Melting Of Mantle Source Research Articles

Chlorine and fluorine partition coefficients and abundances in sub-arc mantle xenoliths (Kamchatka, Russia): Implications for melt generation and volatile recycling processes in subduction zones

We report chlorine (Cl) and fluorine (F) abundances in minerals, interstitial glasses, and melt inclusions in 12 andesite-hosted, spinel harzburgite xenoliths and crosscutting pyroxenite veins exhumed from the sub-arc lithospheric mantle beneath Avacha volcano in the Kamchatka Arc (NE Russia). The data are used to calculate equilibrium mineral-melt partition coefficients (Dmineral/melt) for Cl and F relevant to subduction-zone processes and unravel the history of volatile depletion and enrichment mechanisms in an arc setting.Chlorine is ∼100 times more incompatible in pyroxenes (DClmineral/melt=0.005–0.008 [±0.002–0.003]) than F (DFmineral/melt=0.50–0.57 [±0.21–0.24]), which indicates that partial melting of mantle sources leads to strong depletions in Cl relative to F in the residues. The data set in this study suggests a strong control of melt composition on DCl,Fpyroxene/melt, in particular H2O contents and Al/(Al+Si), which is in line with recent experiments. Fluorine is compatible in Ca-amphibole in the ‘wet’ sub-arc mantle (DFamphibole/melt=3.5–3.7 [±1.5]) but not Cl (DClamphibole/melt=0.03–0.05 [±0.01–0.03]), indicating that amphibole may fractionate F from Cl in the mantle wedge. The inter-mineral partition coefficients for Cl and F in this study are consistent amongst different harzburgite samples, whether they contain glass or not. In particular, disseminated amphibole hosts much of the Cl and F bulk rock budgets of spinel harzburgites (DClamphibole/pyroxene up to 14 and DFamphibole/pyroxene up to 40). Chlorine and fluorine are variably enriched (up to 1500ppmCl and 750ppm F) in the parental arc picrite and boninite melts of primitive pyroxenite veins (and related melt inclusions) crosscutting spinel harzburgites.Based on the data in this study, the main inferences on the behaviour of Cl and F during melting and metasomatic processes in the sub-arc mantle are as follow:(i) Melting models show that most depleted mantle protoliths of intra-oceanic arc sources can have extremely low Cl/F (0.002–0.007) before being overprinted by subduction-derived components.(ii) Chlorine has a higher percolation distance in the mantle than F. Even for small fluid or melt volumes, Cl and F signatures of partial melting are overprinted by those of pervasive percolation, which increases Cl/F in percolating agents and bulk peridotites during chromatographic interaction and/or amphibole-forming metasomatic reactions. These processes ultimately control the bulk Cl and F compositions of the residual mantle lithosphere beneath arcs, and likely in other tectonic settings.(iii) Fluxed melting models suggest that Cl enrichment in arc picrite and boninite melts in this study, and in many arc melt inclusions reported in the literature, could be related to the infiltration of high Cl/F fluids derived from subducted serpentinite or altered crust in mantle wedge sources. However, these high Cl/F signatures should be re-evaluated with new models in light of the possible overprint of pervasive percolation effects in the mantle. The breakdown of amphibole (and/or mica) in the deep metasomatised mantle at higher pressure and temperature conditions than in the slab may explain, at least in part, the positive correlations between F abundances and Cl/F in primitive arc melt inclusions and slab depth.

Petrogenetic conditions at 18°–20° N MAR: Interaction between hydrothermal and magmatic systems

The paper presents petrological and geochemical data on mantle peridotite, basalt, and metamorphic rocks sampled in Cruise 36 of the R/V Professor Logachev at the MAR axial zone between 17° and 20° N. These data are interesting not only as providing new information on the inner structure of the oceanic crust in the still-poorly known axial MAR segment but also in the context of the fundamental problem of interaction between magmatic and hydrothermal systems in slow-spreading mid-oceanic ridges. The MAR axial zone between 17° and 20° N was determined to host both weakly and strongly depleted residual peridodites, which suggests that the degree of mantle source melting significantly varied along the ridge axis in this segment. The MAR crest zone comprises slabs of serpentinized peridotite brought to the seafloor surface at various time. The most strongly depleted mantle peridotites likely uplifted later than the mildly and weakly depleted rocks in the same areas. A mantle reservoir beneath the MAR axial zone at 20° N is not isotopically related to the mantle source of the parental MORB melts, and high-Mg metabasites exposed at 17°56- N were derived from a crustal source that was modified near the root zone of a high-temperature hydrothermal system. The studied area seems to display traces of an extinct hydrothermal field and likely an ore occurrence related to it.

