Sediment Subduction Research Articles

Inefficient nitrogen transport to the lower mantle by sediment subduction

The fate of sedimentary nitrogen during subduction is essential for understanding the origin of nitrogen in the deep Earth. Here we study the behavior of nitrogen in slab sediments during the phengite to K-hollandite transition at 10–12 GPa and 800–1100 °C. Phengite stability is extended by 1–3 GPa in the nitrogen (NH4+)-bearing system. The phengite-fluid partition coefficient of nitrogen is 0.031 at 10 GPa, and K-hollandite-fluid partition coefficients of nitrogen range from 0.008 to 0.064, showing a positive dependence on pressure but a negative dependence on temperature. The nitrogen partitioning data suggest that K-hollandite can only preserve ~43% and ~26% of the nitrogen from phengite during the phengite to K-hollandite transition along the cold and warm slab geotherms, respectively. Combined with the slab sedimentary nitrogen influx, we find that a maximum of ~1.5 × 108 kg/y of nitrogen, representing ~20% of the initial sedimentary nitrogen influx, could be transported by K-hollandite to the lower mantle. We conclude that slab sediments may have contributed less than 15% of the lower mantle nitrogen, most of which is probably of primordial origin.

Sediment subduction in Hadean revealed by machine learning

Due to the scarcity of rock samples, the Hadean Era predating 4 billion years ago (Ga) poses challenges in understanding geological processes like subaerial weathering and plate tectonics that are critical for the evolution of life. The Jack Hills zircon from Western Australia, the primary Hadean samples available, offer valuable insights into magma sources and tectonic genesis through trace element signatures. However, a consensus on these signatures has not been reached. To address this, we developed a machine learning classifier capable of deciphering the geochemical fingerprints of zircon. This allowed us to identify the oldest detrital zircon originating from sedimentary-derived "S-type" granites. Our results indicate the presence of S-type granites as early as 4.24 Ga, persisting throughout the Hadean into the Archean. Examining global detrital zircon across Earth's history reveals consistent supercontinent-like cycles from the present back to the Hadean. These findings suggest that a significant amount of Hadean continental crust was exposed, weathered into sediments, and incorporated into the magma sources of Jack Hills zircon. Only the early operation of both subaerial weathering and plate subduction can account for the prevalence of S-type granites we observe. Additionally, the periodic evolution of S-type granite proportions implies that subduction-driven tectonic cycles were active during the Hadean, at least around 4.2 Ga. The evidence thus points toward an early Earth resembling the modern Earth in terms of active tectonics and habitable surface conditions. This suggests the potential for life to originate in environments like warm ponds rather than extreme hydrothermal settings.

An alternative to the igneous crust fluid + sediment melt paradigm for arc lava geochemistry.

A long-standing paradigm of arc geochemistry is that the trace element compositions of arc lavas arise from two compositionally distinct slab components: an aqueous dehydration fluid from the subducting igneous ocean crust that transports "fluid-mobile" elements, such as barium (Ba), and a sediment melt that supplies thorium (Th) and the light rare earth elements. This two-component framework has been widely called upon to explain global geochemical trends as well as geochemical variations within individual arcs, such as the Marianas. Here, we show that this paradigm is inconsistent with mass balance, due to the low Ba contents of igneous ocean crust, and with experimental data, which show that aqueous fluids from the igneous oceanic crust would be too dilute to substantially affect arc compositions. Observations previously attributed to the sediment melt/igneous-crust-fluid hypothesis are better explained by diverse subducting sediment compositions coupled with ambient mantle wedge heterogeneity, both globally and for the Marianas.

