Spinel Lherzolite Research Articles

Cretaceous magmatic evolution in the Deylaman igneous complex, Alborz zone, Iran: change from extensional to compressional regime

The Deylaman igneous complex, as a part of the Late Cretaceous rock unit that lies behind the Paleogene Alborz magmatic arc, in the northern Alborz zone, is composed of basaltic sheet lavas alternating with the pelagic calcareous sediments, basaltic pillow lavas, felsic lavas and gabbroic-monzodioritic intrusions. The pelagic calcareous deposits contain microfossils representing the Santonian–Maastrichtian ages. Furthermore, petrographic textures such as the hyalomicrolitic texture and swallow-tail plagioclase crystals in the pillow lavas, and also segregation vesicles in the basaltic sheet lavas, imply high external (hydrostatic) pressures as the magma was extruded in a deep-water environment. The rock samples show both compositional bimodality and characteristic trends in the variation diagrams. Also, some geochemical characteristics imply that the basaltic lavas originated from the partial melting of an undepleted deep mantle source containing spinel lherzolite: the enrichment patterns of LREE/HREE ratios of the samples [(La/Yb)n = 3.93–4.16 for basaltic lavas and 10.92 for felsic lavas] lying between those characteristic of OIBs [(La/Yb)n = 12.92] and EMORBs [(La/Yb)n = 1.91]; similarities between the patterns of multi-element spider-diagrams; LILE bulges in the basaltic samples compared with those of OIBs. Moreover, the samples show influence from two geotectonic environments: supra-subduction zone (SSZ) settings and plume-type within-plate magmas. Therefore, because of the deep submarine environment inferred for the effusive volcanic eruptions in Santonian–Maastrichtian time, it seems that the Deylaman igneous complex evolved through two stages: first, a tensional regime in a supra-subduction zone (farther from the Mesozoic magmatic arc) and formation of an embryonic rift-related oceanic basin in the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous; secondly, a compressive regime in the Late Cretaceous–Early Paleocene and inland migration of the magmatic arc. Consequently, the Cretaceous magmatism can be interpreted as a prelude to the Eocene magmatic flare-up in the magmatic arcs of Iran.

Lower Oligocene Calc-Alkaline Spessartitic Lamprophyres from Central Iran (East of Anarak Area); an Evidence from the Eastern Branch of Neotethys Subduction-Related Mantle Enrichment

The Lower Oligocene Kal-e-kafi (East of Anarak, Central Iran) lamprophyres occur as stocks and dikes, which cross-cut the Eocene volcanic and Cretaceous sedimentary rocks. The predominant minerals of these lamprophyres are hornblende (magnesiohastingsite) and clinopyroxene (diopside) phenocrysts set in a fine- to medium-grained matrix of the same minerals plus plagioclase (labradorite to bytownite), sanidine, apatite, and magnetite. Secondary minerals are chlorite, magnetite, calcite, and epidote. Petrography, mineral chemistry, and whole rock compositions classify these rocks as calc-alkaline lamprophyre, in general, and spessartite in particular. These samples have intermediate compositions (SiO2 ~ 58 wt %). The chondrite-normalized REE patterns and primitive mantle-normalized multi-element spider diagram of Kal-e-kafi lamprophyres are remarkably parallel and suggest that these dikes and stocks were derived from the same parental magma and underwent similar melt extraction. These rocks are enriched in alkalies, large-ion lithophile elements (e.g., Rb, Ba, K), and light rare-earth elements (e.g., La, Ce), and exhibit moderate to high fractionation in LREE patterns, with an average La/Lu ratio of 112. The large amount of hydrous fluids coming from the subducted slab rather than sediments caused to the enrichment and metasomatism of subcontinental lithospheric mantle source. Crustal contamination and assimilation of host rocks also played role in the genesis of these lamprophyres. Geochemical characteristics of the studied rocks suggest that parental magma have been derived from partial melting of a metasomatized amphibole-bearing spinel lherzolite of lithospheric mantle, which was previously modified by dehydration of a subducting slab. Subduction of oceanic crust around the Central-East Iranian Microcontinent (CEIM) is the most reasonable mechanism to explain enrichment in volatiles of the mantle, and the lamprophyric magmatism of the Kal-e-kafi area in Lower Oligocene times. Several tectonomagmatic discrimination diagrams indicate that the Kal-e-kafi lamprophyres occurred during postcollisional period of lithospheric extension.

Неоднородность состава ксенолитов мантийных перидотитов из щелочных базальтов вулкана Сверре, архипелаг Шпицберген

The article presents the results of a study of the composition of xenoliths of mantle peridotites (seven samples), collected from the Quaternary basalts of the Sverre volcano, the Svalbard archipelago. The presence of two big (more than 15 cm in diameter) xenoliths of spinel lherzolite allowed us to consider a change in their composition in the cen- tral, intermediate, and marginal parts of the samples.It is proposed to distinguish three types of xenoliths by the distribution of trace and rare earth elements. Enrich- ment of mantle peridotites with light rare earth elements, as well as high field strength (HFS) and large-ion lithophile (LIL) elements, is presumably associated with mantlemetasomatism.

