Geochemical constraints on cumulate textured Ti-rich Al-depleted Komatiites from Chotanagpur Gneissic Complex,Eastern India

For the first time occurrence of Ti rich Al depleted ultramafic cumulates having komatiitic signature in the northwestern fringe of Chotanagpur Gneissic Complex is presented. These rocks exhibit intrusive relationship with metasedimentary rocks and metaultramafites. Geochemically they are characterized by Mg# 79.1–91.60, high TiO₂ (1.29–1.54 wt%), significantly low Al₂O₃/TiO₂ and (Gd/Yb)_n >1. Major oxides, trace and REE content suggest low degree of fractional crystallization and lesser degree of partial melting. These Al depleted komatiites are characterized by high concentration of incompatible elements than most suites of Barberton type komatiites. High Ti content suggests less degree of majorite garnet melting, leaving behind garnet in the restite. The rock shows higher Ti/Sc (190),Ti/V (22), Zr/Y (3), Zr/Sc (4), V/Sc (8), Zr/Sm (28) and Zr/Hf (47) ratios than primitive mantle and REE distribution pattern shows gentle slope from LREE to HREE in most samples pointing towards mantle metasomatism and crustal contamination during emplacement. The observed chemical characteristics indicate derivation of komatiite from an enriched mantle source and represent plume activity in an extensional tectonic regime of intracratonic setting.     

Physical volcanology and geochemistry of Palaeoarchaean komatiite lava flows from the western Dharwar craton,southern India: implications for Archaean mantle evolution and crustal growth

ABSTRACT

Palaeoarchaean (3.38–3.35 Ga) komatiites from the Jayachamaraja Pura (J.C. Pura) and Banasandra greenstone belts of the western Dharwar craton, southern India were erupted as submarine lava flows. These high-temperature (1450–1550°C), low-viscosity lavas produced thick, massive, polygonal jointed sheet flows with sporadic flow top breccias. Thick olivine cumulate zones within differentiated komatiites suggest channel/conduit facies. Compound, undifferentiated flow fields developed marginal-lobate thin flows with several spinifex-textured lobes. Individual lobes experienced two distinct vesiculation episodes and grew by inflation. Occasionally komatiite flows form pillows and quench fragmented hyaloclastites. J.C. Pura komatiite lavas represent massive coherent facies with minor channel facies, whilst the Bansandra komatiites correspond to compound flow fields interspersed with pillow facies. The komatiites are metamorphosed to greenschist facies and consist of serpentine-talc ± carbonate, actinolite–tremolite with remnants of primary olivine, chromite, and pyroxene. The majority of the studied samples are komatiites (22.46–42.41 wt.% MgO) whilst a few are komatiitic basalts (12.94–16.18 wt.% MgO) extending into basaltic (7.71 – 10.80 wt.% MgO) composition. The studied komatiites are Al-depleted Barberton type whilst komatiite basalts belong to the Al-undepleted Munro type. Trace element data suggest variable fractionation of garnet, olivine, pyroxene, and chromite. Incompatible element ratios (Nb/Th, Nb/U, Zr/Y Nb/Y) show that the komatiites were derived from heterogeneous sources ranging from depleted to primitive mantle. CaO/Al₂O₃ and (Gd/Yb)_N ratios show that the Al-depleted komatiite magmas were generated at great depth (350–400 km) by 40–50% partial melting of deep mantle with or without garnet (majorite?) in residue whilst komatiite basalts and basalts were generated at shallow depth in an ascending plume. The widespread Palaeoarchaean deep depleted mantle-derived komatiite volcanism and sub-contemporaneous TTG accretion implies a major earlier episode of mantle differentiation and crustal growth during ca. 3.6–3.8 Ga.     

