construction, but Eoarchean examples display identical structure and lithology to the Phanerozoic ophiolites, attesting to the operation of seafloor spreading and subduction zone processes in the early Earth's history. Lithological differences between the Archean and Proterozoic/Phanerozoic ophiolites are demonstrated in the common occurrence of komatiites and felsic rocks, and scarcity of sheeted dike complexes in the former, compared to the opposite situation in those ophiolites that are younger than ca. 2 Ga. Geochemically there is a concomitant decrease in the content of incompatible elements (e.g., Sr, Zr, Y, Nb) and an increase in the content of compatible elements (e.g., Mg, Cr, Ni). In terms of tectonic environment analyzes, the Archean ophiolites are more abundantly subduction-related than those of Proterozoic and Phanerozoic ages. The subduction-dominant Archean oceanic crust (ophiolites) was characterized by accretionary cycle plate tectonics, whereas for those of Proterozoic and Phanerozoic ages, a combination of both accretionary cycle and Wilson cycles plate tectonic processes was operative.

Geochemical, Isotopic and Petrological Constraints on the Origin and Evolution of the Recent Silicic Magmatism of the Greater Caucasus

Significant volumes of rhyolites and granites of the Pliocene-Pleistocene age are exposed in the collision zone of the Greater Caucasus, Russia. The volcanic history of the region includes ignimbrites and lavas associated with the Chegem caldera (2.9 Ma) and Elbrus volcano (1.98 and 0.7 Ma) and rhyolitic necks and granites in Tyrnyauz (1.98 Ma). They are characterized by a similar bulk and mineral composition and close ratios of incompatible elements, which indicates their related origin. The 1.98 Ma Elbrus ignimbrites, compared to the 2.9 Ma Chegem ignimbrites, have elevated concentrations of both compatible (Cr, Sr, Ca, Ni) and incompatible elements (Cs, Rb, U). We argue that the Elbrus ignimbrites were produced from magma geochemically similar to Chegem rhyolites through fractionation crystallization coupled with the assimilation of crustal material. The 1.98 Ma Eldjuta granites of Tyrnyauz and early ignimbrites of the Elbrus region (1.98 Ma) are temporally coeval, similar mineralogically, and have comparable major and trace element composition, which indicates that the Elbrus ignimbrites probably erupted from the area of modern Tyrnyauz; the Eldjurta granite could represent a plutonic reservoir that fed this eruption. Late ignimbrites of Elbrus (0.7 Ma) and subsequent lavas demonstrate progressively more mafic mineral assemblage and bulk rock composition in comparison with rhyolites. This indicates their origin in response to the mixing of rhyolites with magmas of a more basic composition at the late stage of magma system development. The composition of these basic magmas may be close to the basaltic trachyandesite, the flows exposed along the periphery of the Elbrus volcano. All studied young volcanic rocks of the Greater Caucasus are characterized by depletion in HSFE and enrichment in LILE, Li, and Pb, which emphasizes the close relationship of young silicic magmatism with magmas of suprasubduction geochemical affinity. An important geochemical feature is the enrichment of U up to 8 ppm and Th up to 35 ppm. The trace element composition of the rocks indicates that the original rhyolitic magma of Chegem ignimbrites caldera was formed at >80%–90% fractionation of calc-alkaline arc basalts with increased alkalinity. This observation, in addition to published data for isotopic composition (O-Hf-Sr) of the same units, shows that the crustal isotopic signatures of silicic volcanics may arise due to the subduction-induced fertilization of peridotites producing parental basaltic magmas before a delamination episode reactivated the melting of the former mantle and the lower crust.

Determination of whole-rock trace-element compositions of siliceous rocks using MgO-diluted fused glass and LA–ICP–MS

The whole-rock trace-element compositions of igneous rocks provide primary geochemical information about their petrogenesis. Such compositions can be determined by LA–ICP–MS analysis of fused-glass samples as well as the conventional solution ICP–MS method. However, in contrast to basalt and andesite, the fused-glass method is not suitable for Si-rich rocks (granite and rhyolite) due to the difficulty of making homogeneous glasses. To extend the method to Si-rich rocks, we adopted an MgO dilution process to prepare fused glasses and evaluated the technique by analysis of granite and rhyolite reference materials. Dilution of 30 mg of powdered samples with 10 mg MgO facilitated the preparation of homogeneous fused-glass samples of felsic rocks. LA–ICP–MS analyses indicate that the fused glass is homogeneous in the contents of most incompatible elements considered in igneous petrology. The glass enables the analysis of these elements in felsic rocks within 20% deviation from reference data. The sample data are consistent with reference values for rhyolite although Zr and Hf data deviate significantly (by ~40%) from reference values for granitic rocks.

