Sr Isotopic Data Research Articles

Strontium isotopic and hydrochemical characteristics of shallow groundwater and lake water in the Badain Jaran Desert, North China

ABSTRACT Shallow groundwater and lake water are the dominant water resources in the Badain Jaran Desert. There are still controversial hypotheses related to the origin of groundwater in this desert. Few studies have been conducted to explore the Sr provenance of these waters and assess the water–rock interactions using a Sr isotope approach until now. In this text, the Sr isotope data of waters in the hinterland of the Badain Jaran Desert and neighbouring areas are reported. The waters in the Badain Jaran Desert have few links to its surrounding rivers, but could be influenced by the precipitation in the Yabulai Mountains. The 87Sr/86Sr ratio changes constantly, while the Sr2+ concentration of shallow groundwater gradually decreases from Yabulai to the desert hinterland to Gurinai-Guaizihu. Combined with hydrochemical data and hydrodynamic conditions, these results show that the dissolved Sr of waters in the desert hinterland is controlled by the Yabulai precipitation and catchment weathering. They further show that the desert shallow groundwater Sr originates mainly from the Yabulai precipitation (> 94 %), while whole-rock weathering contributes little (< 6 %), as calculated using isotope mass balance equations. Relative Sr contributions to lakes from shallow groundwater and catchment weathering are calculated to be 92.5 and 7.5 %, respectively.

Insights into the origin of ferromanganese-rich deposits associated with South China Sea contourite depositional systems

Contourites are globally-distributed features along continental margins where deep-water masses come across the seafloor; however, the genesis and metal-sources of marine mineral deposits associated with contourite deposits remain largely unknown. Abundant Fe-rich nodules were recovered along the continental margin of the South China Sea, where extensive cold-seep systems were also discovered. We measured synthetically geochemical elements, δ13C, Sr and Nd isotopic data and organic proxies in Fe-oxy-hydroxide deposits from the upper and lower slope. Fe-rich nodules recovered from the upper slope represent the effect of an integrated diagenetic-hydrogenetic formation environment, in which fluid venting from deep-seated hydrocarbon reservoirs and deep-water erosion and chemistry could play an important role. In contrast, another kind of ferromanganese nodule forming along the lower slope and predominantly hydrogenetic is connected to a distinct deep-water flow from the North Pacific. These results give us a new insight into the mineralization processes associated with Fe oxidation-reduction processes on continental margins affected by contourite systems with abundant hydrocarbon seep, bottom water, and terrigenous inputs.

87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios in trees as an archaeological tracer: Limitations of linking plant-biomass and bedrock Sr isotope signatures

Assuming that strontium (Sr) isotope ratios in trees mirror the bedrock isotope signal, between-site 87Sr/86Sr comparisons can serve as a powerful tool in archaeological wood provenance studies. Here we discuss the strengths and weaknesses of this approach using Sr isotope data for bedrock, trees and rainfall collected at seven sites in the Czech Republic. The study included basalt, durbachite, granite, paragneiss, limestone and phyllitic slate. The range of 87Sr/86Sr ratios of these bedrock types was extremely large (0.704–1.743). The investigated tree species included oak, pine, and spruce. Within-tree variability in 87Sr/86Sr ratios (~0.010) was two orders of magnitude smaller than the variability in Sr ratios across the studied bedrock types. Oak and pine growing on identical bedrock exhibited statistically indistinguishable 87Sr/86Sr ratios. In four types of spruce tissues from a particular site, the 87Sr/86Sr ratios were indistinguishable, while significantly different from spruce tissues at another site. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios of the wood differed from those of bedrock, converging to the 87Sr/86Sr ratio of rainfall (0.709–0.714). Even at a 450-km distance from the nearest sea, atmospheric Sr partly originated from sea-spray. Incorporation of atmospheric Sr in trees often results in overlapping 87Sr/86Sr ranges and hampers source identification of archaeological wood.