赣东北地区早前寒武纪超基性熔岩—层状侵入岩的初步研究

赣东北地区早前寒武纪超基性熔岩—层状侵入岩是扬子克拉通绿岩带的残块。科马提岩为橄榄质;稀土特征表明以Ⅱa型(重稀土亏损型中的轻稀土富集亚类)科马提岩为主,可能有Ⅲ型(重稀土富集型)科马提岩。(La/Sm)_N值>2说明其源区已被富轻稀土的液体或岩浆流体交代过。扬子克拉通的花岗—绿岩带地体的地球化学特征意味着晚太古代时它与南非克拉通有更密切的联系。     

Primary fractionation and secondary alteration within an Archean ultramafic lava flow

Fifteen samples across a 4 m thick komatiite flow from the Val d'Or region in the southeast portion of the Abitibi greenstone belt have been analysed for major oxides and trace elements including the rare earth elements (REE). The flow has been subjected to low grade regional metamorphism: virtually all primary mineralogy (olivine and clinopyroxene) has been obliterated although primary textures are well preserved. Compositional differences between the upper, spinifex textured portion and the underlying massive portion of the flow are largely consistent with the primary fractionation of approximately 30% olivine with a composition close to Fo92. Variations in incompatible element ratios across the flow and in enrichments between the spinifex and massive units suggest that Si, Ce and possibly Lu have been lost to, and Ca, Sr and possibly Y have been gained from, the surroundings. Remobilization of other elements (e.g. Zr, Hf, and alkali metals and most of the REE) appears to have been confined within the flow. AI, Ti, V and Sc appear to have been immobile during alteration of the flow. For the flow as a whole values for many element ratios (e.g. Al/Zr, Al/Sc, Sc/Yb, Zr/Hf, K/Rb) are very similar to chondritic values. If the flow represents a 40% melt approximately, and if the residue was essentially dunitic then the source abundance for most elements was close to chondritic; exceptions are the REE (1.5 to 2×chondrite), Ti (enriched relative to chondrites), and V (depleted relative to chondrites).     

Trace element characteristics of graywackes and tectonic setting discrimination of sedimentary basins

The graywackes of Paleozoic turbidite sequences of eastern Australia show a large variation in their trace element characteristics, which reflect distinct provenance types and tectonic settings for various suites. The tectonic settings recognised are oceanic island arc, continental island arc, active continental margin, and passive margins. Immobile trace elements, e.g. La, Ce, Nd, Th, Zr, Nb, Y, Sc and Co are very useful in tectonic setting discrimination. In general, there is a systematic increase in light rare earth elements (La, Ce, Nd), Th, Nb and the Ba/Sr, Rb/Sr, La/Y and Ni/Co ratios and a decrease in V, Sc and the Ba/Rb, K/Th and K/U ratios in graywackes from oceanic island arc to continental island arc to active continental margin to passive margin settings. On the basis of graywacke geochemistry, the optimum discrimination of the tectonic settings of sedimentary basins is achieved by La-Th, La-Th-Sc, Ti/Zr-La/Sc, La/Y-Sc/Cr, Th-Sc-Zr/10 and Th-Co-Zr/10 plots. The analysed oceanic island arc graywackes are characterised by extremely low abundances of La, Th, U, Zr, Nb; low Th/U and high La/Sc, La/Th, Ti/Zr, Zr/Th ratios. The studied graywackes of the continental island arc type setting are characterised by increased abundances of La, Th, U, Zr and Nb, and can be identified by the La-Th-Sc and La/Sc versus Ti/Zr plots. Active continental margin and passive margin graywackes are discriminated by the Th-Sc-Zr/10 and Th-Co-Zr/10 plots and associated parameters (e.g. Th/Zr, Th/Sc). The most important characteristic of the analysed passive margin type graywackes is the increased abundance of Zr, high Zr/Th and lower Ba, Rb, Sr and Ti/Zr ratio compared to the active continental margin graywackes.     

Efremovka 101.1: a CAI with ultrarefractory REE patterns and enormous enrichments of Sc, Zr, and Y in Fassaite and Perovskite

