Calcium isotope (δCa) fractionation along hydrothermal pathways, Logatchev field (Mid-Atlantic Ridge, 14°45′N)

We investigate the Logatchev Hydrothermal Field at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, 14°45′N to constrain the calcium isotope hydrothermal flux into the ocean. During the transformation of seawater to a hydrothermal solution, the Ca concentration of pristine seawater ([Ca]_SW) increases from about 10 mM to about 32 mM in the hydrothermal fluid endmember ([Ca]_HydEnd) and thereby adopts a δ^44/40Ca_HydEnd of −0.95 ± 0.07‰ relative to seawater (SW) and a ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr isotope ratio of 0.7034(4). We demonstrate that δ^44/40Ca_HydEnd is higher than that of the bedrock at the Logatchev field. From mass balance calculations, we deduce a δ^44/40Ca of −1.17 ± 0.04‰ (SW) for the host-rocks in the reaction zone and −1.45 ± 0.05‰ (SW) for the isotopic composition of the entire hydrothermal cell of the Logatchev field. The values are isotopically lighter than the currently assumed δ^44/40Ca for Bulk Earth of −0.92 ± 0.18‰ (SW) [Skulan J., DePaolo D. J. and Owens T. L. (1997) Biological control of calcium isotopic abundances in the global calcium cycle. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta61,(12) 2505-2510] and challenge previous assumptions of no Ca isotope fractionation between hydrothermal fluid and the oceanic crust [Zhu P. and Macdougall J. D. (1998) Calcium isotopes in the marine environment and the oceanic calcium cycle. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta62,(10) 1691-1698; Schmitt A. -D., Chabeaux F. and Stille P. (2003) The calcium riverine and hydrothermal isotopic fluxes and the oceanic calcium mass balance. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 6731, 1-16]. Here we propose that Ca isotope fractionation along the fluid flow pathway of the Logatchev field occurs during the precipitation of anhydrite. Two anhydrite samples from the Logatchev Hydrothermal Field show an average fractionation of about Δ^44/40Ca = −0.5‰ relative to their assumed parental solutions. Ca isotope ratios in aragonites from carbonate veins from ODP drill cores indicate aragonite precipitation directly from seawater at low temperatures with an average δ^44/40Ca of −1.54 ± 0.08‰ (SW). The relatively large fractionation between the aragonite precipitates and seawater in combination with their frequent abundance in weathered mafic and ultramafic rocks suggest a reconsideration of the marine Ca isotope budget, in particular with regard to ocean crust alteration.     

A Mid Cretaceous origin for the Galápagos hotspot: volcanological, petrological and geochemical evidence from Costa Rican oceanic crustal segments

The Quepos, Nicoya and Herradura oceanic igneous terranes in Costa Rica are conspicuous features of a Mid to Late Cretaceous regional magmatic event that encompasses similar terranes in Central America, Colombia, Ecuador and the Caribbean. The Quepos terrane (66?Ma), which consists of ol-cpx phyric, tholeiitic pillow lavas overlain by highly vesicular hyaloclastites, breccias and conglomerates, is interpreted as an uplifted seamount/ocean island complex. The Nicoya (～90?Ma) and Herradura terranes consist of fault-bounded sequences of sediments, tholeiitic volcanics (pillow lavas and massive sheet flows) and plutonic rocks. The volcanic rocks were emplaced at relatively high eruption rates in moderate to deep water, possibly forming part of an oceanic plateau. Major and trace element data from Nicoya/Herradura tholeiites indicate higher melting temperatures than inferred for normal mid-ocean-ridge basalts (MORB) and/or a different source composition. Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic ratios from all three terranes are distinct from MORB but resemble those from the Galápagos hotspot. The volcanological, petrological and geochemical data from Costa Rican volcanic terranes, combined with published age data, paleomagnetic results and plate tectonic reconstructions of this region, provide strong evidence for a Mid Cretaceous (～90Ma) age for the Galápagos hotspot, making it one of the oldest known, active hotspots on Earth. Our results also support an origin of the Caribbean Plate through melting of the head of the Galápagos starting plume.     

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.     

