Geochemistry Of Lavas Research Articles

Chronology and Geochemistry of Lavas from the Nazca Ridge and Easter Seamount Chain: an 30 Myr Hotspot Record

The Easter Seamount Chain and Nazca Ridge are two of the most conspicuous volcanic features on the Nazca plate. Many questions about their nature and origin have remained unresolved because of a lack of geochronological and geochemical data for large portions of both chains. New 40Ar−39Ar incremental heating age determinations for dredged rocks from volcanoes east of Salas y Gomez Island show that, with very few exceptions, ages increase steadily to the east from 1·4 to 30 Ma, confirming that the two chains are parts of the same hotspot trail and indicating a hotspot location near Salas y Gomez rather than beneath Easter Island some 400 km farther west. Most of the volcanoes appear to have been erupted onto seafloor that was 5–13 Myr old, and no systematic variation in seafloor age at the time of seamount formation is apparent. At about 23 Ma, the formation of the Nazca Ridge ceased and that of the Easter Seamount Chain began, corresponding to a change in the direction of motion of the Nazca plate. Most of the studied rocks are moderately alkalic to transitional basalts. Their geochemical characteristics suggest that they represent relatively small mean amounts of partial melting initiating in garnet-bearing mantle and ending in the spinel facies. Nd–Sr–Pb isotopic compositions are within the range of values previously observed for volcanoes of the Easter Seamount Chain, west of Easter Island; moreover, most of our data cluster in a rather small part of this range [e.g. εNd(t) is between +6·0 and +4·0]. The results indicate that the mantle source has consisted of the same two principal components, a C/FOZO-type component and a high-εNd, incompatible-element-depleted Pacific mid-ocean ridge basalt-source-type component, since at least 30 Ma. The lack of any geochemical gradient along the chain east of Salas y Gomez implies that no systematic change over time has occurred in the proportions of these end-members.

Geochemistry of basaltic lavas from the southern Lau Basin: input of compositionally variable subduction components

We present new major element, trace element, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotope data for 18 basaltic lavas and six glasses collected in situ from the Eastern Lau Spreading Centre (ELSC) and the Valu Fa Ridge (VFR). All lava samples are aphanitic and contain rare plagioclase and clinopyroxene microlites and microphenocrysts. The rocks are sub-alkaline and range from basalt and basaltic andesite to more differentiated andesite. In terms of trace element compositions, the samples are transitional between typical normal mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB) and island arc basalt. Samples from the VFR have higher large ion lithophile element/high field strength element ratios (e.g. Ba/Nb) than the ELSC samples. VFR and ELSC Sr–Nd isotopic compositions plot between Indian MORB and Tonga arc lavas, but VFR samples have higher 87Sr/86Sr for a given 143Nd/144Nd ratio than ELSC analogues. The Pb isotopic composition of ELSC lavas is more Indian MORB-like, whereas that of VFR lavas is more Pacific MORB-like. Our new data, combined with literature data for the Central Lau Spreading Centre, indicate that the mantle beneath the ELSC and VFR spreading centres was originally of Pacific type in composition, but was displaced by Indian-type mantle as rifting propagated to the south. The mantle beneath the spreading centres also was variably affected by subduction-induced metasomatism, mainly by fluids released from the altered, subducting oceanic crust; the influence of these components is best seen in VFR lavas. To a first approximation, the effects of underflow on the composition and degree of partial melting of the mantle source of Lau spreading centre lavas inversely correlate with distance of the spreading centres from the Tonga arc. Superimposed on this general process, however, are the effects of the local geographic contrasts in the composition of subduction components. The latter have been transferred mainly by dehydration-generated fluids into the mantle beneath the Tonga supra-subduction zone.

