Pb Os Research Articles

Petrogenesis of volcanic rocks from the Quaternary Eifel volcanic fields, Germany: detailed insights from combined trace-element and Sr–Nd–Hf–Pb–Os isotope data

Quaternary rocks from the East and West Eifel volcanic fields in western Germany are a key suite of intraplate volcanic rocks that can provide insights into volcanism of the Central European Volcanic Province (CEVP) and into continental intraplate volcanism in general. We present a comprehensive dataset for Eifel lavas including isotope as well as major and trace element data for 59 samples covering representative compositions of the different volcanic fields. In line with previous studies, the lavas are all SiO2-undersaturated, alkaline-rich and mainly comprise primitive basanites, melilitites, and nephelinites (Mg# ≥ 57). Geochemical compositions of samples from both volcanic subfields display distinct differences in their trace-element as well as radiogenic isotope compositions, largely confirming previous subdivisions. Coupled trace-element and radiogenic Sr–Nd–Hf–Pb–Os isotope compositions can now provide firm evidence for spatially heterogeneous mantle sources and compositionally distinct magmatic pulses. Within the West Eifel Field, Sr–Nd–Pb isotope compositions of the younger (≤80 ka), ONB-suite (olivine-nephelinite-basanite) are similar to FOZO (FOcal ZOne) or the EAR (European Asthenospheric Reservoir) and resemble compositions that have been previously reported from plume-sourced ocean island basalts (OIB). In marked difference, older (700 Ma to 80 ka) volcanic rocks from the F-suite (Foidite) in the West Eifel field and from the entire east Eifel Field tap a more enriched mantle component, as illustrated by more radiogenic Sr isotope (86Sr/87Sr up to 0.705408) and variable Pb isotope compositions (206Pb/204Pb = 18.61–19.70, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.62–15.67 and 208Pb/204Pb = 38.89–39.76). Combined trace-element compositions of ONB-suite samples are in good agreement with results from batch melting models suggesting a hybrid composition of Eifel magmas formed through mixing 10% of a FOZO-like melt with 90% of a DMM-like melt, similar to melts from the Tertiary HEVF. However, radiogenic Sr–Nd–Pb isotope compositions of F-suite and EEVF and some ONB lavas require the admixture of melts from lithospheric mantle sources. Elevated Nb/Ta and Lu/Hf ratios in combination with variable 187Os/188Os ratios can now demonstrate the presence of residual carbonated eclogite components, either in the lithosphere or in the asthenospheric mantle. Finally, by combining geochemical and temporal constraints of Tertiary and Quaternary volcanism it becomes evident that CEVP volcanism in central and western Germany has resulted from compositionally distinct magmatic pulses that tap separate mantle sources. Although the presence of a mantle plume can neither be fully confirmed nor excluded, plume-like melt pulses which partially tap carbonated eclogite domains that interact to variable extents with the lithosphere provide a viable explanation for the temporal and compositional cyclicity of CEVP volcanism.

Sr, Nd, Pb, and Os Isotope Systematics and Derivation of Mesozoic Plume-Related Basalts of Antarctica: Karoo-Maud and Kerguelen Plume Realm

The study of Re–Os isotopic systematics of the Mesozoic magmas in East Antarctica and its comparison with Sr–Nd–Pb–Os published data allowed us to reveal the main features of Antarctic magmatism associated with the activity of the Karoo–Maud (Dronning Maud Land (DML), Karoo and Ferrar provinces) and the Kerguelen (Lambert rift area) plumes. It is shown that a melt source of the 180-Ma Karoo–Maud plume could be enriched lithospheric mantle. Variations of the 187Os/188Os ratio in the range of 0.1242–0.1426 characterize almost all types of melts in the Karoo and DML provinces, including both high- and low-Ti magmas as well as high-Mg ferropicrites produced by melting of mantle pyroxenite. This observation is consistent with previous assumption that magmas derived from pyroxenite mantle at the initial stage of plume impact represented melts of deep lithospheric fragments of ancient Gondwana paleocontinent that were entrapped by plume. Thereby, mantle heterogeneity recorded in the Nd–Pb–Sr isotopic compositions of the basalts is not expressed in the systematic variations of Re–Os isotope system. The magmatic source of the basalts of the Ferrar province differs from the source of Mesozoic magmatism in the Karoo and DML provinces by great variations in the 187Os/188Os ratio: from 0.1 to 0.31, and by the lower osmium contents, with limited variations of other isotopic systems, indicating an admixture of enriched EM-II source. This is consistent with inferred subduction reworking of the mantle of the western Antarctic margin (Sushchevskaya et al., 2022). Ultramafic picritic magmas from the Lambert Glacier area are characterized by a radiogenic osmium isotopic composition: 187Os/188Os 0.1582–0.2388. Source of these magmas could be ancient depleted mantle, which later experienced mantle metasomatism due to the multiple interactions with fluid-saturated melts. Picritic melts of the paleorift zone of the Lambert Glacier are close to a magma source of the Karoo and DML provinces in terms of Sr-Nd isotopic composition, but differ in more radiogenic lead.