Widespread Neogene volcanism on Central Kerguelen Plateau, Southern Indian Ocean

ABSTRACTWe report new age determinations and compositions for rocks from 18 dredge hauls collected from eight submarine areas across Central Kerguelen Plateau (CKP). Sea knolls and volcanic fields with multiple small cones were targeted over a ∼125 000 km2 region that includes Heard and McDonald Islands. Large early Miocene (22–16 Ma) sea knolls rise from the western margin of the CKP and are part of a NNW–SSE line of volcanic centres that lie between Îles Kerguelen and Heard and McDonald Islands. These are probably related to hotspot activity now underlying the Heard Island area. We see evidence of much younger activity (5 Ma to present) in volcanic fields to the north of, and up to 300 km NE of, Heard Island. Compositions include basanite, basalt and trachybasalt, which are broadly similar to plateau lava flows from nearby Ocean Drilling Program Site 1138, lower Miocene lavas at Îles Kerguelen, dredged rocks from the early Miocene sea knolls, and Big Ben lavas from Heard Island. Geochemical data indicate decreasing fractions of mantle source melting with time. We propose that a broad region of the CKP became volcanically active in Neogene time owing to incubation of plume material at the base of the relatively stationary overlying plateau. The presence of pre-existing crustal faults gave access for melts from the Heard mantle plume to rise to the surface.

Petrogenesis of Miocene alkaline volcanic suites from western Bohemia: whole rock geochemistry and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic signatures

The Mid to Late Miocene intraplate alkaline volcanic suites of western Bohemia are relict of the intensive voluminous volcanism accompanied by large-scale uplift and doming. The association with the uplift of the NE flank of the Cheb–Domažlice Graben (CDG) is uncertain in view of the mostly transpressional tectonics of the graben. The volcanism is most probably of the Ohře/Eger Rift off-rift settings. Two cogenetic volcanic suites have been recognised: (i) silica-saturated to oversaturated consisting of olivine basalt–trachybasalt-(basaltic) trachyandesite–trachyte–rhyolite (13.5 to 10.2Ma) and (ii) silica-undersaturated (significantly Ne-normative) (melilite-bearing) olivine nephelinite–basanite–tephrite (18.3 to 6.25Ma). A common mantle source is suggested by similar primitive mantle-normalised incompatible element patterns and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions for the assumed near-primary mantle-derived compositions of both suites, i.e., olivine basalt and olivine nephelinite. Apparently, they were generated by different degrees of partial melting of a common mantle source, with garnet, olivine and clinopyroxene in the residuum. Negative Rb and K anomalies indicate a residual K-phase (amphibole/phlogopite) and melting of partly metasomatised mantle lithosphere. The evolution of the basanite–olivine basalt–trachybasalt-(basaltic) trachyandesite–trachyte–rhyolite suite suggests the presence of an assimilation–fractional crystallization process (AFC). Substantial fractionation of olivine, clinopyroxene, Fe–Ti oxide, plagioclase/alkali feldspar and apatite accompanied by a significant assimilation of magma en route by crustal material is most evident in evolved member, namely, trachytes and rhyolites. The magmas were probably sourced by both sub-lithospheric and lithospheric partly metasomatised mantle. The evolution of the (melilite-bearing) olivine nephelinite–basanite–tephrite suite is less clear because of its limited extent. Parental magma of both these rock suites is inferred to have originated by low-degree melting of the mantle source initiated at ca. 18Ma and reflects mixing of asthenosphere-derived melts with isotopically enriched lithospheric melts. The older Oligocene alkaline rocks (29–26Ma) occur within the Cheb–Domažlice Graben (CDG) locally but are significant in the closely adjacent neighbouring western Ohře Rift. The Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic composition of primitive volcanic rocks of both suites is similar to that of the European Asthenospheric Reservoir (EAR). Initial Pb isotopic data plot partly above the northern hemisphere reference line at radiogenic 206Pb/204Pb ratios of ∼19 to 20, and indicate the presence of a Variscan crustal component in the source.

Nature of the lithospheric mantle beneath the Arabian Shield and genesis of Al-spinel micropods: Evidence from the mantle xenoliths of Harrat Kishb, Western Saudi Arabia

