Temporal and geochemical evolution of the Cenozoic intraplate volcanism of Zealandia

In order to constrain better the distribution, age, geochemistry and origin of widespread Cenozoic intraplate volcanism on Zealandia, the New Zealand micro-continent, we report new ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar and geochemical (major and trace element and Sr–Nd–Hf–Pb isotope) data from offshore (Chatham Rise, Campbell and Challenger Plateaus) and onland (North, South, Auckland, Campbell, Chatham and Antipodes Islands of New Zealand) volcanism on Zealandia. The samples include nephelinite, basanite through phonolite, alkali basalt through trachyte/rhyolite, and minor tholeiite and basaltic andesite, all of which have ocean island basalt (OIB)-type trace element signatures and which range in age from 64.8 to 0.17 Ma. Isotope ratios show a wide range in composition (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7027–0.7050, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0.5128–0.5131, ¹⁷⁷Hf/¹⁷⁶Hf = 0.2829–0.2831, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.62–20.67, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.54–15.72 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.27–40.34) with samples plotting between mid-ocean-ridge basalts (MORB) and Cretaceous New Zealand intraplate volcanic rocks.Major characteristics of Zealandia's Cenozoic volcanism include longevity, irregular distribution and lack of age progressions in the direction of plate motion, or indeed any systematic temporal or spatial geochemical variations. We believe that these characteristics can be best explained in the context of lithospheric detachment, which causes upwelling and melting of the upper asthenospheric mantle and portions of the removed lithosphere. We propose that a large-scale seismic low-velocity anomaly, that stretches from beneath West Antarctica to Zealandia at a depth of > 600 km may represent a geochemical reservoir that has been in existence since the Cretaceous, and has been supplying the upper mantle beneath Zealandia with HIMU-type plume material throughout the Cenozoic. In addition, the sources of the Cenozoic intraplate volcanism may be at least partially derived through melting of locally detached Zealandia lower lithosphere.     

Geochemical diversity in submarine HIMU basalts from Austral Islands, French Polynesia

We present the first report of geochemical data for submarine basalts collected by a manned submersible from Rurutu, Tubuai, and Raivavae in the Austral Islands in the South Pacific, where subaerial basalts exhibit HIMU isotopic signatures with highly radiogenic Pb isotopic compositions. With the exception of one sample from Tubuai, the ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages of the submarine basalts show no significant age gaps between the submarine and subaerial basalts, and the major element compositions are indistinguishable at each island. However, the variations in Pb, Sr, Nd, and Hf isotopic compositions in the submarine basalts are much larger than those previously reported in subaerial basalts. The submarine basalts with less-radiogenic Pb and radiogenic Nd and Hf isotopic compositions show systematically lower concentrations in highly incompatible elements than the typical HIMU basalts. These geochemical variations are best explained by a two-component mixing process in which the depleted asthenospheric mantle was entrained by the mantle plume from the HIMU reservoir during its upwelling, and the melts from the HIMU reservoir and depleted asthenospheric mantle were then mixed in various proportions. The present and compiled data demonstrate that the HIMU reservoir has a uniquely low ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf decoupled from ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd, suggesting that it was derived from an ancient subducted slab. Moreover, the Nd/Hf ratios of the HIMU basalts and curvilinear Nd–Hf isotopic mixing trend require higher Nd/Hf ratios for the melt from the HIMU reservoir than that from the depleted mantle component. Such elevated Nd/Hf ratios could reflect source enrichment by a subducted slab during reservoir formation.     

Geochemistry and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic composition of the Harrat Al-Madinah Volcanic Field,Saudi Arabia

