Similar Mantle Source Research Articles

The source of platinum group elements in basalts of the ophiolite complex of the Kamchatsky Mys Peninsula (Eastern Kamchatka)

Contents of platinum group elements (PGE—Os, Ir, Ru, Rh, Pt, and Pd) and rhenium in basalts of different geochemical types from the ophiolite complex of the Kamchatsky Mys Peninsula have been determined by the isotope dilution-mass spectrometry method. The total contents of PGE in different basalts are commensurate (1.4-3.6 ppb), but the element ratios vary considerably. A specific feature of the rocks is the low degree of PGE fractionation (Pd/Ir = 0.9-6.6, Pt/Pd = 1.0-7.3), which makes them similar to the Hawaiian tholeiitic basalts and picrites. The most fractionated PGE pattern is observed for alkali basalt (Pd/Ir = 6.6), and the least fractionated one, for E-MORB (Pd/Ir = 1.7). The similarity of the PGE patterns of basalts of different geochemical types suggests their similar mantle sources. We propose a model explaining the geochemical features of the basalts of the Kamchatsky Mys ophiolite complex by an impurity of the Earth’s core material in the plume source. The Ir/Pd-Ru/Pd and Pd/10-Ir-Ru discrimination diagrams can be used to identify enriched (plume) basalts based on their PGE content.

Athapuscow aulacogen revisited: Geochronology and geochemistry of the 2046 Ma Union Island Group mafic magmatism, East Arm of Great Slave Lake, Northwest Territories, Canada

The Slave craton underwent widespread extension during the Paleoproterozoic. The East Arm basin of Great Slave Lake formed during this period and preserves a protracted record of sedimentation and volcanism in the southeastern Slave craton. Within the East Arm basin package, the Union Island Group represents voluminous mafic volcanism with subordinate sedimentary strata. We report the first high precision U–Pb zircon and baddeleyite dates for the Union Island Group; 2045.8 ± 1.0 Ma for a volcaniclastic unit from the lower basalt formation and 2042.7 ± 3.0 Ma for a diabase intrusion within volcaniclastic horizons in the lower basalt formation. We fundamentally revise the lower basin stratigraphy and demonstrate that the Union Island Group is the oldest identified supracrustal package in the East Arm basin, ∼120 Myr older than previously thought. This revised stratigraphy is supported by detrital zircon provenance age distribution in two Union Island Group sedimentary samples, which is dominated by 2.76–2.56 Ga ages, reflecting prominent input from the local Archean Slave basement.The Union Island Group contains two geochemically distinct mafic volcanic packages. The lower basalt package is predominantly alkaline, characterized by an OIB-like chemical signature with high and variable incompatible element contents (108–438 ppm Zr, 13–62 ppm Nb). In contrast, the upper basalt package is tholeiitic, contains much lower and uniform incompatible element contents (83–101 ppm Zr, 2–4 ppm Nb), and has an E-MORB-like chemical signature. Both packages display overlapping, depleted time-integrated εNd(i) values (+1.1 to +3.2). Petrological modeling suggests the lower package originated as OIB-like melts from the asthenosphere that interacted with a depleted reservoir; the upper package was produced by larger degree of partial melting of a similar mantle source, in addition to possible lithospheric input. The petrogenesis established in this study is consistent with a passive continental rift origin for the Union Island Group magmatism and is further supported by geochemical similarities with Proterozoic and Phanerozoic rift successions. We therefore propose that the 2046 Ma Union Island Group represents an incipient rift basin sequence formed during Paleoproterozoic extension that marked the initial breakup of the southern margin of the Slave craton from a pre-Laurentia supercontinent.

Submarine Deep‐Water Lava Flows at the Base of the Western Galápagos Platform

AbstractTo investigate the initial phases of magmatism at the leading edge of the upwelling mantle plume, we mapped, photographed, and collected samples from two long, deep‐water lava flows located at the western base of the Galápagos Platform using the remotely operated vehicle Hercules. Lavas were recovered from four areas on the seafloor west of Fernandina volcano, including the western flow fronts of two deep‐water flows, heavily sedimented terrain between the two flows, and the eastern, shallower end of one flow. The sediment cover and morphologies are distinct between the western flow fronts and the eastern region based on seafloor imagery, suggesting that the long lava flows are not a single eruptive unit. Major and trace element concentrations reveal both tholeiitic and alkalic compositions and support the interpretation that multiple eruptive units comprise the deep‐water flows. Alkalic lavas have higher [La/Sm]N ratios (2.05–2.12) and total alkali contents (5.18–5.40) compared to tholeiitic lavas, which have [La/Sm]N ratios ranging from 1.64 to 1.68 and total alkali contents ranging from 3.07 to 4.08 wt%. Radiogenic isotope ratios are relatively homogeneous, suggesting a similar mantle source. We use petrologic models to assess three alternative mechanisms for the formation of the alkalic magmas: (1) high‐pressure crystallization of clinopyroxene, (2) mixing of high silica and mafic magmas, and (3) variable extents of melting of the same mantle source. Our modeling indicates that the alkalic samples form from lower extents of melting compared to the tholeiitic lavas and suggests that the deep‐water alkalic lavas are analogous to the initial, preshield building phase observed south of Hawaii and at the base of Loihi Seamount.