Petrography and Geochemistry of the Harzburgite Xenoliths of Lake Guinnadji and Ngao Djalsoka Volcano from the Dibi Area (Adamawa Plateau - Cameroon)

Petrographic and geochemical studies have been carried out on the peridotite xenoliths included in the pyroclastite deposits from the Lake Guinnadji and Ngao Djalsoka volcano close to the Dibi locality in the Adamawa plateau, central Cameroon. The peridotite xenoliths exhibit protogranular and porphyroclastic textures, and are composed of olivine, orthopyroxene and minor amount of clinopyroxene, amphibole (?) and spinel, typical of harzburgite type. ICP-MS and ICP-OES analyses of representative samples show that they are in the range of those of the primitive mantle origin (42.4-45.0 wt.% MgO, 65.7-79.0 wt.% normative olivine). Decreasing SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3 and CaO contents vs increasing MgO trends evidence depletion from more fertile mantle by extraction of basaltic melts, leaving a refractory residue of harzburgite composition. High contents of REE and incompatible elements point out secondary enrichment processes which have affected the peridotite xenoliths. For this, metasomatism caused by silicate fluids is invoked. In that way, peridotites of Dibi area witness of the nature and the evolution of lithospheric mantle under the Adamawa plateau.

Geochemistry of serpentinized and multiphase altered Atlantis Massif peridotites (IODP Expedition 357): Petrogenesis and discrimination of melt-rock vs. fluid-rock processes

International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 357 drilled 17 shallow sites distributed ~10 km in the spreading direction (from west to east) across the Atlantis Massif oceanic core complex (Mid-Atlantic Ridge, 30°N). Mantle exposed in the footwall of the Atlantis Massif oceanic core complex is predominantly nearly wholly serpentinized harzburgite with subordinate dunite. Altered peridotites are subdivided into three types: (I) serpentinites, (II) melt-impregnated serpentinites, and (III) metasomatic serpentinites. Type I serpentinites show no evidence of melt-impregnation or metasomatism apart from serpentinization and local oxidation. Type II serpentinites have been intruded by gabbroic melts and are distinguishable in some cases on the basis of macroscopic and microscopic observations, e.g., mm-cm scale mafic-melt veinlets, rare plagioclase (˂0.5 modal % in one sample) or by the local presence of secondary (replacive) olivine after orthopyroxene; in other cases, ‘cryptic’ melt-impregnation is inferred on the basis of incompatible element enrichments. Type III serpentinites are characterized by silica metasomatism manifest by alteration of orthopyroxene to talc and amphibole, and by anomalously high anhydrous SiO2 concentrations (59–61 wt%) and low MgO/SiO2 values (0.48–0.52). Although many chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) and primitive mantle-normalized incompatible trace element anomalies, e.g., negative Ce-anomalies, are attributable to serpentinization, other compositional heterogeneities are due to melt-impregnation. On the basis of whole rock incompatible trace elements, a dominant mechanism of melt-impregnation is distinguished in the central and eastern serpentinites from fluid-rock alteration (mostly serpentinization) in the western serpentinites, with increasing melt-impregnation manifest as a west to east increase in enrichment in high-field strength elements and light REE. High degrees of melt extraction are evident in low whole-rock Al2O3/SiO2 values and low concentrations of Al2O3, CaO and incompatible elements. Estimates of the degree of melt extraction based on whole rock REE patterns suggest a maximum of ~20% non-modal fractional melting, with little variation between sites. As some serpentinite samples are ex situ rubble, the magmatic histories observed at each site are consistent with a local source (from the fault zone) rather than rafted rubble that would be expected to show more heterogeneity and no spatial pattern. In this case, the studied sites may provide a record of enhanced melt-rock interactions with time, consistent with proposed geological models. Alternatively, sites may signify heterogeneities in these processes at spatial scales of a few km.

Mantle source heterogeneity in a Neoproterozoic back-arc basin: Geochemical and thermodynamic modeling of the volcanic section of Wadi Ghadir ophiolite, Egypt

