Incompatible Trace Elements Research Articles

A new compositional estimate for refractory lower continental crust with implications for the first terrestrial Pb-isotope paradox

The lower continental crust, representing up to 50% of the continental mass, is largely inaccessible, making its composition difficult to constrain. Previous composite models based on geophysical evidence and geochemical data of granulite terrains and xenoliths have proposed varying results, from a mafic, relatively refractory lower crust to an intermediate-felsic, more enriched composition. Here, we investigated the mineralogy and geochemistry of predominantly mafic granulite xenoliths from eastern Australia and the Kola Peninsula, Russia, using an in situ analytical approach that minimises host magma contamination. The resulting xenolith compositions are variably and often strongly depleted in most highly incompatible trace elements, including the heat-producing elements. These xenoliths represent an extremely refractory component of the lower continental crust, likely formed after high degrees of partial melting or crystallisation from a depleted source. A lower crust composed solely of this refractory endmember would be too exhausted in heat-producing elements to satisfy heat-flow constraints. However, a volumetrically significant component of the lower crust is this mafic and refractory material, combined with undifferentiated material and a felsic or metapelitic portion. Using geophysical constraints on proportions of refractory (55%), undepleted (38%) and enriched (7%) components, a new estimate for average lower continental crust that satisfies heat flow limits was calculated, including for elements such as Be, B, Cs, W and Tl, where previous estimates relied on very few data. Finally, we show that because much of the lower continental crust is so refractory and depleted in incompatible elements, it is unlikely to be a reservoir that can balance radiogenic isotope (unradiogenic Pb) and trace element ratios (e.g. Rb/Cs, Nb/Ta) for which bulk silicate Earth departs from chondritic ratios.

Constraints on Paleoproterozoic crustal growth from Birimian Supergroup lavas of the Bui belt (Ghana) in the West African Craton

The volcano-metasedimentary Bui belt in Ghana is one of the lesser known Birimian belts of the West African Craton that provide constraints on Paleoproterozoic crustal growth. This study presents the first major, trace element and Nd-Hf isotope data for the mafic suite of the Bui belt to constrain their petrogenesis and geodynamic setting. Although alteration is prevalent, the volcanic, volcaniclastic and plutonic rocks show tholeiitic signatures, with Mg# 35–65. Chondrite-normalised REE patterns are mainly flat, with slight LREE enrichment or depletion, and multi-element diagrams show Th and LREE depletion relative to other immobile incompatible trace elements. These features suggest derivation from a moderately depleted mantle source. Whole rock Sm-Nd isotope data yields an errorchron at ca. 2.2 Ga, with an initial εNd of +3.4 but the Lu-Hf isotopic system appears to be disturbed. The lack of arc related geochemical signatures (absence of negative Nb-Ta and Ti peaks, a nearly flat to depleted REE pattern) in the Bui mafic suite, together with the volcanic-sedimentary rock association, point towards magma generation in an oceanic plateau or divergent setting similar to a mid-ocean ridge, contrasting with the subduction setting that has been proposed for most other instances of Birimian magmatism in the West African Craton.

Heterogeneous Fossil Réunion Plume Component in the Source Region of Enriched MORB Along the Central Indian Ridge Between 12° and 17°S

AbstractMid‐ocean ridge basalts (MORB) from the Central Indian Ridge (CIR) between 12° and 17°S show a wide range of geochemical and isotopic variations. Particularly, MORB from a segment between 14° and 15°S are more enriched in incompatible trace elements with more radiogenic Sr and Pb isotope and unradiogenic Nd isotope values than the lavas between 15° and 16°S with geochemical features of normal MORB. However, the causes for the enrichment between 14° and 15°S are poorly constrained. In this study, we re‐examined the CIR MORB from 12° to 17°S with new geochemical data obtained based on high spatial resolution sampling to better understand the nature of the enriched mantle source. Our new geochemical data show that the MORB between 14° and 15°S, with maximum values for (La/Sm)N = 1.95, 87Sr/86Sr = 0.703526 and 206Pb/204Pb = 18.7558, are more enriched than those from the southern segments (16° to 20°S) known to be influenced by the Réunion mantle component. The new trace element and isotopic compositions of MORB suggest that three mantle end‐members are required to explain the geochemical variations shown between 14° and 16°S: the depleted Indian‐type MORB mantle, Réunion Plume (RP), and Seychelles/Madagascar‐like continental crust components. Moreover, our mixing model suggests that the differences in enriched MORB signature from 14° to 20°S are due to variable proportions of continental material previously mixed with the RP. Our study implies that a continental component interacted with the plume into the asthenosphere, possibly beneath Madagascar or below Mauritius Island and the Mascarene plateau.