The Harrat Kishb area of western Saudi Arabia is part of the Cenozoic volcanic fields in the western margin of the Arabian Shield. Numerous fresh ultramafic xenoliths are entrained in the basanite lava of Harrat Kishb, providing an opportunity to study the nature and petrogenetic processes involved in the evolution of the lithospheric mantle beneath the Arabian Shield. Based on the petrological characteristics and mineralogical compositions, the majority of the mantle xenoliths (~92%) are peridotites (lherzolites and pyroxene-bearing harzburgites); the remaining xenoliths (~8%) are unusual spinel-rich wehrlites containing black Al-spinel micropods. The two types of mantle xenoliths display magmatic protogranular texture. The peridotite xenoliths have high bulk-rock Mg#, high forsterite (Fo90–Fo92) and NiO (0.24–0.46wt.%) contents of olivine, high clinopyroxene Mg# (0.91–0.93), variable spinel Cr# (0.10–0.49, atomic ratio), and approximately flat chondrite-normalized REE patterns. These features indicate that the peridotite xenoliths represent residues after variable degrees of melt extraction from fertile mantle. The estimated P (9–16kbar) and T (877–1227°C) as well as the oxidation state (∆logfO2=−3.38 to −0.22) under which these peridotite xenoliths originated are consistent with formation conditions similar to most sub-arc abyssal-type peridotites worldwide. The spinel-rich wehrlite xenoliths have an unusual amount (~30vol.%) of Al-spinel as peculiar micropods with very minor Cr2O3 content (<1wt.%). Olivines of the spinel-rich wehrlites have low-average Fo (Fo81) and NiO (0.18wt.%) contents, low-average cpx Mg# (0.79), high average cpx Al2O3 content (8.46wt.%), and very low-average spinel Cr# (0.01). These features characterize early mantle cumulates from a picritic melt fraction produced by low degrees of partial melting of a garnet-bearing mantle source. The relatively high Na2O and Al2O3 contents of cpx suggest that the spinel-rich wehrlites are formed under high P (11–14kbar), T (1090–1130°C), and oxidation state (∆logfO2 FMQ=+0.14 to +0.37), which occurred slightly below the crust–mantle boundary. The REE patterns of spinel-rich wehrlites are almost similar to those of the associated peridotite xenoliths, which confirm at least a spatial genetic linkage between them. Regarding the formation of Al-spinel micropods in spinel-rich wehrlite cumulates, it is suggested that the melt–rock reaction mechanism is not the only process by which podiform chromitite is formed. Early fractionation of picritic melts produced by partial melting of a mantle source under high P–T conditions could be another mechanism. The cpx composition, not opx, as it was assumed, seems to be the main control of the size and composition of spinel concentrations.

Geochronology and geochemistry of the Carboniferous magmatism in the northern Great Xing’an Range, NE China: Constraints on the timing of amalgamation of Xing’an and Songnen blocks

The Carboniferous period marks an important transition from accretion to collision in the Great Xing’an Range, NE China. In this study we present new data to provide a better constraint on the magmatic process in the studied area during this period and its implications for the regional tectonic evolution in the eastern Central Asia Orogenic Belt. The new age data we report consist of zircon SIMS U–Pb ages of 306–315Ma and zircon LA-ICP-MS U–Pb ages of 331Ma from basic intrusive rocks and 329.4Ma from granites in the Erguna-Xing’an block. Zircons are euhedral–subhedral in shape, display straight rhythmic stripes and oscillatory zoning in CL images with Th/U ratios of 0.20–3.44, which indicate that the zircons are of igneous origin. The basic intrusive rocks show SiO2 contents ranging from 47.75% to 53.80%, Mg# values (49–71), Al2O3 contents (14.35–17.76), and belong to the medium and high-k calc-alkaline series. Moreover, they are enriched in LREE and some LILEs as well as HFSEs, and depleted in Nb, Ta and Ti. Furthermore, they also show lower Sm/Th (0.70–4.38) and higher Th/Y (0.06–0.35) ratios, and variable Th/Zr (0.02–0.06), Ba/Th (29–249), Ba/La (9–20) and Ba/Nb (12–43) ratios. The geochemical data suggest that these rocks were likely derived from partial melting of mantle source with minor spinel metasomatized by slab-derived fluids. Integrating with regional geological data from the northern Great Xing’an Range, we conclude, therefore, that the Carboniferous intrusive rocks formed through the partial melting of a metasomatized subcontinental lithospheric in a subduction to post-collisional extensional setting triggered by the upwelling of the asthenosphere generated by slab break-off of the subducted oceanic crust between Erguna-Xing’an and Songnen block, which had amalgamated at no later than the end of Early Carboniferous.

Geochemistry and petrogenesis of lava flows around Linga, Chhindwara area in the Eastern Deccan Volcanic Province (EDVP), India