Wadi Ghadir ophiolite in the Egyptian Eastern Desert, which forms the northern part of the Nubian Shield, is considered as one of the best-preserved segments of the Neoproterozoic oceanic lithosphere on Earth. Primary melt calculations and thermodynamic modeling of new geochemical data for the Wadi Ghadir pillow lavas and dike complexes, integrated with comprehensive petrographic investigations, are here employed to unravel the geodynamic evolution of this ophiolitic section.Whole-rock geochemical and clinopyroxene data indicate that the pillow lavas and sheeted dike complexes preserve geochemical signatures of N-MORB, E-MORB and OIB-like basalts. Less abundant, discrete dikes have a distinctly LILE-enriched island arc tholeiite (IAT) composition. The pillow lavas and sheeted dike complexes replicate mixed liquid lines of descent, whereas the discrete dikes exhibit a calc-alkaline differentiation trend. The pillow lavas were produced by limited (5–7%) mantle partial melting as a result of isothermal decompression over a wide pressure range (5 – 19 kbar) and restricted mantle potential temperatures (Tp ≈ 1260–1300 °C), suggesting ponding of rising melts from depths of ∼60 to 15 km in dry mantle. Primary melts of the sheeted dike complexes were produced by 9–11% partial melting at P ≈ 9.7 ± 2.5 kbar, Tp ≈ 1290 °C, and P ≈ 14.7 ± 1.4 kbar, Tp ≈ 1325 °C, suggesting a role of varying hydrostatic pressure. The magma source for the discrete dikes occurred at 10.7 ± 0.6 kbar and Tp of 1230–1300 °C by 11–13% partial melting of a metasomatized mantle region.The calculated Tp ranges for the different melts are consistently lower than temperatures of sub-ridge ambient mantle. Together with the variable concentrations of K2O and other incompatible elements, the estimated low temperatures of melt generation emphasize mixed sources and wet peridotite melting. The modeled primary melts designate crustal growth during back‐arc basin opening and closure. During the basin opening, decompression melting of mildly enriched mantle produced high-Ti tholeiitic (pillow lavas) and transitional (sheeted dike complexes) melts, whereas subduction initiation during basin closure promoted melt-peridotite interaction. Lowering of the solidus by subduction-related components triggered melting of a spinel lherzolitic mantle and produced low-Ti calc-alkaline melts that sourced the discrete dikes. The mixed MORB and SSZ geochemical characteristics of the studied volcanic rocks, coupled with the various modeled melts and lack of significant thermal anomalies in the mantle conditions, are here interpreted as manifestations of mantle source heterogeneity in a marginal oceanic basin during the accretionary stages of the Arabian-Nubian Shield.

Gem Elbaite as a Recorder of Pegmatite Evolution: In Situ Major, Trace Elements and Boron Isotope Analysis of a Colour-Zoning Tourmaline Crystal

Few studies have focused on gem-quality tourmaline acting as a petrogenetic recorder, and the colour genesis of pink elbaite is still controversial. We carry out in situ major, trace element and boron isotope composition analyses on a single tourmaline crystal. This crystal is characterized by sudden transformation from colourless to pink, which can represent full pegmatite magma evolution. According to the analysis results, all spots are divided into alkali groups according to X-site occupancy and subdivided into elbaite series. The pink part accommodates higher concentrations of volatile and incompatible elements. The result is most consistent with successive pegmatite evolution in which the colourless part crystallized from the early stage, while the pink part crystallized from the late stage. The relatively consistent δ11B value between the colourless and the pink part suggests no fluid exsolution occurred during pegmatite evolution. The slight increase of δ11B values within the pink part and the colourless part may be due to mica crystallization. The combination of (Li++Mn2+) (Al3++Xvac)-1 and the exclusive positive linear relationship of Mn2+ vs. Ti4+ indicate that Mn2+ is the main cause of pink, while Mn2+-Ti4+ intervalence charge transfer also plays an important role.

Multiple sources and magmatic evolution of the Late Triassic Daocheng batholith in the Yidun Terrane: Implications for evolution of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean in the eastern Tibetan Plateau

Abstract Granitoids with diverse composition and tectonic settings provide important tools for exploring crustal evolution and regional geodynamic history. Here we present an integrated study using petrological, mineralogical, zircon U-Pb geochronological, whole-rock geochemical, and isotopic data on the Late Triassic Daocheng batholith in the Yidun Terrane with a view to understanding the petrogenesis of a compositionally diverse batholith and its implications for the evolution of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean in the eastern Tibetan Plateau. The different lithological units of the batholith, including granodiorite, monzogranite, and quartz diorite, with abundant mafic microgranular enclaves in the granodiorite (MME I) and monzogranite (MME II), show identical crystallization ages of 218–215 Ma. The mineral assemblage and chemical composition of the granodiorite are identical to those of tonalitic-granodioritic melts generated under water-unsaturated conditions. The insignificant Eu anomalies and low magmatic temperatures indicate hydrous melting in the source. The relatively narrow range of whole-rock chemical and Sr-Nd isotopes, as well as the zircon trace element and Hf isotopic compositions of the granodiorite, suggest a homogeneous crustal source for the magma. Our modeling suggests that the rock was produced by 20–50% of lower crustal melting. The Daocheng monzogranites display more evolved compositions and larger variations in Sr-Nd-Hf isotopes than the granodiorite, which are attributed to assimilation and the fractional crystallization process. This is evidenced by the presence of metasedimentary enclave and inherited zircon grains with Neoproterozoic and Paleozoic ages, a non-cotectic trend in composition, and the trend shown by the modeling of initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios and Sr. The quartz diorites and MMEs showing composition similar to that of andesitic primary magma have high zircon εHf(t) values and are characterized by enrichment in LILEs and depletion of HFSEs. They were derived from the partial melting of lithospheric mantle that had been metasomatized by slab melts and fluids. The MMEs in both rocks display typical igneous texture and higher rare earth element (REE) and incompatible element concentrations than their host granites. The presence of fine-grained margins, acicular apatite, and plagioclase megacrysts suggests a magma mingling process. The overgrowth of amphibole around the pyroxene, quartz ocelli rimmed by biotite, and oscillatory zones of plagioclase are all indicative of chemical diffusion. Their enriched Sr-Nd isotopes imply isotopic equilibrium with the host granites. Based on a comparison with the coeval subduction-related magmatism, we propose that subduction and subsequent rollback of the Paleo-Tethys (Garzê-Litang Ocean) oceanic slab was the possible mechanism that triggered the diverse Triassic magmatism within the eastern Tibetan Plateau.