The Tethyan Himalaya Igneous Province: Early Melting Products of the Kerguelen Mantle Plume

AbstractThe Kerguelen large igneous province (LIP) has been related to mantle plume activity since at least 120 Ma. There are some older (147–130 Ma) magmatic provinces on circum-eastern Gondwana, but the relationship between these provinces and the Kerguelen mantle plume remains controversial. Here we present petrological, geochronological, geochemical, and Sr–Nd–Hf–Pb–Os isotopic data for high-Ti mafic rocks from two localities (Cuona and Jiangzi) in the eastern Tethyan Himalaya igneous province (147–130 Ma). Zircon grains from these two localities yielded concordant weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages of 137.25 ± 0.98 Ma and 131.28 ± 0.78 Ma (2σ), respectively. The analyzed mafic rocks are enriched in high field strength elements and have positive Nb–Ta anomalies relative to Th and La, which have ocean island basalt-like characteristics. The Cuona basalts were generated by low degrees of melting (3–5 %) of garnet lherzolites (3–5 vol% garnet), and elsewhere the Jiangzi diabases were formed by relatively lower degrees of melting (1–3%) of garnet lherzolite (1–5 vol% garnet). The highly radiogenic Os and Pb isotopic compositions of the Jiangzi diabases were produced by crustal contamination, but the Cuona basalts experienced the least crustal contamination given their relatively low γOs(t), 206Pb/204Pbi, 207Pb/204Pbi, and 208Pb/204Pbi values. Major and trace element geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf–Pb–Os isotope data for the Cuona basalts are similar to those for products of the Kerguelen mantle plume head. Together with high mantle potential temperatures (>1500 °C), this suggests that the eastern Tethyan Himalaya igneous province (147–130 Ma) was an early magmatic product of the Kerguelen plume. A mantle plume initiation model can explain the temporal and spatial evolution of the Kerguelen LIP, and pre-continental breakup played a role in the breakup of eastern Gondwana, given the >10 Myr between initial mantle plume activity (147–130 Ma) and continental breakup (132–130 Ma). Like studies of Re–Os isotopes in other LIPs, the increasing amount of crustal assimilation with distance from the plume stem can explain the variations in radiogenic Os.

Carbonatites from the southern Brazilian Platform: A review. II: Isotopic evidences

Abstract Early and Late Cretaceous alkaline and alkaline–carbonatitic complexes from southern Brazil are located along the main tectonic lineaments of the South America Platform. Calcium-, magnesium-, and ferrocarbonatites are well represented and frequently associated even in the same complex. Primary carbonates present significant variations in C–O isotopic compositions, which are mainly due to isotope exchange with H2O–CO2-rich hydrothermal fluids, whereas fractional crystallization or liquid immiscibility probably affects the δ18O and δ13C values by no more than 2δ‰. Our isotope exchange model implies that the most significant isotopic variations took place in a hydrothermal environment, e.g., in the range 400–80°C, involving fluids with the CO2/H2O ratio ranging from 0.8 to 1. Sr–Nd–Pb isotope systematics highlight heterogeneous mixtures between HIMU and EMI mantle components, similar to the associated alkaline rocks and the flood tholeiites from southern Brazil. In spite of the strong variation shown by C–O isotopes, Sr–Nd–Pb–Os isotopic systematics could be related to an isotopically enriched source where the chemical heterogeneities reflect a depleted mantle “metasomatized” by small-volume melts and fluids rich in incompatible elements. These fluids are expected to have promoted crystallization of K-rich phases in the mantle, which produced a veined network variously enriched in LILE and LREE. The newly formed veins (enriched component) and peridotite matrix (depleted component) underwent a different isotopic evolution with time as reflected by the carbonatites. These conclusions may be extended to the whole Paraná–Etendeka system, where isotopically distinct parent magmas were generated following two main enrichment events of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle at 2.0–1.4 and 1.0–0.5 Ga, respectively, as also supported by Re–Os systematics. The mantle sources preserved the isotopic heterogeneities over a long time, suggesting a nonconvective lithospheric mantle beneath different cratons or intercratonic regions. Overall, the data indicate that the alkaline–carbonatitic magmatism originated from a locally heterogeneous subcontinental mantle.

Petrographic, Geochemical and Isotopic (Sr–Nd–Pb–Os) Study of Plio-Quaternary Volcanics and the Tertiary Basement in the Jorullo-Tacámbaro Area, Michoacán-Guanajuato Volcanic Field, Mexico