Evidence from adakitic rocks for a switch in magmatic source at ca. 460 Ma in the Karamaili Ocean of East Junggar, NW China

Early Paleozoic magmatism can preserve critical geological records related to subduction-accretion in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Here, we report new geochemical, geochronological and isotopic results for diorites-granitoids in the Karamaili region of East Junggar, Northwest China. These rocks record high Sr, but low Y and Yb contents, with high Sr/Y ratios but low La/Yb ratios, and can be divided into low-silica adakite and high-silica adakite. All samples are with typical features of subduction-related magmas and show relatively juvenile Sr, Nd and Hf isotopic ratios. Zircon LA-ICP-MS UPb ages are between 468 ± 4 Ma and 441 ± 5 Ma. The low-silica adakite has relatively high Mg# and Cr, Co and Ni contents, implying a possible mantle origin. The Hongliuxia diorite (low-silica adakite) has relatively high Th contents and Th/Yb ratios, but records lower ɛNd(t) (+4.1) and ɛHf(t) (+8.9 − +12.2) values than those of the granitoids (high-silica adakite), implying the low-silica adakite was influenced by the subduction of sediments. The low-silica adakite likely originated from partial melting of a mantle wedge, metasomatized by subduction-related fluids and sediments, whereas the high-silica adakite was likely derived from partial melting of juvenile mafic lower crust. There is little involvement of garnet in the magma source, consistent with fluid-flux melting at pressures between 10 and 12.5 kbar (corresponding to 30–40 km depth). We suggest that the increase in Nd and Hf isotopic ratios at ∼460 Ma may imply that subduction began to retreat at this time in the Karamaili Ocean during evolution of the CAOB.

An enhanced chemical maturation of juvenile arc crust recorded by the Urad Houqi intrusive suite in Langshan arc, Central Asia

Continental arc magmatism is crucial in producing juvenile continental crust of andesitic to dacitic composition, yet its impact on the formation of the modern mature continental crust, which is more enriched in potassic and granitic components, remains poorly understood. We examined a suite comprised of norite gabbro, gabbroic diorite, high-Mg diorite, dioritic enclave, and medium-K to high-K granites (the Urad Houqi suite) from the Langshan arc in the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Zircon U-Pb geochronology indicates that the Urad Houqi suite was formed ca. 278−268 Ma by a continuous magmatic event, marking the final episode of the late Paleozoic continental arc magmatism in the southern CAOB induced by the subduction of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. The suite exhibits a more potassic and fertile composition compared to typical continental arc magmas, and shows a continuous increasing K2O/Na2O ratio and incompatible element concentrations, including K, Rb, Th, and U, with increasing SiO2 content. The geochemical evolution of the suite offers valuable insights into the maturation process of the juvenile arc crust. By combining zircon Hf and bulk-rock Sr-Nd-Pb isotope studies, we demonstrated that the various lithologies within the Urad Houqi suite recorded a three-stage enhancement of the geochemical fertility of the juvenile Langshan arc crust: (1) generation of the initially fertile primary melt from the mantle wedge metasomatized by the recycled subducted sediments; (2) trans-crustal open-system hybridization processes, including peritectic reaction and magma mixing, that further fertilized the derived melts in addition to fractional crystallization; and (3) diverse petrogenetic processes that contributed to the fertility of the granitic magmas, including polybaric fractionation of the primary magma, anatexis of ancient crust, and extraction of high-silica melts from the shallow mush system. The three-stage maturation of the juvenile Langshan arc crust was typically coupled with the accelerated subduction of the Paleo-Asian Ocean since the earliest Permian. Our study finds that the Urad Houqi suite can serve as an example of modern continental crust maturation at continental arc settings.

Mo-Mg isotopes trace the role of serpentinite in generating arc magmatism

Serpentinite-derived components play an important role in chemical cycling in subduction zones. However, it is difficult to identify recycled serpentinite in subarc mantle due to the overprinting of other slab components, and how serpentinite contributes to arc magmatism is poorly understood. Here we report Mo and Mg isotopic compositions of Early Paleozoic Qushiang arc mafic rocks in the East Kunlun orogen. The Qushiang mafic rocks have variable δ98Mo values of −0.50‰ to 0.78% and δ26Mg values of −0.31‰ to −0.05‰. These features, combining with arc-type trace element distribution patterns, enriched SrNd isotopes, and variable zircon HfO isotopes, suggest the incorporation of different subducting components in their mantle source. Some mafic rocks show high δ98Mo values together with low Mo/Ce ratios and enriched SrNd isotopes, suggesting the contribution of subducted sediment (SSD)-derived melts. Additionally, light Mo isotopes are also identified in mafic rocks, which are closely related to depleted SrNd isotopes. These features are mainly inherited from the subducted dehydrated altered oceanic crust (SAOC)-derived melts. More importantly, the coexisting and significantly high δ26Mg and δ98Mo values of these rocks could not be explained by the SSD or SAOC components, but require serpentinite components in the subarc mantle source. Our study reveals that combined Mo and Mg isotopic studies are potential tools for tracing serpentinite recycling, and provides new insight into the mechanisms by which different subducting components contribute to arc magmatism.