Coexistence of Carboniferous oceanic island basalts with Permian supra‐subduction zone ophiolites in the Changning–Menglian accretionary wedge: Implication for tectonic reconstruction

This paper reports two types of basalt that have different ages (Carboniferous and Permian) but occur next to each other in the northern part of the Changning–Menglian accretionary wedge, southwestern China. We use the geochronology and geochemical data to evaluate the tectonic evolution of the Palaeo‐Tethys during this period. Zircon grains from the mafic‐ultramafic rocks associated with the Permian basalts in the Xiaomengtai area yield a U–Pb age of 281 Ma and εHf(t) values from +9.2 to +12.8. The Permian mafic‐ultramafic rocks and the associated basalts are all characterized by normal mid‐ocean ridge basalt (N‐MORB)‐like chondrite‐normalized rare earth elements patterns, moderately negative Nb‐Ta anomalies in the mantle‐normalized immobile incompatible trace element patterns, and positive εNd(t) values from +4.2 to +6.5, which are consistent with the geochemical characteristics of mafic‐ultramafic rocks in supra‐subduction zone (SSZ)‐type ophiolite. On the contrary, the Carboniferous basalts, which are associated with marine carbonates, are characterized by light REE enrichments, slightly positive Nb‐Ta anomalies, and εNd(t) values from +2.8 to +4.0. These features are similar to those of typical oceanic island basalts (OIBs) worldwide. Modelling results using REEs show that the parental magmas for the Carboniferous OIBs and the Permian basalts were likely derived from mantle peridotites at the depths of garnet and spinel stability, respectively, consistent with the formation depth of these two different types of basalt globally. The occurrence of these two different types of mafic‐ultramafic rocks with significantly different ages in the same area supports the view that they are the remnants of the accreted Palaeo‐Tethys oceanic crust. The Carboniferous OIBs are considered to be parts of an OIB‐carbonate seamount chain that originally formed in the southern part of the Palaeo‐Tethys. The Permian mafic‐ultramafic rocks are regarded as fragments of SSZ‐type ophiolites that were present in the northern part of the Palaeo‐Tethys. These different pieces of oceanic crust were accreted to the Simao–Indochina continental Block by subduction between the Late Permian and the Triassic.

Trace Elements in Chromite as Indicators of the Origin of the Giant Podiform Chromite Deposit at Kempirsai, Kazakhstan

Abstract This study presents a complete trace element data set of chromite from the world’s largest podiform chromite deposit at Kempirsai, Kazakhstan, together with platinum group element (PGE) and Re-Os isotope compositions, to explore the potential of trace elements in the study of podiform chromite deposits. Chromite orebodies in the Karaagash area of the Kempirsai Main ore field are hosted by dunites in the mantle sequence of the ophiolite. Dunites slightly distal to the orebodies are composed of olivine (forsterite content = 91.5–93.4) and minor euhedral chromite with variable Cr# (0.73–0.83). These dunites have primitive mantle-normalized Pt-Pd–poor PGE patterns and subchondritic 187Os/188Os ratios (0.12174–0.12220). Negative correlations between Cr# and incompatible trace elements (Sc and Ti) of the chromite are consistent with melt-rock reaction, whereas positive correlations between Cr# and compatible trace elements (V and Ga) reflect the role of fractional crystallization. It is therefore proposed that chromite in the distal dunites was crystallized from magmas after reaction with mantle peridotites. In comparison, chromite grains in the ores and adjacent dunites exhibit relatively uniform Cr# numbers (0.81–0.86) and higher 187Os/188Os values (0.12319–0.12414). Both compatible and incompatible trace elements of chromite exhibit negative correlations with Cr#, which are best explained by mixing between the modified magma after melt-rock reaction and a later injected magma from a more depleted source. After the ore formation, subsolidus reequilibration between olivine and chromite reduced Mg# and modified divalent trace elements of chromite in the order of Zn > Co = Mn > Ni but did not affect distribution of nondivalent trace elements, except V and Fe3+. The decoupling of redox-sensitive and redox-insensitive trace elements suggests that the redox states have been modified during subsolidus reequilibration. The existing iron equilibrium between olivine and chromite records high fO2 values (quartz-fayalite-magnetite buffer [∆QFM] 0.8–2.4), whereas correction of subsolidus reequilibration results in a decrease of the fO2 values toward the QFM buffer (∆QFM 0.1–0.6), indicating that increase in fO2 was not a critical factor in the ore formation. Principal component analysis and factor analysis were further carried out to identify differences in trace elements between high-Cr and high-Al podiform chromite deposits worldwide. High-Cr chromite deposits have variable divalent trace element compositions and show complex distributions of nondivalent trace elements. The former reflects longer and slower cooling histories of the high-Cr chromite deposits with respect to the high-Al chromite deposits, whereas the latter indicates more variable magma compositions and complex processes during the formation of the high-Cr chromite deposits.

Geochemistry and Petrogenesis of Mesoproterozoic Mafic Intrusive Rocks from the Singhora and Chandarpur Groups, Eastern Chhattisgarh Basin, Bastar Craton: Possible Implication for the Time of Sedimentation