Kīlauea's Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō Eruption (1983–2018): A synthesis of magmatic processes during a prolonged basaltic event

Kīlauea's Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō eruption was the longest lived (35+ years), and most voluminous (~4.4 km3) and intensely monitored historical eruption of this Hawaiian volcano. A synthesis and update are presented here on the remarkable petrologic and geochemical evolution of lava erupted from its inception on 03 Jan. 1983 to its demise on 01 May 2018. This time-series analysis chronicled mantle and crustal processes that varied during this eruption, which had more than a two-fold lava effusion rate increase. Our frequent sampling of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō lava allowed the changes in crustal and mantle process during this single magmatic event to be assessed. New major element, trace element, and Sr isotope data are presented here for the period from 2010 to 2018. These results are combined with our previous geochemical studies to reveal the complex interplay of crustal processes that dominated the eruption's first 500 days. Subsequently, mantle geochemical signatures became discernible as the crustal-stored magma was flushed from the conduit system and replace by new mantle-derived magma. This flushing was possible because of the relatively small size of the summit magma reservoir system compared to the volume of magma erupted at Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō (≤0.2 vs. 4.4 km3). Parental magma compositions changed rapidly during the eruptionreflecting source heterogeneity in the mantle plume. The depth of melt segregation may have also changed during the eruption. These results demonstrate the importance of systematic temporal sampling during an active eruption.

Using Sr-Nd-Pb isotope systems to trace sources of sediment and trace metals to the Weser River system (Germany) and assessment of input to the North Sea

In order to trace the sources of sediment materials and trace metals in the Weser River system (Germany), and the riverine input to the North Sea, Sr, Nd and Pb isotopes, together with multi-elemental compositions, were measured for sediments collected over the entire Weser River Basin, from headwaters to the estuary. Mass fractions of metals, including Ag, Cd, and Pb, and of one metalloid, Sb, higher than their crustal abundance, were observed within the entire Weser Basin. Isotope-amount ratio n(87Sr)/n(86Sr) and εNd ranged from 0.71182 ± 0.00005 to 0.72880 ± 0.00009 and −11.3 ± 0.3 to −21.0 ± 0.3, respectively. n(206Pb)/n(204Pb), n(207Pb)/n(204Pb), and n(208Pb)/n(204Pb) ranged from 18.226 ± 0.008 to 18.703 ± 0.012, 15.613 ± 0.007 to 15.653 ± 0.012 and 38.14 ± 0.02 to 38.84 ± 0.02, respectively. Sr and Nd isotope compositions reflected primarily a mixture of natural materials derived from the Weser Basin. Pb isotope signatures indicated strong anthropogenic influences in the middle-lower Weser region. Pb isotopic compositions in the sediments from the Aller (tributary of the Weser) and its tributary suggested influence from historical Pb-Zn ore mining in the Harz Mountains that might contribute to the observed elevated mass fractions of Ag, Cd, Sb and Pb in that region. K-means cluster and principal component analysis of the Sr, Nd, and Pb isotope data yielded results consistent with their isotope systematics, supporting statistical analysis as an unsupervised tool in isotope fingerprinting studies. Sr, Nd, and Pb isotopic signatures in the sediments of the Weser were distinctively different from those of another major river discharging into the North Sea, the Elbe. This suggested that this Sr, Nd, and Pb isotope dataset can be used to distinguish riverine input of sediment materials and metals between the two rivers, thereby assessing their individual contribution to materials transported into the North Sea.

Sub-lithospheric mantle sources for overlapping southern African Large Igneous Provinces

AbstractAt least four spatially overlapping Large Igneous Provinces, each of which generated ~1 x 106 km3 or more of basaltic magmas over short time intervals (&amp;lt;5 m.y.), were emplaced onto and into the Kaapvaal Craton between 2.7 and 0.18 Ga: Ventersdorp (2 720 Ma, ~0.7 x 106 km3), Bushveld (2 056 Ma, ~1.5 x 106 km3), Umkondo (1 105 Ma, ~2 x 106 km3) and Karoo (182 Ma, ~3 x 106 km3). Each of these has been suggested to have been derived from melting of sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) sources, but this is precluded because: (1) each widespread heating event sufficient to generate 1 to 2 x 106 km3 of basalt from the Kaapvaal SCLM (volume = 122 to 152 x 106 km3) would increase residual Mg# by 0.5 to 2 units, depending on degree of melting, and source and melt composition, causing significant depletion in already-depleted mantle, (2) repeated refertilization of the Kaapvaal SCLM would necessarily increase its bulk density, compromising its long-term buoyancy and stability, and (3) raising SCLM temperatures to the peridotite solidus would also have repeatedly destroyed lithospheric diamonds by heating and oxidation, which clearly did not happen. It is far more likely, therefore, that the Kaapvaal LIPs were generated from sub-lithospheric sources, and that their diverse geochemical and isotopic signatures represent variable assimilation of continental crustal components. Combined Sr and Nd isotopic data (n = 641) for the vast volumetric majority of Karoo low-Ti tholeiitic magmatic products can be successfully modelled as an AFC mixing array between a plume-derived parental basalt, with &amp;lt;10% of a granitic component derived from 1.1 Ga Namaqua-Natal crust. Archaean crustal materials are far too evolved (εNd ~ -35) to represent viable contaminants. However, a very minor volume of geographically-restricted (and over-analysed) Karoo magmas, including picrites, nephelinites, meimechites and other unusual rocks may represent low-degree melting products of small, ancient, enriched domains in the Kaapvaal SCLM, generated locally during the ascent of large-volume, plume-derived melts. The SCLM-derived rocks comprise the well-known high-Ti (&amp;gt;2 to 3 wt.% TiO2) magma group, have εNd, 182 values between +10.5 and -20.9, and are characteristically enriched in Sr (up to 1 500 ppm), suggesting a possible connection to kimberlite, lamproite and carbonatite magmatism. These arguments may apply to continental LIPs in general, although at present, there are insufficient combined Sr + Nd isotopic data with which to robustly assess the genesis of other southern African LIPs, including Ventersdorp (n = 0), Bushveld (n = 55) and Umkondo (n = 18).