Geochemical characterization, petrogenesis, and emplacement tectonics of Paleoproterozoic high‐Ti and low‐Ti mafic intrusive rocks from the western Arunachal Himalaya, northeastern India and their possible relation to the ~1.9 Ga LIP event of the Indian shield

Paleoproterozoic mafic intrusive rocks from the western Arunachal Himalaya have been studied for understanding their petrogenesis and tectonic environment, in which they were emplaced, with the help of their bulk‐rock major, trace, and rare‐earth elements (REE) compositions. These mafic intrusive rocks, mostly small bodies of dykes, sills, and lenses, are exposed in the Higher as well as the Lesser Himalaya sequences. Geochemically, 2 suites of rocks are identified and grouped into high‐titanium and low‐titanium mafic intrusive rocks. High‐titanium mafic intrusive (HTMI) samples have comparatively low Mg number (Mg#) and high high‐field strength element contents in comparison to low‐titanium mafic intrusive (LTMI) rocks. Multielements and REE patterns for these two identified groups are distinct. The LTMI and HTMI were originally spatially separated at the time of their emplacement and believed that probably they have been juxtaposed during the Himalayan orogeny by crustal shortening through development of imbricated thrusts. It is perceived that the HTMI and LTMI have different petrogenetic histories and are derived from two different melts; however, they are postulated to be parts of the same igneous province. Geochemical characteristics do not support any serious effect of crustal contamination; however, interaction with metasomatized lithospheric mantle cannot be discounted. Trace element petrogenetic modelling suggests derivation of the LTMI samples from a parental magma generated in spinel stability field (thin lithosphere) through a ~20–25% melting of a lherzolite mantle source, whereas the HTMI samples were derived from ~5–10% melting of a similar mantle source but from garnet stability field (thick lithosphere). Widespread Paleoproterozoic mafic events in the Indian shield such as Bastanar dyke swarm in the Bastar and the Hampi dyke swarm (also includes Pulivendla sills in the Cuddapah Basin) in the eastern Dharwar Craton together with mafic intrusive and extrusive rocks in the Himalayan region suggest presence of a large igneous province at ~1.9 Ga.

Petrogenesis and Metallogenesis of the Mazaertag Layered Intrusion in the Tarim Large Igneous Province, NW China

AbstractThe Mazaertag layered intrusion is located in the northwestern part of the Tarim large igneous province where several early Permian layered mafic‐ultramafic intrusions host important Fe‐Ti oxide deposits. The intrusion covers an area of ∼0.13 km2 and has a vertical stratigraphic thickness of at least 300 m. It consists chiefly of olivine clinopyroxenite, and is cut through by the nearby mafic‐ultramafic dykes. In this paper, we report new mineral chemistry data and whole‐rock chemical and isotopic compositions for the Mazaertag intrusion along with whole‐rock isotopic compositions for the nearby mafic dykes. The averaged compositions of cumulus olivine, clinopyroxene and intercumulus plagioclase within individual samples range from Fo71–73, Mg# = 76 to 79 and An65–75 but they do not define sustained reversals. The observed mineral compositions are consistent with the differentiation of a single batch of magma in a closed system. Rocks of the Mazaertag intrusion are characterized by enrichment in light REE relative to heavy REE, positive Nb and Ta anomalies and a small range of age‐corrected ∊Nd(t) (−0.1 to +0.9) and initial 87Sr/86Sr values (0.7044 to 0.7068). The slightly lower ∊Nd(t), initial 206Pb/204Pb and higher initial 87Sr/86Sr values of the intrusion compared to those of the least contaminated dykes [∊Nd(t) = +2.8 to +3.4; (206Pb/204Pb), = 18.516–18.521; (87Sr/86Sr)1 = 0.7038–0.7041] imply that the Mazaertag magma was subjected to small to modest degrees of contamination by the upper crust. The Sr‐Nd isotopic compositions of the least contaminated dykes are consistent with derivation from a FOZO‐like mantle source. The parental magma of the Mazaertag intrusion, estimated from clinopyroxene compositions using mineral‐melt partition coefficients, has trace element compositions similar to some of the most primitive mafic dykes in the same area. This suggests that the Mazaertag intrusion and mafic dykes shared a similar mantle source. Therefore, the parental magma of the Mazaertag intrusion was interpreted to have originated from a mantle plume. Based on the Cr2O3 contents in titanomagnetite and less‐evolved characteristics of the Mazaertag intrusion compared to the Wajilitag Fe‐Ti oxide deposit in Bachu, it is speculated that there might not be a potential to find economic Fe‐Ti oxide mineralization in the intrusion.

Origin of Late Cenozoic Abaga–Dalinuoer basalts, eastern China: Implications for a mixed pyroxenite–peridotite source related with deep subduction of the Pacific slab