Based on systematic three-tier arrangement of vesicles, entablature and columnar joints, three distinct quartz normative tholeiitic lava flows (I, II and III) were recognized in the area around Linga, in the Eastern Deccan Volcanic Province (EDVP). Each of the flows exhibits intraflow chemical variations marked by high Mg#-low Ti, and low Mg#-high Ti contents. The MgO (4.27–7.74wt.%), Mg# (23.45–41.89) and Zr (161.5–246.3ppm) of Linga flows suggest an evolved chemistry marked by fractional crystallization and crustal contamination processes. Positive Rb and Th anomalies, negative Nb anomalies, relative enrichment of LILE–LREE with respect to Nb, Nb/Th:3.71–6.77 indicate crustal contamination of magma by continental materials through magma–crust interaction during melt migration and contributions from sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM). Negative K, Sr and Ti anomalies corroborate an intracontinental, rift-controlled tectonic setting for the genesis and evolution of Linga basalts. Chondrite-normalized REE patterns reflect low HREE abundances and prominent LREE/HREE, MREE/HREE fractionation thereby pointing towards partial melting of garnet peridotite mantle source. Nb, Zr, Y variations suggest 10–15% partial melting of mantle source for the derivation of parent tholeiitic melt that suffered crystal fractionation of phenocrystal phases and subsequent liquid immiscibility. Critical evaluation of Srinitial and Ndinitial (65Ma) isotopic compositions (87Sr/86Srinitial between 0.705656 and 0.706980 and 143Nd/144Ndinitial between 0.512523 and 0.512598) suggests that these basalts were derived from an enriched mantle (∼EM I–EM II) source. The εSr (21.84–41.27) and εNd (−0.28 to 1.10) isotopic signatures defined by higher εSr and lower εNd fingerprint a plume-related source. Positive and negative values of εNd indicate an isotopically heterogeneous mantle source marked by mixing of depleted (DM) and enriched mantle (EM I–EM II) components at the source region and together with 87Sr/86Srinitial ranging from 0.705656 to 0.706980 suggest two stage contamination of parent magma which is much similar to that of Poladpur, Toranmal, Mhow, Chikaldara flows. Ba/Y versus 87Sr/86Sr and Nb/Y versus Rb/Y variations show an Ambenali–Poladpur contamination trend for the Linga basalts thereby suggesting the role of upper continental granitic crust as the contaminant of these flows through magma–crust interaction during melt migration. The lava flows of Linga are geochemically correlatable with the Poladpur flows of southwestern and Toranmal flows of northern Deccan and show genetic coherence with the basalts of Jabalpur, Seoni, Chakhla–Delakhari of eastern Deccan.

Small-scale coexistence of island-arc- and enriched-MORB-type basalts in the central Vanuatu arc

We report here major, trace element and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic data for a new set of basaltic lavas and melt inclusions hosted in Mg-rich olivines (Fo86–91) from Mota Lava, in the Banks islands of the Vanuatu island arc. The results reveal the small-scale coexistence of typical island-arc basalts (IAB) and a distinct type of Nb-enriched basalts (NEB) characterized by primitive mantle-normalized trace element patterns without high-field-strength element (HFSE) depletion. The IAB show trace element patterns with prominent negative HFSE anomalies acquired during melting of mantle sources enriched with slab-derived, H2O-rich components during subduction. In contrast, the NEB display trace element features that compare favourably with enriched-mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB) and the most enriched basalts from the Vanuatu back-arc troughs. Both their trace element and Nd–Sr isotopic compositions require partial melting of an enriched-MORB-type mantle source, almost negligibly contaminated by slab-derived fluids (~0.2 wt%). The coexistence of these two distinct types of primitive magma, at the scale of one volcanic island and within a relatively short span of time, would reflect a heterogeneous mantle source and/or tapping of distinct mantle sources. Direct ascent of such distinct magmas could be favoured by the extensive tectonic setting of Mota Lava Island, allowing decompression melting and sampling of variable mantle sources. Significantly, this island is located at the junction of the N–S back-arc troughs and the E–W Hazel Home extensional zone, where the plate motion diverges in both direction and rate. More broadly, this study indicates that crustal faulting in arc contexts would permit basaltic magmas to reach Earth’s surface, while preserving the geochemical heterogeneity of their mantle sources.

Tethyan mantle metasomatism creates subduction geochemical signatures in non-arc Cu–Au–Te mineralizing magmas, Apuseni Mountains (Romania)

The history of processes that have affected the lithospheric mantle can be reflected in the chemical characteristics of magmas that are emplaced millions of years later during crustal extension. As a result, ore deposits normally associated with subduction can form in environments where they are not conventionally expected. Calc-alkaline magmatism in the Apuseni Mountains, Romania, occurred in response to Miocene extension and formed rich Au–Ag–Te epithermal and Cu–Au porphyry deposits. We present major, trace element and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic data from a comprehensive suite of unaltered Apuseni samples. This dataset indicates that the Apuseni magmas were derived from partial melting of a lithospheric mantle source enriched in volatiles and incompatible elements. Mantle-like Sr and Nd isotopic signatures, combined with large ion lithophile element enrichments, Nb–Ta depletions, and Pb enrichments, are best explained by mantle refertilization during subduction. Subduction metasomatism of the Apuseni source region occurred at least 50Ma prior to extensional magma generation in the Miocene, most likely during NE-dipping subduction associated with closure of the Neotethys Ocean in the Mesozoic.We suggest that the different types of mineralization in the region are generally related to the degree of Miocene extension and consequent partial melting of the mantle source. Initial extension is correlated with the largest Au deposits in the Apuseni Mountains. The magmatic rocks associated with these deposits contain the most isotopically enriched Pb–Sr–Nd ratios, higher SiO2 and lower Mg-number, consistent with significant lower crustal influence during the initiation of extension and associated crustal anatexis. As extension progressed, increased mantle input resulted in magmas with more isotopically depleted Pb–Sr–Nd ratios, lower SiO2 and higher Mg-numbers. Uniquely rich Te-rich Au–Ag epithermal deposits are associated with these magmas, and are followed by porphyry Cu–Au deposits. Exceptional endowment in Te-rich epithermal deposits is common to other provinces associated with extensional magmatism preceded by much older mantle metasomatism, and we suggest that these deposits are ultimately linked to this metasomatism.