AbstractThe origin of the large diversity of rock types erupted along the subduction-related Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (TMVB) remains highly debated. In particular, several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the contemporary eruption of calc-alkaline and alkaline magmas along the belt. The Michoacán-Guanajuato Volcanic Field (MGVF) is an atypical, vast region of monogenetic activity located in the western-central part of the TMVB. Here we present new petrographic, geochemical, and isotopic (Sr–Nd–Pb–Os) data on recent volcanics in the Jorullo-Tacámbaro area that is the closest to the oceanic trench. TMVB-related volcanics in this area are Plio-Quaternary (<5 Ma) and mainly form a calc-alkaline series from basalts to dacites, with rare (<5 vol. %) alkaline rocks that range from trachybasalts to trachydacites, and transitional samples. Crystal textures are consistent with rapid crystallization at shallow depth and processes of mixing of similar magma batches (magma recharge). All of the samples exhibit an arc-type trace element pattern. Alkaline and transitional magmas have higher Na2O and K2O, lower Al2O3, and higher concentrations in incompatible elements (e.g. Sr, K, Ba, Th, Ce, P) compared to calc-alkaline rocks. Calc-alkaline rocks are similar isotopically to transitional and alkaline samples, except for a few low 87Sr/86Sr samples. Sr, Nd and Pb isotopes do not correlate with MgO or 187Os/188Os, indicating that they were not significantly influenced by crustal contamination. Isotopic and trace-element systematics suggest that the Tacámbaro magmas are produced by melting of a mantle wedge fluxed by fluids derived from a mixture of subducted sediments and altered oceanic crust. Alkaline and transitional magmas can be derived from a lower degree of partial melting of a similar source to that of the calc-alkaline rocks, whereas the few low 87Sr/86Sr calc-alkaline rocks require a lower proportion of fluid derived from oceanic sediments and crust. Volcanism at the trenchward edge of the MGVF was thus driven purely by subduction during the last 5 Ma, hence discarding slab rollback in this sector of the TMVB.

The Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP) in Morocco

AbstractThe Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP) is a large igneous province (LIP) composed of basic dykes, sills, layered intrusions and lava flows emplaced before Pangea break-up and currently distributed on the four continents surrounding the Atlantic Ocean. One of the oldest, best preserved and most complete sub-provinces of the CAMP is located in Morocco. Geochemical, geochronologic, petrographic and magnetostratigraphic data obtained in previous studies allowed identification of four strato-chemical magmatic units, i.e. the Lower, Intermediate, Upper and Recurrent units. For this study, we completed a detailed sampling of the CAMP in Morocco, from the Anti Atlas in the south to the Meseta in the north. We provide a complete mineralogical, petrologic (major and trace elements on whole-rocks and minerals), geochronologic (40Ar/39Ar and U–Pb ages) and geochemical set of data (including Sr–Nd–Pb–Os isotope systematics) for basaltic and basaltic–andesitic lava flow piles and for their presumed feeder dykes and sills. Combined with field observations, these data suggest a very rapid (<0·3 Ma) emplacement of over 95% of the preserved magmatic rocks. In particular, new and previously published data for the Lower to Upper unit samples yielded indistinguishable 40Ar/39Ar (mean age = 201·2 ± 0·8 Ma) and U–Pb ages (201·57 ± 0·04 Ma), suggesting emplacement coincident with the main phase of the end-Triassic biotic turnover (c.201·5 to 201·3 Ma). Eruptions are suggested to have been pulsed with rates in excess of 10 km3/year during five main volcanic pulses, each pulse possibly lasting only a few centuries. Such high eruption rates reinforce the likelihood that CAMP magmatism triggered the end-Triassic climate change and mass extinction. Only the Recurrent unit may have been younger but by no more than 1 Ma. Whole-rock and mineral geochemistry constrain the petrogenesis of the CAMP basalts. The Moroccan magmas evolved in mid-crustal reservoirs (7–20 km deep) where most of the differentiation occurred. However, a previous stage of crystallization probably occurred at even greater depths. The four units cannot be linked by closed-system fractional crystallization processes, but require distinct parental magmas and/or distinct crustal assimilation processes. EC-AFC modeling shows that limited crustal assimilation (maximum c.5–8% assimilation of e.g. Eburnean or Pan-African granites) could explain some, but not all the observed geochemical variations. Intermediate unit magmas are apparently the most contaminated and may have been derived from parental magmas similar to the Upper basalts (as attested by indistinguishable trace element contents in the augites analysed for these units). Chemical differences between Central High Atlas and Middle Atlas samples in the Intermediate unit could be explained by distinct crustal contaminants (lower crustal rocks or Pan-African granites for the former and Eburnean granites for the latter). The CAMP units in Morocco are likely derived from 5–10% melting of enriched peridotite sources. The differences observed in REE ratios for the four units are attributed to variations in both source mineralogy and melting degree. In particular, the Lower basalts require a garnet peridotite source, while the Upper basalts were probably formed from a shallower melting region straddling the garnet–spinel transition. Recurrent basalts instead are relatively shallow-level melts generated mainly from spinel peridotites. Sr–Nd–Pb–Os isotopic ratios in the CAMP units from Morocco are similar to those of other CAMP sub-provinces and suggest a significant enrichment of the mantle-source regions by subducted crustal components. The enriched signature is attributed to involvement of about 5–10% recycled crustal materials introduced into an ambient depleted or PREMA-type mantle, while involvement of mantle-plume components like those sampled by present-day Central Atlantic Ocean Island Basalts (OIB, e.g. Cape Verde and Canary Islands) is not supported by the observed compositions. Only Recurrent basalts may possibly reflect a Central Atlantic plume-like signature similar to the Common or FOZO components.