Whole-rock geochemical and Sr, Nd and Pb isotope data are presented for the Harrat Al-Madinah volcanic field, in the north western part of the Arabian plate, aiming to understand their origin and the composition of their mantle source. This area is an active volcanic field characterized by the occurrence of two historic eruptions approximately in 641 and 1256 A.D. Field investigation of the main volcanic landforms indicates dominantly monogenetic strombolian eruptions, in addition to local phreatomagmatic eruption style. The lavas consist mainly of alkali olivine basalt, olivine transitional basalt, and hawaiite with ocean island basalt (OIB)-like characteristics. Evolved rocks, represented by mugearites, benmoreites, and trachytes, occur mainly as domes, tuff cones and occasionally as lava flows. Chemical variations in the evolved rocks indicated their evolution by low pressure crystal fractionation of olivine, plagioclase, clinopyroxene, and Fe–Ti oxides from the relatively primitive basalts. The isotopic compositions of ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd (0.512954–0.512995), ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.702899 to–0.702977) and Pb (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.5515–18.7446, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.5120–15.5222, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.1347–38.4468), show restricted variations suggesting only minor crustal contamination. They defined an array consistent with mixing of two geochemically distinct components of depleted MORB-mantle (DMM) and high ²³⁸U/²⁰⁴Pb ratio (HIMU). The variations in Tb/Yb, La/Yb and Sm/Yb ratios in the relatively primitive basalts (MgO > 6 wt.%) indicated garnet peridotite source. However, the positive Nb, Sr, Ba and Ti anomalies in the primitive mantle-normalized incompatible element patterns and the significant variation between Zr/Nb vs. Ce/Y and La/Yb vs. Yb suggest contribution of an amphibole-bearing spinel lherzolite source. Moreover, the negative correlations between SiO₂ vs. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and Th vs. ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd are interpreted as an indication of mixing melts derived from two end-members; one is garnet bearing asthenospheric source with OIB characteristic and the other is amphibole-bearing spinel lherzolite. The Harrat Al-Madinah volcanic field occurs near the Red Sea Rift System and its origin reflects a strong lithospheric control on the loci of partial melting. The dominantly NNW alignment patterns of the volcanoes, which is similar to the regional Red Sea trend, may suggest that the magmas were produced by decompression partial melting triggered by lithospheric extension related to the Red Rift.     

Highly heterogeneous lithospheric mantle beneath the Central Zone of the North China Craton evolved from Archean mantle through diverse melt refertilization

High-Mg# peridotite xenoliths in the Cenozoic Hebi basalts from the North China Craton have refractory mineral compositions (Fo > 91.5) and highly heterogeneous Sr–Nd isotopic compositions (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7031–0.7048, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0.5130–0.5118) ranging from MORB-like to EM1-type mantle, which are similar to those of peridotites from Archean cratons. Thus, the high-Mg# peridotites may represent relics of the ancient lithospheric mantle. Published Re–Os isotopic data for Cenozoic basalt-borne xenoliths show T_RD ages of 3.0–1.5 Ga for the peridotites from Hebi (the center of the craton), 2.2–0 Ga for those from Hannuoba and Jining (north margin of the craton), and 2.6–0 Ga for those from Fanshi and Yangyuan (midway between the center and north margin of the craton). In situ Re–Os data of sulfides in Hannuoba peridotites suggest that whole-rock Re–Os model ages represent mixtures of multiple generations of sulfides with varying Os isotopic compositions. These observations indicate that initial lithospheric mantle beneath the Central Zone of the North China Craton formed during the Archean and was refertilized by multiple melt additions after its formation. The refertilization became more intensive from the interior to the margin of the craton, leading to the high heterogeneity of the lithospheric mantle: more ancient and refractory peridotites with highly variable Sr–Nd isotopic compositions in the interior, and more young and fertile peridotites with depleted Sr–Nd isotopic composition in the margin. Our data, coupled with published petrological and geochemical data of peridotites from the Central Zone of the North China Craton, suggest that the lithospheric mantle beneath this region is highly heterogeneous, likely produced by refertilization of Archean mantle via multiple additions of melts/fluids, which were closely related to the Paleoproterozoic collision between the Eastern and the Western Blocks and subsequent circum-craton subduction events.     

Petrogenesis and mantle source characteristics of the late Cenozoic Baekdusan (Changbaishan) basalts,North China Craton