ABSTRACT A number of Mesoproterozoic mafic intrusions transect the Chhattisgarh basin, Bastar craton, and they are mostly exposed in the Singhora and Chandarpur Group of rocks in the eastern part of the basin. These mafic intrusive rocks are studied for their petrological and geochemical characteristics to understand nature and genesis and likely implication on the time of sedimentation. They chiefly consist of clinopyroxene and plagioclase and show ophitic texture. Geochemically, they are sub-alkaline basalt to basaltic andesite and strongly supports cogenetic nature of mafic intrusives from both the Groups. The fractionation of olivine, clinopyroxene, plagioclase and Cr-spinel primarily controlled geochemical variations. Negative Nb-Ta-Ti anomalies suggest a possible role of crustal components in the evolution of the melt; however, the absence of crustal signature in most primitive high-Mg containing samples rules out any significant role of crustal contamination. Incompatible trace elements modelling suggests their derivation from a mantle melt, originated from the transition zone of garnet-spinel stability field. Further, geochemical analysis supports an SZLM (subduction zone-modified lithospheric mantle) source for these mafic intrusions. Low CaO/MgO (1.20 – 1.64), intermediate FeO/MnO (45.71 – 71.80), positive PX# (1.10 - 5.89), and high values of FC3MS (0.58 – 1.35) and FCKANTMS (0.59 – 0.93) explicitly support derivation of the primary melt from a olivine-poor and pyroxene-rich (pyroxenite type) source. The observed geochemical characteristics and published age data on these mafic intrusions indicate that sediments of both the stratigraphic units are older than ca. 1.42 Ga. Further, based on the relationship with the neighbouring ca. 1.85 Ga Sonakhan mafic dyke swarm of the Bastar craton, the age of sedimentation in the Chhattisgarh basin has been proposed to be in between ca. 1.85 Ga and 1.42 Ga.

High-C content and CO2/Ba ratio of the Earth’s enriched upper mantle

One of the fundamental constraints on the carbon content in the Earth’s mantle comes from depleted mid-ocean ridge basalts (D-MORB) that experienced minimal CO2 degassing. The CO2/Ba ratio of 120 ± 20 in these D-MORB have been used to estimate the CO2 content in more enriched MORB (e.g., N- and E-MORB) that have lost CO2 through degassing. However, it has been unclear as to how constant the CO2/Ba ratio is in D-, N-, and E-MORB, which are known to derive from partial melting of a chemically and isotopically heterogeneous upper mantle. In this study, we constrained the CO2/Ba ratio of the E-MORB mantle source in the Pacific by studying the compositions of MORB glass samples from the southern East Pacific Rise (on– and off-axial SEPR and Garrett transform fault) as well as volcanic glass samples from the Pukapuka ridges and Rano Rahi seamounts that extend to the west of the SEPR. Some of the submarine glasses from the Rano Rahi seamounts are D-MORB with highly depleted CO2 and incompatible trace element contents, but with isotopic composition pointing to a long-term enriched mantle source. These lavas were generated by re-melting of the residual Pacific E-MORB mantle source that had undergone a recent melting episode responsible for the Pukapuka ridge magmatism. Some Rano Rahi seamount lavas experienced limited CO2 degassing during eruption, and we consider that their most reliable pre-degassing CO2/Ba ratio is the maximum value of 241 ± 30, measured in the most trace element depleted but isotopically enriched sample. While we show that this high CO2/Ba ratio is in part due to fractionation during the earlier melting event that generated the Pukapuka ridges, the estimated initial CO2/Ba ratio of the Pacific E-MORB mantle source is 177-52+71, still higher on average than that of the D-MORB mantle source (120 ± 20). We use this CO2/Ba ratio for the Pacific E-MORB mantle source to provide an estimate of its CO2 content of 391-180+455 ppm. We speculate that the high CO2/Ba and C-enriched nature of the Pacific E-MORB mantle source could originate from either (1) recycling of oceanic lithosphere at subduction zones or (2) foundering of metasomatized continental lithospheric mantle into the convecting mantle.

Geochronological and geochemical constraints on the petrogenesis of alkali granites from the Makrohar Granulite Belt: Evidence for Mesoproterozoic extensional regime in the eastern Central Indian Shield

The Chotanagpur Gneissic Complex (CGC) is characterized by the Makrohar Granulite Belt (MGB) at its north‐western margin parallel to Son‐Narmada lineaments. The MGB exhibits a typical association of mantle‐derived mafic tholeiitic and alkaline rocks along with the felsic units. The zircon U–Pb data on the intrusive granite gneiss from this association define a crystallization age of 1,498 ± 38 Ma, representing a widespread Mesoproterozoic within‐plate magmatic event in CGC synchronous with the breakup of the Columbia Supercontinent. These granite gneisses have an alkaline affinity and are metaluminous in character. They exhibit many of the geochemical characteristics of anorogenic (A‐type) magmas, including enrichment of incompatible trace elements, like Zr, Hf, Nb, Y, Ga, and rare earth elements (REE), but low in Ba and Sr as well as high FeOt/(FeOt + MgO) (~0.98) values and Ga/Al (~3.92) ratios. They show less fractionated REE patterns, characterized by relatively enriched LREE and flat HREE with negative Eu anomaly, and have high Zr‐saturation temperatures (~955°C). Considering their field characteristics and all the geochemical and isotopic features, we conclude that they were derived from melting the lower crust metasomatized by mantle‐derived alkali‐rich fluids due to asthenospheric upwelling.