Melting behavior of impure limestone under H2O-poor conditions: Implications for the contribution of carbonate-rich sediments to arc magmatic carbon output

Sedimentary carbon may be transferred from subducting slabs to the overlying mantle wedge as a component of sediment-derived melts and contribute to carbon output in subduction zones. To investigate the melting behavior of subducting carbonate-rich sediments at shallow depths and evaluate the consequent efficiency of carbon recycling, this study presents the phase relations of H2O-poor impure limestone at 1.5–4.5 GPa and 750–1300 °C. The onset of melting occurs between 750 and 800 °C at 1.5–2.5 GPa, between 950 and 1000 °C at 3.5 GPa, and between 1000 and 1050 °C at 4.5 GPa. The melting experiments yield silicate melts with CO2 contents below 5 wt% and H2O contents below 10 wt%, exhibiting compositional evolution from rhyolitic to dacitic and trachytic as the temperature increases. Combining these results with previous experimental studies on various sediment systems, we conclude that the position of the solidus and melt compositions are influenced by multiple factors, including pressure, bulk composition, and volatile concentrations. Calculations demonstrate that the subduction of carbonate-rich sediment leads to a near-surface recycling efficiency for carbon below 5%, notably lower than the recycling efficiency of water (>75%). This study also indicates that sediment melting in subarc regions is restricted to either hot subduction zones or to subducted slabs at subarc depths exceeding 150 km, which are uncommon among global subduction zones on the modern Earth.However, sediment diapirism may be an efficient way for subducting sedimentary carbon to migrate into source regions of arc magmas. Reaction experiments involving hydrous impure limestone and lherzolite were conducted at 2.5 GPa and 1000 °C, as well as 4.5 GPa and 1100 °C to constrain the melting behavior of carbonate-rich sediment diapirs in the mantle wedge. Silicate melts and a thin websterite reaction layer are generated at 2.5 GPa, while at 4.5 GPa carbonate melts are produced, resulting in the thorough metasomatism of lherzolite. These findings highlight distinct and diverse contributions that carbonate-rich sediment diapirs make to compositional heterogeneity in the mantle wedge at different depths, and also to carbon degassing in magmatic arcs.

Fractionation of Nb/Ta during subduction of carbonate-rich sediments

Fractionation of Nb/Ta during subduction of carbonate-rich sediments

Constraints on the source and petrogenesis of early Ediacaran shoshonitic mafic magmatism and high-K calc-alkaline granitoids in the Sergipano Orogenic System, Borborema Province, Brazil