Inclusion 101.1 from the CV3 carbonaceous chondrite Efremovka is a compact Type A Ca-Al-rich inclusion (CAI) highly enriched in ultrarefractory (UR) oxides. It is the first complete CAI with a UR rare earth element (REE) pattern found in a CV3 chondrite. The inclusion is petrographically complex and was formed in a multistage process. It consists of several lithologically unrelated units.The core contains abundant Y- and Zr-perovskite, Sc- and Zr-rich fassaite, and metallic FeNi enclosed in melilite. All mineral species (except spinel) in all lithological units exhibit the same basic UR REE pattern. Four different populations of perovskites are distinguished by different Y/Zr ratios. A few of the perovskites have Y/Zr ratios similar to those obtained from crystal/liquid fractionation experiments. Perovskites from the other three populations have either chondritic, lower than chondritic Y/Zr ratios or extremely low Zr contents. Ca isotopic ratios differ among three perovskites from different populations, demonstrating a variety of sources and formational processes. Most fassaites crystallized in situ through reaction between the CAI liquid and preexisting perovskites. This process induced redistribution of Zr, Y, Sc, and V between perovskite and fassaite, thus overprinting the original abundances in perovskite. Fassaite reaction rims around FeNi metals are also encountered. They are enriched in V, which was gained from the metal through oxidation of V in metal during fassaite crystallization. The relative abundances of Zr, Y, and Sc in perovskites are complementary to the abundances of these elements in Sc- and Zr-fassaite, indicating subsolidus partitioning of these elements between the two phases. Perovskites are enriched in Y and depleted in Sc and Zr in comparison to fassaites.The core contains two complete captured CAIs, several sinuous fragments, and fine-grained polygonal refractory fragments. An assemblage of andradite-wollastonite-hedenbergite and pure metallic iron is encountered as enclaves in the interior of some sinuous fragments. Metallic Fe and wollastonite formed by reduction of preexisting andradite and hedenbergite nebular alteration products upon inclusion in the highly reduced CAI melt. Numerous spinel clusters and framboids with varying V₂O₃ and Cr₂O₃ concentrations are enclosed in individual melilite crystals in the host CAI and captured CAIs. The rim sequence of the host consists of six layers (from the inside outward): (a) FeO-poor spinel, (b) Sc-bearing fassaite, (c) Al-diopside, (d) Al- and Ca-bearing olivine, (e) pure diopside, and (f) Ca-poor olivine. Like the constituents of the CAI core, all mineral layers of the rim sequence, except spinel, have the same UR REE pattern. However, the total REE abundances decrease systematically by 1 order of magnitude from layer 2 to layer 6. This feature strongly suggests formation of the rim sequence by successive condensation from a unique reservoir enriched in UR elements and excludes formation by flash heating. Petrography, mineral chemistry, REE, refractory lithophile element abundances, and Ca isotopic compositions demonstrate the complex multistage formation history of a CAI that on the surface looks like a regular Type A inclusion.     

A geochemical and Nd isotopic study of Barberton komatiites (South Africa): implication for the Archean mantle

The Komati Formation of the Barberton greenstone belt (BGB), South Africa, is composed of both Al-undepleted and -depleted komatiites. The Al-undepleted komatiites are characterised by Al₂O₃/TiO₂ and CaO/Al₂O₃ ratios of 15–18 and 1.1–1.5, respectively, and exhibit chondritic trace element contents and (Gd/Yb)_N ratios. In contrast, the Al-depleted komatiites show significantly lower Al₂O₃/TiO₂ ratios of 8–12, highly variable CaO/Al₂O₃ (0.19–2.81) ratios combined with (Gd/Yb)_N ratios varying from 1.08 to 1.56. A Sm–Nd whole rock isochron for komatiites of the Komati Formation gives an age of 3657±170 Ma. ¹⁴⁷Sm/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios (0.1704 and 0.1964) are all lower than the chondritic value of 0.1967. The komatiite _i,Nd(3.45) values cluster at +1.9±0.7.

Trace element distribution indicates that most of the primary geochemical and isotopic features of the komatiites were preserved in line with the conservation of the primary chemical composition of clinopyroxene. High field strength element and rare earth element abundances indicate that crustal contamination and post-crystallisation processes did not disturb the primary features of komatiites.

The Sm/Nd and Nb/U ratios of komatiites indicate that the Barberton greenstone belt mantle source has undergone melt extraction prior to komatiite formation. Variations of Al₂O₃/TiO₂, (Gd/Yb)_N, Zr/Sm and Sm/Nd ratios of komatiites indicate that a batch melting of slightly depleted mantle source during with garnet and/or clinopyroxene remained in the residue can produce the geochemical isotopic feature of the Barberton greenstone belt komatiites. Typical geochemical fingerprints of subduction-related processes (LILE enrichment, HFSE depletion compared to REE), as known from modern subduction zones, are not observed. Komatiites exhibit Ti/Zr, La/Nb, Nb/U, Sr/Nd and Ba/La ratios comparable to those of oceanic island basalt and mid-ocean ridge basalt. (La/Nb)_PMN, (Sm/Yb)_PMN, positive δNb values and flat or slightly enriched REE patterns suggest that BGB komatiites are part of an oceanic plateau rather than an oceanic island such as Iceland. Therefore, an oceanic plateau or mid-ocean ridge, in connection with an oceanic plateau, such as Ontong Java plateau or Caribbean–Colombian oceanic plateau, is a suitable tectonic setting for the formation of the BGB komatiites.     