The passive margin of northern Gondwana during Early Paleozoic: Evidence from the central Tibet Plateau

The central–south domain of the Tibet Plateau represents an important part of the northern segment of Gondwana during the early Paleozoic. Here we present zircon U–Pb, Lu–Hf isotope, and whole–rock geochemical data from a suite of early Paleozoic magmatic rocks from the central Tibet Plateau, with a view to gain insights into the nature and geotectonic evolution of the northern margin of Gondwana. Zircon grains in four granitic rocks yielded ages of 532−496 Ma with negative εHf(t) values (−13.7 to −0.6). Zircon grains in meta–basalt and mafic gneiss yielded ages of 512 ± 5 Ma and 496 ± 6 Ma, respectively. Geochemically, the granitic rocks belong to high–K calc–alkaline and shoshonitic S–type granite suite, with the protolith derived from the partial melting of ancient crustal components. The mafic gneiss and meta–basalt geochemically resemble OIB (Oceanic Island Basalt) and E–MORB (Enriched Mid–Ocean Ridge Basalt), respectively. They were derived from low degree (∼5–10%) partial melting of an enriched mantle (garnet and spinel lherzolite) that was contaminated by upper crustal components. The parental magmas experienced orthopyroxene–dominated fractional crystallization. Sedimentological features of the Cambrian–Ordovician formations indicate that the depositional cycle transformed from marine regression to transgression leading to the formation of parallel/angular unconformities between the Cambrian and Ordovician strata. The hiatus associated with these unconformities are coupled with the peak of the early Paleozoic magmatism in Tibet Plateau, indicating a tectonic control. We conclude that the Cambrian–Ordovician magmatic suite and sedimentary rocks formed in an extensional setting, and we correlate this with the post–peak stage of the Pan–African orogeny. The post–collision setting associated with delamination, orogenic collapse or lithospheric extension along the northern margin of Gondwana, can account for the Cambrian–Ordovician magmatism and sedimentation, rather than oceanic subduction along the external margin. We thus infer a passive margin setting for the northern Gondwana during the Early Paleozoic.

Petrogenesis and tectonic implications of the early Carboniferous volcanic rocks in West Junggar, NW China

Carboniferous magmatism in the Darbut region is critical for understanding the evolutionary history of the accretionary orogenesis of the West Junggar area in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. In this paper, zircon U–Pb geochronological, whole‐rock geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopic analyses of the basalts, basaltic andesite, and dacite from the Carboniferous Tailegula Formation, Darbut region, have been performed. The magmatic zircons from basalt, basaltic andesite, and dacite yield concordia U–Pb isotope ages of 344 ± 4, 347 ± 3, and 340 ± 5 Ma, respectively, which are interpreted as the crystallization ages of these rocks. The basalts and basaltic andesite are characterized by an alkali composition; high Nb/Yb, Th/Yb, Ta/Yb, La/Sm, and Sm/Yb trace element ratios and Pb isotopic ratios; moderate (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios; low (143Nb/144Nb)i ratios; and positive εNd(t) (+0.66 − +4.73) and εHf(t) (+1.7 − +15.2) values. These characteristics indicate that the magmas were derived from mixed mantle sources, that is, enriched mantle sources and high U/Pb ratio mantle (HIMU) component sources with ≤10% partial melting of garnet and spinel lherzolite. The samples display pronounced light rare earth elements (LREEs) and incompatible element enrichment patterns with positive Nb–Ta anomalies and a high Pb content and Nb/La ratios but low (Th/Nb)N ratios and a lower degree of partial melting, implying that these rocks were formed in a continental extensional setting. Based on our results and that of previous studies, we conclude that the early Carboniferous volcanic rocks in the Darbut region formed by mantle plume or regional‐scale mantle upwelling in a continental extensional setting after closure of the Junggar Ocean.

Pargasite-bearing vein in spinel lherzolite from the mantle lithosphere of the North America Cordillera