Source components and magmatic processes in the genesis of Miocene to Quaternary lavas in western Turkey: constraints from HSE distribution and Hf–Pb–Os isotopes

Hf–Pb–Os isotope compositions and highly siderophile element (HSE) abundance variations are used to evaluate the mantle source characteristics and possible effects of differentiation processes in lavas from western Turkey, where the eruption of Late Miocene to Quaternary OIB-type intraplate mafic alkaline lavas followed pre-Middle Miocene convergent margin-type volcanism. Concentrations of Os, Ir, and Ru (IPGE) in the OIB-type intraplate lavas decrease with fractionation for primitive melts (MgO > 10 wt%), suggesting that these elements reside predominantly in olivine and associated HSE retaining trace phases and behave compatibly during olivine-dominated fractionation. Fractional crystallization trends indicate distinctly lower bulk partition coefficients for IPGE in more evolved lavas, possibly reflecting a change in the fractionating assemblages. Pd and Re in the primitive melts display negative correlations with MgO, demonstrating moderately incompatible behavior of these elements during fractionation, while the significantly scattered variation in Pt against MgO may indicate the effects of micronuggets of a Pt-rich alloy. Os-rich alkaline primary lavas (>50 ppt Os) exhibit a limited range of 187Os/188Os (0.1361–0.1404), with some xenolith-bearing lavas displaying depletions in 187Os/188Os (0.1131–0.1232), suggesting slight compositional modification of primitive melts through contamination with highly depleted, Os-rich mantle lithosphere. More radiogenic Os isotope ratios (187Os/188Os > 0.1954) in the evolved lavas reflect contamination of the magmas by high187Os/188Os crustal material during shallow differentiation. The OIB-type lavas show limited variations in Hf and Pb isotopes with 176Hf/177Hf = 0.282941–0.283051, 206Pb/204Pb = 18.683–19.091, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.579–15.646, 208Pb/204Pb = 38.550–38.993; 176Hf/177Hf ratios correlate negatively with 208Pb*/206Pb*, suggesting the effects of similar mantle processes on the evolution of time-integrated Th/U and Lu/Hf. These lavas have distinctly higher 176Hf/177Hf and lower 208Pb*/206Pb* than the Early–Middle Miocene lavas of the region, which are interpreted as melts of enriched mantle with an overprint by sediment-derived subduction component. The source region for the OIB-type alkaline melts is interpreted to be a sub-lithospheric reservoir enriched in Hf and Pb isotopes with respect to depleted MORB mantle. Combined evaluation of Hf, Pb, and Os isotopes suggests that the relative enrichment in this domain is related to mixing of ancient oceanic crust with the ambient mantle through long-term plate recycling processes.

Evidence for crustal contamination in intra-continental OIB-like basalts from West Qinling, central China: A Re–Os perspective

The magnitude of crustal contamination in intra-continental OIB-like basalts is commonly difficult to assess in terms of major, trace-element and Pb–Sr–Nd isotopes. However, the Re–Os isotope system is a very sensitive tracer of the crustal component during formation of basaltic rocks. Here we report new Sr–Nd–Pb–Os geochemical and isotopic data from the Cretaceous Duofutun Volcanic Rocks (DVRs) of West Qinling, central China. The DVRs exhibit low Os abundances (4.46–42.02ppt) with Re abundances ranging from 45.58 to 812.98ppt, variably high Re/Os (3–126), and high initial 187Os/188Os ratios (0.2112–0.6784). We propose that the degree of partial melting is responsible for the first-order control on the variation of Os concentrations. Even the least radiogenic sample still possesses a higher initial 187Os/188Os ratio than the primitive upper mantle, implying a non-negligible contribution from high Re/Os and 187Os/188Os reservoir(s). Both the crust and pyroxenite-rich mantle are reliable candidates, but the latter cannot be reconciled with the Os mass balance between pyroxenite and ambient peridotite. Hence, we contend that these rocks were contaminated by crustal materials en route to the surface. Assimilation/fractional crystallization modeling manifests the observed isotopic variations can be produced by minor assimilation of the Proterozoic mafic lower crust. In addition, the intra-continental OIB-like basalts show a relatively wider range of 187Os/188Os ratios in comparison with MORB and OIB, confirming the continental crust can have a higher concentration of radioactive Os, which is induced by time-integrated growth.

Geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb–Os isotopic compositions of Miocene ultrapotassic rocks in southern Tibet: Petrogenesis and implications for the regional tectonic history

Abstract Ultrapotassic lavas are widespread throughout southern Tibet and are generally thought to have formed from magmas generated by partial melting of an enriched mantle source that was metasomatized during earlier subduction events. Here, we report new geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb–Os isotope data for Miocene ultrapotassic rocks within the Sailipu area of the western Lhasa terrane, southern Tibet. The Sailipu ultrapotassic rocks are enriched in the large ion lithophile elements relative to the high field strength elements, and have extremely radiogenic Sr (87Sr/86Sr(i) = 0.714480–0.727323), Pb (206Pb/204Pb = 18.414–18.787, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.693–15.749, 208Pb/204Pb = 39.439–39.765), and Os isotopic signatures (187Os/188Os(i) = 0.1095–0.37454), and unradiogenic Nd (eNd(t) = − 11.5 to − 15.2) isotopic compositions. These geochemical and isotopic characteristics, coupled with high K2O (> 5 wt.%) and MgO (5.20–13.70 wt.%) concentrations, Mg# values of 68–76, high Rb/Sr (0.13–0.95) and low Ba/Rb (3.33–12.3) ratios, and the relatively low Os contents and radiogenic Os isotopic compositions of the Sailipu ultrapotassic rocks, do not support any significant crustal contamination. Instead, we consider these rocks to be analogous to the Cenozoic ultrapotassic rocks from Italy and the Balkans, suggesting that they were produced by interaction between melts derived from phlogopite-rich clinopyroxene veins and surrounding peridotitic mantle material. The Sailipu ultrapotassic rocks can be divided into type-1 and type-2 suites based on differences in major and trace element concentrations, and isotopic compositions. Type-1 ultrapotassic rocks are relatively enriched in the heavy rare earth elements, most likely as a result of interaction between melts derived from phlogopite-rich clinopyroxene veins and the surrounding spinel-bearing peridotite material, whereas the type-2 rocks are enriched in rare earth elements and have high (Gd/Yb)N values (8.3–12.2), both of which are indicative of interaction between melts derived from phlogopite-rich clinopyroxene veins and surrounding garnet-bearing peridotite material that also contained carbonates. Although both the existing convective removal and oblique subduction models can explain some of the geological observations associated with the formation of the Tibetan Plateau, we suggest that the former more accurately explains the spatial and temporal distributions of ultrapotassic rocks and other Cenozoic lavas in this area and the associated topographic uplift recorded in southern Tibet.