Spring origin of Eocene carbonate mounds in the Green River Formation, Northern Bridger Basin, Wyoming, USA

AbstractModern and ancient lacustrine carbonate build‐ups provide uniquely sensitive sedimentary and geochemical records for understanding the interaction between tectonics, past climates, and local and regional scale basin hydrology. Large (metre to decametre), well‐developed carbonate mounds in the Green River Formation have long been recognized along the margins of an Eocene lake, known as Lake Gosiute. However, their mode of origin and significance with respect to palaeohydrology remain controversial. Here, new sedimentological, Sr isotope data and structural evidence show that significant spring discharge led to the formation of a decametre size complex of shoreline carbonate mounds in the upper Wilkins Peak Member of the Green River Formation at Little Mesa and adjacent areas in the Bridger Basin, Wyoming, USA. Sedimentological evidence indicates that spring discharge was predominantly subaqueous but was, at times, also subaerial, which produced tufa cascades and micro‐rimstone dam structures. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios measured from these subaerial spring deposits are less radiogenic (87Sr/86Sr = 0.71040 to 0.71101) than contemporaneous palaeolake carbonates (87Sr/86Sr = 0.71195 to 0.71561) because their parent groundwaters likely interacted with less‐radiogenic Palaeozoic carbonate. Calcite‐cemented sandstone cones and spires (87Sr/86Sr = 0.71037 to 0.71057) in the Wasatch Formation directly below the spring deposits suggest that groundwaters derived from Palaeozoic carbonates preferentially flowed along thrust faults. These results imply that high spring discharge coincided with lake high stands of the upper Wilkins Peak Member, suggesting that recharge at the north‐west margin of the Bridger Basin contributed to Lake Gosiute’s water budget and lowered the salinity of an underfilled, evaporative lake basin. The findings of this study provide criteria for the recognition of groundwater discharge in palaeolake systems which may lead to the discovery of palaeospring systems in other ancient lake deposits.

First petrologic data for Vitória Seamount, Vitória-Trindade Ridge, South Atlantic: a contribution to the Trindade mantle plume evolution

The Vitória Seamount (VTS), distant ~300 km from the Brazilian coastline at latitude 20°S, is the second closest offshore volcanic complex of the Vitória-Trindade Ridge (VTR) which corresponds to a ca. 1200 km long ridge of seamounts and islands composed of SiO2-undersaturated magmatic rocks commonly considered to be the volcanic track of the Trindade mantle plume in the South American Plate. Based on the first sample dredged from Vitória Seamount, new petrographic and electron microprobe analyses from its rock show an alkaline basalt with pseudotrachytic texture consisting of bytownite and salite phenocrysts, labradorite microliths, anhedral titanomagnetite, and a yellowish green pseudomorphic phase composed of MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–FeO. The fine-grained groundmass is mainly composed of strongly oriented lath-shaped labradorite microliths, opaque minerals, and vesicles filled by a yellowish green pseudomorphic phase. Whole-rock analyses of the Vitória Seamount rock reveal its SiO2 undersaturation (SiO2ca. 40 wt.%; normative nepheline = 13.8), enrichment in Cr, Co, Ni, V and Sc, along with depletion in Zr, La and Nd contents compared to the other seamounts of the VTR. VTS show a strong enrichment in light-REE (La/SmNca. 2.68) compared to heavy-REE (La/YbN = 20.79). Major and trace element evidence indicate that the melting of an enriched mantle source to generate the Vitória Seamount magma occurred dominantly in the garnet stability field. Trace element composition of VTS is consistent with ≤ 3% partial melting of the mantle source. Neodymium and Sr isotopic data suggest that the mantle source of the Vitória Seamount had been variably metasomatized by melts derived from enriched mantle component, which may have developed approximately 600 Ma, reconciling with the Brasiliano Orogeny, according to Nd age model. Modeling of the Nd–Sr isotope systematics points out that the primary melt was formed from an asthenospheric mantle (DMM – Depleted MORB [Mid-Ocean Ridge Basalts] Mantle) that underwent mixing with a continentally derived material (represented by EMI [Enriched Mantle I] component). This process can be explained by the mixing of melts from these mantle components during magma genesis.