Lava Geochemistry as a Probe into Crustal Formation at the East Pacific Rise

Lava Geochemistry as a Probe into Crustal Formation at the East Pacific Rise

Geochemical zoning of volcanic chains associated with Pacific hotspots

Lavas erupted from volcanoes in the north of the Hawaiian volcanic island chain have a different geochemical signature from those in the south. Analysis of the geochemistry of lavas erupted in the Samoan and Marquesas volcanic chains reveals similar trends, implying that the lowermost mantle beneath the southern Pacific is isotopically enriched. Recent Hawaiian volcanism is manifest as two geographically and geochemically distinct groups of volcanoes1, the Loa trend in the south and the Kea trend in the north2,3. The differences between the Loa and Kea lavas are attributed to spatial variations in the geochemical structure of the underlying Hawaiian mantle plume4,5,6,7,8,9. In turn, the Hawaiian plume structure is thought to reflect heterogeneities in its mantle source7,8. Here we compile geochemical data10 from the Hawaiian and two other volcanic ocean island chains—the Samoan and Marquesas—that formed above mantle plumes upwelling beneath the Pacific plate. We find that the volcanoes at both Samoa11 and the Marquesas12 show geographic and geochemical trends similar to those observed at Hawaii. Specifically, two subparallel arrays of volcanoes exist at both locations. In each case, the southern trend of volcanoes has higher radiogenic lead isotope ratios, 208Pb*/206Pb*, and lower neodymium isotope ratios, ɛNd, than those of the corresponding northern trend. We suggest that geochemical zoning may be a common feature of mantle plumes beneath the Pacific plate. Furthermore, we find that the pattern repeats between island chains, with the highest 208Pb*/206Pb* and the lowest ɛNdfound at Samoa in the south and the lowest 208Pb*/206Pb* and the highest ɛNd observed at Hawaii in the north. We infer that isotopically enriched material is preferentially distributed in the lower mantle of the Southern Hemisphere, within the Pacific low seismic velocity zone.

Volcano-tectonic interactions during rapid plate-boundary evolution in the Kyushu region, SW Japan

Evolution of the local plate tectonic and volcanic system relationship at Kyushu Island is defined by major changes in tectonics and volcanic style at ca. 15, 10, 6, and 2 Ma. Plate reconstructions presented here suggest that prior to 15 Ma, the Pacific plate subduction dominated Kyushu tectonics. From 15 to 6 Ma, the evolving relative plate motions shifted the triple junction between the Pacific plate, Philippine Sea plate, and southwest Japan northwards, so that the Philippine Sea plate was subducted beneath Kyushu. We suggest that a lack of subduction-related volcanism from 10 to 6 Ma is due to shallow subduction of the young Shikoku Basin lithosphere. By 6–5 Ma, changes in the Philippine Sea plate motion led to more rapid, nearly trench-normal, subduction of the Eocene west Philippine Basin crust beneath Kyushu. This model is supported by an increase in arc-like geochemistry of lavas since ca. 6.5 Ma. Subduction of fluid-rich features such as the Kyushu-Palau ridge introduced large volumes of fluids into the Kyushu arc system, leading to voluminous volcanism across Kyushu, focused particularly in areas where the ridge subduction occurs in tandem with local extensional tectonics. Key issues, such as the timing of Izu arc collision with central Japan and the history of motion of the Philippine Sea plate, are reassessed here, resulting in a model that favors Izu arc–central Japan collision at ca. 8–6 Ma, rather than the more widely accepted date of ca. 15 Ma.

Geochemistry of rare high-Nb basalt lavas: Are they derived from a mantle wedge metasomatised by slab melts?

Compositionally, high-Nb basalts are similar to HIMU (high U/Pb) ocean island basalts, continental alkaline basalts and alkaline lavas formed above slab windows. Tertiary alkaline basaltic lavas from eastern Jamaica, West Indies, known as the Halberstadt Volcanic Formation have compositions similar to high-Nb basalts (Nb > 20 ppm). The Halberstadt high-Nb basalts are divided into two compositional sub-groups where Group 1 lavas have more enriched incompatible element concentrations relative to Group 2. Both groups are derived from isotopically different spinel peridotite mantle source regions, which both require garnet and amphibole as metasomatic residual phases. The Halberstadt geochemistry demonstrates that the lavas cannot be derived by partial melting of lower crustal ultramafic complexes, metasomatised mantle lithosphere, subducting slabs, continental crust, mantle plume source regions or an upper mantle source region composed of enriched and depleted components. Instead, their composition, particularly the negative Ce anomalies, the high Th/Nb ratios and the similar isotopic ratios to nearby adakite lavas, suggests that the Halberstadt magmas are derived from a compositionally variable spinel peridotite source region(s) metasomatised by slab melts that precipitated garnet, amphibole, apatite and zircon. It is suggested that high-Nb basalts may be classified as a distinct rock type with Nb > 20 ppm, intraplate alkaline basalt compositions, but that are generated in subduction zones by magmatic processes distinct from those that generate other intraplate lavas.