Basanite lavas near Craven Lake, British Columbia, host a spinel lherzolite xenolith containing cross-cutting veins with pargasitic amphibole (plus minor apatite). The occurrence of vein amphibole in spinel lherzolite is singular for the Canadian Cordillera. The vein crosscuts foliated peridotite and is itself cut by the basanite host. The amphibole is pargasite, which is the most common amphibole composition in mantle peridotite. Rare earth element concentrations in the pargasite are similar to those for mafic alkaline rocks across the northern Cordilleran volcanic province (light rare earth elements ∼50× chondrite and heavy rare earth elements ∼5× chondrite). Two-pyroxene geothermometry suggests that the vein and host peridotite were thermally equilibrated prior to sampling by the basanite magma. Calculated temperature conditions for the sample, assuming equilibration along a model steady-state geotherm, are between 990 and 1050 °C and correspond to a pressure of 0.15 GPa (∼52 ± 2 km depth). These conditions are consistent with the stability limits of mantle pargasite in the presence of a fluid having XH2O < ∼0.1. The pargasite vein and associated apatite provide direct evidence for postaccretion fracture infiltration of CO2–F–H2O-bearing silicate fluids into the Cordilleran mantle lithosphere. Pargasite with low aH2O is in equilibrium with parts per million concentrations of H2O in mantle olivine, potentially lowering the mechanical strength of the lithospheric mantle underlying the Cordillera and making it more susceptible to processes such as lithospheric delamination. Remelting of Cordilleran mantle lithosphere containing amphibole veins may be involved in the formation of sporadic nephelinite found in the Canadian Cordillera.

Syncollisional gabbro in the Irtysh shear zone, Eastern Kazakhstan: Compositions, geochronology, and geodynamic implications

New data of petrography, mineralogy, and geochemistry from the Irtysh shear zone in Eastern Kazakhstan reveal three types of gabbro: (1) dolerite and gabbrodolerite, (2) biotite-bearing gabbronorite and gabbrodiorite, and (3) layered peridotite-gabbro intrusions. Rocks of types 1 and 2 occur mainly as small bodies and share similarity in major- and trace-element compositions. Layered gabbro (type 3) forms the largest intrusion in the area and has a different composition: higher CaO and Al2O3 but lower K2O, TiO2, P2O5, Zr, Nb, REE. Correspondingly, the gabbro of two first types may result from differentiation of the same tholeiite magma, whereas the layered gabbro rather derived from a magma intermediate between tholeiite and calc-alkaline series. According to geochemical and isotopic signatures, both types of primary magma originated from the same sublithospheric depleted mantle by low- and high-degree partial melting of spinel lherzolite. The obtained 317–313 Ma U-Pb and Ar-Ar ages of the gabbro fall within the time of collisional events in the area. The suggested model explains the origin of syncollisional gabbro as intrusion of ascending mafic melts from a mantle wedge at the transform boundary of colliding plates along the Irtysh shear zone where strike-slip faulting produced slab windows open to inputs of hot asthenospheric material.

Dating post-Archean lithospheric mantle: Insights from Re-Os and Lu-Hf isotopic systematics of the Cameroon Volcanic Line peridotites

Highly depleted Archean peridotites have proven very amenable to Re-Os model age dating. In contrast, due to the increasing heterogeneity of mantle Os isotope compositions with time, the Re-Os system has not been as effective in dating post-Archean peridotites. The timing of depletion and accretion of post-Archean lithospheric mantle around cratons is important to understand within the context of the evolution of the continents. In an attempt to precisely date post-Archean peridotite xenoliths, we present a study of the petrology, mineralogy and geochemistry, including whole-rock Re-Os isotopes, highly siderophile elements and clinopyroxene-orthopyroxene Sr-Nd-Hf isotopes of peridotite xenoliths from Lake Nyos in the Cameroon Volcanic Line (CVL). Eight Nyos peridotite xenoliths, all fresh spinel lherzolites, are characterized by low to moderate olivine Fo contents (88.9–91.2) and low spinel Cr# (8.4–19.3), together with moderate to high whole-rock Al2O3 contents (2.0–3.7%). These chemical characteristics indicate that they are mantle residues of a few percent to <20% partial melting. However, trace element patterns of both clinopyroxene and orthopyroxene are not a pristine reflection of melt depletion but instead show various extents of evidence of metasomatic enrichment. Some of the samples contain orthopyroxene with 143Nd/144Nd lower than its coexisting clinopyroxene, which is best explained by recent short-timescale alteration, most likely by infiltration of the host basalt. Because of these metasomatic effects, the Sr-Nd isotope systematics in pyroxenes cannot sufficiently reflect melt depletion signatures. Unlike Sr-Nd isotopes, the Lu-Hf isotope system is less sensitive to recent metasomatic overprinting. Given that orthopyroxene hosts up to 33% of the Lu and 14% of the Hf in the whole rock budget of these rocks and has 176Hf/177Hf similar to, or higher than, coexisting clinopyroxene, it is necessary to reconstruct a whole-rock Lu-Hf isochron in order to constrain the melt depletion age of peridotites. The reconstructed Nyos Lu-Hf isochron from ortho- and clinopyroxenes gives an age of 2.01 ± 0.18 Ga (1σ), and when olivine and spinel are considered, is 1.82 ± 0.14 Ga (1σ). Both ages are identical within error, and they are within error of the alumina-187Os/188Os pseudo-isochron ages (1.2–2.4 Ga) produced on the peridotites from Lake Nyos, consistent with their oldest rhenium depletion Os model ages (2.0 Ga). We conclude that the Nyos peridotites, and the lithospheric mantle that they represent, were formed at ∼2.0 Ga, indicating that the reconstructed whole-rock Lu-Hf isotope system can be a powerful radiometric dating tool that is complementary to and in some instances, more precise than the Re-Os isotope system in dating well-preserved post-Archean peridotites. The recognition of ∼2.0 Ga subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) in the Nyos area suggests that the Nyos region was assembled as a Paleoproterozoic block, or that it represents fragments of the SCLM from the nearby Paleoproterozoic domain juxtaposed through collisional emplacement during the Pan African Orogeny. With regards to the origin of the CVL, our data reveal that the Hf isotopic compositions of the Nyos peridotites are too radiogenic to be the main source of the CVL basalts.