陕西商州地区丹凤变质火山岩的地球化学特征

陕西商州地区丹凤变质火山岩具有洋内岛弧火山岩地球化学特征,它们是分别来自不同源区的拉斑玄武和钙碱性2个系列共存的一套变质火山岩。其Th/Ta比值高及Ni、Ta、Ti、Y和Yb含量低,表明岩石受到消减带组分的影响。种种证据表明,丹凤变质火山岩是早古生代华北地块南缘消减带之上洋内岛弧环境的产物。     

The Concentration of the Platinum-Group Elements in South African Komatiites: Implications for Mantle Sources, Melting Regime and PGE Fractionation during Crystallization

We have analysed 18 samples of komatiite from five consecutivelava flows of the Komati Formation at Spinifex Creek, BarbertonMountain Land. Our samples include massive komatiite, varioustypes of spinifex-textured komatiite, and flow-top breccias.The rocks have low platinum-group element (PGE) contents andPd/Ir ratios relative to komatiites from elsewhere, at 0·45–2ppb Os, 1–1·4 ppb Ir, <1–5 ppb Ru, 0·33–0·79ppb Rh, 1·7–6 ppb Pt, 1·6–6·1ppb Pd, and Pd/Ir 3·3. Pt/Pd ratios are c. 1·1.Platinum-group elements are depleted relative to Cu (Cu/Pd =15 300). They display a tendency to increase in the less magnesiansamples, suggesting that the magmas were S-undersaturated uponeruption and that all PGE were incompatible with respect tocrystallizing olivine. Komatiites from the Westonaria Formationof the Ventersdorp Supergroup and the Roodekrans Complex nearJohannesburg have broadly similar PGE patterns and concentrationsto the Komati rocks, suggesting that the PGE contents of SouthAfrican ultrabasic magmas are controlled by similar processesduring partial mantle melting and low-P magmatic crystallization.Most workers believe that the Barberton komatiites formed byrelatively moderate-degree batch melting of the mantle at highpressure. Based on the concentration of Zr in the Komati samples,we estimate that the degree of partial melting was between 26and 33%. We suggest that the low PGE contents and Pd/Ir ratiosof all analysed South African komatiites are the result of sulphideshaving been retained in the mantle source during partial melting.The difference in Pd/Ir between our samples and Al-undepletedkomatiites from elsewhere further suggests that the PGE arefractionated during progressive partial melting of the mantle.Thus, our data are in agreement with other recent studies showingthat the PGE are hosted by different phases in the mantle, withPd being concentrated by interstitial Cu-rich sulphide, andthe IPGE (Os, Ir, Ru) and Rh resting in monosulphide solid solutionincluded within silicates. Pt is possibly controlled by a discreterefractory phase, as Pt/Pd ratios of most komatiites worldwideare sub-chondritic. KEY WORDS: platinum-group elements; komatiites; Barberton; mantle melting; South Africa     