Early Jurassic S-type granitoids in the Nyainqêntanglha Range, South Tibet: A record of slab roll-back of subducted Neo-Tethyan Ocean

The Gangdese orogenic belt in southern Tibet records a succession of arc-trench-basin assemblages formed by the Neo-Tethyan subduction and the subsequent India-Asian collision. However, the geochronology and geodynamics of S-type granites in the northern part of the Gangdese belt are disputed. This paper describes ~190 Ma S-type granitoids outcropped in the Nyainqêntanglha Range, South Tibet, focusing on their petrogenesis and their relationship with contemporaneous magmatism. There are three distinct groups of granitoids, based on field relationships, petrology, and geochemistry. The coarse-grained Group I and II granitoids are large, sheet-like bodies and exhibit high contents of incompatible elements and negative Eu anomalies. The fine-grained Group III granites form small laccoliths and have low REE contents and positive Eu anomalies. The negative εNd(t) and εHf(t) values, abundant inherited zircons, moderately light REE and LILE enrichment, and HFSE depletion indicate that the Damxung granitoids were derived mainly by the partial melting of a metapelitic source. Further studies proposed that group I and II samples with high contents of incompatible elements and negative Eu anomalies represent fractionated melts, whereas group III samples with low REE contents and positive Eu anomalies represent cumulates. The age distribution pattern of inherited zircons supports the interpretation that the Lhasa terrane rifted away from the northern margin of the Indian plate. Considering previously published data in the Lhasa terrane, we suggest that the Early Jurassic magmatism could be related to a period of subducted oceanic slab roll-back, which provides new insights into the evolution process of the Neo-Tethyan ocean realm.

Geochemistry and mineralogy of the Jebel Aja Igneous Intrusion and the associated exotic pegmatites, Arabian Shield, Saudi Arabia

We describe the Jebel Aja igneous intrusion (JAII), which sits at the farthest northeastern edge of the exposed Arabian Shield in Saudi Arabia. The JAII consists of late Neoproterozoic post-collisional A-type granites, and was emplaced during tectonic extension. It is a composite pluton consisting of a granitic core (monzogranite, syenogranite and alkali feldspar granite) surrounded by a later phase of alkaline and peralkaline granites. Pegmatites occur as pockets and dykes at the contact between the alkaline/peralkaline granites and syenogranite. The pegmatites have sharp contacts with their host granites and show variable colors (principally pink and white), grain sizes, textures, and mineral compositions. We report here that the white pegmatites host pockets with a unique mineralogy that includes the first observation of pyroxmangite, thortveitite and thalénite-(Y) in the whole Arabian Shield as well as a novel (Sc, Y, vacancy)-rich pyroxenoid and a vacancy-rich bustamite with excess octahedral Si. The pyroxmangite-dominated lithology also features accessory quartz, albite, spessartine, pyrochroite, muscovite, and fluorite. The presence of pyroxmangite rather than rhodonite, together with vacancy-rich and Si-excess pyroxenes, suggests an elevated pressure of emplacement. The granites of the JAII are highly evolved and have undergone extreme fractional crystallization of feldspars, leading to increases in the concentration of volatile and incompatible elements in the residual melt, which resulted eventually in injection of coeval pegmatites into the mostly solidified host granite. The syenogranite and alkaline/peralkaline granite of the JAII contain sodic amphibole and have geochemical characteristics common among within-plate rare-metal bearing A-type rocks. They have positive Nb-Ta anomalies that increase from syenogranite to alkaline/peralkaline granite. The pink pegmatite is highly mineralized and contains high concentrations of Nb (1540–1769 μg/g), Ta (103–136 μg/g), Y (1116–1616 μg/g), Zr (6362–9707 μg/g), Hf (215–264 μg/g), Th (278–384 μg/g), U (110–147 μg/g), and ∑REE (2334–3251 μg/g).