Petrogenesis of PGE mineralised intrusions in the floor of the northern Bushveld Complex

Abstract The floor rocks of the northern lobe of the Bushveld Complex host several sill-like mafic-ultramafic bodies. In the present paper we evaluate whole rock data generated by exploration companies for sills on the farms Townlands, Amatava, Uitloop, Turfspruit and Rietfontein, located to the north of Mokopane, in order to constrain the origin of the sills and their mineralisation. Key observations include: (i) The sills have geochemical affinities to the Lower Zone (LZ) or Lower Critical Zone (LCZ). (ii) Most sills are enriched in sulphides and platinum-group elements (PGE) relative to most other LZ and LCZ cumulates. (iii) Most PGE mineralised intrusives have been emplaced into the carbonaceous-pelitic Duitschland Formation. (iv) The sills are spatially associated with the Mokopane gravity anomaly, possibly representing a major feeder zone to the Bushveld Complex. (v) The sills show evidence for assimilation of the sedimentary host rocks in the form of locally elevated δ34S, incompatible trace element contents and the presence of carbonaceous and pelitic country rock xenoliths. (vi) There is no correlation between PGE abundance and indicators of crustal contamination. Based on these data we propose that in the vicinity of the putative Mokopane feeder zone relatively fertile, unevolved magmas ascended through the crust initially as dykes. When intersecting the relatively fissile Duitschland Formation the mode of magma emplacement changed to one of sills. This facilitated contamination with sulphide- and graphite-rich carbonate and shale, triggering sulphide melt saturation. The sulphides were locally entrained and upgraded within the sills before precipitating, likely within flow dynamic traps.

Lithostratigraphy, geology and geochemistry of the Tertiary volcanic rocks on Svartenhuk Halvø and adjoining areas, West Greenland

The Palaeogene volcanic succession in the northern part of the Nuussuaq Basin in West Greenland comprises three formations: the Vaigat and Svartenhuk Formations of Paleocene age (61–58 Ma) and the Naqerloq Formation of Eocene age (57–54 Ma). In this study, we formalise and describe the volcanic stratigraphy on Svartenhuk Halvø and the areas with lavas that flowed across the basin boundary onto the adjoining basement areas in the north and east. The Vaigat Formation comprises three members. The Kakilisaat and Nerutusoq Members are of minor volume and consist of, respectively, crustally contaminated basalts and chemically enriched basalts with relatively high contents of incompatible trace elements. They are overlain by the voluminous Nunavik Member of tholeiitic picrites (MgO ≥12 wt%) and subordinate magnesian basalts. The oldest volcanic deposits are commonly foreset-bedded hyaloclastites, and the overlying subaerial lavas are mainly thin, grey, crumbling flows. Eruption sites were mainly within the basin, with depocentres in the south and hyaloclastite and lava transport directions towards the north. Thicknesses vary from up to at least 2000 m in the south to ≥380 m in the northernmost exposures close to 72°N. The Svartenhuk Formation comprises four members. The lowest, Kuugaartorfik Member, is up to 100 m thick and consists partly of quartzofeldspathic and partly volcanogenic sediments; it is restricted to northern Svartenhuk Halvø and the Innerit peninsula. The overlying volcanic Tunuarsuk, Nuuit and Skalø Members are voluminous and widespread, with a combined thickness of up to 1800 m. They consist of tholeiitic basalts with similar chemical compositions but with correlatable stratigraphic variation patterns. The Tunuarsuk Member consists of interspersed flow groups of thin, grey flows and massive, brown flows; the Nuuit Member comprises mainly massive brown flows, and the Skalø Member is dominated by light grey flows. The Svartenhuk Formation oversteps the Vaigat Formation on the basement in the north and east. In these distal areas the Tunuarsuk and Nuuit Members constitute the major volumes, and preserved thicknesses are up to 1400 m. In northern and eastern Svartenhuk Halvø and also farther to the north and east, foreset-bedded hyaloclastites indicate transport directions towards the north and possibly east from eruption sites within the basin. The Naqerloq Formation comprises one member, the Arfertuarsuk Member, consisting of flows of brown basalt with relatively enriched chemistry and a single trachyte flow. The member is only found in western Svartenhuk Halvø and on Skalø, where it conformably overlies the older lavas with up to 350 m thickness preserved after erosion. Dykes of all three formations are present. The distribution of dykes of the Naqerloq Formation suggests that this originally extended much farther east. Picrites and basalts of the Vaigat and Svartenhuk Formations are geochemically related; the picritic lavas represent erupted primitive magmas, whereas the basaltic lavas represent fractionated melts formed in deep magma chambers. The melts formed from a geochemically depleted but heterogeneous mantle; in addition melts from enriched sources were occasionally incorporated. The enriched basalts of the Naqerloq Formation arose from another mantle source. Low contents of V, Cu and Ni in some crustally contaminated lavas indicate that accumulation of these elements may be present at depth.