Hafnium isotopic variations in East Atlantic intraplate volcanism

The broad belt of intraplate volcanism in the East Atlantic between 25° and 37° N is proposed to have formed by two adjacent hotspot tracks (the Madeira and Canary tracks) that possess systematically different isotopic signatures reflecting different mantle source compositions. To test this model, Hf isotope ratios from volcanic rocks from all individual islands and all major seamounts are presented in this study. In comparison with published Nd isotope variations (6 εNd units), ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf ratios span a much larger range (14 εHf units). Samples from the proposed Madeira hotspot track have the most radiogenic Hf isotopic compositions (¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf_m up to 0.283335), extending across the entire field for central Atlantic MORB. They form a relatively narrow, elongated trend on the Nd vs. Hf isotope diagram (stretching over > 10 εHf units) between a depleted N-MORB-like endmember and a moderately enriched composition located on, or slightly below, the Nd–Hf mantle array, which overlaps the proposed “C” mantle component of Hanan and Graham (1996). In contrast, all samples from the Canary hotspot track plot below the mantle array (¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf_m = 0.282943–0.283067) and form a much denser cluster with less compositional variation (~4 εHf units). The cluster falls between (1) a low Hf isotope HIMU-like endmember, (2) a more depleted composition, and (3) the moderately enriched end of the Madeira trend. The new Hf isotope data confirm the general geochemical distinction of the Canary and Madeira domains in the East Atlantic. Both domains, however, seem to share a common, moderately enriched endmember that has “C”-like isotope compositions and is believed to represent subducted, <1-Ga-old oceanic lithosphere (oceanic crust and possibly minor sediment addition). The lower ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf ratio of the enriched, HIMU-like Canary domain endmember indicates the contribution of oceanic lithosphere with somewhat older recycling ages of ≥1 Ga.     

Source components of the Gran Canaria (Canary Islands) shield stage magmas: evidence from olivine composition and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes

The Canary Island primitive basaltic magmas are thought to be derived from an HIMU-type upwelling mantle containing isotopically depleted (NMORB)-type component having interacted with an enriched (EM)-type component, the origin of which is still a subject of debate. We studied the relationships between Ni, Mn and Ca concentrations in olivine phenocrysts (85.6–90.0 mol.% Fo, 1,722–3,915 ppm Ni, 1,085–1,552 ppm Mn, 1,222–3,002 ppm Ca) from the most primitive subaerial and ODP Leg 157 high-silica (picritic to olivine basaltic) lavas with their bulk rock Sr–Nd–Pb isotope compositions (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.70315–0.70331, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0.51288–0.51292, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 19.55–19.93, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.60–15.63, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 39.31–39.69). Our data point toward the presence of both a peridotitic and a pyroxenitic component in the magma source. Using the model (Sobolev et al. in: Science 316:412–417, 2007) in which the reaction of Si-rich melts originated during partial melting of eclogite (a high pressure product of subducted oceanic crust) with ambient peridotitic mantle forms olivine-free reaction pyroxenite, we obtain an end member composition for peridotite with ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.70337, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0.51291, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 19.36, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.61 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 39.07 (EM-type end member), and pyroxenite with ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.70309, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0.51289, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 20.03, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.62 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 39.84 (HIMU-type end member). Mixing of melts from these end members in proportions ranging from 70% peridotite and 30% pyroxenite to 28% peridotite and 72% pyroxenite derived melt fractions can generate the compositions of the most primitive Gran Canaria shield stage lavas. Combining our results with those from the low-silica rocks from the western Canary Islands (Gurenko et al. EPSL 277:514–524, 2009), at least four distinct components are required. We propose that they are (1) HIMU-type pyroxenitic component (representing recycled ocean crust of intermediate age) from the plume center, (2) HIMU-type peridotitic component (ancient recycled ocean crust stirred into the ambient mantle) from the plume margin, (3) depleted, MORB-type pyroxenitic component (young recycled oceanic crust) in the upper mantle entrained by the plume, and (4) EM-type peridotitic component from the asthenosphere or lithosphere above the plume center.     