The early Ediacaran Capela pluton (ca. 630 Ma) is intruded into the metasedimentary succession of the Sergipano Orogenic System along the oriental segment of the Macururé Domain, southeastern Borborema Province, NE Brazil. This body is an uncommon example of mantle-derived shoshonitic mafic rocks associated with high-K calc-alkaline granitoids emplaced in a pre- to early-collisional context. Here, we aim to unravel the petrogenesis of this plutonic association to determine the role of crustal contribution to magmatism and its geodynamical significance during the early stages of the Brasiliano/Pan-African Orogeny. The Capela pluton comprises cumulate hornblendites, gabbronorites, gabbros, diorites, granodiorites, quartz monzonites, and granites. Shoshonitic mafic rocks and high-K calc-alkaline granitoids show significant enrichments in LILE and LREE compared to HREE and HFSE. Ultramafic and mafic rocks display a conspicuous crustal signature, yielding subchondritic εNd(t) and zircon εHf(t) values, along with variable radiogenic Sr–Pb isotopic compositions. The dominant factors controlling the geochemical features of the mafic magmas were the enriched signature of the lithospheric mantle source and the degree of partial melting. Mantle source metasomatism is thought to have occurred by incorporating subducted sediments into the mantle wedge before the onset of the Brasiliano Orogeny. Geochemical modeling demonstrated that low partial melting degrees (5–10%) of phlogopite-bearing lithospheric mantle in the spinel stability field metasomatized by 5–10% subducted sediments may account for the main characteristics of the mafic rocks. Introducing sedimentary material into the mantle caused a decrease in Sm/Nd and Lu/Hf ratios while increasing the Rb/Sr, U/Pb, and Th/Pb ratios, which led to the time-integrated evolved isotopic signature observed in the mafic rocks. The coeval granitoids are metaluminous to slightly peraluminous and display Nd–Pb isotopic compositions similar to those of mafic–ultramafic rocks. The petrological and isotopic features of the granitoids are consistent with derivation from an ancient mafic lower crustal source. We argue that the ascent and emplacement of hydrous mantle-derived magmas as successive sills into the lower crust produced a deep hot zone beneath the Sergipano Orogenic System during the onset of the Brasiliano/Pan-African Orogeny. Aqueous fluids released from such potassic mafic magmas favored the partial melting of surrounding rocks, producing contemporary felsic magmatism.

Carbon Storage in the Forearc Produced by Buoyant Diapirs of Subducted Sediment

AbstractCarbonate sediments transported into the mantle at subduction zone settings account for the majority of the carbon flux into the Earth's interior and are thus critical to the deep carbon cycle. Understanding carbon storage volumes in the deep earth requires knowledge of the degree to which carbonate sediments are stored in the arc lithosphere or descend to the deep mantle. Here, we use petrological‐thermomechanical modeling to indicate that solid‐state diapirs dominate the removal of carbon from subducting plates, which may be the principal carbon‐release mechanism for the Cyclades (Greece) and Costa Rican forearcs. We find that forearc diapirs remove up to ∼80% of subducting carbon and develop diagonally upward, resulting in massive carbon storage in the subarc lithosphere. Outgassing from the carbon storage may cause high carbon outputs and explain volcanic gas with high δ13C at some subduction zones, affecting atmospheric CO2 concentration.

Does zircon geochemistry record global sediment subduction?

Abstract Global compilations of zircon geochemistry have been used as evidence for changes in plate tectonic styles and surface environments. In particular, zircon δ18O has been used as a proxy for global sediment subduction and incorporation into igneous melts. However, research employing such compilations commonly ignores geologic and geographic context. We analyze a newly georeferenced zircon δ18O database from 1000 Ma to present. The compilation shows positive and negative isotopic excursions, both of which have been interpreted in the context of global phenomena. Sensitivity testing demonstrates that these excursions are the product of regional tectonic environments. Specifically, low Tonian–Cryogenian δ18O, previously interpreted as a climate signal of snowball Earth glacial meltwater, is isolated to ultra-high-pressure rocks of the Dabie Sulu orogen in central Asia, ophiolites in Egypt, and juvenile arc development in Madagascar, predating Cryogenian glaciation. Positive anomalies in the Ediacaran–Cambrian and Devonian, previously interpreted to record snowball Earth erosion and the rise of land plants, are the result of upper-plate, supracrustal sources of Gondwana. A Neogene anomaly is the result of volcanic rocks associated with Yellowstone and Iceland. Sampling bias in zircon geochemical compilations is analogous to that of Lagerstätten (sites of exquisite fossil preservation) and the “monograph effect” (large contributions from individual researchers) in paleontology, which both result in artifacts of over-representation. Long-term zircon δ18O trends broadly track the generation of collisional granites and continental arcs through time, recording the melting of sediments and sedimentary rocks in individual orogens, and not variations in sediment subduction globally.