Quaternary post-collisional high Nb-like basalts from Bijar-Qorveh, NW Iran: A metasomatized lithospheric mantle source

The Quaternary Bijar-Qorveh mafic volcanic rocks (BQMVR) occur in the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone (SSZ) of Iran, a segment of the Alpine-Himalayan Orogeny with a Gondwana-affinity basement. Phases 1 and 2 of BQMVR are silica-undersaturated (basanite, tephrite, and phonotephrite) and form a highly alkaline or HA suite. The last phase, phase 3, of BQMVR is silica-saturated (alkali olivine basalt and hawaiite) and is called the mildly alkaline or MA suite. BQMVR share well-known subduction-related negative Nb Ta anomalies, and their Nb abundances are high enough to be classified as ‘high-Nb like basalts’. However, they do not show geochemical characteristics of typical high-Nb basalts. Trace element abundances and patterns of the MA suite mimic garnet-bearing spinel peridotite partial melts, whereas the HA suite is too rich in incompatible trace elements to match normal mantle partial melts. Enriched trace element patterns of the HA suite are akin to hornblendite experimental partial melts, and are likely derived from a garnet-amphibole peridotite source. Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic characteristics of the BQMVR indicate a subcontinental lithospheric mantle affinity. The HA suite tends toward the EM1 array, whereas the MA suite follows the EM2 array. The highly radiogenic Sr Nd isotopes of the MA suite indicate significant crustal contamination. Lithospheric delamination beneath the SSZ that followed Arabia-Eurasia collision, triggered garnet-amphibole peridotite partial melting that interacted with 10–30% of the asthenospheric component to have formed the HA suite. Mantle melting at shallower lithosphere depths followed and produced the MA suite. MELTS modeling shows the BQMVR underwent fractional crystallization of clinopyroxene ± olivine. Whole-rock thermobarometric calculations suggest derivation of the primary melts at a depth of ~97 km, however the Cpx-thermobarometer indicates that such melts equilibrated at lower crust depths at a depth of 45 km close to the Moho. The present Quaternary volcanostratigraphic study provides substantial clues for major post-collisional alkaline high-Nb mafic volcanism bearing signatures of two distinct magmatic stages; an early phase (phases 1 and 2) rooted in a deeper garnet amphibole peridotite followed by phase 3 rooted in a garnet-poor spinel peridotite. • Quaternary alkaline mafic volcanism in western Iran is post collisional. • Highly alkaline (HA) suite is derived from juvenile amphibole rich mantle. • Mildly alkaline (MA) suite is derived from shallower, ancient lithospheric mantle. • EM1 and EM2 affinities of the HA and MA suites respectively comply with the SCLM. • MELTS and isotopes revealed FC and AFC roles for HA and MA suites respectively.

Inferences on the magmatic plumbing system at Stromboli volcano (Italy) from trace element geochemistry of matrix glasses and minerals in different types of explosive eruptions

Stromboli (Italy) is a basaltic volcano characterized by persistent, mild strombolian activity, occasionally interrupted by lava effusion and more violent explosive events, named major explosions and paroxysms depending on their intensity and magnitude. The normal activity is fed by a shallow and degassed highly porphyritic (HP) shoshonitic basalt carrying about 50 vol.% crystals settled in a shoshonitic glassy matrix (K2O > 3.8 wt.%). The more energetic explosions erupt a deep, volatile-rich, low-porphyritic (LP) magma with < 10 vol.% crystals in a shoshonitic basaltic glassy matrix (K2O < 2.4 wt.%). Products with intermediate glass composition are also found in the more violent explosive events. In this study, we present a new data set of major and trace element contents in matrix glasses and minerals performed in products from different types of explosive activity that occurred at Stromboli between 1998 and 2020. This large data set is used to put constraints on the evolution and architecture of the intermediate plumbing system, where the transformation from LP to HP occurs. Results indicate that, compared to paroxysms, the glassy matrices of the LP pumices from major explosions are richer in incompatible trace elements (and K2O wt.%) due to < 15 wt.% fractionation of clinopyroxene and olivine. This points to a chemical zoning of the deep reservoir and suggests that major explosions are fed by magmas residing in its upper part. Among the major explosions, the homogeneous intermediate glasses in the products from the 19 July 2020 event originate from the interplay of mixing and crystal fractionation processes. The crystallization of euhedral microphenocrysts of An-rich plagioclase suggests that batches of magma can pond and crystallize for few days (< 11) at the base of the intermediate zone of the plumbing system, at pressure coinciding with the entering of plagioclase into the system (< 100 MPa). As a relevant point for understanding the pre- and syn-eruptive magma dynamics, data indicate a positive correlation between the magnitude of the explosions and the depth of the supply magma.

Petrological and geochemical characteristics of the mafic–ultramafic Americano do Brasil Complex, central Brazil, and the implications for its genesis

The Americano do Brasil Complex occurs in the Neoproterozoic Goias Magmatic Arc, central Brazil. It is composed of two mafic–ultramafic cumulate sequences, intruded into granodioritic gneisses. Although deformed and partially recrystallized by a regional metamorphic overprint, the complex still preserves relict igneous features, such as adcumulate to heteradcumulate textures. The Northern sequence is mostly composed of olivine and olivine-clinopyroxene cumulates, whereas the Southern consists mainly of two-pyroxene cumulate rocks, with plagioclase and olivine cumulates occurring in lesser amounts. The complex has three main orebodies, with textures that range from disseminated to massive sulfide breccias with durchbewegung texture. Thermodynamic modeling using a single picrite parental magma composition can predict cumulate rock compositions and mineral modes similar to all of the observed cumulate rock compositions of the Americano do Brasil Complex. Equilibrium crystallization of the liquid and assimilation-batch-crystallization involving up to 45 % of the host gneisses in the upper crust produces solids similar to the cumulates described in the Northern and Southern sequences, respectively. Modeled pressure–temperature emplacement conditions of the magma were c.a. 2.5 kbar and 1310 °C. Both sequences have similar incompatible trace element patterns which, together with the results of the modeling, imply a broadly comagmatic origin.