Mg-(Fe + Ti)-Al petrochemical diagram for the melting of mantle pyrolite: Implications for the derivation conditions of the parental magmas of major volcanic series

The Mg-(Fe + Ti)-Al melting diagram for pyrolite based on experimental data from literature shows the composition of the liquid as a function of pressure and the degree of pyrolite melting. Three mechanisms of liquid separation from a mantle source material are discussed: (i) gravitational mechanism, which works at a degree of source material melting of 25%, (ii) filter pressing mechanism, which is efficient at degrees of melting lower than 2%, and (iii) nearly complete local melting of mantle material. Garnet in the solid residue is thought to play an important role by affecting the chemistries of mantle magmas. The comparison of petrochemical and experimental data in a Mg-(Fe + Ti)-Al ternary plot shows that picrite and ferropicrite alcaline primary magmas are segregated at depths of 120 and 210 km, respectively, in the garnet stability zone, at degrees of melting lower than 2%; and tholeiite basalt magmas are segregated above this zone. At degrees of melting of 25%, picrobasalt, komatiite-basalt, picrite, and ferropicrite primary magmas of the tholeiite series are derived at depths of 80, 130, 240, and 300 km, respectively. Ultrabasic komatiite magma is generated at high degrees of mantle source melting, with the solid residues devoid of garnet. The tholeiite basalt series can be produced by two parental melts: aluminous and magnesian basaltic, both separated from the mantle sources via the filter pressing mechanism: the former at depths shallower than 30 km in ocean spreading zones (TOR-2), and the latter at depths of 50–60 km in oceanic spreading zones (TOR-1) and in the subcontinental lithosphere. Primary magnesian basalt magmas of the calc-alkaline and tholeiite series are derived in the lithospheric mantle at the same depths and low degrees of melting. Different evolutionary trajectories of compositionally similar primary magmas are controlled by the conditions of their further fractional crystallization: in compressional environments and with fluids saturating the melts in subduction zones for the former and in extensional environments and free magma ascent to the surface for the latter. Ultrapotassic rock series, such as lamprophyres, leucitites, kamafugites, lamproites, and kimberlites, are most probably generated via the melting of the metasomatized subcratonic mantle.

Rhenium–osmium isotope and highly-siderophile-element abundance systematics of angrite meteorites

Coupled 187Os/188Os compositions and highly-siderophile-element (HSE: Os, Ir, Ru, Pt, Pd, and Re) abundance data are reported for eight angrite achondrite meteorites that include quenched- and slowly-cooled textural types. These data are combined with new major- and trace-element concentrations determined for bulk-rock powder fractions and constituent mineral phases, to assess angrite petrogenesis. Angrite meteorites span a wide-range of HSE abundances from <0.005ppb Os (e.g., Northwest Africa [NWA] 1296; Angra dos Reis) to >100ppb Os (NWA 4931). Chondritic to supra-chondritic 187Os/188Os (0.1201–0.2127) measured for Angra dos Reis and quenched-angrites correspond to inter- and intra-sample heterogeneities in Re/Os and HSE abundances. Quenched-angrites have chondritic-relative rare-earth-element (REE) abundances at 10–15×CI-chondrite, and their Os-isotope and HSE abundance variations represent mixtures of pristine uncontaminated crustal materials that experienced addition (<0.8%) of exogenous chondritic materials during or after crystallization. Slowly-cooled angrites (NWA 4590 and NWA 4801) have fractionated REE-patterns, chondritic to sub-chondritic 187Os/188Os (0.1056–0.1195), as well as low-Re/Os (0.03–0.13), Pd/Os (0.071–0.946), and relatively low-Pt/Os (0.792–2.640). Sub-chondritic 187Os/188Os compositions in NWA 4590 and NWA 4801 are unusual amongst planetary basalts, and their HSE and REE characteristics may be linked to melting of mantle sources that witnessed prior basaltic melt depletion. Angrite HSE-Yb systematics suggest that the HSE behaved moderately-incompatibly during angrite magma crystallization, implying the presence of metal in the crystallizing assemblage.The new HSE abundance and 187Os/188Os compositions indicate that the silicate mantle of the angrite parent body(ies) (APB) had HSE abundances in chondritic-relative proportions but at variable abundances at the time of angrite crystallization. The HSE systematics of angrites are consistent with protracted post-core formation accretion of materials with chondritic-relative abundances of HSE to the APB, and these accreted materials were rapidly, yet inefficiently, mixed into angrite magma source regions early in Solar System history.