Continental intraplate basalts (15.42–0.16Ma) from Abaga–Dalinuoer volcanic field (ADVF) in central Inner Mongolia of eastern China, as a part of Cenozoic volcanic province along eastern margin of the Eurasian continent, provide a good opportunity to explore potential links between deep subduction of the Pacific slab and continental intraplate volcanism. In this study, we report an integrated dataset of whole-rock K–Ar ages, major and trace elements and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes, and olivine major and minor elements for the Abaga–Dalinuoer basalts (ADBs), and propose that mantle source lithology of the ADB magmas may consist of both pyroxenite and peridotite. The ADBs display low SiO2 (42.3–50.2wt.%), high MgO (7.3–11.4wt.%) and moderate K2O+Na2O (3.8–6.4wt.%), and can be subdivided into basanites, alkali basalts and tholeiitic basalts that are all characterized by ocean island basalt (OIB)-like rare earth elements (REE) and enrichment in both large ion lithosphile elements (LILE) and high field strength elements (HFSE). Olivine phenocrysts have higher Ni and Fe/Mn and lower Mn, Ca and Ca/Fe relative to those from peridotite melts, but exhibit clearly lower Ni contents (<2500ppm) compared with expected Ni range (>3000ppm) for olivines crystallized from olivine-free pyroxenite melts. Estimated compositions of the ADB primary magmas, together with olivine compositions, suggest an iron-rich mantle source related with silica-deficient pyroxenite that is most likely derived from deeply subducted Pacific oceanic crust. Additionally, peridotite and recent subducted sediments are also required to account for high Ni and MgO in primary magmas together with their trace elements and Sr–Nd–Pb isotope systematics. We suggest that a mixed pyroxenite–peridotite source lithology can better match observed whole-rock and olivine signatures in the ADB, compared with either peridotite only or olivine-free pyroxenite only source lithology. In our model, pyroxenite melts would either react with or mechanically mix with peridotite, and the proportion of pyroxenite melts may range from 30% to 45% for mechanical mixing scenario. A continuous spectrum from tholeiitic to alkali melts revealed by melt-peridotite reaction experiment can explain formation of primary magmas of basanites, alkali basalts and tholeiitic basalts by increasing melting degree of a similar mantle source. Relatively higher 206Pb/204Pb of the ADB may suggest more significant role of recent (<0.5Ga) subducted Pacific oceanic materials, in contrast to other Cenozoic basalts in eastern China (e.g., Changbai basalts) that exhibit varying contributions from ancient (>1.5Ga) subducted continental sediments. We emphasize that coupled geochemical and geodynamic links (i.e., subduction polarity) between deeply subducted Pacific slab and continental intraplate volcanism in eastern China may exist, which directly support the involvement of deeply subducted Pacific materials in petrogenesis of the ADB. From the perspective of plate motion kinetics, decompression partial melting of upwelling fragmented Pacific slab (silica-deficient pyroxenite+recent subducted sediments) may be triggered by rollback of deeply subducted Pacific slab during Late Cenozoic times. Continental intraplate volcanism in the ADVF generally started with termination of opening of the Japan Sea, suggesting that deep subduction of the Pacific slab may have been an important geodynamic mechanism responsible for tectono-magmatic evolution of northeastern Asia. We suggest that the ADBs have the potential to shed light on genetic links between continental intraplate volcanism and deep subduction of the Pacific slab in geochemical and geodynamic processes.

Petrological and tectono-magmatic significance of ophiolitic basalts from the Elba Island within the Alpine Corsica-Northern Apennine system

Two distinct ophiolitic units, which represent remnants of the Jurassic Ligurian-Piedmont Ocean, crop out in the Elba Island. They are the Monte Strega unit in central-eastern Elba and the Punta Polveraia-Fetovaia unit in western Elba. Ophiolitic rocks from the Monte Strega unit are commonly affected by ocean floor metamorphism, whereas those from the Punta Polveraia-Fetovaia unit are affected to various extent by thermal metamorphism associated with the Late Miocene Monte Capanne monzogranitic intrusion. Both ophiolitic units include pillow lavas and dykes with compositions ranging from basalt to basaltic andesite, Fe-basalt, and Fe-basaltic andesite. Basaltic rocks from these distinct ophiolitic units show no chemical differences, apart those due to fractional crystallization processes. They display a clear tholeiitic nature with low Nb/Y ratios and relatively high TiO2, P2O5, Zr, and Y contents. They generally display flat N-MORB normalized high field strength element patterns, which are similar to those of N-MORB. Chondrite-normalized rare earth element patterns show light REE / middle REE (LREE/MREE) depletion and marked heavy (H-) REE fractionation with respect to MREE. This HREE/MREE depletion indicates a garnet signature of their mantle sources. Accordingly, they can be classified as garnet-influenced MORB (G-MORB), based on Th, Nb, Ce, Dy, and Yb systematics. We suggest that the Elba Island ophiolitic basalts were generated at a magma starved, slow-spreading mid-ocean ridge. REE, Th, and Nb partial melting modelling shows that the compositions of the relatively primitive Elba Island ophiolitic basalts are compatible with partial melting of a depleted MORB mantle (DMM) source bearing garnet-pyroxenite relics. Hygromagmatophile element ratios suggest that basalts from both ophiolitic units were originated from chemically very similar mantle sources. A comparison with basalts and metabasalts from Alpine Corsica and northern Apennine ophiolitic units shows that the composition of the inferred mantle source for the Elba Island basalts is similar to that of some Lower Schistes Lustres metabasalts of Alpine Corsica ophiolites, and some basalts from the Internal Ligurian units of northern Apennine. In contrast, it slightly differs from those of other ophiolitic units of Alpine Corsica and northern Apennine. The chemical differences observed between basalts and metabasalts from different Ligurian-Piedmont ophiolitic units were likely associated with different partial melting degrees of either DMM source or garnet-pyroxenite relics and/or different mixing proportions of melts derived from them, as well as to different compositions of garnet-pyroxenite relics.