Late Cenozoic intraplate basaltic rocks in northeastern China have been interpreted as being derived from a mantle source composed of DMM and EM1 components. To constrain the origin of the enriched mantle component, we have now determined the geochemical compositions of basaltic rocks from the active Baekdusan volcano on the border of China and North Korea. The samples show LREE-enriched patterns, with positive Eu and negative Ce anomalies. On a trace element distribution diagram, they show typical oceanic island basalt (OIB)-like LILE enrichments without significant Nb or Ta depletions. However, compared with OIB, they show enrichments in Ba, Rb, K, Pb, Sr, and P. The Nb/U ratios are generally within the range of OIB, but the Ce/Pb ratios are lower than those of OIB. Olivine phenocrysts are characterized by low Ca and high Ni contents. The radiogenic isotopic characteristics (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.70449 to 0.70554; ε_Nd = −2.0 to +1.8; ε_Hf = −1.7 to +6.1; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 17.26 to 18.12) suggest derivation from an EM1-like source together with an Indian MORB-like depleted mantle. The Mg isotopic compositions (δ²⁶Mg = −0.39 ± 0.17‰) are generally lower than the average upper mantle, indicating carbonates in the source. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios decrease with decreasing δ²⁶Mg values whereas the ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd and (Nb/La)_N ratios increase. These observations suggest the mantle source of the Baekdusan basalts contained at least two components that resided in the mantle transition zone (MTZ): (1) recycled subducted ancient (∼2.2–1.6 Ga) terrigenous silicate sediments, possessing EM1-like Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopic signatures and relatively high values of δ²⁶Mg; and (2) carbonated eclogites with relatively MORB-like radiogenic isotopic compositions and low values of δ²⁶Mg. These components might have acted as metasomatizing agents in refertilizing the asthenosphere, eventually influencing the composition of the MTZ-derived plume that produced the Baekdusan volcanism.     

A common parentage for Deccan Continental Flood Basalt and Central Indian Ocean Ridge Basalt? A geochemical and isotopic approach

A comparison of geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions for Deccan Continental Flood Basalts (CFBs) and Central Indian Ridge (CIR) Basalts is presented: these data permit assessment of possible parental linkages between the two regions, and comparison of their respective magmatic evolutionary trends in relation to rift-related tectonic events during Gondwana break-up. The present study reveals that Mid-Ocean Ridge Basalt (MORB) from the northern CIR and basalts of Deccan CFB are geochemically dissimilar because of: (1) the Deccan CFB basalts typically show a greater iron-enrichment as compared to the northern CIR MORB, (2) a multi-element spiderdiagram reveals that the Deccan CFBs reveal a more fractionated slope (Ba/Yb_N > 1), as compared to relatively flat northern CIR MORB (Ba/Yb_N < 1), (3) there is greater REE fractionation for Deccan CFB than for the northern CIR MORB (i.e., La/Yb_N ∼ 2.3 and 1 respectively) and (4) substantial variation of compatible–incompatible trace elements and their ratios among the two basalt groups suggests that partial melting is a dominant process for northern CIR MORB, while fractional crystallization was a more important control to the geochemical variation for Deccan CFB. Further, incompatible trace element ratios (Nb/U and Nb/Pb) and radiogenic isotopic data (Sr–Pb–Nd) indicate that the northern CIR MORBs are similar to depleted mantle [and/or normal (N)-MORB], and often lie on a mixing line between depleted mantle and upper continental crust. By contrast, Deccan CFB compositions lie between the lower continental crust and Ocean island basalt. Accordingly, we conclude that the basaltic suites of the northern CIR MORB and Deccan CFB do not share common parentage, and are therefore genetically unrelated to each other. Instead, we infer that the northern CIR MORB were derived from a depleted mantle source contaminated by upper continental crust, probably during the break up of Gondwanaland; the Deccan CFB are more similar to Ocean island basalt (Reunion-like) composition, and perhaps contaminated by lower continental crust during their evolution.     

Permian basaltic rocks in the Tarim basin,NW China: Implications for plume–lithosphere interaction

There are large areas of Permian basaltic rocks in the Tarim basin (PBRT) in northwestern China. Precise Ar–Ar dating of these rocks revealed an eruption age span of 262 to 285 Ma. Most of the PBRT is composed of alkaline basaltic rocks with high TiO₂ (2.43%–4.59%, weight percent), high Fe₂O₃ + FeO (12.63%–17.83%) and P₂O₅ (0.32%–1.38%) contents. Trace elements of these rocks have affinities with oceanic island basalts (OIB), as shown in chondrite normalized rare earth elements (REE) diagrams and primitive mantle normalized incompatible elements diagrams. The rocks show complex Sr–Nd isotopic character based on which they can be subdivided into two distinct groups: group 1 has relatively small initial (t = 280 Ma)⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio (∼ 0.7048) and positive εNd(t) (3.42–4.66) values. Group 2 has relatively large initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio (0.7060–0.7083) and negative εNd(t) (from − 2.79 to − 2.16) values. Lead isotopes are even more complex with variations of (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)t, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)t and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)t ranging from 17.9265 to 18.5778, 15.4789 to 15.6067 and 37.2922 to 38.1437, respectively. Moreover, these two groups have different trace elements ratios such as Nb/La, Ba/Nb, Zr/Nb, Nb/Ta and Zr/Hf, implying different magmatic processes. Based on the geochemistry of basaltic rocks and an evaluation of the tectonics, deformation, and the compositions of crust and lithospheric mantle in Tarim, we conclude that these basaltic rocks resulted from plume–lithosphere interaction. Permian mantle plume caused an upwelling of the Tarim lithosphere leading to melting of the asthenospheric mantle by decompression. The magma ascended rapidly to the base of lower crust, where different degrees of assimilation of OIB-like materials and fractionation occurred. Group 1 rocks formed where the upwelling is most pronounced and the assimilation was negligible. In other places, different degrees of assimilation and fractionation account for the geochemical traits of group 2.     