Nature and evolution of the lithospheric mantle revealed by water contents and He-Ar isotopes of peridotite xenoliths from Changbaishan and Longgang basalts in Northeast China

The nature and evolution of the lithospheric mantle underlying Northeast (NE) China were investigated by assessing the mineral chemistry, water contents, and noble gas (He-Ar) isotopes of peridotite xenoliths captured by Cenozoic basalts from the Changbaishan and Longgang regions. The xenoliths, which have 863–1141 °C equilibration temperatures, primarily comprise spinel lherzolites and rare spinel harzburgites. The Mg# (Fo) values of olivine in the peridotite xenoliths vary from 86.9 to 91.3. The clinopyroxenes have high Ti/Eu and low (La/Yb)N, and their chondrite-normalized rare earth elements (REEs) exhibit light REE-depletion to -enrichment patterns, indicating that the mantle underneath the investigated region was predominantly subjected to partial melting (1%–10%) and was metasomatized by silicate melts. The measured 3He/4He ratios of the Changbaishan xenoliths have a narrow range from 5.8 Ra to 8.4 Ra with an average of 7.4 Ra. The 3He/4He isotopic ratios of the Longgang xenoliths varied from 4.7 Ra to 8.1 Ra with an average of 5.9 Ra; slightly lower than the Changbaishan xenoliths. The whole-rock H2O contents of the studied peridotite ranged from 9 to 132 ppm. The high H2O contents in excess of 50 ppm (up to 132 ppm) might represent newly accreted and cooled asthenospheric materials, while those with H2O contents lower than 50 ppm (as little as 9 ppm) may represent thinned, relic, ancient lithospheric mantle. These geochemical evidences, in combination with published data, indicated that the lithospheric mantle beneath the Changbaishan and Longgang in NE China is dominated by the younger and more fertile lithospheric mantle with a minor ancient and refractory keel. In addition, the lithospheric mantle of this area was metasomatized by melts related to the recent subduction event (e.g., Pacific oceanic plate). Therefore, the westward-dipping Pacific oceanic plate subduction had an important contribution to the transformation of the lithospheric mantle beneath NE China.

Vanadium isotope composition of the Bulk Silicate Earth: Constraints from peridotites and komatiites

In order to apply the vanadium (V) stable isotope system for studies of planetary accretion and evolution in the solar system and redox variations in terrestrial magmatic processes, the V isotope composition of the Bulk Silicate Earth (BSE) needs to be precisely constrained. Previous studies have shown that fertile peridotites have systematically higher 51V/50V ratios than MORB. This, however, is in conflict with the theoretical prediction that mantle melting residues should be enriched in 50V rather than 51V. To address these issues, a more precise estimate of the V isotope composition of the BSE is required. This study presents δ51V data for eleven peridotite xenoliths from two late Cenozoic eruption centers at Tariat in central Mongolia, ten komatiites from five localities ranging in age between 3.48 and 2.41 Ga, and four 1.98 Ga picrites from the Onega Plateau in Fennoscandia. The mean δ51V for fertile spinel lherzolites is −0.91 ± 0.06‰ (2SD, n = 8). They show no resolvable difference in V isotope compositions compared to three moderately to highly refractory peridotite xenoliths analyzed, with a mean δ51V of −0.93 ± 0.01‰ (2SD, n = 3). The mean δ51V for the komatiites is −0.91 ± 0.05‰ (2SD, n = 10), which is identical to that for the fertile peridotites. Based on the V isotope compositions of the peridotites and komatiites analyzed in this study, the mean δ51V of the BSE is estimated to be −0.91 ± 0.09‰ (2SD, n = 18). In contrast, the mean δ51V for the Onega Plateau picrites and related cumulates is −0.80 ± 0.05‰ (2SD, n = 4), which is identical to a recent δ51V estimate for MORB. The mean δ51V for picrites and MORB are somewhat higher than the new BSE estimate, indicating that low-degree (<10%) partial melts have higher δ51V than their mantle sources. The new estimate of δ51V for the BSE overlaps with current estimates for δ51V in the silicate Moon and Mars, which may imply that these bodies have a common V isotope composition.