Enrichment Nature of Ultrapotassic Rocks in Southern Tibet Inherited from their Mantle Source

Abstract Post-collisional ultrapotassic rocks (UPRs) in the Tibetan Plateau exhibit extreme enrichment in incompatible elements and radiogenic isotopes. Such enrichment is considered to be either inherited from a mantle source or developed during crustal evolution. In this study, to solve this debate we combined mineral textures and in situ geochemical composition of clinopyroxene phenocrysts in UPRs from southern Tibet to reveal their crustal evolution, enrichment cause and constrain metasomatism in their mantle source. Results show that the UPRs experienced an array of crustal processes, i.e., fractional crystallization, mixing, and assimilation. Fractional crystallization is indicated by decreases in Mg# and Ni and enrichment in incompatible elements (e.g. rare earth element (REE), Sr, Zr) toward the rims of normally zoned clinopyroxene phenocrysts (type-I). Magma mixing is evidenced by the presence of some clinopyroxene phenocrysts (type-II, -III) showing disequilibrium textures (e.g. reversed and overgrowth zoning), but in situ Sr isotope and trace element analysis of those disequilibrium zones indicate that late-stage recharged mafic magmas are depleted (87Sr/86Sr: 0.70659–0.71977) compared with the primitive ultrapotassic magmas (87Sr/86Sr: 0.70929–0.72553). Assimilation is revealed by the common presence of crustal xenoliths in southern Tibetan UPRs. Considering the much lower 87Sr/86Sr values (0.707759–0.709718) and incompatible element contents of these crustal xenoliths relative to their host UPRs, assimilation should have resulted in geochemical depletion of southern Tibetan UPRs rather than enrichment. The diluting impact of both assimilation and mixing is also supported by the modeling results based on the EC-E′RAχFC model combining the growth history of clinopyroxene. Trace elements ratios in clinopyroxenes also imply that the mantle source of southern Tibetan UPRs suffered an enriched and carbonatite-dominated metasomatism. Thus, we conclude that enrichment of southern Tibetan UPRs was inherited from the mantle source.

Appinitic and high Ba[sbnd]Sr magmatism in central Brazil: Insights into the late accretion stage of West Gondwana

Large amounts of high BaSr magmatism can be produced as the result of late accretion or decompression in the final stages of continental arc evolution in orogenic systems and leads to continental crustal growth. This type of magmatism often occurs associated with mega-shear zones and displays geochemical signatures that indicate magmas deriving from the melting of enriched lithospheric mantle. Such enrichment may be an indication of slab-derived fluid and/or melt interaction, released from subducted material. The high BaSr granitoids of the Brasiliano Paraguay Belt, Tocantins Province, central Brazil, comprise two suites that crystallized approximately 40 My apart from each other. Both suites are composed of metaluminous to slightly peraluminous rocks (ASI = 0.64–1.09) with magnesian character, and present high Ba (~1430 ppm), Sr (~800 ppm), K2O (~4 wt%), LREE and LILE contents. The negative εNd(T) values (−6.32 and − 6.65) associated with high contents of incompatible elements indicate an evolution from partial melting of mantle-derived magma previously metasomatized by subducted slab fluids. Crystallization ages of 557 ± 5.7 Ma and 554 ± 2.9 Ma have been obtained for the older, high MgK calc-alkaline suite. It evolved from high Cr and Ni mantle-derived appinitic magma to coeval granodiorites by crystal fractionation accompanied by minor crustal contamination. The younger, 515 ± 3.6 Ma-old suite displays an elevated concentration in some HFSEs, show alkali-calcic affinity and is represented by high-K monzogranites. A model proposed for the two hybrid suites is based on a slab break-off and a subsequent lithospheric delamination after 40 My, where the heat flux generated by mantle upwelling led to a partial melting of the enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle beneath the continental crust. The older calc-alkaline suite represents the end process of magmatic arc accretion in the central Tocantins Province. The younger one is compatible with a transitional shoshonitic to A-type affinity, associated to post-collisional collapse stage of the orogen at Cambrian times. The petrogenesis of the investigated rocks requires an ocean closure phase at ca. 590 Ma, which could be linked to the consumption of the Clymene Ocean toward Amazonian Craton, recording a new collisional event in the central West Gondwana.

Carbonatite-Like Rock in a Dike of the Aikhal Kimberlite Pipe: Comparison with Carbonatites of the Nomokhtookh Site (Anabar Area)

Abstract ––A dike of rock similar in composition to carbonatites has been found in the Aikhal diamondiferous pipe of the Alakit–Markha field of the Yakutian kimberlite province (YaKP). The fine-grained rock of essentially carbonate composition (dolomite and calcite) rich in thin-platy phlogopite contains minerals typical of carbonatites: monazite, baddeleyite, and pyrochlore. In the high contents and distribution of incompatible elements the rock differs significantly from kimberlites and is transitional from kimberlites to carbonatites. The content of incompatible elements in this rock is 3–5 times lower than that in carbonatite breccias of the pipes in the Staraya Rechka kimberlite field of the YaKP (Nomokhtookh site). The compositions of accessory trace element minerals from the Aikhal dike rock and the Nomokhtookh carbonatite breccias are compared. An assumption is made that the high contents of incompatible elements in the carbonatite-like rock, which caused the crystallization of accessory minerals, are due to the differentiation of kimberlite melt/fluid. The high Sr isotope ratios indicate that the rock altered during hydrothermal and metasomatic processes. The obtained data on the composition of the carbonatite-like rock cannot serve as an argument for the genetic relationship between the Aikhal kimberlites and typical carbonatites. The genetic relationship between kimberlites and carbonatites in the northern fields of the YaKP remains an open issue.