Origin of highly variable and unusually low δ7Li in mineral separates from ultramafic intrusive rocks in a convergent tectonic setting in the Tibetan plateau

Lithium isotopes are increasingly used as a tracer for the sources of mafic-ultramafic intrusive rocks, but the validity of such approach has never been evaluated directly. We have addressed this issue by analyzing mineral separates from an arc-type mafic-ultramafic complex (namely Xiarihamu) in the Tibetan plateau for Li isotopes. The Xiarihamu complex consists of a gently-dipping, ultramafic chonolith in the center and older gabbro in the margins. The chonolith was interpreted to be a feeder for olivine-charged magma by previous studies. Our new data show minor to strong isotopic disequilibrium between coexisting minerals in the chonolith, with lower δ7Li in clinopyroxene than in coexisting orthopyroxene by up to 7‰. The total range of δ7Li in the pyroxene and olivine separates together is from 5.0‰ to −16.2‰, which is significantly different from that of known arc lavas in the world (3.6 ± 1.2 ‰). Samples from a subvertical drill core of ∼190 m in length penetrating the chonolith show a concentric decrease of δ7Li in orthopyroxene from −16.2‰ in the middle to +1.5‰ and + 3.8‰ in both ends. The δ7Li values of mineral separates show no correlation with whole-rock SrNd isotopes and incompatible trace element ratios, as well as olivine forsterite contents and orthopyroxene Mg/(Mg + Fe) molar ratios, indicating that the observed great variability of δ7Li in the minerals was not caused by variable subduction inputs or magma differentiation alone. A positive correlation exists between orthopyroxene δ7Li and whole-rock LOI, illustrating that serpentinization-talc alteration caused δ7Li in the residual mineral to increase, contributing to the great variability of δ7Li on the mineral scales. Subducting sediment input during magma generation and crustal contamination together cannot adequately account for the observed extremely low δ7Li (−2 to −16.2‰) in the minerals from many of the rock samples as well as the unusually low average δ7Li (−3.5‰) of all of the samples, because the δ7Li of the crust and subducting sediments are much higher. Kinetic fractionation of Li isotopes in response to a temperature gradient across the chonolith as well as to subsequent diffusion of Li from interstitial melt to the mineral phases is the best explanation. Since the kinetic fractionation is independent of tectonic settings, such effect is inevitably present in all mafic-ultramafic intrusions on Earth, illustrating that the effect of kinetic Li isotope fractionation must be considered before using Li isotopic data to constrain mantle sources and magmatic evolution, especially if mineral rather than whole-rock data are employed.

Petrogenesis and tectonic implication of the alkaline ferroan granites from Ropp complex, north‐central Nigeria: Clues from zircon chemistry, U–Pb dating, and Lu–Hf isotope

Zircon holds crucial information for deciphering the origin of granitic rocks, enabling robust scrutiny of their magmatic evolution. Herein, we report an integrated whole‐rock and zircon U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotope chemistry of Ropp alkaline granites in north‐central Nigeria. The rock units include riebeckite‐biotite granite porphyries (161.1 ± 1.7 Ma), aegirine‐biotite granites (162.4 ± 1.6 Ma), biotite granites (162.3 ± 5.1 Ma), and albite riebeckite granites. They show diagnostic characteristics of ferroan alkaline granites such as high FeOt/(FeOt + MgO), low Y/Nb (&lt;1.2), and high Nb/Y (&gt;1.0). Their zircon Hf isotopic compositions (εHf(t) = −8.08 to −4.38; 176Hf/177Hf = 0.282492–0.282543), major and trace element compositions such as high SiO2 &gt;70% and incompatible trace elements (e.g., Rb, Ba, and La), low ratios of whole rock Th/U, Hf/Ta. Ni/Co and Th/Ta = 2.82, and zircon U/Yb, Gd/Yb, and Th/Yb ratios as well as oxygen fugacity (logfO2 = −26.09 to −12.32) reflect protracted fractional crystallization of a highly reduced mantle‐derived oceanic island basalt (OIB) magma from EM2 with considerable crustal involvement. Magma evolution was fuelled by fractionation of calcic‐pyroxene, calcic‐amphibole, Mg‐olivines, feldspars, titanite, and apatite, as corroborated by the marked depletions of CaO, MgO, TiO2, and P2O5. Intense crustal assimilation, particularly in the biotite granite masked their enriched mantle (EM) ancestry. This is attested by the presence of inherited Pan‐African (ca. 582 Ma) zircon, elevated crustal‐like zircon U/Yb, low zircon Gd/Yb, and Th/Yb ratios as well as high whole‐rock Rb/Nb ratios and relatively low estimated temperatures, which mimic crustal‐derived granites. Reactivation of pre‐existing megashear zones of weaknesses and opening of related transcurrent faults following periodic plate movements generated intense stress field which invoked the release of pressure and hot metasomatic fluids that partially melted the lower EM, giving rise to the Ropp OIB magmas.