Upper Cretaceous to Pleistocene melilitic volcanic rocks of the Bohemian Massif: petrology and mineral chemistry

Abstract Upper Cretaceous to Pleistocene volcanic rocks of the Bohemian Massif represent the easternmost part of the Central European Volcanic Province. These alkaline volcanic series include rare melilitic rocks occurring as dykes, sills, scoria cones and flows. They occur in three volcanic periods: (i) the Late Cretaceous to Paleocene period (80–59 Ma) in northern Bohemia including adjacent territories of Saxony and Lusatia, (ii) the Mid Eocene to Late Miocene (32.3–5.9 Ma) period disseminated in the Ohře Rift, the Cheb–Domažlice Graben, Vogtland, and Silesia and (iii) the Early to Late Pleistocene period (1.0–0.26 Ma) in western Bohemia. Melilitic magmas of the Eocene to Miocene and Pleistocene periods show a primitive mantle source [(143Nd/144Nd)t=0.51280–0.51287; (87Sr/86Sr)t=0.7034–0.7038)] while those of the Upper Cretaceous to Paleocene period display a broad scatter of Sr–Nd ratios. The (143Nd/144Nd)t ratios (0.51272–0.51282) of the Upper Cretaceous to Paleocene rocks suggest a partly heterogeneous mantle source, and their (87Sr/86Sr)t ratios (0.7033–0.7049) point to an additional late- to post-magmatic hydrothermal contribution. Major rock-forming minerals include forsterite, diopside, melilite, nepheline, sodalite group minerals, phlogopite, Cr- and Ti-bearing spinels. Crystallization pressures and temperatures of clinopyroxene vary widely between ~1 to 2 GPa and between 1000 to 1200 °C, respectively. Nepheline crystallized at about 500 to 770 °C. Geochemical and isotopic similarities of these rocks occurring from the Upper Cretaceous to Pleistocene suggest that they had similar mantle sources and similar processes of magma development by partial melting of a heterogeneous carbonatized mantle source.

Whole-rock geochemistry and Sr–Nd–Pb isotope systematics of the Late Carboniferous volcanic rocks of the Awulale metallogenic belt in the western Tianshan Mountains (NW China): Petrogenesis and geodynamical implications

The Awulale metallogenic belt (AMB) of the western Tianshan (NW China) includes Late Carboniferous (ca. 320Ma) ore-bearing volcanic rocks of the Dahalajunshan Formation. The petrogenesis and tectonic setting of these volcanic rocks are important for the understanding of the tectonic evolution and metallogeny of the western Tianshan. This paper presents new major and trace elements and Sr–Nd–Pb isotope data from the Dahalajunshan volcanic rocks, which are mainly calc-alkaline basaltic trachy-andesite and trachy-andesite with subordinate basalt, trachy-basalt and rhyolite. The variations of major and trace elements in the mafic and intermediate volcanic rocks indicate the fractionation of pyroxene and magnetite or hornblende, magnetite, apatite and plagioclase, respectively, during their petrogenesis. The Dahalajunshan volcanic rocks have similar primitive mantle-normalized diagrams and chondrite-normalized rare-earth element (REE) patterns suggesting their similar mantle source(s). They are characterized by enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and light REEs (LREEs), depletion in heavy REEs (LaN/YbN≈2.80 to 9.59) and high field strength elements (HFSEs) and εNd(t) ranging from +1.2 to +6.0 at 86Sr/87Sr(t)=0.7047–0.7063 and 206Pb/204Pbi=17.49–18.19. Both the geochemical and isotopic data indicate that the volcanic rocks were probably derived by low-degree melting of sub-arc lithospheric mantle modified by fluids in a continental arc setting. Our obtained results, in conjunction with previous published data, allow us to suggest that the southward subduction of Junggar oceanic crust continued until the Late Carboniferous and was followed by a tectonic shift from continental arc to post-collisional extension environment.

Geochemistry of lavas from maar-bearing volcanoes in the Oku Volcanic Group of the Cameroon Volcanic Line

Lake Nyos is located at the summit of a stratovolcano in the Oku Volcanic Group (OVG) along the Cameroon Volcanic Line. The sudden release of magmatic CO2 trapped at the bottom of Lake Nyos in August 1986 caused historical casualties of 1750 people and over 3000 cattle. New geochemical data of volcanic rocks from the Nyos volcano and the first available data for volcanic rocks from other maar-bearing volcanoes (Lakes Elum, Wum and Oku) in the OVG are presented and compared. Lavas from the Nyos, Elum and Wum volcanoes show similarities in major and trace elements and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes, suggestive of a similar mantle source. However, this source is slightly different from that of the Oku volcano. The samples from Lake Oku have lower alkali, higher TiO2 and more depletion and enrichment in most incompatible trace elements than those from the Nyos, Elum and Wum volcanoes. These differences and those observed in the Sr–Nd–Pb results are consistent with a heterogeneous source for lavas in the OVG. Trace element compositions suggested the presence of garnet in the source (<6% garnet) and modelled melting results indicate <2% partial melting of the source material. Isotope data plot within the focal zone, extending towards enriched mantle 1 (EM1; e.g. Lakes Oku and Nyos samples). This indicates the involvement of at least three mantle components: depleted mid-ocean ridge basalt mantle, high-μ and EM1 components in the magmatism of the lavas studied. The contributions of these components in different proportions, originating from asthenospheric and subcontinental lithospheric mantle sources, can account for the observed variations in geochemical characteristics. The geochemical characteristics of the studied lavas indicate that the magma source need not necessarily have an abnormal CO2 concentration to pose a potential threat. Degassing of an ordinary magma chamber and the migration of gas to the bottom of the lakes through cracks and faults can lead to the accumulation of CO2 in lake bottoms. This is controlled by tectonic parameters (fractures and faults) that enhance degassing from the magma chamber to the lake bottom and physical parameters of the lake (e.g. size, depth, temperature and solubility) that control CO2 stability.