Recycled gabbro signature in hotspot magmas unveiled by plume–ridge interactions

The geochemistry of lavas erupted at locations where mantle plumes interact with mid-ocean ridges reflects the mixing between the two sources. Analysis of lavas erupted above the Foundation hotspot, near the Pacific–Antarctic Ridge, reveal a geochemical signature indicative of both a primitive mantle plume source and a recycled oceanic lithosphere source. Lavas erupted within plate interiors above upwelling mantle plumes have chemical signatures that are distinct from mid-ocean ridge lavas. When a plume interacts with a mid-ocean ridge, the compositions of both their lavas changes, but there is no consensus as to how this interaction occurs1,2,3. For the past 15 Myr, the Pacific–Antarctic mid-ocean ridge has been approaching the Foundation hotspot4 and erupted lavas have formed seamounts. Here we analyse the noble gas isotope and trace element signature of lava samples collected from the seamounts. We find that both intraplate and on-axis lavas have noble gas isotope signatures consistent with the contribution from a primitive plume source. In contrast, near-axis lavas show no primitive noble gas isotope signatures, but are enriched in strontium and lead, indicative of subducted former oceanic lower crust melting within the plume source5,6,7. We propose that, in a near-ridge setting, primitive, plume-sourced magmas formed deep in the plume are preferentially channelled to and erupted at the ridge-axis. The remaining residue continues to rise and melt, forming the near-axis seamounts. With the deep melts removed, the geochemical signature of subduction contained within the residue becomes apparent. Lavas with strontium and lead enrichments are found worldwide where plumes meet mid-ocean ridges6,7,8, suggesting that subducted lower crust is an important but previously unrecognised plume component.

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).

Oxygen isotope constraints on the structure and evolution of the Hawaiian Plume

The oxygen isotope stratigraphy of Ko‘olau volcano, Hawaii, is constructed by analyzing olivine phenocrysts from the KSDP drill core and submarine land-slide deposits. Along with those of subaerial (Makapu‘u) Ko‘olau olivines (Eiler and others, 1996a), they span the full range of the δ^(18)OVSMOW variation previously observed in Loa-trend Hawaiian volcanoes (Lō‘ihi, Mauna Loa, Hualalai, and Ko‘olau), vary systematically with the stratigraphic position, and correlate with other geochemical properties of their host lavas (Tanaka and others, 2002; Haskins and Garcia, 2004; Huang and Frey, 2005; Salters and others, 2006; Fekiacova and others, 2007). These observations can be explained if the Loa-trend volcanoes (including Ko‘olau) are constructed of magmas made by mixing peridotite melt with variable proportions of eclogite melt derived from a mafic constituent of the Hawaiian plume having a composition resembling recent mid-ocean-ridge basalts. We present a model of this magma mixing process that simultaneously explains the correlations among oxygen isotopes, major elements, trace elements and radiogenic isotopes. Although a number of models of this kind, differing in several parameters, describe the data equally well, all statistically acceptable models require an component with a MORB-like HREE pattern and enriched oxygen isotope composition (δ^(18)OVSMOW = 7.8-9.7‰), consistent with this component being an upper crustal (layer 1 or 2) basalt or gabbro with a low-temperature alteration history, possibly containing a small amount of sediment. Abundances of some minor elements—Ni and Ti—are not well described by this model; we show that these shortcomings are derived from the compositional assumption and operational difficulties, that is, TiO_2 content is too high in our assumed eclogite end-member, and the inversion of NiO content in the melt by the olivine addition calculation is imprecise due to the sensitivity of D_(NiO)^(olivine/melt) to the melt composition and to crystallization process. Previous studies have advocated that Hawaiian lavas were derived from partial melts of an olivine-free pyroxenite formed by reaction of eclogite-derived melt with peridotite (for example, Sobolev and others, 2005). Our study shows that the peridotite-derived and eclogite-derived melt-mixing model can explain the geochemistry of Hawaiian lavas as well, including high-Ni Ko‘olau olivines. We find that an olivine-free mantle source for Hawaiian lavas is unnecessary, although melt-rock interaction could be important in modifying melt composition. Inverting for mixing proportions and degree of melting, we estimate that the amount of recycled crust in the Hawaiian plume is <24 weight percent. Comparison of the late shield-stage Loa-trend (particularly Ko‘olau lavas) and Kea-trend (particularly Mauna Kea lavas) suggests that the geochemical diversity of Hawaiian lavas is produced by a thermally and chemically-zoned plume.