Mid-Devonian basaltic magmatism and associated sedimentation: the Ooloo Hill Formation, central-eastern South Australia

We report composition and age data from a restricted <370 km2, volcano-sedimentary basin beneath Mesozoic cover to the northwest of the Flinders Ranges, South Australia. This volcano-sedimentary basin comprises two components: a sedimentary sequence that includes shales, siltstones and sandstones, and a basalt–sedimentary member. Together, these components are defined as the Ooloo Hill Formation. Whole-rock K–Ar geochronology for five basalt samples yields a preferred mean K–Ar age of 392 ± 8 Ma. Two samples of detrital zircons from the sedimentary rock yield SHRIMP U–Pb maximum depositional ages of ca 527 and 510 Ma. These ages are significant, as they rule out a Neoproterozoic age for the sedimentary basin and demonstrate that this basin is not part of the Adelaide Superbasin. Lower eruptive sequences are calc-alkaline and mafic in composition (SiO2 = 46.1–47.8 wt%, Na2O + K2O = 3.7–6.1 wt%, MgO = 6.85–8.37 wt%, Mg# = 57–65 and εNd(390 Ma) = 3.4–4.0) and may represent two small-scale melting events from compositionally distinct mantle reservoirs. The uppermost eruptive sequence is tholeiitic andesite (SiO2 = 51.6 wt%, Na2O + K2O = 8.1 wt%, MgO = 2.2 wt%, Mg# = 27 and εNd(390 Ma) = 3.0) and displays geochemical affinity to the first two eruptive sequences, possibly representing a differentiated magma from a similar source region. Incompatible trace-element ratios and isotopic compositions suggest the source was a heterogeneous oceanic island basalt-like parent magma derived from partial melting of the asthenospheric mantle. We envisage decompressional melting was linked to large-scale tectonic processes inboard of the Tasman Orogen, with magma ascent facilitated by crustal faulting. KEY POINTS First record of a mid-Devonian intracontinental volcano-sedimentary basin in South Australia. Basalts have an oceanic island basalt-like mantle source that represents at least two small-scale melting events from compositionally distinct mantle reservoirs. A localised mid-Devonian backarc basin or transpressional/transtensional basin linked to intracontinental faulting formed inboard of the Tasman Orogen.

Petrology of continental, OIB-like, basaltic volcanism in Saudi Arabia: Constraints on Cenozoic anorogenic mafic magmatism in the Arabian Shield

Continental basaltic volcanism in the Arabian Shield of Saudi Arabia has distinctive mineralogical and geochemical features important for understanding the composition of its mantle source and melting conditions. The studied Cenozoic basaltic rocks (19.3–15 Ma) occur at Jabal Al Gharib and Jabal Al Ghuraybayn areas within the Al Qasr quadrangle and southwest of Hail City in Saudi Arabia. They show similar chondrite-normalized REE patterns, suggesting that they were derived from a common mantle source. Their OIB-like features, silica undersaturated nature, and incompatible trace element ratios all reveal an asthenospheric mantle source and argue against crustal contamination process, subduction contribution, and interaction with a lithospheric mantle. Moreover, the elevated compatible trace element concentrations of Ni, Cr, and Co and the low and relatively narrow range of FeOtotal/MgO ratios argue for their nearly primitive nature and indicate that the role of crystal fractionation processes was minor during the evolution of the studied rocks. The estimated temperatures indicate that the sequence of crystallization likely began with olivine at 1,378–1,475°C, then clinopyroxene at 1,137–1,214°C, and soon after followed by plagioclase at 1,096–1,108°C. Plagioclase geo-hygrometers reveal 0.63–1.41 wt% water contents, suggesting crystallization under hydrous conditions. The basalts have geochemical features such as high (K2O + Na2O)/TiO2, Zr/Hf, and Nb/Ta ratios and negative K anomalies which suggest a carbonated peridotite mantle source. Their bulk-rock compositions are consistent with &amp;lt;5% CO2 in their peridotite melts. Highly incompatible elemental ratios supported by REE modeling indicate that they were generated by low degrees (4–10%) of partial melting of a garnet-bearing lherzolite mantle source. The garnet signature in the source region suggests a deeper origin exceeding ∼85 km. The basanite compositions fall within the range of alkaline OIB and intracontinental basalts formed in the rifted region. Moreover, they show geochemical characteristics typical of Cenozoic rift-related Oman basanites and other Arabian intraplate volcanic rocks. The basaltic volcanism in Saudi Arabia seems to be the result of melting asthenospheric mantle source in response to the lithospheric extension that is spatially and temporally linked to Red Sea rifting and triggered anorogenic mafic magmatism due to passive mantle upwelling beneath the Arabian Shield.