Enriched mantle source for the Central Atlantic magmatic province: New supporting evidence from southwestern Europe

Remnants of the Central Atlantic magmatic province (CAMP), emplaced ca. 201Ma during the rifting phases leading to Pangaea breakup, are still preserved in southwestern Europe (SWE) in the form of sills, dykes and lava flows. Low–Ti (TiO2 0.48–1.46wt.%) tholeiitic basalts and basaltic andesites crop out as sills only in the Pyrenean area, as dykes (especially the Messejana–Plasencia dyke) from central Spain to the Atlantic coast, and as lava flows within sedimentary basins in Southern Portugal. Here we present new geochemical data (major and trace elements, mineral chemistry and combined Sr–Nd–Pb–Os analyses) on 132 samples, aiming to investigate the mantle source of these rocks and correlate them with magmatism from other areas of the CAMP. Crustal-like signatures in incompatible element patterns (Nb–Ta troughs, Pb peaks, generally shared by most CAMP rocks) and the enriched Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic characters (87Sr/86Sr200Ma 0.70529–0.70657; 143Nd/144Nd200Ma 0.51238–0.51225; 206Pb/204Pb200Ma 18.15–18.48; 207Pb/204Pb200Ma 15.57–15.68; 208Pb/204Pb200Ma 37.99–38.52) apparently argue in favor of crustal assimilation playing an important role in the evolution of these magmas. However, the low initial 187Os/188Os values (0.1298±0.0056) as well as the restricted geochemical variations shown by SWE-CAMP rocks over such a large area limit the crustal assimilation of various Iberian lithologies to small amounts. We thus locate this enrichment in the mantle source, in the form of upper and lower crustal material recycled during earlier subduction-related events. This process, while imparting crustal signatures to incompatible elements and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes, would not alter the Os isotopic signature, dominated by the peridotite. The mixed contribution of 3–7% of local upper (pelitic) and lower (felsic granulitic) crust is sufficient to enrich a depleted mantle source, which can be either the sub-SWE lithosphere or the upper depleted asthenosphere. Similar processes of crustal recycling within the upper mantle have been recognized to be responsible for the mantle source enrichment in other areas of the CAMP (Eastern North America). Geochemical correlations of the here studied tholeiites with CAMP rocks from other areas inscribe European basalts within the main pulse of CAMP magmatism.A subset of samples from Southern Portugal (here defined high-Sr dykes) shows different major and trace element geochemistry (e.g. Sr and CaO enrichment, SiO2 depletion) as well as more radiogenic 87Sr/86Sr200Ma (0.70669–0.70749) and Pb isotopic ratios (e.g., 206Pb/204Pb200Ma 18.55) at similar 143Nd/144Nd200Ma (0.51232–0.51224). This reflects a different magmatic evolution for these rocks, dominated by the late-stage assimilation of 10–20% local carbonates.

Upper and lower crust recycling in the source of CAMP basaltic dykes from southeastern North America

The densest dykes swarm of the Central Atlantic magmatic province (CAMP) occur in southeastern North America (SENA) and were intruded between 202 and 195 Ma during Pangea break-up. New combined geochemical data (major and trace elements, Sr–Nd–Pb–Os isotopes) constrain the mantle source of these magmatic bodies and their evolution path. While Sr–Nd isotopic compositions for SENA rocks (87Sr/86Sr200Ma 0.70438–0.70880 and 143Nd/144Nd200Ma 0.51251–0.51204) fall within the low-Ti CAMP field, Pb–Pb isotopes (206Pb/204Pb200Ma 17.46–18.85, 207Pb/204Pb200Ma 15.54–15.65, 208Pb/204Pb200Ma 37.47–38.76) are peculiar to this area of the CAMP and cover a considerable span of compositions, especially in 206Pb/204Pb200Ma. Given the generally unradiogenic Os isotopic compositions (187Os/188Os200Ma 0.127–0.144) observed and the lack of correlation between these and other geochemical markers, crustal contamination during the evolution of SENA dykes must have been limited (less than 10%). Thus the isotopic variation is interpreted to reside primarily within the mantle source. These observations, coupled with typical continental signatures in trace elements (positive anomaly in Pb and negative anomalies in Ti and Nb), require another means of conveying a continental flavor to these magmas, which is here hypothesized to be the shallow recycling within the upper mantle of subducted lower and upper crustal materials. Pseudo-ternary mixing models show that a maximum of 10% recycled crust is enough to explain their trace element patterns as well as their isotopic heterogeneity. Looking at the larger picture of the origin of the CAMP, the thermal contribution of a mantle plume cannot be ruled out due to the relatively high mantle potential temperatures (1430–1480 °C) calculated for high-Fo SENA olivines. Nevertheless, our results suggest that the chemical involvement of a mantle plume is negligible (less than 5%) if either a C- or an EM-flavored plume is considered. Rather, the possibility of a PREMA-flavored mantle plume, enriched by 5–20% recycled crustal material, remains a possible, though less plausible, source for these tholeiites.