Plate‐driven mantle dynamics and global patterns of mid‐ocean ridge bathymetry

Global observations of mid‐ocean ridge (MOR) bathymetry reveal a correlation between the difference in axial depth across ridge offsets and ridge migration. If upwelling and melt production rates are asymmetric across a ridge axis, three‐dimensional (3‐D) melt focusing and different crustal thickness across offsets may account for the observed differences in axial depth. In this article we use a 3‐D numerical model to constrain the flow and thermal structure of a ridge‐transform‐ridge plate boundary. By coupling a model of melt focusing to our simulations we generate predictions of crustal thickness and axial depth change across offsets of different lengths. These predictions are consistent with the morphological changes observed along the global MOR system. In making these predictions we produce new constraints on the scale of melt focusing at mid‐ocean ridges and on the extent of melt redistribution at the ridge axis. Results from our simulations also suggest that plate‐induced mantle dynamics and melt focusing beneath a migrating MOR may produce global, systematic variations in the geochemistry of axial lavas.

Geochemical evidence concerning sources and petrologic evolution of Faial Island, Central Azores

Volcanic rocks that make up Faial Island, Central Azores, consist of four volcano-stratigraphic units, with ages between 730 ka and the present. Lavas range from alkali basalts to trachyandesites and belong to the alkaline-sodic series. The oldest unit is the Ribeirinha Volcanic Complex, generally characterized by low MgO contents. The Cedros Volcanic Complex is composed of basalts to benmoreites with low MgO contents. The Almoxarife Formation represents fissure flows, containing MgO contents similar to to slightly higher than those of the underlying Cedros Volcanic Complex. The youngest unit, the Capelo Formation, consists of mafic rocks with MgO values higher than those of the other units. Bulk-rock major and trace element trends suggest that differentiation of the three earliest units were dominated by fractional crystallization of plagioclase ± clinopyroxene ± olivine ± titanomagnetite. Capelo bulk-rock compositions are the most primitive, and are related to a period when volcanic activity was fed by deep magmatic chambers, and melts ascended more rapidly. Comparison among geochemical patterns of the trace elements suggests a strong similarity between the lavas from Faial and Pico islands. Corvo Island volcanism contrasts with the geochemistry of Faial and Pico lavas, reflecting its strong K and Rb depletion, and Th, U, Ta, Nb, La, and Ce enrichment. Absence of the Daly gap in the Faial volcanics is attributed to early crystallization of Ti-Fe oxides. The probable source of the Faial magma coincides with the MORB-FOZO array, which implies the presence of ancient recycled oceanic crust in the mantle source. Ratios of incompatible trace elements suggest the similarity of Corvo volcanic rocks with magmas derived from HIMU sources, whereas the Faial and Pico volcanic rocks could have been produced from sources very close to EMII-type OIB.

Geochronology, geochemistry and petrogenesis of rhyodacite lavas in eastern Jamaica: A new adakite subgroup analogous to early Archaean continental crust?