Sequence stratigraphy, depositional setting and evolution of the Fahliyan carbonate platform (Zagros fold-thrust belt, SW Iran) in the Early Cretaceous

A regional sequence-stratigraphic framework is proposed for the Berriasian-Barremian shallow platform succession in the Zagros Fold-Thrust Belt (FTB), based on outcrop sections, in combination with subsurface data. The time framework is supported by new biostratigraphic results, using benthic foraminifera, dasycladalean algae and tintinnids, calibrated by Sr-isotope data. We identified and described four large-scale sequences and sixteen small-scale sequences throughout the studied succession. Large-scale sequences occur in the Berriasian-earliest Valanginian, Valanginian, Hauterivian and early to late Barremian. Based on facies associations, a relative water depth has been assigned to distinct depositional environments. Four successive architectures were observed in the platform growth: rimmed platform during the early-middle Berriasian, isolated rimmed platform in the middle Berriasian-earliest Valanginian, non-rimmed open platform to ramp in the Valanginian, and finally a mixed siliciclastic-carbonate platform to ramp in the Hauterivian-Barremian.

Petrology and Nd–Sr isotopic composition of alkaline lamprophyres from the Early to Late Cretaceous Mundwara Alkaline Complex, NW India: evidence of crystal fractionation, accumulation and corrosion in a complex magma chamber plumbing system

Abstract The Early to Late Cretaceous Mundwara alkaline complex (comprising the Musala, Mer and Toa plugs) displays a broad spectrum of alkaline rocks closely associated in space and time with the Deccan large igneous province in NW India. Petrology and Nd–Sr isotopic data on the two youngest and altogether compositionally different lamprophyre dykes of the Mundwara alkaline complex are presented in this paper to understand their petrogenesis and also to constrain the magmatic processes responsible for generation of the rock spectrum in the complex (pyroxenite, picrite ankaramite, carbonatite, shonkinite, olivine gabbro, feldspathoidal and foid-free syenite). The two lamprophyre dykes occurring in the Mer and the Musala hills are referred to as basaltic camptonite I and camptonite II, respectively. The basaltic camptonite I is highly porphyritic and contains olivine, clinopyroxene and magnetite macrocrysts embedded within the groundmass of microphenocyrsts composed of clinopyroxene, phlogopite, magnetite and feldspar. Camptonite II, however, with a more or less similar texture, contains amphibole, biotite, magnetite and clinopyroxene within the microphenocrystic groundmass of amphibole, biotite, apatite and feldspar. Pyroxenes are chemically zoned and display corrosion of the cores, revealing that they are antecrysts developed during the early stages of magma evolution and later on inherited by more evolved magmas. The mineral chemistry and trace element composition of the lamprophyres reveal that fractional crystallization was a dominant process. Early segregation of olivine + Cr-rich clinopyroxene + Cr-spinel from a primary hydrous alkali basalt within a magmatic plumbing system is inferred, which led to the generation of basaltic camptonitic magma (M1) forming the Mer hill lamprophyre. Subsequently, progressive fractionation of pyroxene and Fe–Ti oxides from the basaltic camptonitic (M1) magma generated camptonitic (M2) magma forming the Musala hill lamprophyre. Both lamprophyre dykes on the Sr–Nd isotopic array reflect plume-type asthenospheric derivation, which largely corresponds to the Réunion plume and other alkaline rocks of the Deccan large igneous province. Our study brings out a complex sequence of processes such as crystal fractionation, accumulation and corrosion in the magmatic plumbing system involved in the generation of the Mundwara alkaline complex.