Lead and osmium isotopic constraints on the oceanic mantle from single abyssal peridotite sulfides

Single sulfides from abyssal peridotites have been analyzed for Pb and Re-Os to constrain the evolution of oceanic mantle composition. These represent the first analyses of Pb and Os isotopic compositions in the same sulfide grain. The sulfides are from Gakkel and Southwest Indian ridge peridotites, occur at <0.1% modal abundances, and contain 0.001–0.4ppm Re, 0.003–5ppm Os, and 0.12–12ppm Pb. Sulfide Pb isotopic compositions extend from depleted (e.g., 206Pb/204Pb=17.0) to enriched (19.6), covering a larger range than associated basalts. The Os isotopic range of sulfides is more restricted, but extends from depleted (187Os/188Os=0.116) to enriched (0.150). Pb and Os concentrations and isotopic compositions co-vary, with correlation coefficients of 0.76–0.94. Both Pb and Re–Os isotopic data follow ∼2Ga isochrons, with isotopic compositions varying down to small (⪡1km) length-scales and some sulfides containing supra-chondritic 187Re/188Os and 187Os/188Os. These observations are best explained by long-term recycling of oceanic lithosphere combined with melt extraction and refertilization at ancient ocean ridges, rather than a specific event at 2Ga.The concentration of Pb in sulfides indicates that they host <4% of the mantle Pb budget. A re-evaluation of the mass balance of Pb in peridotites indicates that most mantle Pb is stored in silicate phases. The Pb partition coefficient between sulfide melt and silicate melt is estimated to be ∼3, based on the correlation of Pb–Os concentrations in this study and measured Os partition coefficients from the literature. These observations indicate that sulfides do not exert a strong control on the fractionation of Pb during mantle melting, but they can be used to constrain mantle Pb isotopic composition.Sulfides in this study, combined with literature data for Pb isotopes in peridotite whole rocks and pyroxene separates, provide evidence for ultra-depleted mantle, as 24% of peridotites are unradiogenic (i.e., 207Pb/204Pb <15.440 and 206Pb/204Pb <17.726), compared to only 3% of ridge basalts. This suggests that the mantle contains volumetrically significant reservoirs of ultra-depleted material, probably derived from recycled oceanic lithospheric mantle. These depleted reservoirs contribute in only small amounts to oceanic crust generation, both due to a limited ability to melt and to the dilution of any melt by more enriched melts during crust formation.

40Ar/ 39Ar ages and Sr–Nd–Pb–Os geochemistry of CAMP tholeiites from Western Maranhão basin (NE Brazil)

The Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP), emplaced at the Triassic–Jurassic (T–J) boundary (~ 200 Ma), is among the largest igneous provinces on Earth. The Maranhão basin in NE Brazil is located around 700 km inland and 2000 km from the site of the earliest Pangea disruption. The CAMP tholeiites occur only in the western part of the basin and have been described as low and high-Ti. Here we document the occurrence of two sub-groups among the high-Ti tholeiites in the Western Maranhão basin. The major and trace elements and the Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic ratios define three chemical groups corresponding to the low-Ti (TiO 2 < 1.3 wt.%), high-Ti (TiO 2 ~ 2.0 wt.%) and evolved high-Ti (TiO 2 > 3 wt.%) western Maranhão basin tholeiites (WMBT). The new 40Ar/ 39Ar plateau ages obtained on plagioclase separates for high-Ti (199.7 ± 2.4 Ma) and evolved high-Ti WMBT (197.2 ± 0.5 Ma and 198.2 ± 0.6 Ma) are indistinguishable and identical to those of previously analyzed low-Ti WMBT (198.5 ± 0.8 Ma) and to the mean 40Ar/ 39Ar age of the CAMP (199 ± 2.4 Ma). We also present the first Re–Os isotopic data for CAMP basalts. The low and high-Ti samples display mantle-like initial ( 187Os/ 188Os) i ranging from 0.1267 to 0.1299, while the evolved high-Ti samples are more radiogenic (( 187Os/ 188Os) i up to 0.184) We propose that the high-Ti WMBT were derived from the sub-lithospheric asthenosphere, and contaminated during ascent by interaction with the subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM). The evolved high-Ti WMBT were derived from the same asthenospheric source but experienced crustal contamination. The chemical characteristics of the low-Ti group can be explained by partial melting of the most fertile portions of the SCLM metasomatized during paleo-subduction. Alternatively, the low-Ti WMBT could be derived from the sub-lithospheric asthenosphere but the resulting melts may have undergone contamination by the SCLM. The occurrences of high-Ti basalts are apparently not restricted to the area of initial continental disruption which may bring into question previous interpretations such as those relating high-Ti CAMP magmatism to the initiation of Atlantic ridge spreading or as the expression of a deep mantle plume. We propose that the CAMP magmatism in the Maranhão basin may be attributed to local hotter mantle conditions due to the combined effects of edge-driven convection and large-scale mantle warming under the Pangea supercontinent. The involvement of a mantle-plume with asthenosphere-like isotopic characteristics cannot be ruled out either as one of the main source components of the WMBT or as a heat supplier.