Rhyodacite lavas (Newcastle Volcanic Formation) from the Wagwater Basin in eastern Jamaica dated at 52.74 ± 0.34 Ma (2σ) have adakitic-like major element compositions, low Y and heavy rare Earth element (REE) concentrations and negative Nb and Ta anomalies on a normal mid-ocean ridge basalt normalised multi-element diagram. They also have lower Sr (< 400 ppm), MgO (≤ 2.0 wt.%), Ni (mostly ≤ 30 ppm) and Cr (mostly ≤ 40 ppm) concentrations compared to other modern adakites and middle-late Archaean (3.5–2.5 Ga) trondhjemite, tonalite and granodiorite/dacites (TTG/Ds). ε Nd(i) and ε Hf(i) values indicate that the Newcastle adakite-like lavas cannot be formed by assimilation and fractional crystallisation processes involving any other igneous rock in the area and so the composition of the lavas is largely the result of the residual mineralogy in the source region. Low Sr and Al 2O 3 contents indicate a fluid/vapour-absent source with residual plagioclase and REE systematics point to residual amphibole and garnet in the source region. Similarly, high silica values and constant Zr and P 2O 5 concentrations suggest residual quartz and accessory zircon and apatite. The plagioclase and garnet residue implies that the Newcastle magmas were derived from partially melting a metabasic protolith at 1.0–1.6 GPa, which would intersect the amphibole dehydration partial melt solidus at ~ 850–900 °C. Radiogenic isotopes along with the low MgO, Ni and Cr concentrations in the Newcastle lavas demonstrate that the garnet amphibolite source region cannot be part of (1) the lower Jamaican arc crust, (2) delaminated lower crust or (3) subducted Proto-Caribbean “normal” oceanic crust that may, or may not, have detached. This data, in addition to partial melting models involving a theoretical garnet-amphibolite source region for the Newcastle lavas, shows that the adakite-like rocks are derived from metamorphosed Caribbean oceanic plateau crust that underthrust Jamaica in the early Tertiary. The underplated oceanic plateau crust partially melted by either (1) influx of basaltic magma during lithospheric extension in the early Tertiary or (2) direct partial melting of the underthrusting (subducting) plateau crust. The Newcastle magmas ascended and erupted without coming into contact with a mantle wedge thus forming the low MgO, Ni and Cr contents. Most Cenozoic adakites have compositions similar to the middle-late Archaean TTG/D suite of igneous rocks. In contrast, early (> 3.5 Ga) Archaean TTG/D crustal rocks have lower Sr, MgO, Ni and Cr concentrations and prior to this study had no modern adakite analogue. However, the Newcastle adakites have similar compositions to the, early Archaean TTG/D. The discovery of these rocks has important implications for our understanding of the formation of the Earth's earliest continental crust and so it is proposed that the Newcastle lavas be classified as a unique subgroup of adakites: Jamaican-type adakite.

Geochemistry of lavas from the 2005–2006 eruption at the East Pacific Rise, 9°46′N–9°56′N: Implications for ridge crest plumbing and decadal changes in magma chamber compositions

Detailed mapping, sampling, and geochemical analyses of lava flows erupted from an ∼18 km long section of the northern East Pacific Rise (EPR) from 9°46′N to 9°56′N during 2005–2006 provide unique data pertaining to the short‐term thermochemical changes in a mid‐ocean ridge magmatic system. The 2005–2006 lavas are typical normal mid‐oceanic ridge basalt with strongly depleted incompatible trace element patterns with marked negative Sr and Eu/Eu* anomalies and are slightly more evolved than lavas erupted in 1991–1992 at the same location on the EPR. Spatial geochemical differences show that lavas from the northern and southern limits of the 2005–2006 eruption are more evolved than those erupted in the central portion of the fissure system. Similar spatial patterns observed in 1991–1992 lavas suggest geochemical gradients are preserved over decadal time scales. Products of northern axial and off‐axis fissure eruptions are consistent with the eruption of cooler, more fractionated lavas that also record a parental melt component not observed in the main suite of 2005–2006 lavas. Radiogenic isotopic ratios for 2005–2006 lavas fall within larger isotopic fields defined for young axial lavas from 9°N to 10°N EPR, including those from the 1991–1992 eruption. Geochemical data from the 2005–2006 eruption are consistent with an invariable mantle source over the spatial extent of the eruption and petrogenetic processes (e.g., fractional crystallization and magma mixing) operating within the crystal mush zone and axial magma chamber (AMC) before and during the 13 year repose period. Geochemical modeling suggests that the 2005–2006 lavas represent differentiated residual liquids from the 1991–1992 eruption that were modified by melts added from deeper within the crust and that the eruption was not initiated by the injection of hotter, more primitive basalt directly into the AMC. Rather, the eruption was driven by AMC pressurization from persistent or episodic addition of more evolved magma from the crystal mush zone into the overlying subridge AMC during the period between the two eruptions. Heat balance calculations of a hydrothermally cooled AMC support this model and show that continual addition of melt from the mush zone was required to maintain a sizable AMC over this time interval.