Geochronology, petrogenesis and tectonic implications of the newly discovered Cu–Ni sulfide-mineralized Yueyawan gabbroic complex, Kalatag district, northwestern Eastern Tianshan, NW China

The early Permian Cu–Ni sulfide-bearing mafic-ultramafic intrusions from North Xinjiang in NW China help to provide constraints on the late Paleozoic crustal growth in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) and improve the understanding of the genesis of magmatic sulfide mineralization in orogenic settings and the identification of future prospecting targets. The Cu–Ni sulfide-mineralized Yueyawan gabbroic complex in Kalatag represents a new breakthrough for Cu–Ni prospecting in covered areas in the northwestern part of the Eastern Tianshan orogenic belt, North Xinjiang. Rocks from this intrusion have similar LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb ages (282.4 ± 1.1–281.3 ± 1.2 Ma) to other mafic-ultramafic intrusions containing magmatic sulfide mineralization in North Xinjiang. These early Permian gabbroic intrusions are thus important targets for Cu–Ni mineralization exploration in this region. The rocks of the Yueyawan gabbroic complex are a ca. 1 km2 elongated NW-trending crescent-shaped at the junction of two E-W- and NW-SE-trending faults. The intrusion has the morphology of a conduit tube. The rocks include troctolite, olivine gabbro, hornblende gabbro, and gabbro, and the Cu–Ni sulfides occur as steeply dipping (65–70°) lenses with disseminated textures in the contact zone between the olivine gabbro and hornblende gabbro, indicating that sulfide precipitation was coeval with the crystallization of the magmas giving rise to these rocks. The rocks investigated in this study are gabbroic in composition; they are characterized by moderate concentrations of SiO2 (44.8–48.8 wt%) and low to moderate concentrations of MgO (1.69–13.4 wt%, Mg# values of 39.6–73.3), Ni, and Cr. Furthermore, the rocks have high positive εHf(t) values (+13.1 to +15.9) and flat rare earth element patterns ((La/Yb)N = 2.01–2.89), with marked positive Eu anomalies, high Ti/Zr ratios (70–164), and low Ce/Pb (3.65–14.83) and Nb/Ta values (9–16), indicating very restricted amounts (5–10%) of crustal assimilation. This complex was likely derived from 10 to 20% partial melting (as evidenced by the low Sm/Yb values of 1.48–2.02 and La/Sm values of 1.61–2.23) of weakly slab melt-metasomatized (as evidenced by the low Ba/Nb and Ba/Zr ratios) subcontinental lithospheric mantle (with 2% garnet and 2% spinel lherzolite) at depths greater than 85 km in a post-collisional extensional source that contained sufficient Ni and Cu for the saturation and segregation of immiscible sulfides to concentrate the metals. The magma underwent sulfide saturation and segregation together with olivine fractionation (as evidenced by Ni and TFe2O3 increase and SiO2, CaO, and Zr decrease with increasing MgO content) in the conduit-type intrusion. Therefore, regional fault structures, ore-bearing rock types, and geochemical ratios that reflect high degrees of partial melting are features of the Cu–Ni-mineralized gabbroic rocks in adjacent areas that help support exploration.

The Age and Evolution of the Lithospheric Mantle in the East Antarctic Craton: Osmium Isotope Composition and the Distribution of Platinum Group Elements in Spinel Lherzolite Nodules

The mantle xenoliths of lherzolite composition from Mesozoic alkaline–ultrabasic diatremes of Jetty Oasis were studied. The treated xenoliths represent the mantle section of the East Antarctic Craton down to depths of 60–80 km. The osmium isotope composition of these nodules testifies to the beginning of the formation of the lithospheric mantle in the considered region of the craton 2400 Ma ago. The absence of any signs of Early Archeozoic lithosphere points either to partial destruction of the lithosphere at the convergent boundary of the plates in the Late Archean or to thermal erosion of the Archean lithosphere under the effect of a deep-seated plume in the Mesozoic during rift formation.

Zirconology of the Lherzolite Block of the Nurali Massif (South Urals)1

Abstract—Data on the mineralogy, geochemistry, and geochronology of zircons from plagioclase and spinel lherzolite and dunites of the Nurali massif are presented. The age of the main-type zircons from lherzolites (plagioclase ones, 446.2 ± 2.8 Ma, and spinel ones 433.3 ± 3.4 Ma) and dunites (443.8 ± 6.9 Ma) suggests their synchronous crystallization (Tav = 440 ± 5 Ma). The metamorphic age of zircons is 410–415 Ma. In addition to grains belonging to the main subset, the older grains with an age between 527 and 2045 Ma and newly formed metasomatic grains with an age of 380–385 Ma were found. The structure and REE patterns of most zircons from ultramafic rocks point to their magmatic origin, which is probably related to crystallization of a fluidized mantle melt.