Compositional trends of Icelandic basalts: Implications for short-length scale lithological heterogeneity in mantle plumes

Lithological variations in the mantle source regions under mid-ocean ridges and ocean islands have been proposed to play a key role in controlling melt generation and basalt composition. Here we combine compositional observations from Icelandic basalts and modelling of melting of a bi-lithologic peridotite-pyroxenite mantle to demonstrate that, while short-lengthscale major element variation is present in the mantle under Iceland, source heterogeneity does not make an important contribution to excess melt production. By identifying the major element characteristics of endmember Icelandic melts, we find enriched melts to be characterised by low SiO2 and CaO, but high FeO. We quantitatively compare endmember compositions to experimental partial melts generated from a range of lithologies, pressures and melt fractions. This comparison indicates that a single source composition cannot account for all the major element variation; depleted Icelandic melts can be produced by depleted peridotite melting, but the major element composition of enriched melts is best matched by melting of mantle sources that have been refertilised by the addition of up to 40% mid-ocean ridge basalt. The enriched source beneath Iceland is more fusible than the source of depleted melts, and as such will be over-represented in accumulated melts compared with its abundance in the source. Modelling of peridotite-pyroxenite melting, combined with our observational constraints on the composition of the Icelandic mantle, indicates that crustal thickness variations in the North Atlantic must be primarily due to mantle temperature and flow field variations.

Mantle to surface degassing of alkalic magmas at Erebus volcano, Antarctica

Continental intraplate volcanoes, such as Erebus volcano, Antarctica, are associated with extensional tectonics, mantle upwelling and high heat flow. Typically, erupted magmas are alkaline and rich in volatiles (especially CO 2), inherited from low degrees of partial melting of mantle sources. We examine the degassing of the magmatic system at Erebus volcano using melt inclusion data and high temporal resolution open-path Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic measurements of gas emissions from the active lava lake. Remarkably different gas signatures are associated with passive and explosive gas emissions, representative of volatile contents and redox conditions that reveal contrasting shallow and deep degassing sources. We show that this unexpected degassing signature provides a unique probe for magma differentiation and transfer of CO 2-rich oxidised fluids from the mantle to the surface, and evaluate how these processes operate in time and space. Extensive crystallisation driven by CO 2 fluxing is responsible for isobaric fractionation of parental basanite magmas close to their source depth. Magma deeper than 4 kbar equilibrates under vapour-buffered conditions. At shallower depths, CO 2-rich fluids accumulate and are then released either via convection-driven, open-system gas loss or as closed-system slugs that ascend and result in Strombolian eruptions in the lava lake. The open-system gases have a reduced state (below the QFM buffer) whereas the closed-system gases preserve their deep oxidised signatures (close to the NNO buffer).

Mesoproterozoic olivine gabbronorites of the Bashkirian anticlinorium, the South Urals: Parental melts and specifics of magma evolution

This paper is devoted to detailed study of picritic rocks (olivine melanogabbronorites) and comag� matic gabbrodolerites from sills and dikes in the central part of the Bashkirian meganticlinorium. These rocks are ascribed to the KamaBelsk magmatic province (K BP) that was formed in the eastern East European Platform (EEP) in the Mesoproterozoic time. The study of minerals (EMPA, SIMS), rocks, and their oxygen isotope compositions showed the contribution of crustal contamination, fractional crystallization and cumu� lus processes in their formation. The geochemical indicators of crustal contamination (Nb/Nb*, (Nb/La)n , δ 18 O, and others) show strong variations, which indicates uneven crustal contribution in the parental melts during rock formation (10-25%). The study of weakly contaminated (δ 18 O = 5.3‰) olivine melanogab� bronorites (MgO = 22.55 wt %) from the small Ishlya�1 subvolcanic body, which contain subordinate amount of cumulus (24%), highmagnesian olivine ( Fo91.3), and highCr spinel (cr# 0.67), as well as HREE depleted clinopyroxenes, allowed us to retrieve the composition of parental melt. The latter contained about 20 wt % MgO and was formed by 19-26% melting of mantle source (potential mantle temperature Tm of 1530-1545°C). Geochemical characteristics of KBP reflect the formation of primary melts by melting of mantle column at different depths, mixing of the melts, and significant contamination by crustal material. The dominant role in the formation of the rocks of the Ishlya area and Mashak Complex was played by derivatives of spinel peri� dotites, while the rocks of the Bakal-Satka area were derived from garnet peridotites. The melts of olivine melanogabbronorites crystallized within a pressure range from 7 to 2 kbar and tempera� ture from 1470°C to 1000-950°C at close to QFM. The comparison of model crystallization trend of parental melt with compositions of basic and ultrabasic rocks of the province showed that the observed com� positional diversity was provided by the accumulation of clinopyroxene-plagiolcase (dolerites and gabbrod� olerites) and olivive-plagioclase (picrites and picrobasalts) cumulates. Obtained estimates of conditions of magma generations with Tm significantly exceeding (at 150-165°C) that of asthenosphere indicate that the Mesoproterozoic magmatism in the eastern part of EEP was related to the ascent of deepseated plume. Pre� liminary results of comparative analysis of petrological-geochemcial characteristics of KBP and Mesoprot� erozoic basic rocks of Northern Greenland (Upton et al., 2005; Kalsbeek and Frei, 2006) revealed significant similarity of these withinplate manifestations, which in both cases bear signs of plume nature and distinct crustal contamination.