Seeing through the Effects of Crustal Assimilation to Assess the Source Composition beneath the Southern Lesser Antilles Arc

Assessing the impact of crustal assimilation on the composition of oceanic arc lavas is important if source composition is to be correctly interpreted. This is particularly the case in the Lesser Antilles where lavas encompass a very large range in radiogenic isotope compositions. Here we present new 176Hf/177Hf and trace element data for a suite of samples from St Lucia in the southern Lesser Antilles arc where assimilation of sediments located within the arc crust has been shown to influence significantly Sr–Nd–Pb isotope compositions. We show that a high rate of assimilation (r = 0·8) of sediment is responsible for the co-variation of Th/Th*, La/Sm, 87Sr/86Sr, 206/207/208Pb/204Pb, 143Nd/144Nd and 176Hf/177Hf towards extreme ‘continental’ compositions. Lavas that escaped sediment assimilation have a typical oceanic arc signature and provide the best indication of mantle source characteristics beneath St Lucia. They display similar Ba/Th, La/Sm and Nd isotopic compositions to lavas further north in the arc, but with slightly more radiogenic Sr and Pb. Addition of less than 2% of local bulk subducting sediment, or less than 3·5% of sediment partial melt or fluid, to the mantle wedge can explain these compositions; these estimates are similar to those previously proposed for the northern arc. After correction for the effects of sediment assimilation, the St Lucia lavas have only slightly more radiogenic Pb and Sr isotope signatures compared with the northern islands; this can be attributed to differences in the isotopic composition of the local subducting sediment rather than to greater sediment input, as has been previously proposed. Comparison of St Lucia with the other southern Lesser Antilles islands suggests that similar mantle source compositions exist beneath Martinique, St Vincent and perhaps Bequia, whereas a more ‘continental’ source might characterize Ile de Caille, Kick ’em Jenny and Grenada.

Petrology and Sr–Nd Isotopic Disequilibrium of the Xiaohaizi Intrusion, NW China: Genesis of Layered Intrusions in the Tarim Large Igneous Province

Layered mafic intrusions (LMI) are sporadically distributed in the Early Permian Tarim large igneous province (LIP), NW China, and are crosscut by numerous contemporaneous dykes. The Xiaohaizi wehrlite intrusion is composed mainly of olivine (Fo69–75), clinopyroxene (Mg# = 75–84), intercumulus plagioclase (An53–86) and Fe–Ti oxides. Both petrography and mineral compositions suggest that olivine and clinopyroxene crystallized earlier than plagioclase and Fe–Ti oxides. The dykes are of alkali basalt to trachyandesite with low Mg# (35–39). The least-contaminated dykes display strong rare earth element (REE) fractionation, enrichment of Nb and Ta, and depletion of Pb relative to other similarly incompatible elements, bearing strong similarity to ocean island basalts (OIB). This, together with their positive εNdi values (4·3–4·8), is consistent with derivation from an enriched asthenospheric mantle source. Clinopyroxenes in the wehrlites display convex-upward chondrite-normalized REE patterns. The melts in equilibrium with these clinopyroxenes have very similar trace element compositions to those of the crosscutting dykes, suggesting a similar mantle source shared by the Xiaohaizi wehrlite intrusion and dykes. The Xiaohaizi wehrlite intrusion is characterized by Sr–Nd isotopic disequilibrium between clinopyroxene and plagioclase separates: 87Sr/86Sri (0·7038–0·7041) and εNdi (1·0–1·9) of clinopyroxene are lower and higher than the respective ratios of intercumulus plagioclase (87Sr/86Sri = 0·7042–0·7043, εNdi = 0·4–1·0). The 87Sr/86Sri and εNdi of clinopyroxene separates correlate positively and negatively with Zr/Nb, respectively, implying variable degrees of crustal contamination during the formation of the Xiaohaizi wehrlite intrusion. 87Sr/86Sri increases and εNdi decreases with increasing Ca content of plagioclase, indicating that higher An plagioclases experienced higher degrees of contamination. This can be explained by assimilation of continental crust through a turbulent magma ascent (ATA) process. However, this ATA model fails to account for the positive correlation between the Mg# and εNdi of clinopyroxene separates. The isotopic disequilibrium in the Xiaohaizi LMI is more probably generated during an assimilation and fractional crystallization process involving Archean–Neoproterozoic basement and carbonates as contaminants.