Trace element and oxygen isotope study of eclogites and associated rocks from the Münchberg Massif (Germany) with implications on the protolith origin and fluid-rock interactions

Eclogites, metagabbros, and paragneisses from the Variscan Münchberg Massif record a complex succession of igneous, hydrothermal and metamorphic processes. The geodynamic setting related to the protolith formation and the impact of different types of fluid-rock interactions have been uncertain up to now. We use major and trace element chemistry as well as oxygen isotopes to disentangle the geochemical signatures related to the different stages of the rocks' history.In the Münchberg Massif, dark eclogites (kyanite-free; Fe-Ti-MORB signature) are distinguished from light eclogites (kyanite-bearing; higher Mg#, Al2O3, and Cr; lower incompatible element contents; positive Eu anomalies; MORB to arc basalt signature). The δ18O values for both types (+5.0 to +10.8‰) are equal to, or higher than those of MORB. Amphibolite facies metagabbros have a more enriched, almost OIB-like trace element signature and high δ18O values (+9.4 to +10.3‰).Good linear correlations between fluid-immobile elements throughout the eclogite types confirm their derivation from a common, N-MORB to E-MORB-like parental magma. We interpret the light eclogites as former plagioclase-rich cumulates and the dark eclogites as their complementary differentiates. This relationship is partly obscured by variable degrees of magma contamination by sediments, which also affected the metagabbros. However, the metagabbros originated from a more enriched mantle source than the eclogites. Following intrusion, the eclogites were subjected to hydrothermal alteration under the influence of seawater, as indicated by positive correlations between Li, B, Sb, and δ18O. Metamorphic fluid-rock interactions appear to be mostly of limited extent, probably due to the lack of lawsonite dehydration as a fluid source. Nevertheless, the contents at least of some fluid-mobile elements, such as LILE, Li, and Pb, were probably modified during the subduction-exhumation cycle of the eclogites.The crustal contamination of the protolith magmas argues against derivation of the eclogites and metagabbros from typical oceanic crust. Instead, a rift-drift transition setting related to the opening of the Rheic or Saxothuringian Ocean seems most likely. The eclogites and metagabbros, alongside with similar rocks in the Mariánské Lázně complex and other resembling high-pressure massifs, may record different stages of this rift-drift transition.

The origin of carbonatites from the eastern Armutlu Peninsula (NW Turkey)

Unusual carbonate dykes, which have a thickness of up to 4 m, cross-cut the amphibolites from the high-grade metamorphic rocks in the Armutlu Peninsula (NW Turkey). They are described as carbonatites on the basis of their petrographic, geochemical and isotope-geochemical characteristics. The carbonatites, which commonly show equigranular texture, are composed of calcite and clinopyroxene with other minor phases of plagioclase, mica, garnet, K-feldspar, quartz, epidote, titanite and opaque minerals. They contain abundant xenoliths of pyroxenite and amphibolite. The geochemical characteristics of the carbonatites are significantly different from those of mantle-derived carbonatites. They have remarkably low incompatible element (e.g. Ba, Th, Nb) and total REE (11–91 ppm) contents compared with mantle-derived carbonatites. The high 87 Sr/ 86 Sr (i) (0.70797–0.70924) and low ε Nd (t) (−8.08 to −9.57) of the carbonatites confirm that they were derived from the continental crust rather than from a mantle source. Mica from carbonatite was dated by the 40 Ar/ 39 Ar method, yielding a Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous age (148–137 Ma). This is significantly younger than the age of adjacent amphibolites (Upper Triassic). All data from field studies, as well as petrographic, geochemical and geochronological observations, suggest that these carbonatites were formed from anatectic melting of a carbonated source area in the continental crust. Supplementary material: A complete description of the analytical methods (whole rock chemistry, mineral chemistry, strontium and neodymium isotopes and 40 Ar/ 39 Ar measurements) and mineral chemistry and 40 Ar- 39 Ar dating results are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.12946955

Ultra-long magma residence time leading to a new model for the tungsten mineralization in the Nanling Range (South China)