Zircon U–Pb and titanite U–Th–Pb ages of the Ghorveh mixed granitoid pluton: Implications for the Late Jurassic supra‐subduction extension of the Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone, Iran

The Ghorveh batholith, located in the central part of the Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone (SSZ), Iran, preserves several sequences of Mesozoic plutonic and volcanic rocks. This study presents systematic analyses of the calc‐alkaline granites and monzodiorites from the southern part of the Ghorveh pluton. The granites are metaluminous to slightly peraluminous with A/CNK ratios of 0.97–1.02, indicating an A‐type granitic affinity. High Rb, Th, and K and low Sr, P, and Ti concentrations indicate an involvement of crustal materials. Whole‐rock negative εNd(t) values and relatively high TDM1 model ages support a continental crustal source. Thus, the granites are of fractionated A‐type in composition produced by partial melting of crustal materials. The monzodiorites have incompatible trace element patterns with enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and large‐ion lithophile elements (LILEs) relative to heavy rare earth elements and high‐field strength elements. This combined with the high Mg# values and the positive εNd and εHf(t) values, indicate a mantle‐derived origin. Dating results show that the granites and monzodiorites have uniform crystallization ages of ~150 Ma. Previous results and our new data suggest that the Jurassic subduction of Neo‐Tethyan Oceanic crust under the Eurasian continent was followed by slab rollback that induced back‐arc extension. Heat transfer from arc magmas increased the degree of decompressional melting in the thinned lithosphere. Melting of the presumably homogeneous crust was concurrent with emplacement of the intermediate composition magmas. Consequently, we propose that the Ghorveh area of the central SSZ developed in a supra‐subduction extensional phase during the Late Jurassic.

Mixing Loops, Mixing Envelopes, and Scattered Correlations among Trace Elements and Isotope Ratios Produced by Mixing of Melts Derived from a Spatially and Lithologically Heterogenous Mantle

Abstract Mixing has been widely used in the interpretation of radiogenic isotope ratios and highly incompatible trace element variations in basalts produced by melting of a heterogeneous mantle. The binary mixing model is constructed by considering mass balance of endmember components, which is independent of physical state and spatial distribution of the endmembers in the mantle source. Variations of radiogenic isotope ratios and highly incompatible trace elements in basalts also depend on the size and spatial distribution of chemical and lithological heterogeneities in the mantle source. Here we present a new mixing model and a mixing scheme that take into account of the size, spatial location, and melting history of enriched mantle (EM) and depleted mantle (DM) parcels in the melting column. We show how Sr, Nd, and Hf concentrations and isotope ratios in the aggregated or pooled melt collected at the top of the melting column vary as a function of location of the EM parcel in the melting column. With changing location of the EM parcel in the upwelling melting column, compositions of the pooled melt do not follow a single mixing curve expected by the binary mixing model. Instead, they define a mixing loop that has an enriched branch and a depleted branch joined by two extreme points in composition space. The origin of the mixing loop can be traced back to four types of EM distribution or configuration in the melting column. The shape of the mixing loop depends on the relative melting rate of the EM to that of the DM and the number and spacing of EM parcels in the melting column. Probabilities of sampling the enriched and depleted branches in the pooled melt are proportional to volume fractions of the enriched and depleted materials in the mantle source. Mixing of pooled melts from a bundle of melting columns results in mixing envelopes in the isotope ratio correlation diagrams. The mixing envelope is a useful tool for studying chemical variations in mantle-derived melts. As an application, we consider scattered correlations in 87Sr/86Sr vs. 143Nd/144Nd and 143Nd/144Nd vs. 176Hf/177Hf in mid-ocean ridge basalts. We show that such correlations arise naturally from melting of a spatially heterogeneous mantle.

Compositional variation of mafic calc-alkaline lavas at the submarine Pausanias Volcanic Field, western South Aegean Volcanic Arc: Implications for magma formation and ascent

The calc-alkaline lavas of the submarine Pausanias Volcanic Field and the neighboring Methana peninsula represent the largest volcanic edifices of the western South Aegean Volcanic Arc (SAVA) in the Mediterranean Sea and erupted on 30–35 km thick continental crust. We report the first whole rock major and trace elements together with Sr-Nd-Pb isotope ratios for basaltic to andesitic lavas from the submarine Pausanias Volcanic Field consisting of six smaller, volcanic structures. The mafic lavas have the most primitive compositions of the SAVA with MgO of up to 9 wt% and Ni concentrations >100 ppm. The incompatible trace element abundance patterns of the Pausanias and Methana lavas overlap and have typical island arc patterns, but Pausanias lavas display a larger geochemical heterogeneity on a smaller spatial scale compared to those from Methana. The Pausanias lavas resemble those from Methana in Sr, Nd, and Pb isotopes reflecting higher sediment subduction in the western SAVA than in the central arc at Santorini. The variability of incompatible element concentrations at relatively constant isotope compositions suggests variable degrees of partial melting of a peridotite-sediment mélange diapir in the mantle wedge. The Pausanias magmas formed from a less depleted mantle source compared to the central SAVA and their ascent in an extensional basin supported relatively rapid ascent without the extensive stagnation in the crust observed in the Methana magmas. The compositional differences between Pausanias and Methana imply differences in their composition and/or transport in the mantle wedge and the crust, allowing highly variable melts to reach the surface within a spatial distance of few kilometers. • Small scale mantle heterogeneity recorded at the Pausanias Volcanic Field. • Melting of sediment-rich mélange diapirs contribute to Pausanias lavas. • At Pausanias, extension allows melts to ascend more direct through the crust compared to Methana.