Petrogenesis of Cenozoic Basaltic Rocks from Jiangsu Province,China:Evidence from Geochemical Constraints

Cenozoic（Miocene to Pleistocene） basaltic rocks in Jiangsu province of eastern China include olivine tholeiite and alkali basalt.We present major,trace element and Sr-Nd isotopic data as well as Ar-Ar dating of these basalts to discuss the petrogenesis of the basalts and identify the geological processes beneath the study area.On the basis of chemical compisitions and Ar-Ar dating of Cenonoic basaltic rocks from Jiangsu province,we suggest that these basalts may belong to the same magmatic system.The alkali basalts found in Jiangsu province have higherΣFeO,MgO,CaO,Na₂O, TiO₂ and P₂O₅ and incompatible elements,but lower Al₂O₃ and compatible elements contents than olivine tholeiite which may be caused by fractional crystallization of olivine,pyroxene and minor plagioclase.In Jiangsu basaltic rocks the incompatible elements increase with decreasing MgO/ΣFeO ratios.The primitive mantle-normalized incompatible elements and chondrite-normalized REE patterns of basaltic rocks found in Jiangsu province are similar to those of OIB.Partial loss of the mantle lithosphere accompanied by rising of asthenospheric mantle may accelerate the generation of the basaltic magma.The ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd vs.⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr plot indicates a mixing of a depleted asthenospheric mantle source and an EMI component in the study area.According to Shaw’s equation,the basalts from Jiangsu province may be formed by l%-5%partial melting of a depleted asthenospheric mantle source.On the basis of Ar-Ar ages of this study and the fractional crystallization model proposed by Brooks and Nielsen（1982）,we suggest that basalts from Jiangsu province may belong to a magmatic system with JF-2 as the primitive magma which has undergone fractional crystallization and evolved progressively to produce other types of basalts.     

Petrogenesis of high-Ti mafic dykes from Southern Qiangtang,Tibet: Implications for a ca. 290 Ma large igneous province related to the early Permian rifting of Gondwana

The presence and/or generation mechanism of a mantle plume associated with early Permian rifting on the northern margin of Gondwana are topics of debate. Here we report LA–ICP–MS U–Pb zircon ages, whole-rock geochemistry, and Sr–Nd isotope data for high-Ti mafic dykes from southern Qiangtang, Tibet, with the aim of assessing if a mantle plume formed in this region during the early Permian. Zircon U–Pb dating of diabase dykes yielded ages of 290.6 ± 3.5 Ma and 290.1 ± 1.5 Ma, indicating they were emplaced during the early Permian. Whole-rock geochemistry shows that these mafic dykes are alkaline (Nb/Y = 0.73–0.99), have high TiO2 (3.6%–4.8%), and have ocean-island basalt (OIB)-like trace element patterns with enrichments in Nb, Ta, and Ti. Whole-rock Sr–Nd isotope data show a relatively narrow range of εNd(t) (+ 2.29 to + 3.53), similar to basalts produced by a mantle plume (e.g., Emeishan continental flood basalts (ECFB)). Elemental and isotope data suggest that the dykes have undergone fractionation crystallization of mafic minerals and have experienced negligible crustal contamination. These mafic rocks show an affinity to OIB and may have been generated by partial melting of an OIB-type, garnet-bearing asthenospheric mantle source. On the basis of a similar emplacement age to the Panjal Traps basalts in the Himalayas, combined with a tectonic reconstruction of Gondwana in the early to middle Permian, our work suggests that the high-Ti mafic dykes in the Southern Qiangtang terrane and the coeval Panjal Traps basalts in the Himalayas together comprise a ca. 290 Ma large igneous province linked to a mantle plume, which probably played an active role in early Permian rifting on the northern margin of Gondwana and was related to circum-Pangea subduction.     