Deep Drilling into a Mantle Plume Volcano: The Hawaii Scientific Drilling Project

Summary The Hawaii Scientific Drilling Project drilled and cored two holes in Hilo, Hawaii, the deeper reaching a depth of 3508 mbsl, and it retrieved a total of 4600 meters of rock core (525 meters from the Mauna Loa volcano and the remainder from the Mauna Kea volcano). The Mauna Loa core extends the continuous lava stratigraphy of that volcano back to 100 ka and reveals major changes in lava geochemistry over that time period. The Mauna Kea core spans an age range from about 200 ka to perhaps 700 ka, and when combined with surface outcrops, it provides a 700-kyr record of the lava output from a single volcano. During the time covered by the lavas from the core, the volcano drifted some 60–80 km across the melting region of the Hawaiian mantle plume, and therefore the HSDP rock core provides the first systematic cross-sectional sampling of a deep mantle plume. The geochemical characterization of the core, which involved an international team of forty scientists over a period of fifteen years provides information about mantle plume structure and ultimately about the deepest parts of the Earth’s mantle. The study of the lava core (which still continues) has provided unprecedented information about the internal structure of a large oceanic volcano and the time scale over which volca-noes grow. The hole also provides an intriguing glimpse of a complex subsurface hydrological regime that differs greatly from the generalized view of ocean island hydrology. Drilling conditions were favorable in the subaerial parts of the volcanic section, where coring was generally fast and efficient. The submarine part of the lava section, made up primarily of volcanogenic sediments and pillow lavas, proved considerably more difficult to drill. Some of the difficulties and considerable additional expense were due to pressurized aquifers at depth and a few critical mistakes made while setting casing. Even with the more difficult conditions, the project retrieved about 2400 meters of nearly continuous core from the submarine section of Mauna Kea. Overall, the HSDP project was highly successful even though the original target depth was about 20% deeper than the final hole depth. As expected, the project results answer several important questions about oceanic volcanoes, mantle plumes, and ocean island water resources, but they raise many more that might be addressed with further moderate-depth drilling in other Hawaiian volcanoes.

Eocene Neotethyan slab breakoff in southern Tibet inferred from the Linzizong volcanic record

Formation of the Linzizong volcanic successions in the Lhasa terrane, southern Tibet has long been related to northward subduction of the Neotethyan oceanic slab under Asia. Here we report new 40Ar/ 39Ar age results for the volcanic rocks recovered from a large area (29°N to 32°N and 85°E to 93°E) that, together with literature data, delineate two discrete stages of volcanism. These are a widespread Cretaceous stage and an intense, but spatially confined, Paleogene stage. The latter, occurring only in the southern part of the Lhasa terrane, resulted in the Linzizong volcanic successions. Our data, furthermore, suggest southward migration and intensification of the volcanism in the Lhasa terrane with magmatic “flare-ups” at ca. 50 Ma. While the volcanic successions consist dominantly of calc–alkaline rocks typical of arc lava geochemistry, those formed during the flare-up period show significant compositional variations from low-K tholeiitic through calc–alkaline to shoshonitic magma suites. These observations enable us to interpret the volcanic southward migration and following flare-ups as the consequences of rollback and breakoff of the subducted Neotethyan slab that occurred ahead and in the early stage, respectively, of the India–Asia collision. Our interpretation that involves a major Eocene tectonomagmatic activity, and concomitant topographic uplift, in southern Tibet is consistent with Himalayan metamorphic constraints, regional sedimentary records and seismic tomography.