Lahroud, a Paleo-Tethys Remnant in Northwestern Iran: Implications for Geochemistry, Radioisotope Geochronology, and Tectonic Setting

Abstract —The Lahroud Ophiolite in northwestern Iran contains extensive zones of Paleozoic ophiolite as remnants of the Paleo-Tethys oceanic crust. The principal rock units are gabbro overlain by pillow basalt, which is intruded by granites and interbedded with pelagic sedimentary units including radiolarian cherts. Geochemistry and radioisotope studies, supported by Nd, Sm, Sr, and Pb isotope data, indicate that the Lahroud Ophiolite originates from a within-plate basaltic mantle source. The isotope studies show that the basalts are derived from Indian-type oceanic mantle sources. The radiogenic data indicate the involvement of subduction-related terrigenous materials in the source magma. All the rocks are geochemically cogenetic and were generated by fractionation of a melt with a composition of average E-MORB with a calc-alkaline signature. Two 40Ar/39Ar ages, 343 ± 3 Ma for muscovite minerals and 187.7 ± 7.7 Ma for glasses, suggest that metamorphic and basaltic rocks formed during the Late Paleozoic to Early Jurassic, respectively. Microfossil studies show the presence of Paleozoic biostratigraphy. The crystallization process and rifting into the oceanic crust in the Lahroud Ophiolite probably began in the Carboniferous, with volcanic activity continuing during the Late Triassic.

Middle Triassic high-K calc-alkaline effusive and pyroclastic rocks from the Zagorje-Mid-Transdanubian Zone (Mt. Kuna Gora; NW Croatia): mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry and tectonomagmatic affinity

This study uses mineralogical, petrological, geochemical, and Sr and Nd isotope data along with K-Ar ages to infer the petrogenesis and geodynamic evolution of Middle Triassic high-K calc-alkaline lavas and their associated pyroclastics of Mt. Kuna Gora in NW Croatia. Their analogue mineralogy and bulk-rock geochemistry testify to the coeval origin of both rock types. Sanidine and plagioclase accompanied by inor augite and Ti-bearing magnetite are the major phases found in a matrix of devitrified volcanic glass and plagioclase microlites. Hydrothermal anddiagenetic processes in the pyroclastics originated the formation of chlorite and white mica, and mixed-layer clay minerals, respectively. Petrography reveals the following crystallization order: spinel→clinopyroxene→plagioclase→alkali-feldspar±Fe-Ti oxides. Geochemical and isotopic data suggests that the studied rocks had a complex origin that included the contamination of subduction-generated magmas by lithospheric mantle melts. This presumes an interplay between fertile arc mantle, subducted continental crust, and depleted or ocean island basalts-like mantle. A low degree of crustal contamination stands as a last step in the formation of such “hybrid” magmas. The subducted Paleotethyan oceanic lithosphere went through processes of partial melting at depths of ~45-49km and pressures of ≤1.6GPa and fractionation that produced melts which gave rise to the studied rocks. In the model we are proposing herein such formed partial melts are related to the demise of the northward subduction of the Paleotethys oceanic lithosphere during the Early to Middle Triassic epoch, which is consistent with an active, ensialic mature volcanic arc developing along Laurussian southern active margins.

Sr and C Isotope Chemostratigraphy of the Paleoproterozoic Metacarbonate Rocks of the Sortavala Group: Fennoscandian Shield, Northern Ladoga Area

The first Sr isotope data and the new C isotope signatures have been obtained for the metacarbonate rocks of the Sortavala Group in the Fennoscandian Shield. The metacarbonate rocks of the lower carbonate horizon of this group represent the sediments of shallow partly isolated paleobasins, whereas the carbonate deposits of the upper horizon represent the sediments of the distal part of an extensive marine paleobasin. The initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of the calcite marbles in the lower carbonate horizon vary from 0.70761 to 0.71015 (Ristiniemi area) and from 0.71274 to 0.71292 (Impilahti area), whereas the same ratios of the marbles in the upper carbonate horizon vary from 0.70482 to 0.70489 (Ruskeala calcite marble), from 0.70463 to 0.70522 (Ruskeala dolomite marble), and from 0.70483 to 0.70493 (Yuven’ Island calcite marble). Samples retaining the initial Paleoproterozoic seawater signatures have been revealed as a result of the geochemical assessment of the retentivity of the isotope systems of the metacarbonate rocks. Substantial differences in δ13С values between the marbles of the lower (from +3.8 to +7.7‰, Impilahti and Ristiniemi) and upper (from –2.2‰ to +2.1‰, Ruskeala and Yuven’) carbonate horizons of the group have been established. The isotope composition of carbon from the marbles of the Sortavala Group is consistent with the deposition of the lower carbonate horizon during the terminal stages of the Jatulian Epoch and the upper horizon during the Ludicovian Epoch. The change in the Th/U ratio from 4.3–7.1 in the metacarbonate rocks of the lower horizon to 0.1–0.32 in the upper carbonate horizon reflects transition from the weakly oxidizing sedimentation environment during the Jatulian to the reducing environment during the Ludicovian. An 87Sr/86Sr isotope signature (from 0.70463 to 0.70493) was for the first time obtained for the Svecofennian Ocean during the Ludicovian time (1.9–2.06 Ga). The increase in the 87Sr/86Sr ratio in the ocean water during the post-Jatulian period reflects the global growth of the continental crust ca. 2 Ga.