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

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

Geochemistry and petrogenesis of the Eocene back arc mafic rocks in the Zagros suture zone,northern Noorabad,western Iran

The northern Noorabad area in western Iran contains several gabbro and basalt bodies which were emplaced along the Zagros suture zone. The basalts show pillow and flow structures with amygdaloidal textures, and the gabbroic rocks show massive and foliated structures with coarse to fine-grained textures. The SiO₂ contents of the gabbros and basalts are similar and range from 46.1–51.0 wt.%, and the Al₂O₃ contents vary from 12.3–18.8 wt.%, with TiO₂ contents of 0.4–3.0 wt.%. The Nb concentrations of some gabbros and basalts are high and can be classified as Nb-enriched arc basalts. The positive εNd(t) values (+3.7 to +9.8) and low ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_(initial) ratios (0.7031–0.7071) of both bodies strongly indicate a depleted mantle source and indicate that the rocks were formed by partial melting of a depleted lithospheric mantle and interaction with slab fluids/melts. The chemical composition of trace elements, REE pattern and initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr-¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios show that the rocks have affinities to tholeiitic magmatic series and suggest an extensional tectonic regime over the subduction zone for the evolution of these rocks. We propose an extensional tectonic regime due to the upwelling of metasomatized mantle after the late Cretaceous collision in the Harsin-Noorabad area. These rocks can be also considered as Eocene back arc magmatic activity along the Zagros suture zone in this area.     

Seamount volcanism associated with the Xigaze ophiolite, Southern Tibet

Basaltic lavas at Renbu, Southern Tibet are associated with the Xigaze ophiolite in the Yarlung-Zangbo suture zone. They are alkaline lavas rich in large ion lithophile elements (LILE, Ba, Rb and Sr) and high field strength elements (HFSE, Nb, Ta, Zr and Hf), but poor in Cr, Co and Ni. All of the rocks have chondrite-normalized REE patterns enriched in light rare earth elements (LREE), comparable to modern basalts of the Society Islands, Kerguelen Plateau and Broken Ridge. Abundances of some immobile or moderately immobile elements (Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf, Y, Ti and REE) are also comparable to Kerguelen alkaline basalts. The Renbu basalts are geochemically similar to oceanic island basalts (OIB) and have some elemental ratios, such as Nb/Ta ratios = 15.7–18.1, Th/Nb =  0.06–0.10, La/Nb = 0.59–0.83 and Th/Ta = 1.03–1.52, similar to the primitive mantle. Their ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.70453–0.70602) are relatively high, similar to OIB. In the ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr vs. εNd(t) diagram, the Renbu basalts plot along a trend from N-MORB to EMII (enriched mantle II), suggesting the involvement of at least two mantle sources in their generation. The Renbu basalts represent seamount volcanism associated with the Xigaze ophiolite. They formed from an OIB-type mantle source within the Neo-Tethyan Ocean that had a composition similar to the modern Indian Ocean mantle.     

Devonian volcanism in the Minusa basin in the Altai–Sayan area: geological,geochemical, and Sr–Nd isotopic characteristics of rocks

Based on geological data and the geochemical and isotopic (Sr, Nd) parameters of the Devonian volcanic associations of the Minusa basin, the main regularities of volcanism development are considered, the composition of magmatic sources is studied, and the geodynamic mechanisms of their involvement in rifting are reconstructed. The early stage of formation of the Minusa basin was characterized by intense volcanism, which resulted in differentiated and, more seldom, bimodal volcanic complexes composed of pyroclastic rocks and dolerite sills. At the late stage, only terrigenous deposits accumulated in the basin. It has been established that the basites are similar in composition and are intermediate in geochemical characteristics between intraplate rocks (OIB) and continent-marginal ones (IAB). The basites, like OIB, have high contents of all lithophile elements, which is typical of enriched mantle sources, and, like IAB, show negative anomalies of Nb, Ta, Ti, and, to a smaller extent, Rb, Th, Zr, and Hf, selective enrichment in Pb and Ba (and, sometimes, Sr), and a weak REE differentiation (7 < (La/Yb)N < 17). In contrast to the basins in other segments of the Devonian Altai–Sayan rift area, the igneous associations in the Minusa basin are characterized by a worse expressed geochemical inhomogeneity of rocks and lack of high-Ti (> 2 wt.% TiO2) basites. The Sr and Nd isotope compositions of the Minusa basites deviate from the mantle rock series toward the compositions with high radiogenic-strontium and low REE contents.This points to the melting of a mantle substratum (PREMA-type) and carbonate-rich sedimentary rocks, which were probably assimilated by basaltic magma. The correlations between the contents of trace incompatible elements in rocks with SiO2 = 53–77 wt.% testify to the assimilation of crustal substrata by parental basaltic melts and the subsequent differentiation of contaminated magmas (AFC model). We propose a model for the formation of primary melts with the simultaneous participation of magmatic sources of two types: plume and fluid-saturated suprasubductional, localized beneath the active continental margin.     