The evolution of the lithospheric mantle beneath Ia Bang, Pleiku plateau, Central Vietnam

Mantle xenoliths are scattered in alkali basalt in central and southern Vietnam. The xenoliths from Ia Bang, Pleiku plateau, consist of fertile spinel lherzolites and refractory spinel harzburgites. The spinel peridotites display varying textures from protogranular through porphyroclastic to equigranular. Primitive mantle-normalized rare earth elements (REE) of clinopyroxene in the peridotites reveal depleted, spoon-shaped, and enriched patterns, suggesting a depletion event followed by various enrichment processes. The correlation between (Yb)n and (Y)n of clinopyroxene in spinel peridotites indicates that the subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) beneath Ia Bang has been affected by 1–20% fractional melting. The presence of glass and secondary clinopyroxene, coupled with the enrichment of light REEs (LREEs), high field strength elements (HFSEs), and large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) without introductions of new minerals suggests that the xenoliths underwent cryptic metasomatism. Metasomatic agents were identified as Na-alkali silicate, carbonate-rich melts, and H2O-CO2 fluids. The peridotites were at equilibrium temperatures of 841–1131 °C before being brought up by alkali basalt from depths of 36 to 50 km. The SCLM beneath Ia Bang experienced a thinning process in which the refractory lithosphere was thinned and replaced by asthenosphere during the Phanerozoic, following the asthenosphere-lithospheric interaction.

Heterogeneous Oceanic Arc Volcanic Rocks in the South Qilian Accretionary Belt (Qilian Orogen, NW China)

Primitive arc magmas in oceanic island arcs are probes of sub-arc magmatic processes and are crucial for understanding oceanic subduction. We report data for an Early Paleozoic oceanic arc volcanic complex in the Lajishan–Yongjing terrane, South Qilian Accretionary Belt (SQAB), Qilian Orogen, including zircon U–Pb dating and Hf–O isotopes, mineral and whole-rock geochemistry, and Sr–Nd isotope compositions. New zircon ages of ∼455–440 Ma constrain the timing of arc volcanism and the subduction of the Qilian Ocean. Based on petrography and bulk-rock composition, five lithological types have been identified: ankaramite; high-Mg basaltic andesite; high-Al andesite; boninite; sanukite. The volcanic sequence thus is one of the few island arcs where three types of near-primitive arc rocks including boninite, ankaramite and sanukite have been simultaneously produced. All these rocks have variably enriched Sr–Nd isotopic compositions, positive to slight negative zircon εHf(t) values and elevated zircon δ18O values. Boninites, ankaramites and sanukites are interpreted as contemporary near-primitive melts generated from different sources and conditions within an island arc setting. Boninites are characterized by low Ti and REE concentrations and high Cr# chrome spinel, and are interpreted as melts of refractory, Cpx-poor, spinel lherzolite or harzburgite at >25% partial melting. Anomalous zircon δ18O values of 6·57–7·61‰ and Sr–Nd mixing calculations suggest less than 2% incorporation of subducted oceanic sediments into the mantle source of the magmas. The ankaramites are characterized by low SiO2 and high MgO (Mg#), Cr, Ni and La/Yb ratios, and have similar isotopic ratios to tectonically adjacent ocean island basalt (OIB) lavas. The ankaramite lavas are likely to have derived from mantle sources similar to those of OIB; that is, pyroxenite-bearing garnet peridotite enriched in incompatible elements. High-Mg basaltic andesites and high-Al andesites may be derived from parental ankaramite magmas. Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic mixing modeling constrains the amount of silicic melt to ∼1–4% for ankaramite magma. Sanukites are of andesitic–dacitic composition with high Mg#, Cr and Ni, and enriched large ion lithophile elements and high La/Yb ratios. They are interpreted as having been generated by reaction of mantle peridotite with a silicic melt, itself derived from subducted sediments. Enriched Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions constrain the amount of silicic melt to ∼10–15% for sanukite. Large compositional variations among the volcanic rocks from the same arc reflect heterogeneous mantle sources and variable degrees of mantle metasomatism by sediment-derived hydrous fluids or silicic melts, accompanied by secondary assimilation–fractional crystallization processes during magma ascent to the surface. The generation of the island arc volcanic sequence in the Lajishan–Yongjing Terrane is a response to the collision between the Lajishan–Yongjing Oceanic Plateau (recorded by the Lajishan–Yongjing Ophiolite) and the pre-existing trench–continental margin. Evolution from a continental margin in the North Qilian Accretionary Belt to an oceanic island arc in the SQAB records subduction advance and retreat in the history of the Qilian Ocean.