Petrology of Basanitic Lavas of the Daur–Hentiyn Range (P–T Conditions of Formation, Crystallization Sequence, and Sources of Material)

Abstract —We performed a comprehensive study of basanites from the Daur–Hentiyn Range and present the first data on their Sr and Nd isotope and mineral compositions (electron probe microanalysis). The study has shown that the basanites are chemically similar to the volcanic rocks of the South Baikal volcanic area (SBVA) and are slightly different from oceanic island basalts in higher contents of Ba, Th, La, and Sr. The crystallization temperatures and pressures for the Fo0.85 olivine–melt equilibrium have been estimated, 1186–1137 ºC, 1.09–1.06 GPa, and the sequence of mineral crystallization has been established. The obtained Sr and Nd isotope data indicate that the basanitic magmas were generated from material with PREMA and EMI isotope parameters.

Sr- and C-Chemostratigraphy Potential of the Paleoproterozoic Sedimentary Carbonates under Medium-Temperature Metamorphism: the Ruskeala Marble, Karelia

Comprehensive petrological and isotope-geochemical study of marble was carried out in the upper part of the Sortavala Group of the northeastern lense at the Ruskeala deposit in the Northern Ladoga area. The petrological study showed that the carbonate rocks of the Sortavala Group underwent medium-temperature low-pressure amphibolite-facies metamorphism. The mineral assemblages of Ruskeala marbles were formed at temperature of 550–600°C and pressure of ~3–5 kbar in equilibrium with a mixed water-carbon dioxide fluid with $${{X}_{{{\text{C}}{{{\text{O}}}_{2}}}}}$$ ~ 0.5–0.8. Dolomite marbles contain admixture (up to 2%) of finely disseminated carbonaceous matter and about 8–15% of calcite. Dolomites contain small amounts of Mn (70–110 ppm) and Fe (1600–3600 ppm) and high content of Sr (122–256 ppm). The initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio in the dolomites is within 0.70465–0.70522, δ13C values vary between +0.6…+1.9 ‰, and δ18О within –13.2 … –10.2‰ (V-PDB). Calcite marbles are free of carbonaceous matter, have very low contents of Mg (0.2–0.8%), Mn (10–90 ppm) and Fe (160–640 ppm) and very high Sr concentration (850–2750 ppm). The initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios in the calcite marbles range from 0.70482 to 0.70489, δ13С from 1.5 to 2.1‰, and δ18О from –10.9 to ‒8.1 ‰ (V-PDB). Tremolite-bearing marbles have higher 87Sr/86Sr ratio (up to 0.70522), while their δ13С and δ18О values decrease to 0.1‰ and –12.2‰, respectively. The metamorphism of Ruskeala carbonate even under medium-temperature amphibolite-facies conditions was essentially isochemical process, which retained the unique Sr and C chemostratigraphic potential of calcite and dolomite marbles for the reconstruction of 87Sr/86Sr and δ13C in the Paleoproterozoic seawater. The 87Sr/86Sr ratio in the 1.9–2.0 Ga Svecofennian ocean was 0.70463–0.70492, and δ13С value +1.5 ± 1‰. New Sr-isotope data record an increase in radiogenic Sr input in the ocean about 2 billion years ago, which was probably related to the growth of continental crust and more intense weathering. The δ13С in Ludicovian carbonates mark the beginning of C-isotope stasis in ocean after the Lomagundi-Jatulian anomaly of 13Ccarb.

The Circulation of Ancient Animal Resources Across the Yellow River Basin: A Preliminary Bayesian Re-evaluation of Sr Isotope Data From the Early Neolithic to the Western Zhou Dynasty

Many questions still remain regarding the acquisition and circulation of ancient domesticated animals across the Yellow River Basin, one of the key areas for the development of complex societies in ancient China. Here, we re-evaluate previously published strontium isotope data (87Sr/86Sr, n = 167) from tooth enamel of domesticated animals at 10 archaeological sites in the Yellow River Basin to shed new light on the transition between the Neolithic (7000–5000 BCE) and the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046–771 BCE). The results show that from the Late Neolithic to the Western Zhou Dynasty, some domesticated animals, mostly cattle and sheep, were increasingly sourced from non-local areas. We employed Bayesian methods to define an isoscape of bioavailable Sr for the Yellow River Basin and to show the considerable diversity in the origins of non-local domesticated animals, some of which may have come from locations hundreds of kilometers away from the site as early as the Late Neolithic. The increasingly variable 87Sr/86Sr ratios of domesticated animals from the Neolithic to the Western Zhou Dynasty are consistent with that of associated human remains, and also match the archaeological and zooarchaeological evidence for increased circulation of animal products in the Yellow River Basin. Therefore, we infer that local economies increasingly incorporated non-local animals as part of wider circulation networks that emerged with the development of complex societies since the Late Neolithic.