Paleozoic plume-lithospheric processes in northeastern Fennoscandia: Evaluation of the composition of the parental mantle melts and magma generation conditions

The paper reports quantitative evaluations of the modal and chemical composition of the mantle whose Paleozoic activation gave rise to the Kola alkaline province in the northeastern Baltic Shield. The volume of alkaline magmatism within the province and the volume of the mantle melts that were generated in the course of the Paleozoic activation cycle were evaluated by three-dimensional density modeling on the basis of gravimetric data. Our studies involved, along with the sampling of alkaline magmatic rocks in the region, the examination of the deep (to a depth of 22.5 km) structure of all alkaline intrusions in the province and the development of their three-dimensional density models. Concentrations of trace elements were precisely analyzed by the ICP-MS technique, and these data were used in order to calculate the weighted mean concentrations of trace elements in rocks of the province, to simulate the melting of mantle sources, and to evaluate the geodynamic sequences of these mantle processes. Our simulations indicate that the total volume of the Paleozoic mantle melts in the northeastern part of the Baltic Shield amounted to 15000 ± 2700 km3. The calculated composition of the partial melts that could be produced by the mantle of average composition shows the necessity for the significant introduction of certain elements into the mantle source. It is demonstrated that primitive melts in the Kola province were highly probably derived at low degrees of melting of the source (0.3–0.5%), whose composition corresponded to phlogopite-bearing (±amphibole) garnet lherzolite under the conditions of the mantle garnet depth facies. The calculated degree of enrichment of this sources was three times higher than the average concentrations of incompatible elements in the primitive mantle. It is demonstrated that magma generating processes affected much of the lithosphere beneath northeastern Fennoscandia and reached a depth of 120 km, i.e., the depth of the mantle facies of garnet lherzolite. The area of this region corresponds to the area of regional Paleozoic magmatism, and its depth correlates with the estimated P-T conditions under which the mantle xenoliths found in regional diatremes were formed.

Synplutonic mafic dykes from late Archaean granitoids in the Eastern Dharwar Craton, southern India

We present a first overview of the synplutonic mafic dykes (mafic injections) from the 2.56–2.52 Ga calcalkaline to potassic plutons in the Eastern Dharwar Craton (EDC). The host plutons comprise voluminous intrusive facies (dark grey clinopyroxene-amphibole rich monzodiorite and quartz monzonite, pinkish grey porphyritic monzogranite and grey granodiorite) located in the central part of individual pluton, whilst subordinate anatectic facies (light grey and pink granite) confined to the periphery. The enclaves found in the plutons include highly angular screens of xenoliths of the basement, rounded to pillowed mafic magmatic enclaves (MME) and most spectacular synplutonic mafic dykes. The similar textures of MME and adjoining synplutonic mafic dykes together with their spatial association and occasional transition of MME to dismembered synplutonic mafic dykes imply a genetic link between them. The synplutonic dykes occur in varying dimension ranging from a few centimeter width upto 200 meters width and are generally dismembered or disrupted and rarely continuous. Necking of dyke along its length and back veining of more leucocratic variant of the host is common feature. They show lobate as well as sharp contacts with chilled margins suggesting their injection during different stages of crystallization of host plutons in magma chamber. Local interaction, mixing and mingling processes are documented in all the studied crustal corridors in the EDC. The observed mixing, mingling, partial hybridization, MME and emplacement of synplutonic mafic dykes can be explained by four stage processes: (1) Mafic magma injected during very early stage of crystallization of host felsic magma, mixing of mafic and felsic host magma results in hybridization with occasional MME; (2) Mafic magma introduced slightly later, the viscosities of two magmas may be different and permit only mingling where by each component retain their identity; (3) When mafic magma injected into crystallizing granitic host magma with significant crystal content, the mafic magma is channeled into early fractures and form dismembered synplutonic mafic dykes and (4) Mafic injections enter into largely crystallized (>80% crystals) granitic host results in continuous dykes with sharp contacts. The origin of mafic magmas may be related to development of fractures to mantle depth during crystallization of host magmas which results in the decompression melting of mantle source. The resultant hot mafic melts with low viscosity rise rapidly into the crystallizing host magma chamber where they interact depending upon the crystallinity and viscosity of the host. These hot mafic injections locally cause reversal of crystallization of the felsic host and induce melting and resultant melts in turn penetrate the crystallizing mafic body as back veining. Field chronology indicates injection of mafic magmas is synchronous with emplacement of anatectic melts and slightly predates the 2.5 Ga metamorphic event which affected the whole Archaean crust. The injection of mafic magmas into the crystallizing host plutons forms the terminal Archaean magmatic event and spatially associated with reworking and cratonization of Archaean crust in the EDC.