Geology and geochemistry of pillow basalt in the Huilvshan region (west Junggar, China): implications for magma source and tectonic setting

Geological characteristics and geochemical analyses are reported for the early Carboniferous pillow basalt in the Huilvshan region (west Junggar, Northwest China), with the aim to indicate its petrogenesis, magma source characteristics, and tectonic implication. This pillow basalt consists of clinopyroxene and plagioclase with trace amounts of magnetite, apatite, and chromian spinel. It is tholeiitic in composition with low concentrations of Na2O + K2O (1.52–4.74 wt.%). Similar to the N-MORB, the samples of this pillow basalt have nearly flat chondrite-normalized REE patterns ((La/Yb)N = 0.87–1.47) with insignificant Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.84–1.18), and show no obvious enrichments of LILEs and insignificant depletions in HFSEs. Petrology and geochemical characteristics suggest that this pillow basalt is the product of MORB-like magma derived from a depleted mantle corresponding to ≤4% partial melting of spinel lherzolite. SIMS analysis of the zircons separated from tuff interlayered with basalt gives a weighted average U–Pb age of 328 ± 3 Ma (MSWD = 1.4), which represents the magma eruption time in the Huilvshan region. From these observations, in combination with the previous work, we conclude that an extensional tectonic regime dominated the tectonic activity of west Junggar during early Carboniferous.

Petrology and geochemistry of the Yoro-Yangben Pan-African granitoid intrusion in the archaean Adamawa-Yade crust (Sw-Bafia, Cameroon)

Abstract: South of Bafia (Cameroon), the Pan-African Yoro-Yangben massif is emplaced in the Adamawa-Yade block, an archaean-paleoprotrozoic micro-continent that detached from the Congo craton during the early Neoproterozoic. This emplacement within a micro-continent raises the problematic of its (i) origin either by the melting of a subducted slab and the mantle wedge, or by the melting of the base of a thick crust or both, and (ii) bearing on the evolution of the Pan-African orogeny in Cameroon. Granodiorites, quartz monzonites, quartz diorites and adamellites occur as massive bodies crosscut by dykes of gabbros and granites. The texture varies progressively from granular bands at the core of the massif to foliated texture towards the border. Mineralogical composition is constant in all the rock types (Am+Bt+Pl+Kfs+Qtz+Op+Sph+Zrn+Ap), except the adamellites which are amphibole-free. Chemically, these potassic rocks are either magnesian and metaluminous, or ferroan and peraluminous. Quartz diorites, granodiorites and granites are High-K calc-alkaline whereas quartz monzonites, adamellites and gabbros are shoshonitic. Most incompatible elements (e.g. Nb, Zr) show an erratic variation with increasing silica contents. Granites rare earth elements (REE) patterns are highly fractionated with a positive Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu* = 2.50–2.04) compared to less fractionated REE patterns of adamellites, quartz monzonites, and granodiorites. The negative anomalies in U, Nb, Ta and Ti shown by gabbros, quartz diorites, quartz monzonites and granodiorites spider diagrams as Th, K, Pb, Zr and Hf positive anomalies for the adamellites and granites patterns are consistent with magmas derived from a subduction setting. The low 87Sr/86Sr(600) initial ratio (0.697–0.706) and eNdi values (−0.82706- 1.03707) of the rocks plot in the mantle array. However, a wide variation of the 87Sr/86Sr ratio values with constant eNdi suggests an enrichment in radiogenic 87Sr likely from an old crust displaying high Rb/Sr ratio. The variations of the La/Yb, Y/Nb and Zr/Nb ratios preclude the fractional crystallization process. Moreover, these characteristics, combined with the erratic (Zr, Nb) suggest particular magmatic sources and complex fusion processes to the Yoro-Yangben heterogeneous granitoids. The lower range of Ba/Nb values (130–135) and the occurrence of shoshonitic magmas likely point to the melting of an oceanic slab; while the higher range (225–230) indicates a blend of melts from oceanic slab and the associated sediments. Granite compositions are similar to melting liquids of metagreywackes. La/Sm and Sm/Yb ratios in gabbros, quartz monzonites and quartz diorite indicate an origin by a batch melting of phlogopite-amphibole-garnet lherzolite, whereas granodiorites and adamellites parent magmas may have originated from a batch melting of a metasomatized spinel lherzolite. Whole rock Sm-Nd and Rb-Sr results yield a unique age of 600 Ma, assigned to the collision time between the West-African and the Congo cratons. Thus, the Yoro-Yangben intrusion is part of the numerous Pan-African granitoids in Cameroon, South of Chad and East of Nigeria.

Mantle Evolution from Ocean to Arc: The Record in Spinel Peridotite Xenoliths in Mt. Pinatubo, Philippines

A suite of peridotite xenoliths were collected from lahar flow deposits located close to the summit of Mt. Pinatubo. Spinel harzburgite is the most dominant lithology among dunites, pyroxenites and websterites. A rare spinel lherzolite xenolith (P12-7) is also present in this suite. The spinel lherzolite has well-preserved protogranular texture with very minimal presence of secondary amphibole, low Cr# in the chromian spinel, and depleted and hump shaped patterns of chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns for the clinopyroxenes. In contrast, the spinel harzburgites contain abundant secondary amphiboles and orthopyroxenes, higher Cr# in the spinel, and slightly elevated patterns for the chondrite-normalized REE patterns for the amphiboles. The spinel lherzolite also exhibits higher olivine Fo content for a given spinel Cr# compared to the spinel harzburgites. The spinel lherzolite is interpreted as a typical residue from partial melting of abyssal peridotites whereas the spinel harzburgites may have formed via partial melting with subsequent modification during the influx of fluids in the mantle wedge. Our results suggest that fragments of MOR-derived lithosphere exist in the mantle wedge beneath the Philippine island arc. This work provides evidence for the conversion of abyssal to arc peridotites in the mantle wedge.