Textural and Geochemical Evidence for Multiple, Sheet-like Magma Pulses in the Limeira Intrusion, Paraná Magmatic Province, Brazil

Abstract Quantitative petrographic, structural, and textural parameters are integrated with geological, geochemical, and Sr-isotope data to examine the emplacement, growth processes, and magmatic evolution of the high-Ti tholeiitic Limeira Intrusion, in the Paraná Magmatic Province of SE Brazil. Our data strongly support a multiple-stage evolution, owing to the nested emplacement of distinct crystal-bearing magma pulses that probably evolved independently, except at their boundaries. A stage of cooling and crystallization between magma injections results in a stepwise T–t path, leading to variations in the plagioclase residence times and effective growth rates inwards, also occasioning sudden changes in crystal shape and size at the boundaries of each magma pulse. The time delay between pulses allows preservation of internal ‘chilled margins’ and the development of near-rigid surfaces at their contacts, increasing the alignment and clustering of crystals during magma replenishment. Isotopic and textural data demonstrate a complex assembly history, in which the appearance of mixed plagioclase populations between magma pulses coincides with the onset of initial Sr isotope ratio increase, which can be attributed to a locally enhanced cooling rate, and the extraction of residual melts from the previous crystallizing batches and mixing with the younger pulses. Typical C- and S-shaped MgO (wt%) compositional profiles within individual pulses indicate that the first one probably evolved by in situ fractional crystallization followed by melt migration inward, whereas the younger ones have contributions from both compaction of the lowermost crystallization front and compositional convection. Mafic globular structures are found at the boundaries of magma pulses and constituting the mafic-rich layers in layered rocks. They are interpreted as evidence for chemical disequilibrium, arguably associated with the trigger of silicate liquid immiscibility. The upwards compositional convection of the silica-rich residual liquid and the accumulation of the Fe–Ti–P-rich crystalbearing end-member in the bottom of the latest magma pulses might represent the most significant mechanism of differentiation in the Limeira Intrusion.

Petrogenesis of the Loch B\xe0 ring-dyke and Centre 3 granites, Isle of Mull, Scotland

The Loch Bà ring-dyke and the associated Centre 3 granites represent the main events of the final phase of activity at the Palaeogene Mull igneous complex. The Loch Bà ring-dyke is one of the best exposed ring-intrusions in the world and records intense interaction between rhyolitic and basaltic magma. To reconstruct the evolutionary history of the Centre 3 magmas, we present new major- and trace-element, and new Sr isotope data as well as the first Nd and Pb isotope data for the felsic and mafic components of the Loch Bà intrusion and associated Centre 3 granites. We also report new Sr, Nd and Pb isotope data for the various crustal compositions from the region, including Moine and Dalradian metasedimentary rocks, Lewisian gneiss, and Iona Group metasediments. Isotope data for the Loch Bà rhyolite (87Sr/86Sri = 0.716) imply a considerable contribution of local Moine-type metasedimentary crust (87Sr/86Sr = 0.717–0.736), whereas Loch Bà mafic inclusions (87Sr/86Sri = 0.704–0.707) are closer to established mantle values, implying that felsic melts of dominantly crustal origin mixed with newly arriving basalt. The Centre 3 microgranites (87Sr/86Sri = 0.709–0.716), are less intensely affected by crustal assimilation relative to the Loch Bá rhyolite. Pb-isotope data confirm incorporation of Moine metasediments within the Centre 3 granites. Remarkably, the combined Sr–Nd–Pb data indicate that Centre 3 magmas record no detectable interaction with underlying deep Lewisian gneiss basement, in contrast to Centre 1 and 2 lithologies. This implies that Centre 3 magmas ascended through previously depleted or insulated feeding channels into upper-crustal reservoirs where they resided within and interacted with fertile Moine-type upper crust prior to eruption or final emplacement.