Evidence for recycled plate material in Pacific upper mantle unrelated to plumes

We report Sr, Nd, and Pb isotopic data of young alkaline basalt lava from a new type of volcano (petit-spot) on the northwestern Pacific Plate. Petit-spot lavas show Dupal, or extremely EM-1-like, Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions. The data cannot be explained by contamination of pelagic sediment, in spite of the prediction on the basis of geological observation. We thus consider that the geochemistry of petit-spot lava indicates the existence of recycled fertile plate materials, not only the Dupal isotopic signature, in the northern hemisphere Pacific upper mantle unrelated to one or more active plumes. In consideration of published experimental results for fertile plate materials, selective melting of recycled material is a process critical in generating petit-spot lava. Moreover, the small volume of the volcano and low degree of melting in the mantle source needed to form strongly alkalic lavas suggest that petit-spot volcanism is originated from small-scale heterogeneities of recycled material. This idea consistently explains the geochemistry and noble gas isotopic composition of petit-spot lava, and also suggests small-scale heterogeneity widespread in the upper mantle of the Pacific Ocean. Together with a revised view of upper mantle heterogeneity, we propose that gross upper mantle composition is controlled by abundances and scales of regions of recycled material that correspond to differences in the relative position to the Pangea supercontinent, suggesting the link to the tectonic origin of the global scale heterogeneity.

Petrology of 1977 to 1998 eruptions of Piton de la Fournaise, La Réunion Island

Geochemical and petrological variations in 35 historical eruptions from the April 1977 eruption to the March–September 1998 eruption at Piton de la Fournaise have been analyzed for their major elements abundances, mineralogical compositions and oxygen isotopes. During these 21 years, samplings were repeated several times during eruptions as well as temperature measurements. Since the end of 1977 to 1998, all erupted lavas, except 1998-Hudson basalt, belong to the group of the “steady state basalts”. However, evidences for small degrees of differentiation can be observed. During a single eruption, the earliest lava emitted contains less phenocrysts and has almost always a lower MgO⁎ (= MgO/[MgO + FeOt]) than the lavas emitted later, suggesting that it is more differentiated. From one eruption to the next, between 1977 and 1998, bulk compositions are more and more differentiated towards the first lava of 1998. A process of low-pressure fractional crystallisation, involving small proportions of olivine, clinopyroxene and plagioclase, allows to explain this evolution. A major result of our study is to show that this evolution does not correspond to a unique fractionation trend. Over the considered period, different types of magmas have been distinguished. The first magma type, erupted from October 1977 to November 1987, was richer in potassium (0.82 wt.% in average) than the second one, and apparently derived from the liquid of the 1977 oceanite. The second magma type, erupted from February 1988 to September 1998, was poorer in K 2O (0.69 wt.% in average). In March 1998, a third magma type (Hudson basalt) erupted simultaneously with the second one. Hudson basalt has undergone a wehrlitic fractionation and is supposed to come from a deeper magma reservoir than other erupted magmas for this period. From 1977 to 1998, the ∂ 18O of lavas progressively decreases with time, together with the increasing chemical differentiation of the magmas by low-pressure fractional crystallisation. This variation agrees with the hypothesis of magma contamination at shallow level in the altered volcanic edifice (Vlastélic, I., Deniel, C., Bosq, C., Télouk, P., Boivin, P., Bachèlery, P., Famin, V., Staudacher, T., 2009-this issue. Pb isotope geochemistry of Piton de la Fournaise historical lavas. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 184, 63−78 (this issue)). Overall, petrological variations are in good agreement with a model of a shallow reservoir discontinuously supplied between 1977 and 1998. The speed of the variations, the coexistence of different liquids, the chemical evolution of the lavas during the same eruption, lead us to favour a model of chemically stratified reservoir, constituted by a complex of dykes, sills and laccoliths close to the surface and located above larger magma bodies.