Influence of outer-rise faults on shallow décollement heterogeneity and sediment flux at the Japan trench

We investigate the impact of outer-rise normal fault subduction on the structural evolution of the décollement and frontal prism in a portion of the Japan trench that hosted the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. We use seismic reflection data to map the relative occurrence of sediment accretion, sediment subduction, and frontal tectonic erosion in the shallow portion of the subduction zone and correlate these deformation styles to the magnitude of outer-rise fault throw and incoming plate sediment thickness. These data reveal spatial heterogeneity in the modes of deformation over distances of 5-10 km that necessitate correlative heterogeneity in the geometry and composition of the shallow décollement over similar length-scales. We find that sediment accretion predominantly occurs in regions where incoming plate sediment thickness is greater than fault throw. In these areas, the décollement appears to be non-planar and compositionally homogenous. Conversely, frontal tectonic erosion and slope failures are predominantly observed in regions where fault throw is greater than sediment thickness. In these areas, the décollement may be planar but compositionally heterogeneous. Additionally, spatial variations in near trench slip appear to correlate with the dominant deformation modes, suggesting that both sediment thickness and outer-rise fault throw may be important controls on shallow megathrust behavior.

Force-balance modelling of the impact of glacial erosion, trench sedimentation, megathrust weakening and glacial loading on the stress state of the crust at active continental margins

Force-balance analyses showed that the stress state at active continental margins is largely controlled by the gravitational force and the megathrust shear force and remains unchanged as long as subduction proceeds undisturbed. Glacially induced topographic changes and mass redistribution by glacial erosion, sediment transport and deposition may affect the force balance but the impact on the stress state and the style of deformation in the upper plate has not been investigated so far. Here, we use numerical force-balance models to investigate the stress changes in the upper plate resulting from (i) a reduction in mountain height in the arc by glacial erosion, (ii) a steepening of the arc front, (iii) a decrease in the megathrust shear force due to increased sediment subduction and fault weakening, (iv) an increase in sediment thickness in the trench, and (v) the load by an ice cap. Our model results show that each process causes distinct stress changes that affect different parts of the upper plate. The largest stress changes result from a reduction in mountain height, which increases compression in the arc interior, and fault weakening by increased sediment subduction, which decreases the megathrust shear force and hence deviatoric compression in the forearc and backarc. Smaller stress changes occur for a steepening of the arc front, increased sediment deposition in the trench and the load of the ice cap. The different stress changes may promote or suppress faulting in different parts of the upper plate. Application of our model to the North Patagonian Andes indicates that glacial erosion during late Cenozoic cold periods may explain the localization of deformation in the arc interior, whereas the reduced activity of thrust faults in the forearc and backarc may reflect a decrease in deviatoric compression caused by a decrease in the megathrust shear force.

Late-orogenic potassic to ultrapotassic dykes from the central Grenvillian hinterland: Trace element and Sr-Nd-Pb-O isotopic perspective

New whole-rock Sr-Nd-Pb-O isotope data are combined with previously published results for Sr and Nd isotopes and major and trace element chemistry to examine the petrogenetic and tectonic environments of a suite of ca. 980 Ma potassic to ultrapotassic dykes (PUD) from the Canyon domain, central Grenville Province in Canada. The PUD suite can be divided into two geochemically distinct groups that exhibit characteristic source mineralogy, depth of partial melting, and multi-stage metasomatism of heterogeneous mantle sources. Major and trace element data suggest involvement of both fertile and depleted sources involving spinel and garnet peridotite, while trace element and isotope data indicate long-term LREE and LILE enrichments and HFSE depletions in ancient subduction settings. Low time-integrated Rb/Sr, Sm/Nd, and U/Pb ratios suggest enriched mantle EM-I metasomatized by ancient subduction of continental upper crust and/or carbonate sediments. A latest phase of fluid/melt metasomatism is attributed to a late-Grenvillian intracontinental subduction and limited lithospheric extension.The late-Grenvillian tectonic setting is proposed here to be characterized by shallow-angle underthrusting of the foreland beneath the Grenvillian hinterland, where SCLM, initially of Proterozoic age and eventually of Late Archean age, became transported beneath the orogenic core. The intracontinental collision was short-lived and probably terminated because of buoyancy constraints related to the refractory character of the subducted Archean lithospheric mantle.