Boron isotope compositions establish the origin of marble from metamorphic complexes: Québec, New York, and Sri Lanka

Abstract The origin of an array of marble samples found in both the Grenville Province and southwestern Sri Lanka remains uncertain, whether magmatic, sedimentary, or mixed, due to their proximity to both carbonatite bodies and carbonate-rich metasedimentary rocks. This study reports boron and trace element abundances, in addition to carbon, oxygen, boron, and strontium isotopic compositions, to determine the petrogenesis of these carbonate-rich samples. Boron abundances for all of the samples are relatively high and variable (1.48–71.1 ppm) compared to those for carbonatites worldwide (≤1 ppm), and mostly overlap those documented for sedimentary sources (up to 54 ppm). The rare earth element (REE) abundances (0.5–1068 ppm) for the marbles studied are similar to those for local sedimentary units and thus contain, in general, lower REE contents than both the average worldwide calciocarbonatite and respective neighboring carbonatite bodies. The δ13CV-PDB and δ18OV-SMOW compositions for all of the samples range between –2.9 to +3.2 ± 0.1‰ and +14.3 to +25.8 ± 0.2‰, respectively, and are considerably heavier than those reported for magmatic or metamorphosed carbonatites. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios reported here range from 0.70417 to 0.70672, which are more radiogenic than the average 87Sr/86Sr (~0.70345) reported for carbonatites included for comparison in this study. Importantly, the boron isotopic compositions (δ11B‰) for samples from the Grenville Province range from +7.5 to +15.7 ± 0.5‰, which are consistent with those reported for biogenic carbonate (+4.9 to +35.1‰). In contrast, δ11B values for the samples of marble from Sri Lanka vary from –9.8 to –14.3 ± 0.5‰ overlapping with those estimated for average bulk continental crust (–9.1 ± 2.4‰). Together, the boron compositions, chemical data, stable (C, O), and radiogenic Sr isotopic data overwhelmingly point to a sedimentary origin for the marble samples examined here. Specifically, the samples from the Grenville Province represent marble formed during high-temperature regional metamorphism of limestone units. The Sri Lankan samples were formed from carbonate-rich and 11B-poor fluids derived from a crustal source. The boron isotopic compositions for the samples studied here are also compared to those reported for mantle-derived carbonate (i.e., carbonatites) worldwide, along with their associated δ13CV-PDB and 87Sr/86Sr values. This comparison results in defining three isotopically distinct fields; mantle-derived carbonates, sedimentary carbonates derived from heterogeneous limestone protoliths, and carbonates derived from meteoric water interacting with crustal material. This work establishes the effective use of boron isotopic compositions in determining the origin of carbonate-rich rocks of contentious petrogenesis.

Tectonic-controlled sediment-hosted fluorite-barite deposits of the central Alpine-Himalayan segment, Komsheche, NE Isfahan, Central Iran

The Triassic carbonate-hosted Komsheche deposit of Central Iran, in the central segment of the Alpine-Himalayan orogen, is an ideal test site for tectonic-controlled ore formation processes. The mineralization consists of barite, fluorite, minor galena, and subordinate pyrite and chalcopyrite, and gangue minerals of dolomite, quartz, siderite, organic material, and calcite. Radiogenic isotopes point to multiple sources. The Pb composition in galena indicates an origin of Pb from upper crustal material. Barite generations II and III have 87Sr/86Sr = 0.709147 to 0.709595, higher than those of the Triassic host rocks, but more similar to the composition of Paleozoic basement and Miocene seawater. The chondrite-normalized REE patterns of fluorite crystals are subhorizontal with slightly negative or no Eu anomalies and weak enrichment of the MREE. The composition of fluorite, combined with the Pb and Sr isotopic data, reflects a process of fluid-rock interaction for the mineralizing fluids along favorable lithological and structural sites. The anatomy of the Komsheche deposit is dominantly controlled by the fault architecture. The (U-Th)/He thermochronology of fluorite grains from Komsheche yields a range of ages from Early Cretaceous to Pliocene, in concordance with the multistage tectonic evolution of the Zagros orogen. Our proposed model is that the barite-fluorite deposits of Central Iran formed during alternating tectonic episodes, including Early Cretaceous extension, post-Cretaceous - Oligocene compression, Oligo-Miocene extension, and finally Miocene and younger compression. The spatial-temporal correlation of our results with those of other studies along the Alpine-Himalayan and Atlas Mountains domains reveal a tight coupling between tectonism and formation of sediment-hosted fluorine-bearing (±Ba, Pb±Zn) deposits throughout the Mesozoic and Cenozoic. Incipient deposits formed in the Mesozoic along extension-related basement faults and subsequent deposit generations formed during reactivation / inversion of pre-existing structures.