Granites generated in massive volume during an orogeny frequently concentrate abundant trace metals over the requirement of commercial mining. Tungsten mineralization usually develops in massive granite generated during orogenic activities. However, there is no general metallogenic model capable of explaining metal enrichment. In specific, the source of the metals and criteria to distinguish barren from mineralized granites have yet to be clearly identified. In this paper, we present that the muscovite alkali-feldspar granites, as the parental rocks to the tungsten mineralization in the Nanling Range (South China), may result from extremely fractionated granitic magma from the deep-seated magma chamber. Further, the geochemical and geochronological evidence on hydrothermal rims and magmatic cores of zircon grains from these granites reveals two stages of magmatic activities, i.e. the syn-orogenic biotite monzogranites at 155.0 ± 1.0 Ma and the post-orogenic muscovite alkali-feldspar granites at 133.4 ± 1.0 Ma respectively. Since the two granites with the similar zircon εHf(t) values and in the same location should develop from the same magma chamber during the Yanshanian movement, we interpreted that the deep-seated magma chamber survived longer than 20 Myr, within which a continuously fractional crystallization led to unusual concentration of incompatible elements (tungsten, volatile, and aqueous fluid) in the residual magma. When the regional tectonic environment entered the extensional regime at ~133 Ma, the highly fractionated residual magma ascended rapidly from the magma chamber, generated the muscovite alkali-feldspar granite, and developed the accompanying giant tungsten deposit. Our thermal modeling supports the possibility of an ultra-long magma residence time at deep-seated chamber.

Early Neoproterozoic Metapicrite–Basalt Association of the Angara Region, Yenisei Ridge: Petrogeochemical Composition, Tectonic Settings, and Pb–Zn Mineralization

In the Angara part of the Yenisei Ridge, a sequential section of the metapicritic–basalt sequence and overlying carbonate rocks of the Gorevskaya Formation is established. This section is considered as a single volcanic–sedimentary complex formed at the Late Mesoproterozoic–Early Neoproterozoic boundary in the riftogenic marginal–continental paleobasin in the southwestern Siberian Craton. It is proposed to introduce the metapicrite–basaltic sequence into the stratigraphic legend of the Shirokaya Group of the western Yenisei Ridge under the name “Nizhnerechinskaya Sequence”. In the studied section, metamorphosed picrobasalts and picrites predominate in the lower part of the Nizhnerechinskaya Sequence, while the middle and upper parts consist mainly of basalts containing Pb–Zn mineralization (Stepanovsky ore occurrence). At the contact with carbonate deposits of the Gorevskaya Formation, an alternation of volcanogenic rocks and terrigenous–carbonate sediments and metabasaltic sills are observed. The petrochemical and trace-element composition of metavolcanic rocks has much in common, which indicates the paragenetic relationship of rocks of this high-Mg rock association. All these rocks are enriched in Fe and Ti, while metabasalts and metagabbros show elevated alkalinity and P2O5 content. In terms of total alkalinity, metabasalt–picrobasalts deviate from the normal petrochemical series towards the subalkaline series, which correlates with their elevated Ti content. Basites enriched in alkalis, especially, in potassium and corresponding to trachybasalts are observed among them. The contents of incompatible trace elements clearly increase from picrites to basalts and reach maximum in trachybasalts, which show 1.5–3 times enrichment in high-field strength elements compared to the basalts. The paragenetic nature of the considered association is supported by the similar REE distribution patterns: (La/Yb)n = 6–7 at Eu/Eu* = 0.9–1. The Late Mesoproterozoic–Early Neoproterozoic rifting of the Earth’s crust in the Angara region led to the opening of the marginal–continental sea basin, where basalt-picrite volcanism occurred simultaneously with accumulation of terrigenous–carbonate sediments, including ore–bearing (Pb–Zn) rocks of the Gorevskaya Formation, which host the Gorevskoye Pb–Zn deposit. The basin under consideration is interpreted as a relict rift-related paleobasin on the western margin of the Siberian craton, while the volcanic–sedimentary Nizhnerechinskaya Sequence is considered as the lower potential stratigraphic level of the base-metal mineralization in the Gorevsky ore field.

The geological history and hazards of a long-lived stratovolcano, Mt. Taranaki, New Zealand

ABSTRACT Mt. Taranaki is an andesitic stratovolcano in the western North Island of New Zealand. Its magmas show slab-dehydration signatures and over the last 200 kyr they show gradually increasing incompatible element concentrations. Source basaltic melts from the upper mantle lithosphere pond at the base of the crust (∼25 km), interacting with other stalled melts rich in amphibole. Evolved hydrous magmas rise and pause in the mid crust (14–6 km), before taking separate pathways to eruption. Over 228 tephras erupted over the last 30 kyr display a 1000–1500 yr-periodic cycle with a five-fold variation in eruption frequency. Magmatic supply and/or tectonic regime could control this rate-variability. The volcano has collapsed and re-grown 16 times, producing large (2 to >7.5 km3) debris avalanches. Magma intrusion along N-S striking faults below the edifice are the most likely trigger for its failure. The largest Mt. Taranaki Plinian eruption columns reach ∼27 km high, dispersing 0.1 to 0.6 km3 falls throughout the North Island. Smaller explosive eruptions, or dome-growth and collapse episodes were more frequent. Block-and-ash flows reached up to 13 km from the vent, while the largest pumice pyroclastic density currents travelled >23 km. Mt. Taranaki last erupted in AD1790 and the present annual probability of eruption is 1–1.3%.