Helium isotopes in early Iceland plume picrites: Constraints on the composition of high 3He/ 4He mantle

A detailed study of the geochemistry of a new suite of early Iceland plume picrites shows that extremely high 3He/ 4He ratios (up to 50 R a) are found in picrites from Baffin Island and West Greenland. High 3He/ 4He picrites display a wide range in 87Sr/ 86Sr (0.70288–0.70403), 143Nd/ 144Nd (0.51288–0.51308) and incompatible trace element ratios (e.g. La/Sm n = 0.5–1.6). These overlap the complete range of compositions of mid-ocean ridge basalts and most northern hemisphere ocean island basalts, including Iceland. Crustal contamination modelling in which high-grade Proterozoic crustal basement rocks for the region are mixed with a depleted parent cannot account for the trend displayed by the Baffin Island and West Greenland picrites. This rules out the possibility that the incompatible trace element, Sr and Nd isotope range of the high 3He/ 4He picrites is due to crustal contamination. The compositional range at high 3He/ 4He is also inconsistent with derivation from a primordial-He-rich reservoir that is a residue of ancient mantle depletion. This implies that the composition of the high 3He/ 4He mantle cannot be determined simply by extrapolating ocean island basalt He–Sr–Nd–Pb–Os isotope data. The apparent decoupling of He from trace element and lithophile radiogenic isotope tracers is difficult to attain by simple mixing of a high-[He], high 3He/ 4He reservoir with various depleted and enriched He-poor mantle reservoirs. The possibility that primordial He has diffused into a reservoir with a composition typical of convecting upper mantle cannot be ruled out. If so, the process must have occurred after the development of existing mantle heterogeneity, and requires the existence of a deep, primordial He-rich reservoir.

Nd–Pb–Os and Cu–Zn isotope systematics of urals VHMS deposits

Nd–Pb–Os and Cu–Zn isotope systematics of urals VHMS deposits

Th/U and other geochemical evidence for the Réunion plume sampling a less differentiated mantle domain

Like Mid-Ocean Ridge Basalts (MORB), most Ocean Island Basalts (OIB) record a Th/U decrease during the history of their source. Notable exceptions are lavas sampling EM1 mantle end-member, which have super-chondritic time-integrated Th/U ([Th/U] Pb). An intermediate situation is observed for the Réunion plume, where both present-day [Th/U] and [Th/U] Pb are similar to the bulk Earth value (weight ratio ∼ 3.9). If [Th/U] measured in basalts reliably reflects the source ratio, then the Réunion plume source could have evolved in closed system with respect to Th/U. Th/U decrease in the mantle has been ascribed either to early continental crust extraction, or to preferential recycling of U over Th since oxidizing conditions appeared at the surface of the planet (∼ 2.2 Ga). The primitive-like Th/U signature of Réunion is best explained by the absence of subduction influence since at least the Archean. This possibility is consistent with the 187Os/ 186Os signature, which is the less radiogenic of ocean island shield basalts. In addition, the difference in 3He/ 4He between Réunion (R/R A ∼ 12.5) and high- 3He/ 4He plumes (Hawaii, Iceland) most likely reflects a Réunion source less depleted in U and Th, rather than more degassed. In Sr–Nd–Pb–Os–He isotope space, Réunion signature plots in the region where OIB arrays converge, suggesting that the Réunion plume samples a component common to OIB, which is neither the source of MORB, nor the region where subducted plates are stored. It is suggested that the Réunion plume taps an early-depleted mantle domain subsequently influenced little, or not at all by recycling processes.

Isotope and trace element evidence for depleted lithosphere in the source of enriched Ko’olau basalts

We have measured the Hf and Nd isotopic compositions of 38 basalts from the Ko’olau drill hole, Hawai’i. The basalts show limited variations in both 176Hf/177Hf and 143Nd/144Nd (e Nd varies from +4.2 to +7.3 and e Hf from +8.0 to +12.3). Their correlated variation has an R 2 of 0.86. The data form an array with a slope of 1.2 on an e Hf–e Nd isotope correlation diagram, while the slope of all Hawai’ian basalt data is 0.98. Both slopes are significantly shallower than that of the mantle array of 1.4 defined by ocean island basalts. Previous studies have shown that a shallow slope in Hf–Nd isotope space can be related to ancient pelagic sediments in the mantle source (Blichert-Toft et al. 1999; Salters and White 1998). However, the combined variations in Ko’olau basalts of Hf–Nd–Pb–Os isotopic compositions and trace element ratios, such as La/Nb, Th/La and Sr/Nd, are not consistent with the simple addition of a sediment component to the mantle. We instead propose that the shallow slope on the Hf–Nd isotope correlation diagram for Ko’olau shield stage basalts can be better explained if the enriched endmember contains either an ancient oceanic lithosphere component or the high-176Hf/177Hf component observed in the Salt Lake Crater (SLC) peridotite xenoliths (which also have a depleted lithosphere origin). Since Ko’olau basalts have high 187Os/188Os (0.135–0.160) and the SLC xenoliths have 187Os/188Os up to 0.13 (Lassiter et al. 2000) Os-isotopes are consistent with the latter being a component in the enriched Ko’olau source.