Neoproterozoic bimodal magmatism in the Cathaysia Block of South China and its tectonic significance

SHRIMP U–Pb zircon age, geochemical and Sm–Nd isotopic results are reported for the Mamianshan volcanic rocks in the Cathaysia Block of southeastern South China. The Mamianshan volcanic rocks are bimodal in composition and are dominantly transitional to mildly alkaline basalts and subordinate alkaline rhyolite, with an eruption age of 818 ± 9 Ma. The basaltic samples are characterized by LREE-enriched and “humped” trace element patterns, similar to many alkali basalts in continental rifts. Variable ɛNd(T) values between +3.33 and −4.35 indicate that the primary magma of these basalts was derived from an OIB-like mantle source and underwent fractional crystallization plus crustal contamination. The rhyolitic rocks are highly enriched in Th, Ta, Nb, REE, Zr, Hf and Y and depleted in Sr, P, Eu and Ti, sharing affinity to A₁-type granites. Combined with their slightly positive ɛNd(T) values (+0.22 to +0.92), the Mamianshan felsic rocks were most likely generated by partial melting of the regional Paleoproterozoic Mayuan amphibolites. The Mamianshan bimodal volcanic rocks in the Cathaysia Block are coeval with the widespread intraplate magmatism around the Yangtze Block. Our results support the idea that a coherent South China Craton was formed during the ca. 1.0 Ga Sibao orogeny, and it subsequently underwent extensive continental rifting related to mantle plume or superplume activities beneath Rodinia since ca. 825 Ma.     

The Late Pliocene mafic lavas from the Camusú Aike volcanic field (∼50°S,Argentina): Evidence for geochemical variability in slab window magmatism

The Camusú Aike volcanic field (CAVF), part of the discontinuous N–S-trending belt of Cenozoic mafic lava formations that occur in a backarc position along extra-Andean Patagonia, is located in southern Patagonia (∼50°S, Santa Cruz province), approximately 70 km east of the extensive Meseta de las Vizcachas and just south of the upper Río Santa Cruz valley. The CAVF volcanics cover a surface of ∼200 km² and occur mainly as lava flows and scoria cones. They are subdivided into two groups: Group I volcanics are high-TiO₂, low-Mg# olivine-hypersthene-normative basalts and trachybasalts that erupted at about 2.9 Ma; Group II lavas are much less abundant, more primitive basaltic andesites that erupted at about 2.5 Ma. Both groups show a within-plate geochemical signature, though it is more marked in Group I lavas.The main geochemical characteristics, age, and location of CAVF volcanics are consistent with the slab window opening model proposed by different authors for the genesis of the Miocene-Recent mafic magmatism of Patagonia south of 46.5°S. The whole-rock geochemical and Sr–Nd isotope features of Group I lavas (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr=0.7035–0.7037; ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd=0.51288–0.51291) indicate a genetic link between these lavas and the primitive basalts in southernmost Patagonia (Pali Aike volcanic field and Estancia Glencross area), which have been interpreted as melting products of an isotopically depleted asthenosphere. The relatively evolved compositions of the erupted Group I magmas are modeled by a polybaric crystal fractionation process without significant involvement of crustal contamination. The more primitive Group II lavas are strongly depleted in incompatible elements, have slightly higher (LREE+Ba+Th+U)/HFSE ratios, and have more enriched Sr–Nd isotope compositions (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr≈0.7039; ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd≈0.51277) that are more akin to the Patagonian basalts farther to the north. The most likely explanation for the geochemical features of Group II lavas is the occurrence in their mantle source of a small proportion of a subduction-related, enriched component that likely resides in the former mantle wedge or the basal continental lithospheric mantle.     