Geochemistry and tectonomagmatic significance of Lower Cretaceous island arc lavas from the Devils Racecourse Formation, eastern Jamaica

Abstract The Benbow Inlier in Jamaica contains the Devils Racecourse Formation, which is composed of a Hauterivian to Aptian island arc succession. The lavas can be split into a lower succession of basaltic andesites and dacites/rhyolites, which have an island arc tholeiite (IAT) composition and an upper basaltic and basaltic andesite sequence with a calc-alkaline (CA) chemistry. Trace element and Nd–Hf isotopic evidence reveals that the IAT and CA lavas are derived from two chemically similar mantle wedge source regions predominantly composed of normal mid-ocean ridge-type spinel lherzolite. In addition, Th-light rare earth element/high field strength element–heavy rare earth element ratios, Nd–Hf isotope systematics, (Ce/Ce*) n-mn and Th/La ratios indicate that the IAT and CA mantle wedge source regions were enriched by chemically distinct slab fluxes, which were derived from both the altered basaltic portion of the slab and its accompanying pelagic and terrigenous sedimentary veneer respectively. The presence of IAT and CA island arc lavas before and after the Aptian–Albian demonstrates that the compositional change in the Great Arc of the Caribbean was the result of the subduction of chemically differing sedimentary material. There is therefore no evidence from the geochemistry of this lava succession to support arc-wide subduction polarity reversal in the Aptian–Albian.

Petrography and whole-rock geochemistry of pre-Aso lavas from the caldera wall of Aso volcano, central Kyushu

阿蘇火山直下のマグマ溜りの化学的進化を明らかにするため，先阿蘇火山岩類の岩石記載と全岩化学組成分析を行った．それら溶岩は，斑晶鉱物組合せと全岩化学組成の異なる8タイプに区分できる．液相濃集元素のモデル計算結果は，先阿蘇火山岩類が示す組成多様性が単純な分別結晶作用では導かれないことを示した．さらに，先阿蘇火山岩類とカルデラ形成期以降噴出物を比較した結果，特に安山岩～流紋岩の斑晶鉱物組合せ，量比に顕著な違いがみられること，前者が後者に比べてSiO2含有量に対する液相濃集元素含有量が乏しい特徴があることが明らかになった．これらの結果は，先カルデラ火山活動期からカルデラ形成期の間に，安山岩～流紋岩マグマの起源物質化学組成や生成時の物理条件などに変化が生じたということを示唆している．

Magma genesis by rifting of oceanic lithosphere above anomalous mantle: Terceira Rift, Azores

The Terceira Rift formed relatively recently (∼1 Ma ago) by rifting of the old oceanic lithosphere of the Azores Plateau and is currently spreading at a rate of 2–4mm/a. Together with the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge, the Terceira Rift forms a triple junction that separates the Eurasian, African, and American Plates. Four volcanic systems (São Miguel, João de Castro, Terceira, Graciosa), three of which are islands, are distinguished along the axis and are separated by deep avolcanic basins similar to other ultraslow spreading centers. The major element, trace element and Sr‐Nd‐Pb isotope geochemistry of submarine and subaerial lavas display large along‐axis variations. Major and trace element modeling suggests melting in the garnet stability field at smaller degrees of partial melting at the easternmost volcanic system (São Miguel) compared to the central and western volcanoes, which appear to be characterized by slightly higher melting degrees in the spinel/garnet transition zone. The degrees of partial melting at the Terceira Rift are slightly lower than at other ultraslow mid‐ocean ridge spreading axes (Southwest Indian Ridge, Gakkel Ridge) and occur at greater depths as a result of the melting anomaly beneath the Azores. The combined interaction of a high obliquity, very slow spreading rates, and a thick preexisting lithosphere along the axis probably prevents the formation and eruption of larger amounts of melt along the Terceira Rift. However, the presence of ocean islands requires a relatively stable melting anomaly over relatively long periods of time. The trace element and Sr‐Nd‐Pb isotopes display individual binary mixing arrays for each volcanic system and thus provide additional evidence for focused magmatism with no (or very limited) melt or source interaction between the volcanic systems. The westernmost mantle sources beneath Graciosa and the most radiogenic lavas from the neighboring Mid‐Atlantic Ridge suggest a mantle flow from Graciosa toward the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge and hence a flux of mantle material from one spreading axis into the other. The Terceira Rift represents a unique oceanic rift system situated within the thickened, relatively old oceanic lithosphere and thus exhibits both oceanic and continental features.