Isotope and trace element variations in lavas from Raivavae and Rapa, Cook–Austral islands: constraints on the nature of HIMU- and EM-mantle and the origin of mid-plate volcanism in French Polynesia

We have examined the major and trace element and Sr–Nd–Hf–Pb–Os isotope variations in two suites of lavas from the islands of Raivavae and Rapa from the Cook–Austral chain to better constrain the nature and origin of the source(s) of these lavas. Combined with data from other Cook–Austral islands and seamounts, the Raivavae and Rapa samples reveal the presence of three distinct components involved in the genesis of these lavas, a HIMU component, a depleted (or DM) component, and an “enriched” (EM) component. Northern Cook–Australs lavas (those north of the Austral Fracture Zone (AFZ)) falling along the “Macdonald” pseudo-age progression reflect mixing of the HIMU and DM components, whereas lavas south of the AFZ reflect mixing of the DM and EM components.Strong depletions in potassium and other fluid soluble elements in HIMU lavas suggest that the HIMU source contains ancient recycled (dehydrated) oceanic crust. The EM lavas have systematically less radiogenic Os-isotopes than the HIMU lavas. Therefore, the enriched or EM component cannot be generated through the addition of pelagic or terrigenous sediment to the HIMU source. Instead, the EM component in the southern Cook–Australs may represent recycled subduction-modified sub-arc mantle. High 208Pb/204Pb values in the DM component relative to East Pacific Rise mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB) preclude derivation of this component from assimilated lithospheric mantle. The Sr–Nd–Pb isotope characteristics of the DM component resemble Pacific alkalic seamount lavas, and may derive from easily fusible components (e.g., pyroxenite veins) dispersed in the Pacific upper mantle.The Raivavae and Rapa lavas define a Hf–Nd isotope correlation that is considerably steeper than the mantle Hf–Nd isotope array. The unusually low εHf values (for a given εNd value) characteristic of the HIMU source are consistent with the presence of recycled oceanic crust. However, the presence of low εHf values in the Rapa EM lavas reveals that anomalously low εHf values are not restricted to the HIMU source. Regardless of the ultimate origin of the Raivavae and Rapa lavas, the comparatively low εHf values in these lavas indicate that multiple low-εHf components are present in the mantle. The addition of these components may help resolve the apparent terrestrial Hf–Nd mass-imbalance with respect to estimates of the bulk earth Nd- and Hf-isotope composition.Islands and seamounts from the Cook–Austral chain do not follow a clear age progression as predicted by the standard plume model for the origin of ocean island basalts (OIB). Previous models for the origin of the Cook–Austral chain have appealed to the existence of multiple small plumes. However, these models are implausible because they do not explain how several deep-seated plumes become aligned with each other in the direction of plate motion. We propose that volcanism along the Cook–Austral chain (and perhaps in much of French Polynesia) is generated through self-perpetuating melting anomalies that preferentially sample enriched components in a marble-cake mantle. These melting anomalies preferentially form or strengthen where lithospheric boundary conditions are favorable, such as at pre-existing transform faults or where the lithosphere has been thinned by a previous period of volcanism.

Os isotope systematics of La Palma, Canary Islands: Evidence for recycled crust in the mantle source of HIMU ocean islands

Sub-aerial lavas from the single ocean island of La Palma, Canary Islands show as large a variation in 187 Os 186 Os isotope ratios (1.13–1.59) as found across all of French Polynesia [1]. The La Palma lavas, however, display a restricted range of chemical composition and have all been erupted within the last 3.5 Ma. The highest Os isotopic compositions are observed in lavas with low Os concentrations. An uplifted sequence of lavas, that represent the early phase of submarine growth of the island, show extremely heterogeneous 187 Os 186 Os isotope ratios, from 1.21 to 3.53, with the most radiogenic values found in pillow rinds. Assimilation of these pillow rinds by ascending magma can readily account for highly radiogenic ratios ( 187 Os 186 Os > 1.3 ) found in lavas with Os concentrations below 30 ppt. Samples with Os concentrations too high to be significantly affected by assimilation still display a range in Os isotope ratios from 1.13 to 1.25. We argue that these radiogenic values reflect a HIMU mantle source that contains ancient recycled oceanic crust. Characteristic incompatible trace element ratios suggest further similarities between the mantle beneath La Palma and other HIMU islands. When potentially contaminated low-Os OIBs are screened from literature data, HIMU islands are found to display the highest Os isotope ratios (up to 1.25). PbOs systematics for uncontaminated OIBs do not define a simple two-component mixing relationship between ambient mantle and recycled oceanic crust of a single composition. We suggest that this is due to variable alteration and subduction-induced perturbation of the U Pb ratio in the recycled material that forms a component of the HIMU source.