Changing compositions in the Iceland plume; Isotopic and elemental constraints from the Paleogene Faroe flood basalts

Elemental and Sr, Nd, Hf and high precision Pb isotopic data are presented from 59 low-Ti and high-Ti lavas from the syn-break up part of the Faroe Flood Basalt Province. The depleted MORB-like low-Ti lavas erupted in the rift zone between the Faroe Islands and central East Greenland around the time of break up of the North Atlantic have isotopic end-member compositions different from the depleted Iceland lavas. We suggest that the main low-Ti mantle component is NAEM (North Atlantic End-Member (Ellam and Stuart, 2000, J. Petrol. 41, 919) and that the ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb value of the component should be 15.35 and ε_Hf = + 16.5. NAEM is the main depleted component in the early Iceland plume. This is supported by high mantle potential temperatures (up to 1550 °C) calculated for the source of the low-Ti basalts. The unique mantle isotopic composition of NAEM with low ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (17.5) and Δ7/4Pb (? 3.8) precludes a derivation from recycled MORB lithosphere. Instead we suggest that NAEM represents a plume component of recycled depleted Archean lithospheric mantle that was further depleted ~ 500 Ma ago, possibly in connection with the recycling process. Two other isotopic end-members are required to explain the variation of the Faroe low-Ti basalts: (1) The Faroe depleted component (FDC), with ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7025, ε_Nd = + 11, ε_Hf = + 19.5, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.2, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.454 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 37.75, which is similar in composition to some Atlantic MORB and is regarded as a local upper mantle source. (2) An enriched EM-type component similar in geochemistry to the Icelandic Öræfajökull lavas. This component is believed to be recycled pelagic sediments in the plume but it can alternatively be a local crustal or lithospheric mantle component. The enriched Faroe high-Ti lavas erupted inland from the rift have isotopic compositions very similar to the enriched Icelandic neo-volcanics and these lava suites apparently share the two enriched plume end-members IE1 and IE2 (Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 68, 2, 2004). The lack of mixing between high and low-Ti melts at the time of break up, is explained by a zoned plume where only low-Ti sources were present beneath the rift zone surrounded by high-Ti sources on both sides of the rift. The enriched plume components in the high-Ti lava sequences on the Faroe Islands and central East Greenland changed rapidly on a ka-scale which implies, from geophysical modelling, that this area was positioned above the center of the plume, and that the Iceland plume was centered under the Atlantic ridge already from the Paleocene.     

Geochemical constraints on depth of origin of oceanic carbonatites: The Cape Verde case

We present new Sr-Nd isotope compositions together with major- and trace element concentrations measured for whole rocks and mineral separate phases (apatite, biotite and calcite) from fifteen Cape Verde oceanic carbonatites (Atlantic Ocean). Trace element patterns of calcio- and magnesio-carbonatites present a strong depletion in K, Hf, Zr and Ti and an overall enrichment in Sr and REE relative to Cape Verde basalts, arguing for distinct source components between carbonatites and basalts. Sr and Nd isotopic ratios show small, but significant variations defining a binary mixing between a depleted end-member with unradiogenic Sr and radiogenic Nd values and a ‘‘enriched’’ end-member compatible with old marine carbonates. We interpret the depleted end-member as the Cape Verde oceanic lithosphere by comparison with previous studies on Cape Verde basalts. We thus propose that oceanic carbonatites are resulting from the interaction of a deep rooted mantle plume carrying a lower ⁴He/³He signature from the lower mantle and a carbonated metasomatized lithosphere, which by low degree melting produced carbonatite magmas. Sr-Nd compositions and trace element patterns of carbonatites argue in favor of a metasomatic agent originating from partial melting of recycled, carbonated oceanic crust. We have successfully reproduced the main geochemical features of this model using a Monte-Carlo-type simulation.     