Mineralogical and geochemical constraints on the origin of the Sohland-Rožany Ni-Cu-(PGE) sulfide mineralization (Lausitz Block, Bohemian Massif, Germany/Czech Republic)

The Sohland-Rožany Ni-Cu-(PGE) sulfide mineralization is hosted by a small gabbroic dike that is one of several Ni-Cu sulfide-bearing gabbroic intrusions in the northern Bohemian Massif. The intrusions are associated with a Middle Devonian to Early Carboniferous mafic–ultramafic plumbing system that emplaced within Cadomian granodiorites of the Lausitz Block. The Sohland-Rožany dike comprises varitextured olivine- and hornblende-bearing gabbro and hornblende gabbro which originated from differently fractionated magma batches. Fractionation likely took place in deeper parts of the magmatic systems, e.g. within staging magma chambers. Mineralogical features like Ti-rich primary brown hornblende and diopsidic clinopyroxene as well as overall enriched incompatible element contents suggest moderate alkaline basaltic parental magmas with relatively high volatile contents.The magmatic sulfide mineralization is exclusively hosted by the olivine- and hornblende-bearing gabbro and include disseminated, net-textured and massive sulfides. The ore types are predominated by pyrrhotite-pentlandite-chalcopyrite assemblages accompanied by secondary violarite and pyrite as well as by accessory Pt, Pd, Au and Ag phases. The disseminated and net-textured sulfides have highly variable modal proportions of base-metal sulfides with pyrrhotite-dominated beside chalcopyrite-dominated aggregates on the hand specimen scale. The platinum-group mineral (PGM) assemblage includes Pd-Pt-Ni-bearing bismuthotellurides of the melonite–merenskyite and michenerite–testibiopalladite solid solution series as well as sperrylite. The sulfide ores feature predominantly elevated Ni and highly variable Cu and Pt, Pd and Au tenors (3.5–6.4 wt.% Ni, 0.1–16.6 wt.% Cu, 80–3080 ppb Pt, 50–5320 ppb Pd and 20–3770 ppb Au). The magmatic sulfides are locally characterized by a late-stage hydrothermal overprint where sulfides were replaced by hydrous secondary phases (e.g. actinolite–tremolite and chlorite). A significant redistribution of the PGE due to hydrothermal alteration is unlikely as the majority of PGM show a close spatial association to the base-metal sulfides.Textures and chemical compositions of the sulfides suggest that repeated magma batches eroded already fractionated sulfide pools and entrained early crystalized cumulates of monosulfide solid solution (MSS) together with variable fractionated sulfide melts. Sulfide saturation in the Sohland-Rožany magmas was locally controlled by assimilation of the granodioritic wall-rock in the course of thermomechanical erosion. This process was amplified by high mica contents of the granodiorites. Sulfur isotope signatures (–2.0 to –1.2‰ VCDT) and the S-poor nature of the hosting granodiorites exclude a significant contribution of S from the country rocks.

Lunar meteorites from northern Africa

AbstractWe report bulk composition data for 235 stones of ~77 lunar meteorites from northern Africa and 33 lunar meteorites from elsewhere. About 27% of the African meteorites are typical feldspathic lunar rocks, all breccias of similar bulk composition, for example, 3–5% FeO and low concentrations of incompatible elements. Nevertheless, these meteorites have a large range inMg'(whole‐rock mole% Mg/[Mg + Fe]), 57–77 (mean: 65.5), and this parameter does not correlate with either albite content of the plagioclase or concentrations of incompatible elements. From this observation, we conclude that feldspathic lunar meteorites do not support the hypotheses that the anorthositic, precursor plutonic rocks of the meteorite breccias all crystallized from a common magma. Among feldspathic lunar meteorites,Mg'increases with normative olivine abundance but is uncorrelated with normative pyroxene abundance, that is, high‐Mg'feldspathic rocks of the early lunar crust were troctolitic, not noritic. The NWA 5744 (Northwest Arica) clan of lunar meteorites are anorthositic troctolites (59–75% plagioclase, 15–26% olivine, Fo77–80) with very low concentrations of incompatible elements (2.6 × CI) compared to troctolites in the Apollo collection. They may represent the lower feldspathic crust or differentiated impact melt from portions of the highlands distant from the PKT (Procellarum KREEP Terrane). About 31% of the lunar meteorites from northern Africa, all breccias, are, by lunar standards, moderately mafic (5–13% FeO) but more magnesian than mixtures of typical feldspathic meteorite and mare basalt, implying that they represent moderately mafic regions of the highlands or originate from the South Pole–Aitken basin. With ~6 µg g−1Th, two NWA meteorites likely originate from the PKT. Including the unique NWA 773 clan, at least six of the northern Africa meteorites are, or are dominated by, unbrecciated basalts and gabbros of mare affinity. We estimate that the ~341 lunar meteorite stones (Africa and elsewhere) for which there are data represent 131–147 terrestrially unpaired meteorites and 109–134 lunar launch sites.