A Fully Depleted pn-Junction CCD for Infrared-, UV- and X- ray detection

This paper describes the performance of the Fully Depleted pn-junction CCD (pn-CCD) system, developed for ESA's XMM-satellite mission for soft x-ray imaging and spectroscopy in the single photon counting mode in the 100 eV to 10 keV photon range. The 58 mm x 60 mm large pn-CCD array, designed and fabricated at the Semiconductor Lab (Halbleiterlabor) of the Max-Planck-Institut, uses pn-junctions for registers and as backside structure. This concept naturally enables full depletion of the detector volume independent of the silicon wafer's resistivity and thickness, and as such make it an efficient detector for the x-ray region and the infrared. For high detection efficiency in the soft x-ray region and UV, an ultrathin pn-CCD backside deadlayer has been realized. Each pn-CCD-channel is equipped with its own on-chip JFET amplifier which, in combination with the CAMEX-amplifier and multiplexing chip, facilitates parallel readout and fast data rate: the cooled pn-CCD system can be read out at a data rate up to 3 MHz with an electronic noise floor of ENC < 5 e-.     

Petrology and geochemistry of plutonic rocks in the Northwest Pacific Ocean and their geodynamic interpretation

The paper presents data on the petrology and geochemistry of plutonic rocks dredged from the Stalemate Fracture Zone, Northwest Pacific Ocean, during Cruise SO201-1 of the R/V “Sonne”. We proposed also the reconstruction of their formation conditions and interpretation of their tectonic evolution. The genesis of gabbroids found among plutonic rocks composing the Cretaceous-Paleogene basement of the northwestern part of the Pacific Ocean was related to magmatism at the ancient spreading center and provides record of the evolution of the parental magmatic melts of N-MORB. Along with related peridotites, basalts, and dolerites, these rocks can be attributed to the disintegrated the Cretaceous-Paleogene oceanic lithosphere of the Pacific Ocean. The shallow mantle beneath the ancient oceanic crust of this area is made up of depleted magmatic spinel lherzolite, harzburgite, and dunite. The fact that gabbro-diorite and diorite that are not genetically related to the rocks of the Cretaceous-Paleogene basement of the Northwest Pacific occur at the eastern termination of the Stalemate Fracture Zone possibly reflects the complicated structure of the tectonic collage of rocks of different age that were produced in different geodynamic environments and were later tectonically brought together near the frontal portion of the Aleutian island arc. Judging by the isotopic-geochemical characteristics of these rocks, they cannot be classed with the family of oceanic plagiogranites. Deformations of the oceanic basement can be discerned throughout the whole Stalemate Fracture Zone as brecciation and large-amplitude vertical displacements within the oceanic lithosphere.     

Time-scales for magmatic differentiation at the Snaefellsjökull central volcano, western Iceland: Constraints from U-Th-Pa-Ra disequilibria in post-glacial lavas

We present major and trace element and Sr-Nd-Pb and U-Th-Pa-Ra isotope data for a small sample suite of primarily post-glacial, mildly alkalic volcanic rocks from the Snaefellsjökull central volcano situated off the main rift systems in western Iceland. The volcanic rocks are crystal-poor and range from olivine alkali basalt to trachyte and show tight correlations of major and trace elements that are explained by fractional crystallization involving removal of olivine, plagioclase, clinopyroxene, Fe-Ti oxide and apatite. Sr-Nd-Pb isotopes are practically invariant, consistent with derivation from the same source region. During fractionation from primitive basalt to evolved trachyte, (²³⁰Th/²³²Th), (²³⁰Th/²³⁸U) and (²³¹Pa/²³⁵U) decrease progressively at broadly constant (²³⁸U/²³²Th). A continuous closed-system fractionation model that assumes constant initial (²³⁰Th/²³²Th) in the basaltic precursor melt indicates that hawaiite was derived from olivine basalt by ∼50% fractional crystallization within and trachyte by ∼80% fractionation within . An overrepresentation of evolved basalts and hawaiites with young inferred magma ages in the dataset is consistent with the parental precursor to these magmas intruded into the sub-volcanic magma plumbing system as a consequence of lithospheric rebound caused by deglaciation. Lavas affected by apatite removal have higher (²³¹Pa/²³⁵U) than predicted for simple radioactive decay, suggesting apatite significantly fractionates U from Pa. The proposed fractionation model consistently explains our U-series data assuming and and . If applicable, these D values would indicate that the effect of apatite fractionation must be adequately considered when assessing differentiation time scales using (²³¹Pa/²³⁵U) disequilibria data.     