Isotopic and geochemical characteristics of mid- to-late-Miocene continental and oceanic arc volcanic and intrusive rocks, central North Island and offshore, New Zealand

Abstract Mid- to late-Miocene continental arc volcanism on the North Island of New Zealand is found in the Coromandel Peninsula, the Kiwitahi volcanic chain and the Taranaki Basin (Kora Volcano) offshore the western margin of the North Island. Coeval oceanic arc volcanism is also found along the offshore Colville Ridge/Kermadec Ridge north of New Zealand. This Pb–Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic study aims to evaluate mantle sources and potential crustal contaminants along these sections of the Miocene arc system. The Colville/Kermadec Ridge and Kora lavas have the lowest Sr (0.7029–0.7045) and highest Nd (0.51305–0.51292) ratios; the Coromandel and Kiwitahi lavas overlap (Sr = 0.704–0.706; Nd = 0.51268–0.51296). The Colville/Kermadec Ridge, Kora, and Coromandel/Kiwitahi rocks form three distinct arrays on Pb–Pb plots, all above the Northern Hemisphere Reference Line, but none trend towards local Mesozoic basement greywackes. Isotopic and trace element ratio variations suggest that subducted sediments are a component in Coromandel/Kiwitahi mafic lava sources. The younger, southern Kiwitahi lavas have a more depleted mantle source than that for the older, northern Kiwitahi chain. Evolved lavas commonly have interacted with Waipapa basement rocks. Kora rocks have compositions similar to those of back-arc lavas and have been emplaced as sills in a rift environment above a distinct subduction-modified mantle.

Mo isotopes record recycling of anoxic sediment in a Paleo-oceanic subduction zone

Mafic arc igneous rocks with oceanic crust-derived fluids in their mantle sources generally show heavy Mo isotope compositions. However, these rocks may exhibit variable Mo isotope compositions due to involvement of seafloor sediments under different redox conditions. Thus, it is intriguing how Mo isotope recycles with sediment subduction and how Mo isotope fractionation occurs during this process. Here we report Mo isotope data for Paleozoic mafic arc igneous rocks from the Qinling-Tongbai orogenic belt in Central China. The Qinling mafic rocks have δ98Mo values of −0.03 to 0.40‰, and the Tongbai mafic rocks have δ98Mo values of −0.26 to 0.17‰. These values are considerably higher than the normal mantle values of −0.20 ± 0.01‰. In combination with low Mo/Ce ratios, enriched SrNd isotope compositions, and high melt-mobile incompatible trace element contents for these rocks, the high δ98Mo values suggest that anoxic sediment-derived melts with heavy Mo isotopes were incorporated by oceanic subduction into the mantle sources. The high δ98Mo values of the mafic rocks indicate the limited Mo isotope fractionation during subduction of the anoxic sediment. This inference is further verified by modeling of Mo isotope fractionation under reducing conditions in the subduction zone. In this regard, Mo isotopes can be used to identify the recycling of sediments in different types and thus provide geochemical constraints on the redox conditions of oceanic subduction zones.