Plio-Pleistocene basanitic and melilititic series of the Bohemian Massif: K-Ar ages, major/trace element and Sr–Nd isotopic data

The Plio-Pleistocene volcanic rocks of the Bohemian Massif comprise a compositional spectrum involving two series: an older basanitic series (6.0–0.8Ma) and a younger, melilititic series (1.0–0.26Ma). The former consists of relatively undifferentiated basaltic rocks, slightly silica-undersaturated, with Mg# ranging from 62 to almost primitive mantle-type values of 74. The major and trace element characteristics correspond to those of primitive intra-plate alkaline volcanic rocks from a common sub-lithospheric mantle source (European Asthenospheric Reservoir – EAR) including positive Nb, and negative K and Pb anomalies. 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.7032–0.7034 and 143Nd/144Nd of 0.51285–0.51288 indicate a moderately depleted mantle source as for other mafic rocks of the central European volcanic province with signs of HIMU-like characteristics commonly attributed to recycling of subducted oceanic crust in the upper mantle during the Variscan orogeny. The melilititic series is characterized by higher degrees of silica-undersaturation, and high Mg# of 68–72 values, compatible with primitive-mantle-derived compositions. The high OIB-like Ce/Pb (19–47) and Nb/U (32–53) ratios indicate that assimilation of crustal material was negligible. In both series, concentrations of incompatible elements are mildly elevated and 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7034–0.7036) and 143Nd/144Nd ratios (0.51285–0.51288) overlap. Variations in incompatible element concentrations and isotopic compositions in the basanitic series and melilititic series can be explained by a lower degree of mantle melting for the latter with preferential melting of enriched mantle domains. The Sr and Nd isotopic compositions of both rock series are similar to those of the EAR. Minor differences in geochemical characteristics between the two series may be attributed to: (i) to different settings with respect to crust and lithospheric mantle conditions in (a) Western Bohemia (WB) and (b) Northeastern Bohemia (NEB) and the Northern Moravia and Silesia (NMS) areas, (ii) a modally metasomatized mantle lithosphere in WB in contrast to cryptically metasomatized domains in the NEB and NMS, (iii) different degrees of partial melting with very low degrees in WB but higher degrees in NEB and NMS. The geochemical and isotopic similarity between the Plio-Pleistocene volcanic rocks and those of the late Cretaceous and Cenozoic (79–6Ma) suggests that their magmas came from compositionally similar mantle sources, that underwent low degrees of melting over an interval of ∼80Ma. The Oligocene to Miocene basanitic series that accompanied the Plio-Pleistoicene basanitic series in the NMS region indicate that they shared a common mantle source. There is no geochemical evidence for thermal erosion of the lithospheric mantle or significant changes in mantle compositions within the time of a weak thermal perturbation in the asthenospheric mantle. These perturbations were caused by a dispersed mantle plume or passively upwelling asthenosphere in zones of lithospheric thinning.

Diverse Permian magmatism in the Tarim Block, NW China: Genetically linked to the Permian Tarim mantle plume?

Zircon U–Pb ages and geochemical data are reported for the Piqiang oxide-bearing ultramfic–mafic complex, the Bachu mafic dyke swarm, the Yingan and Kaipaizileike basalts and the Halajun A-type granites in the Tarim Block, Northwest China. The Piqiang complex and the Halajun A-type granites were emplaced at ca. 276 Ma and ca. 278 Ma, respectively. Together with previously reported geochronological data, the diverse intrusive and extrusive rocks in Tarim show a peak age at ca. 275 Ma. Elemental and Nd isotope geochemistry suggests that the spatially and temporally related Piqiang complex (including some dolerite dykes or stocks) and the Halajun A-type granites were formed via crystal fractionation/accumulation of a common plume-derived parental mafic magma (melting degree > 10%), coupled with variable extents of crustal contamination. Crystal fractionation/accumulation in one or several magma chambers resulted in the diversity of rocks types. The Bachu mafic dyke swarm shares a similar mantle source with the intrusive rocks in the Piqiang–Halajun area but with a relatively lower degree of partial melting (~ 5%). In contrast, the basalts were derived from a time-integrated, enriched lithospheric mantle source as suggested by their high-Ti, LREE- and LILE-enriched trace element signature and negative ε Nd( t) values (− 2.0 ~ −2.6). The synchronous yet diverse range of Permian igneous rocks in Tarim can best be accounted for by a Permian mantle plume, which is about 15 Ma earlier than the Emeishan plume in southwestern China.

Geochemical characteristics of the high- and low-Ti basaltic rocks from the uplifted shoulder of the Ohře (Eger) Rift, Western Bohemia

High-Ti melanephelinite (3.8–5.9 wt% TiO 2), medium-Ti (phono)tephrite (2.7–3.1 wt% TiO 2), and low-Ti olivine melanephelinite/basanite (1.9–2.3 wt.% TiO 2) are subordinate rock types in the central European Cenozoic Volcanic Province. A contrasting melanephelinite to (phono)tephrite series occurs in the Loučná–Oberwiesenthal Volcanic Centre (37–28 Ma) and also as satellite volcanic bodies (26–12 Ma) together with olivine melanephelinite/basanite (17–20 Ma) on the southwestern periphery of the Krušné hory mountains (Erzgebirge). The volcanic rocks intrude the Variscan basement of the uplifted shoulder of the Ohře/Eger Rift in the Krušné hory mountains of the Bohemian Massif. Low Mg# (44–59) and Cr, Ni contents and enrichment of LILE, Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta, U, Th and LREE in the high-Ti melanephelinites contrast with the composition of primitive low-Ti olivine melanephelinites/basanites displaying high Mg# (63–74) and high contents of compatible elements. The high-Ti melanephelinites reveal a wide range in initial 87Sr/ 86Sr of ca. 0.7034–0.7038 and ε Nd of 2.4–4.9. The low-Ti melanephelinites show an overlapping range of initial 87Sr/ 86Sr of ca. 0.7035–0.7036 and ε Nd of 4.3–5.5. The large variation in initial 87Sr/ 86Sr ratios at similar ε Nd values in those rock types is interpreted as evidence for melting of metasomatized lithospheric mantle sources comprising K-bearing phases with radiogenic Sr. Modification of the olivine-free alkali basaltic magmas by differentiation or crustal contamination could give rise to the medium-Ti (phono) tephrites. The initial isotope ratios of all samples are consistent with HIMU-mantle sources and contributions from lithospheric mantle. The olivine-free melanephelinitic rocks often contain alkali pyroxenite–ijolite xenoliths with initial 87Sr/ 86Sr ratios of ca. 0.7036 and ε Nd of 3.0. We interpret these xenoliths as samples of an intra-crustal alkali complex derived from similar mantle sources as those for the basaltic volcanic rocks.

Carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions of Newania Dolomite Carbonatites, Rajasthan, India: implications for source of carbonatites

The Newania carbonatite complex of Rajasthan, India is one of the few dolomite carbonatites of the world, and oddly, does not contain alkaline silicate rocks thus providing a unique opportunity to study the origin and evolution of a primary carbonatite magma. In an attempt to characterize the mantle source, the source of carbon, and the magmatic and post-magmatic evolution of Newania carbonatites, we have carried out a detailed stable carbon and oxygen isotopic study of the complex. Our results reveal that, in spite of being located in a metamorphic terrain, these rocks remarkably have preserved their magmatic signatures in stable C and O isotopic compositions. The δ13C and δ18O variations in the complex are found to be results of fractional crystallization and low temperature post-magmatic alteration suggesting that like other carbonatites, dolomite carbonatites too fractionate isotopes of both elements in a similar fashion. The major difference is that the fractional crystallization of dolomite carbonatites fractionates oxygen isotopes to a larger extent. The modes of δ13C and δ18O variations in the complex, −4.5 ± 1‰ and 7 ± 1‰, respectively, clearly indicate its mantle origin. Application of a multi-component Rayleigh isotopic fractionation model to the correlated δ13C versus δ18O variations in unaltered carbonatites suggests that these rocks have crystallized from a CO2 + H2O fluid rich magma, and that the primary magma comes from a mantle source that had isotopic compositions of δ13C ~ −4.6‰ and δ18O ~ 6.3‰. Such a mantle source appears to be a common peridotite mantle (δ13C = −5.0 ± 1‰) whose carbon reservoir has insignificant contribution from recycled crustal carbon. Other Indian carbonatites, except for Amba Dongar and Sung Valley that are genetically linked to Reunion and Kerguelen plumes respectively, also appear to have been derived from similar mantle sources. Through this study we establish that dolomite carbonatites are generated from similar mantle source like other carbonatites, have comparable evolutionary history irrespective of their association with alkaline silicate rocks, and may remain resistant to metamorphism.

Sr–Nd isotope geochemistry of the early Precambrian sub-alkaline mafic igneous rocks from the southern Bastar craton, Central India

Sr–Nd isotope data are reported for the early Precambrian sub-alkaline mafic igneous rocks of the southern Bastar craton, central India. These mafic rocks are mostly dykes but there are a few volcanic exposures. Field relationships together with the petrological and geochemical characteristics of these mafic dykes divide them into two groups; Meso-Neoarchaean sub-alkaline mafic dykes (BD1) and Paleoproterozoic (1.88 Ga) sub-alkaline mafic dykes (BD2). The mafic volcanics are Neoarchaean in age and have very close geochemical relationships with the BD1 type. The two groups have distinctly different concentrations of high-field strength (HFSE) and rare earth elements (REE). The BD2 dykes have higher concentrations of HFSE and REE than the BD1 dykes and associated volcanics and both groups have very distinctive petrogenetic histories. These rocks display a limited range of initial 143Nd/144Nd but a wide range of apparent initial 87Sr/86Sr. Initial 143Nd/144Nd values in the BD1 dykes and associated volcanics vary between 0.509149 and 0.509466 and in the BD2 dykes the variation is between 0.510303 and 0.510511. All samples have positive ɛ Nd values; the BD1 dykes and associated volcanics have ɛ Nd values between +0.3 and +6.5 and the BD2 dykes between +1.9 to +6.0. Trace element and Nd isotope data do not suggest severe crustal contamination during the emplacement of the studied rocks. The positive ɛ Nd values suggest their derivation from a depleted mantle source. Overlapping positive ɛ Nd values suggest that a similar mantle source tapped by variable melt fractions at different times was responsible for the genesis of BD1 (and associated volcanics) and BD2 mafic dykes. The Rb–Sr system is susceptible to alteration and resetting during post-magmatic alteration and metamorphism. Many of the samples studied have anomalous apparent initial 87Sr/86Sr suggesting post-magmatic changes of the Rb–Sr system which severely restricts the use of Rb–Sr for petrogenetic interpretation.