Magmatic evolution of a dying spreading axis: Evidence for the interaction of tectonics and mantle heterogeneity from the fossil Phoenix Ridge,Drake Passage

New ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar ages of 5.6 to 1.3 Ma for lavas from the fossil Phoenix Ridge in the Drake Passage show that magmatism continued for at least 2 Ma after the cessation of spreading at 3.3 ± 0.2 Ma. The Phoenix Ridge lavas are incompatible element-enriched relative to average MORB and show an increasing enrichment with decreasing age, corresponding to progressively decreasing degrees of partial melting of spinel peridotite after spreading stopped. The low-degree partial melts increasingly tap a mantle source with radiogenic Sr and Pb but unradiogenic Nd isotope ratios implying an ancient enrichment. The post-spreading magmas apparently form by buoyant ascent of enriched and easily fusible portions of the upper mantle. Only segments of fossil spreading ridges underlain by such enriched and fertile mantle show post-spreading volcanism frequently forming bathymetric highs. The Phoenix Ridge lavas belong to the Pacific, rather than the Atlantic, mantle domain in regional Sr–Nd–Pb space. Our new data show that the southern Pacific Ocean mantle is heterogeneous containing significant enriched portions that are preferentially tapped at low melt fractions. Isotopic mapping reveals that Pacific-type upper mantle flows eastward through Drake Passage and surrounds the subducting Phoenix Plate beneath the Bransfield Basin.     

Imprints of ancient recycled oceanic lithosphere in heterogeneous Indian Ocean mantle: Evidence from petrogenesis of Carlsberg ridge basalts from Northwest Indian Ocean

This paper reports new petrological, geochemical and isotopic data for Carlsberg Ridge Basalts (CRB) of northwest Indian Ocean and evaluates their petrogenetic aspects in the context of the geochemical and tectonic evolution of the Indian Ocean mantle. The CRB samples exhibit tholeiitic to transitional composition of precursor melts derived by high degree, shallow level partial melting of a spinel peridotite mantle source. CRB reflects distinct E-MORB affinity with selective enrichment in incompatible trace elements. Higher values of Zr/Hf (33.8–47.3) and Zr/Sm (24.9–36.4) in conjunction with lower Nb/Ta (1.7–7.3) ratio corroborate their origin from an enriched mantle source. Negative Nb anomalies with lower Nb/Y (0.04–0.11) and Zr/Y (2.5–3.5) conform to a non-plume origin of these basalts. Higher Zr/Nb (25.5–71.5) and Th/Nb (0.6–0.42) compared to OIB substantiate contributions from recycled subduction-processed components in the source mantle. Lower Nb/U (6.2–37.9) values with higher Ba/Nb (6.1–21.9), Ba/Th (27.7–147.5), Zr/Nb (25.5–71.5) and Th/Nb (0.6–0.42) compared to OIB and N-MORB attest to role of a metasomatized oceanic lithosphere that recycled into the depleted upper mantle attributing to the source heterogeneity. Sr-Nd isotopic signatures (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr: 0.702668 to 0.702841 and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd: 0.512972 to 0.513068) of CRB suggest a HIMU source component preserved in the northwest Indian Ocean Ridge mantle. The compositional diversity of the Indian Ocean mantle can be translated in terms of periodic refertilization of depleted N-MORB type mantle through delamination and recycling of oceanic (HIMU component) and continental lithosphere (EM I component) concurrent with Neoproterozoic-Palaeozoic amalgamation and Jurassic dispersal of Gondwana Supercontinent respectively. This study complies with the derivation of CRB from a geochemically heterogeneous Indian Ocean mantle that experienced a protracted residence beneath the Gondwana Supercontinent prior to the opening of Indian Ocean and trapped recycled metasomatized oceanic lithosphere genetically linked with multiple stages of paleo-ocean closure and continental convergence during Gondwana assembly.     

Geochemistry and petrogenesis of Soltan Maidan basalts (E Alborz,Iran): Implications for asthenosphere-lithosphere interaction and rifting along the N margin of Gondwana

Soltan Maidan Basaltic Complex with thickness up to about 1300 m is located in the eastern Alborz zone, north of Iran. This complex is dominantly composed of transitional to mildly alkaline basaltic lava flows, agglomerates and tuffs, together with a few thin sedimentary interlayers. Field geological evidence and study of palynomorph assemblages in the shale interlayer show Late Ordovician to Early Late Silurian ages. Chondrite- and primitive-mantle normalized multi-element patterns of Soltan Maidan basalts demonstrate enrichment in highly incompatible elements relative to less incompatible ones and their patterns are most similar to OIB. Trace elemental and Sr-Nd isotopic compositions indicate interaction and mixing of asthenospheric mantle source (OIB-type) with enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle components (EM1-type). This asthenosphere-lithosphere interaction occurred in an extensional continental setting, which resulted in opening of the Paleotethys Ocean in the north of Gondwana during the Late Silurian to Middle Devonian.