Rapid Recycling of Subducted Sediments in the Subcontinental Lithospheric Mantle

ABSTRACT Subduction recycling of sediments plays a key role in the geochemical evolution of Earth. The presence of recycled terrigenous sediments in upwelling plumes has been cited to explain the EM2 signature in ocean island volcanics, characterized by particularly high 87Sr/86Sr (>0.706). However, the origin of such isotopic anomalies in continental regions and the role of subducted sediments in the subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) remain unclear. The Himalaya–Tibet orogen is one of the world’s best places for deciphering continental subduction and the fate of subducted crustal materials in the mantle. Here we present a systematic study of the geochronology, mineral chemistry (especially clinopyroxene), whole-rock chemistry and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf–O isotopic compositions of Cenozoic potassic–ultrapotassic lavas from the western Kunlun area of northwestern Tibet. New secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) zircon U–Pb dating, coupled with published age results, constrain the timing of volcanism from ~8.3 Ma to the present. These lavas show geochemical characteristics that closely resemble the EM2 mantle end-member represented by the Samoan hotspot. Both whole rocks and individual magmatic clinopyroxenes display arc-like trace-element patterns and remarkably enriched Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotope compositions (87Sr/86Sr ≥ 0.7080; εNd ≤ −4.8; 206Pb/204Pb ≥ 18.704; εHf ≤ −2.6). Together with high zircon δ18O values (6.3–10.4‰), the data point to a mantle source enriched by recycled sedimentary materials. Geochemical modeling and geophysical evidence further indicate that the sediments were directly derived from the subducted Indian continental lithosphere during India–Eurasia collision. Partial melting models assuming a hybridized mantle source that contains ~5% Indian continental crust suggest that the primary melts of the potassic–ultrapotassic lavas could be formed by melting of a phlogopite-bearing garnet lherzolite at low melting degrees (1–5%). The magma geochemistry is consistent with the model of mélange melting, implying that the subducted sediments may detach from the downgoing Indian slab and rise up diapirically into the overlying mantle lithosphere. Unlike traditional models of subducted sediments entering the deep mantle, the western Kunlun EM2-like lavas reveal that subducted sediments can be rapidly recycled into the SCLM during continental subduction (probably <50 Myr). We suggest that the SCLM could be an important reservoir for subducted sediments. The findings are important to our understanding of mantle circulation rates and chemical heterogeneities.

Tectonic evolution of the Meso-Tethys Ocean in the Jurassic: Birth, growth, and demise of a missing intra-oceanic arc

Reconstructing ophiolite ages and tectonic attributes can elucidate ancient ocean tectonic evolution. We present petrological, chronological, geochemical, and isotopic data for Ritu and Dongco ophiolites (Bangong–Nujiang suture zone, Tibetan Plateau). The ∼171 Ma Ritu and ∼169 Ma Dongco diabase are derived from high-temperature, highly depleted mantle metasomatized by subduction fluids; they are similar to fore-arc basalts. The ∼165 Ma Ritu andesites, from enriched mantle metasomatized by subduction fluids and a small proportion of subduction sediment melts, have affinity with the oceanic plateau. The ∼161 Ma Ritu dacites and Dongco granodiorites arose via interaction between subduction sediment melts and the mantle wedge, and ∼158 Ma Dongco granites were derived from subduction oceanic plate metasomatized by subduction sediment melts; they are all similar to arc magmatic rocks. Their high Na2O and low K2O and Th contents, and depleted zircon εHf(t) values, differ from those of southern Qiangtang terrane continental arc magmatic rocks, indicating intra-oceanic origin. The Middle Jurassic diabase and regional contemporaneous fore-arc basalts and boninites likely formed during intra-oceanic subduction initiation. The Middle–Late Jurassic dacites, granodiorites, granites, and regional contemporaneous high-Mg andesites likely formed in a mature intra-oceanic arc. Therefore, the Meso-Tethys Ocean may contain a ∼1000 km intra-oceanic subduction zone with Middle–Late Jurassic mature intra-oceanic arc. Subduction initiation of the intra-oceanic subduction zone likely arose via subduction transference caused by collage of the oceanic plateau and southern Qiangtang terrane at ∼182–177 Ma. At ∼171–155 Ma, the intra-oceanic arc gradually formed fore-arc basalts, boninites, high-Mg andesites, and tholeiitic/calc-alkaline arc rocks, indicating final maturity. The intra-oceanic arc west section potentially collided with the southern Qiangtang terrane ∼155–145 Ma, while the middle section potentially lasted until Early Cretaceous. Our study constrains Meso-Tethys Ocean evolution, providing an important basis for the study of intra-oceanic arcs in orogenic belts.