Precambrian mafic magmatism in the Western Dharwar Craton, southern India

Mafic rocks of Western Dharwar Craton (WDC) belong to two greenstone cycles of Sargur Group (3.1-3.3 Ga) and Dharwar Supergroup (2.6-2.8 Ga), belonging to different depositional environments. Proterozoic mafic dyke swarms (2.4, 2.0-2.2 and 1.6 Ga) constitute the third important cycle. Mafic rocks of Sargur Group mainly constitute a komatiitic-tholeiite suite, closely associated with layered basic-ultrabasic complexes. They form linear ultramaficmafic belts, and scattered enclaves associated with orthoquartzite-carbonate-pelite-BIF suite. Since the country rocks of Peninsular Gneiss intrude these rocks and dismember them, stratigraphy of Sargur Group is largely conceptual and its tectonic environment speculative. It is believed that the Sargur tholeiites are not fractionated from komatiites, but might have been generated and evolved from a similar mantle source at shallower depths. The layered basic-ultrabasic complexes are believed to be products of fractionation from tholeiitic parent magma. The Dharwar mafic rocks are essentially a bimodal basalt-rhyolite association that is dominated by Fe-rich and normal tholeiites. Calc-alkaline basalts and andesites are nearly absent, but reference to their presence in literature pertains mainly to carbonated, spilitized and altered tholeiitic suites. Geochemical discrimination diagrams of Dharwar lavas favour island arc settings that include fore-, intra- and back-arcs. The Dharwar mafic rocks are possibly derived by partial melting of a lherzolite mantle source and involved in fractionation of olivine and pyroxene followed by plagioclase. Distinctive differences in the petrography and geochemistry of mafic rocks across regional unconformities between Sargur Group and Dharwar Supergroup provide clinching evidences in favour of distinguishing two greenstone cycles in the craton. This has also negated the earlier preliminary attempts to lump together all mafic volcanics into a single contemporaneous suite, leading to erroneous interpretations. After giving allowances for differences in depositional and tectonic settings, the chemical distinction between Sargur and Dharwar mafic suites throws light on secular variations and crustal evolution. Proterozoic mafic dyke swarms of three major periods (2.4, 2.0-2.2 and 1.6 Ga) occur around Tiptur and Hunsur. The dykes also conform to the regional metamorphic gradient, with greenschist facies in the north and granulite facies in the south, resulting from the tilt of the craton towards north, exposing progressively deeper crustal levels towards the south. The low-grade terrain in the north does not have recognizable swarms, but the Tiptur swarm consists essentially of amphibolites and Hunsur swarm mainly of basic granulites, all of them preserving cross-cutting relations with host rocks, chilled margins and relict igneous textures. There are also younger dolerite dykes scattered throughout the craton that are unaffected by this metamorphic zonation. Large-scale geochemical, geochronological and palaeomagnetic data acquisition through state-of-the-art instrumentation is urgently needed in the Dharwar craton to catch up with contemporary advancements in the classical greenstone terrains of the world.

Late Permian lamprophyric magmatism in North-East of Isfahan Province, Iran: A mark of rifting in the Gondwanaland

Lamprophyric stocks and pillow lavas are situated in Pal-e-Havand area (South-East of Anarak, North-East of Isfahan Province, Iran) along the Turkmeni–Ordib fault. The predominant minerals of these rocks are amphibole (kaersutite), plagioclase (albite), K-feldspar (sanidine), Cr–Ti spinel, ilmenite, and apatite, with minor amounts of magnetite, chlorite, pumpellyite, epidote, sphene, leucoxene and calcite. Textures are porphyritic, microlitic and variolitic, with calcite amygdals. Combined petrological and geochemical studies classify these rocks as alkaline lamprophyre, in general, and camptonites in particular. The rocks studied are enriched in alkalis, TiO 2 and LREE, with SiO 2 content between 40 to 52 weight percent (wt.%). Similar geochemical characteristics of pillow lavas and stocks and parallel chondrite REE patterns of all samples reveal that they were all derived from a similar mantle source region and underwent similar melt extraction. These rocks are intracontinental alkaline lamprophyres, produced by low degree of partial melting of upper mantle garnet lherzolites. The Paleo-Tethys subduction from Lower Paleozoic is the cause of mantle enrichment in volatiles and lamprophyric magmatism in Upper Paleozoic along the Turkmeni–Ordib fault.

Rb–Sr, Sm–Nd, and Ar–Ar isotopic systematics of lherzolitic shergottite Yamato 000097

Isotopic analysis of the Martian lherzolitic shergottite Yamato 000097 yields a Rb–Sr age of 147 ± 28 Ma with an initial 87Sr/ 86Sr ratio of 0.710490 ± 0.000072, a Sm–Nd age of 152 ± 13 Ma with an initial ɛ 143Nd-value of +11.7 ± 0.2, and a 39Ar– 40Ar age of ∼260 Ma. The near concordance of these ages, in combination with the Rb–Sr and Sm–Nd initial isotopic signatures, suggests that Yamato 000097 crystallized from low Rb/Sr, light rare earth element depleted source materials ∼150 Ma ago. Although the obtained 39Ar– 40Ar age is significantly higher than the Rb–Sr and Sm–Nd ages, Yamato 000097 shows little or no evidence of trapped Martian atmospheric 40Ar. The trapped 40Ar concentration of Yamato 000097 is similar to that of Zagami, suggesting that both basaltic and lherzolitic shergottites may have similarly inherited excess 40Ar from their magmas. The Rb–Sr and Sm–Nd ages, and initial 87Sr/ 86Sr and ɛ 143Nd-values of Yamato 000097 and Yamato 793605 lie on the same isotopic ingrowth curves, suggesting that they came from very similar mantle sources. Allan Hills 77005 was also probably derived from the same source, but Lewis Cliff 88516 appears to be from a distinct but similar source. Yamato 000097 represents the most recent known magmatism from its source, and is the youngest Martian meteorite for which concordant Rb–Sr and Sm–Nd ages have been determined.