CO2-rich fluid inclusions in mantle xenoliths from Barombi-Mbo and Nyos maars (Cameroon volcanic line, central Africa): Upper mantle equilibria and history of magma ascension

A detailed study of fluid inclusions hosted within minerals of mantle xenoliths from the Barombi-Mbo (BM) and Nyos maars provides information on the trapping conditions of fluids and subsequent upper mantle equilibria and the history of the host en route to the surface. These porphyroclastic to protogranular spinel lherzolites and their fluid inclusions were investigated using petrography, microprobe, microthermometry and Raman Microspectroscopy. They are mostly composed of olivine (Fo93-88), orthopyroxene (En91-88Fs11-8Wo2.2-0.8), Cr-diopside, aluminous spinel (Cr#: 0.32–0.08) and occasional accessory pargasite and labradorite. Thermobarometric calculations based on the mineral chemistry of the BM xenoliths indicate temperatures of 1205 to 800 °C at pressures of 23 to 14 kbar while the results on Nyos xenoliths give temperatures of 1134 to 1044 °C at pressures of 12 to 9 kbar consistent with mantle depths of 75–42 km to BM and 36-27 km to Nyos. Olivine and pyroxene crystals contain abundant CO2-rich inclusions (48-1 μm). In Nyos, Raman spectra allow the detection of CO2 and unknown species containing NH2 while CO2 and traces of nahcolite (NaHCO3) were detected in fluid inclusions in the Barombi-Mbo mantle xenoliths. The melting point (Tm) of CO2 varies from −56.6 to −58.0 °C and from −56.8 to −63.0 °C respectively in BM and Nyos xenoliths. 95% of inclusions homogenized in the liquid phase (ThL; L + V →L) and 5% in the vapor phase (ThV; L + V →V) at temperatures ranging from +31.1 to −48.1 °C in BM xenoliths, and from +31.1 to −38.1 °C in Nyos xenoliths. Densities of CO2 inclusions in minerals range from 1.1 to 0.35 g/cm3 at Nyos, and from 1.15 to 0.2 g/cm3 at BM. The high fluid pressures deduced and the corresponding depths are 11 to 8 kbar (33-24 km) at Nyos and 12 to 10 kbar (36-30 km) at BM. Taking into account the post-trapping stretch, the corrected inclusions densities and corresponding pressures and depths set the minimum xenoliths entrainment depths to 50 km beneath BM and 36 km under Nyos maars. Fluid inclusion pressures also reveal that the Moho and Conrad discontinuities lie at depths of 24 and 15 km and of 30 and 13.5 km, respectively at Nyos and BM. The estimated Moho depths are consistent with the geophysical observations along the CVL. Low densities and relative depths probably indicate short magma stops in intermediate magmatic chambers. Before eruption, the last short magma storage and fluid mixing occurred at a depth of less than 1.8 km at BM and 3 km at Nyos.

Petrology, Geochemistry and Tectonomagmatic Evolution of Hezar Igneous Complex (Rayen- South of Kerman- Iran): the First Description of an Arc Remnant of the Neotethyan Subduction Zone

The Hezar Igneous Complex (HIC) in the south-eastern part of Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic arc, is the most prominent magmatic feature in the Kerman Porphyry Copper Belt, that understanding magmatic evolution of which may shed light on the tectonomagmatic development of this less-studied part of an important magmatic arc in the Neotethys realm. The HIC has been developed in the the intersection of the NS-striking Sabzevaran fault and the NW-SE striking Rafsanjan-Rayen fault. It is indicated that the possible place of the conduit and vent is in Jalas Mountain which has been splitted later by the Sabzevaran fault into Minor and Major Jalas. The current summit had been constructed by ascending magma chamber under the HIC that constitutes the Kamali Mountain at the south of the summit. Some plutonic rocks of the HIC are exposed at Kamali Mountain. The subalkaline rocks of this complex mainly are composed of different pyroclastic and lava flow rocks, acidic to basic in composition, showing the evidences of fractional crystallization and mineral segregation. Sequential explosive and effusive eruptions with Strombolian to Vulcanian types are evident in the successive volcanic layers. The compositional trend shows the melting of spinel lherzolite, not garnet lherzolite. The subduction-related mechanism of the magma genesis has been indicated by IAB nature of the magma formation in geochemical diagrams.