The estimated water content of the Abaga basalts (Inner Mongolia, China) and compositions of the recycled materials in the source: Implication for magma genesis

The Abaga volcanic rocks are intraplate basalts that formed in the late Cenozoic period and are located in eastern central Inner Mongolia. Previous studies have discussed the genesis of the studied basalts. However, limited information about subducted recycled materials (the water content, sediments, and melts of the subducted plate), which control the generation of basalts, in the studied basalts has been reported. In this study, the major element abundances and crystallization temperatures and pressures of clinopyroxenes have been reported to estimate the water content of the studied magma, which has been applied to the Wulanhada volcanic field. The calculated result displays that the water content in the Abaga melts are between 0.5% and 1.7% (standard error estimate: 0.45%; average value: 1.3%). These estimated values are in range of the Aershan–Chaihe basalts (0.19–2.7%), while it is higher than those of the mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORBs: 0.16–0.47%). The high-water content of the studied basalts may have a close relationship with the mantle transition zone, which has also been reported to contain high concentrations of H2O. Subduction related sediments and slab may contribute to high-water content of magma. In addition, the clinopyroxene-melt thermobarometer shows that clinopyroxenes generally crystallized at 1113–1246 °C at the crustal level (3.8–12.4 kbar), while olivines formed at 1243–1392 °C (assuming pressure is 13 kbar, H2O = 1.3%). We also studied whole-rock major and trace elements and Sr–Nd–Hf–O isotope compositions of the Abaga basalts. High (Ta/U)N and (Nb/Th)N values that are higher than 1, NdHf isotopic values that plot between sediments and oceanic crust, and low δ18O values (4.51–5.59‰) of the alkali basalts illustrate that a subducted oceanic slab may have been added to the studied mantle source. In addition, we decipher that sediments may also exist in the source with Ba/Th, Nb/La, Ce/Pb and Ba/La ratios and NdHf isotopic values locating between sediments and altered oceanic crust. We use sediments, depleted MORB mantle (DMM), and recycled oceanic crust to simulate mixing features among these endmembers, which demonstrates that 80% of depleted MORB mantle, 15% of altered oceanic crust, and 5% of global subducting sediment (GLOSS), with 4–5% partial melting of peridotite or pyroxenite is a proper result with which to interpret the genesis of the studied alkali basalts.

Characterizing the porosity structure and gas hydrate distribution at the southern Hikurangi Margin, New Zealand from offshore electromagnetic data.

The dynamics of accretionary prisms and the processes that take place along subduction interfaces are controlled, in part, by the porosity and fluid overpressure of both the forearc wedge and the sediments transported to the system by the subducting plate. The Hikurangi Margin, located offshore the North Island of New Zealand, is a particularly relevant area to investigate the interplay between the consolidation state of incoming plate sediments, dewatering and fluid flow in the accretionary wedge and observed geodetic coupling and megathrust slip behaviour along the plate interface. In its short geographic extent, the margin hosts a diversity of properties that impact subduction processes and that transition from north to south. Its southernmost limit is characterized by frontal accretion, thick sediment subduction, the absence of seafloor roughness, strong interseismic coupling and deep slow slip events. Here we use seafloor magnetotelluric (MT) and controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) data collected along a profile through the southern Hikurangi Margin to image the electrical resistivity of the forearc and incoming plate. Resistive anomalies in the shallow forearc likely indicate the presence of gas hydrates, and we relate deeper forerarc resistors to thrust faulting imaged in colocated seismic reflection data. Because MT and CSEM data are highly sensitive to fluid phases in the pore spaces of seafloor sediments and oceanic crust, we convert resistivity to porosity to obtain a representation of fluid distribution along the profile. We show that porosity predicted by the resistivity data can be well fit by an exponential sediment compaction model. By removing this compaction trend from the porosity model, we are able to evaluate the second-order, lateral changes in porosity, an approach that can be applied to EM data sets from other sedimentary basins. Using this porosity anomaly model, we examine the consolidation state of the incoming plate and accretionary wedge sediments. A decrease in porosity observed in the sediments approaching the trench suggests that a protothrust zone is developing ∼25km seaward of the frontal thrust. Our data also imply that sediments deeper in the accretionary wedge are slightly underconsolidated, which may indicate incomplete drainage and elevated fluid overpressures of the deep wedge.