Origin of Meso-Proterozoic post-collisional leucogranite suites (Kaokoveld, Namibia): constraints from geochronology and Nd, Sr, Hf, and Pb isotopes

Leucocratic granites of the Proterozoic Kaoko Belt, northern Namibia, now preserved as meta-granites, define a rock suite that is distinct from the surrounding granitoids based on their chemical and isotopic characteristics. Least evolved members of this ~1.5–1.6-Ga-old leucogranite suite can be distinguished from ordinary calc-alkaline granites that occur elsewhere in the Kaoko Belt by higher abundances of Zr, Y, and REE, more radiogenic initial ε_Nd values and unradiogenic initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr. The leucogranites have high calculated zircon saturation temperatures (mostly > 920°C for least fractionated samples), suggesting that they represent high-temperature melts originating from deep crustal levels. Isotope data (i.e., ε_Ndi: +2.3 to –4.2) demonstrate that the granites formed from different sources and differentiated by a variety of processes including partial melting of mantle-derived meta-igneous rocks followed by crystal fractionation and interaction with older crustal material. Most fractionation-corrected Nd model ages (T_DM) are between 1.7 and 1.8 Ga and only slightly older than the inferred intrusion age of ca. 1.6 Ga, indicating that the precursor rocks must have been dominated by juvenile material. Epsilon Hf values of zircon separated from two granite samples are positive (+11 and +13), and Hf model ages (1.5 and 1.6 Ga) are similar to the U–Pb zircon ages, again supporting the dominance of juvenile material. In contrast, the Hf model ages of the respective whole rock samples are 2.3 and 2.4 Ga, demonstrating the involvement of older material in the generation of the granites. The last major tectonothermal event in the Kaoko Belt in the Proterozoic occurred at ca. 2.0 Ga and led to reworking of mostly 2.6-Ga-old rocks. However, the presence of 1.6 Ga “post-collisional” granites reflects addition of some juvenile mantle-derived material after the last major tectonic event. The results suggest that similar A-type leucogranites are potentially more abundant in crustal terranes but are masked by AFC processes. In the case of the Kaoko Belt, it is suggested that this rock suite indicates a yet unidentified period of mantle-derived crustal growth in the Proterozoic of South Western Africa.     

Age and geochemistry of volcanic rocks from the Hikurangi and Manihiki oceanic Plateaus

Here we present the first radiometric age data and a comprehensive geochemical data set (including major and trace element and Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf isotope ratios) for samples from the Hikurangi Plateau basement and seamounts on and adjacent to the plateau obtained during the R/V Sonne 168 cruise, in addition to age and geochemical data from DSDP Site 317 on the Manihiki Plateau. The ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar age and geochemical data show that the Hikurangi basement lavas (118-96 Ma) have surprisingly similar major and trace element and isotopic characteristics to the Ontong Java Plateau lavas (ca. 120 and 90 Ma), primarily the Kwaimbaita-type composition, whereas the Manihiki DSDP Site 317 lavas (117 Ma) have similar compositions to the Singgalo lavas on the Ontong Java Plateau. Alkalic, incompatible-element-enriched seamount lavas (99-87 Ma and 67 Ma) on the Hikurangi Plateau and adjacent to it (Kiore Seamount), however, were derived from a distinct high time-integrated U/Pb (HIMU)-type mantle source. The seamount lavas are similar in composition to similar-aged alkalic volcanism on New Zealand, indicating a second wide-spread event from a distinct source beginning ca. 20 Ma after the plateau-forming event. Tholeiitic lavas from two Osbourn seamounts on the abyssal plain adjacent to the northeast Hikurangi Plateau margin have extremely depleted incompatible element compositions, but incompatible element characteristics similar to the Hikurangi and Ontong Java Plateau lavas and enriched isotopic compositions intermediate between normal mid-ocean-ridge basalt (N-MORB) and the plateau basement. These younger (∼52 Ma) seamounts may have formed through remelting of mafic cumulate rocks associated with the plateau formation. The similarity in age and geochemistry of the Hikurangi, Ontong Java and Manihiki Plateaus suggest derivation from a common mantle source. We propose that the Greater Ontong Java Event, during which ∼1% of the Earth’s surface was covered with volcanism, resulted from a thermo-chemical superplume/dome that stalled at the transition zone, similar to but larger than the structure imaged presently beneath the South Pacific superswell. The later alkalic volcanism on the Hikurangi Plateau and the Zealandia micro-continent may have been part of a second large-scale volcanic event that may have also triggered the final breakup stage of Gondwana, which resulted in the separation of Zealandia fragments from West Antarctica.