Geochemistry of accessory chrome-spinellides from rocks of the Ergakskii chrome-bearing hyperbasite massif (western Sayan) and conditions of its formation

The first data obtained on the distribution of REE in Csp from the Ergakskii hyperbasite massif rocks testified that the REE contents in individual grains of this mineral varied greatly. Chondrite-normalized contents of light REE in all cases exceeded the same parameter of heavy REE that was formerly observed in Csp specimens from rocks of several other hyperbasite massifs. It is suggested that along with very poor amounts of REE as an isomorphic impurity in the analyzed Csp grains, they contain varying concentrations of REE in the form of nonstructure impurities, presented mainly by light rare earth elements. Significant variations of Cr 2 O 3 and Al 2 O 3 concentrations and parameter Cr# values were established in the Csp from rocks of the massif. The Cr# parameter values were used for estimation of the degree of partial melting of mantle sources during formation of ultramafic restites from the Ergakskii massif and some other similar massifs. As was determined, the rocks of the Ergakskii massif were formed under a wide interval of degrees of partial melting of the mantle sources. As a whole, this is in agreement with the data obtained from Csp specimens belonging to several other hyperbasite massif rocks. The results examined give grounds to consider that, during formation of the Ergakskii massif as well as other similar hyperbasite massifs, mantle matter underwent uneven partial melting. These data correspond to the spatial adjacence regularly observed in such massifs and complicated alternation of lherzolites, harzburgites, and dunites, the formation of which appeared to be realized under different degrees of partial melting of mantle sources. Due to the significant lowering of detection limits of rare earth elements (REE) during mineral analyses reached with the help of the LA ICP-MS method (mass

The age and origin of volcanics in the Riphean section of the Siberian craton ( western Baikal area)

In the western Baikal area, the structural position, composition, and age of volcanic rocks in the section of the Riphean margin of the Siberian craton were studied. The age of these rocks, earlier assigned to the Khotskaya Formation, is estimated at 274±3 Ma (concordia constructed over 11 zircon grains, SHRIMP-II). The geochemical and isotope compositions of volcanics evidence that they resulted from the melting of mantle source of EM-I type contaminated by crustal material. The intrusion of volcanics into the upper crustal horizons might have been caused by the evolution of the Permian active margin of the Siberian continent, which took place on the background of the closure of the Mongolo-Okhotsk ocean. Based on the results of studies, a new subvolcanic complex of Early Permian age has been recognized in the region, which includes the above-mentioned volcanics and earlier described porphyrite dikes of close age in the Sharyzhalgai uplift. The data obtained disprove the concept that the studied volcanics are of Riphean age; therefore, the available stratigraphic charts of the Siberian Precambrian must be revised.

New experimental determination of Li and B partition coefficients during upper mantle partial melting

Despite the growing interest for Li and B as geochemical tracers, especially for material transfer from subducting slabs to overlying peridotites, little is known about the behaviour of these two elements during partial melting of mantle sources. In particular, mineral/melt partition coefficients for B and to a lesser extent Li are still a matter of debate. In this work, we re-equilibrated a synthetic basalt doped with ~10 ppm B and ~6 ppm Li with an olivine powder from a spinel lherzolite xenolith at 1 GPa–1,330°C, and we analyzed Li and B in the run products by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). In our experiment, B behaved as a highly incompatible element with mineral/melt partition coefficients of the order of 10−2 (D ol/melt = 0.008 (0.004–0.013); D opx/melt = 0.024 (0.015–0.033); D cpx/melt = 0.041 (0.021–0.061)), and Li as a moderately incompatible element (D ol/melt = 0.427 (0.418–0.436); D opx/melt = 0.211 (0.167–0.256); D cpx/melt = 0.246 (0.229–0.264)). Our partition coefficients for Li are in good agreement with previous determinations. In the case of B, our partition coefficients are equal within error to those reported by Brenan et al. (1998) for all the mineral phases analyzed, but are lower than other coefficients from literature for some of the phases (up to 5 times for cpx). Our measurements complement the data set of Ds for modelling partial melting of the upper mantle and basalt generation, and confirm that, in this context, B is more incompatible than previously anticipated.

Geochemistry of magmatic rocks of the Koksharovka alkaline-ultrabasic massif, primorye, and results of trace-element modeling

New geochemical data are presented on the magmatic rocks of the Late Jurassic Koksharovka alkaline-ultrabasic massif, which is associated with deposits of vermiculite, apatite, V-bearing titanomagnetite, and placer isoferroplatinum. The REE geochemistry and strontium, oxygen, and carbon isotopic composition of carbonatites and related ijolites and pyroxenites, together with geological observations, point to the magmatic origin of the Koksharovka carbonatites. The origin of associated magmatic rocks is discussed. Trace element modeling of partial melting of mantle sources was conducted to decipher the genesis of the melts of the Koksharovka carbonatites and host titanite-kaersutite pyroxenites.