Komatiitic and Iron-rich Tholeiitic Lavas of Munro Township, Northeast Ontario

Munro Township, in the Archean Abitibi greenstone belt of northeastOntario, contains volcanic and hypabyssal rocks of two magmaseries: (1) an Fe-rich tholeiitic series of basaltic to daciticlava flows (3–10 m thick), layered peridotite-pyroxenite-gabbroflows (120 m thick), and layered sills (700 m thick); (2) anultramafic-mafic komatiitic series, comprising discrete lavaflows of peridotitic to andesitic composition (1–17 mthick), layered peridotite-gabbro flows (120 m thick), and layeredsills (500 m thick). The komatiitie lavas form a successionabout 1000 m thick that is both underlain and overlain by thickersuccessions of tholeiitic volcanic rocks. Three types of komatiite are recognized: peridotitic, pyroxenitic,and basaltic komatiites. The most ultramafic are peridotiticcumulates rich in forsteritic olivine (Fo_89–94), at thebases of flows and sills. Many less mafic peridotitic komatiites(MgO: 20–30 per cent), which typically form the upperparts of flows and the marginal parts of small intrusions, exhibitspinifex textures indicative of their formation from ultrabasicliquids. Pyroxenitic komatiites (MgO: 12–20 per cent)also may contain olivine, but are dominated by clinopyroxene,usually in spinifex textures. Basaltic komatiites (MgO <12per cent) are composed mainly of clino-pyroxene and plagioclaseor devitrified glass, rarely in spinifex texture and more commonlyin equigranular textures. Peridotitic komatiite with roughly30 per cent MgO appears to represent a parental liquid fromwhich the more ultramafic komatiites formed by accumulationof olivine, and the less mafic types were derived by fractionationof olivine, joined and finally succeeded in later stages byclinopyroxene and plagioclase. Komatiites of Munro Township share many of the characteristicsof the komatiites from the Barberton Mountain Land, South Africa(Voljoen & Viljoen, 1969a and b), but lack the high CaO/Al₂O₃ratios that distinguish the Barberton rocks. The Munro komatiitesare identical in this respect to ultramafic volcanic rocks inAustralia, Canada, Rhodesia, and India. It is proposed thatthe definition of the term komatiite be broadened so that itincludes all members of this ultramafic-mafic rock series, notonly those from Barberton Mountain Land. The proposed criteriaare: (1) highly ultramafic compositions in noncumulate lavas;(2) unusual volcanic structures such as spinifex texture andpolyhedral jointing; (3) low Fe/Mg ratios at given Al₂O₃ valuesor high CaO/Al₂O₃ ratios; low TiO₂ at given SiO₂; and high MgO,NiO, and Cr₂O₃.     

Evolution of an intra‐oceanic island arc during the Late Silurian to Late Devonian,New England Fold Belt

Geochemical studies of volcanic rocks in the Gamilaroi terrane and Calliope Volcanic Assemblage, New England Fold Belt, eastern Australia, indicate that the setting in which these rocks formed changed in both space and time. The Upper Silurian to Middle Devonian basalts of the Gamilaroi terrane show flat to slightly light rare‐earth element (LREE) depleted chondrite normalised patterns, depletion of high field strength elements (HFSE) relative to N‐MORB, low Ti/V and high Ti/Zr ratios, high Ni, Cr and large‐ion lithophile element (LILE) contents, features characteristic of intra‐oceanic island arc basaltic magmas. They are associated with low‐K, less mafic volcanics, showing moderate LREE enrichment, low Nb and Y contents and Rb/Zr ratios. The depletion of HFSE in the basalts indicates that the magmas were derived from a refractory source in a supra‐subduction zone setting. The presence of such a zone implies that the arc was associated with a backarc basin, the location of which was to the west where a wide backarc region existed from the Middle Silurian. This polarity of arc and backarc basin suggests that the subduction zone dipped to the west. In contrast to their older counterparts, Middle to Upper Devonian basalts of the Gamilaroi terrane have MORB‐like chondrite normalised patterns and higher Ti and lower LILE contents. Moreover, they have low Ti/Zr ratios and MORB‐like Ti/V ratios and HFSE contents, features typical of backarc basins. Dolerites of the Gamilaroi terrane also have predominantly backarc basin signatures. These features suggest that both the basalts and dolerites have been emplaced in an extensional environment produced during the rifting of the intra‐oceanic island arc lithosphere. A progressive increase in Ti/V ratios, and TiO₂ and Fe₂O₃ contents at constant MgO, of stratigraphically equivalent basalts, towards the north‐northwest part of the belt, is consistent with either greater extension to the north or melting of a more fertile magma source. By contrast, basalts in the southeast part of the terrane have moderately high Ti/Zr and low Ti/V ratios and in some samples, exhibit depletion of HFSE, compositional features transitional between island arc and backarc basin basalts. The Lower to Middle Devonian mafic rocks in the Calliope Volcanic Assemblage show both LREE enriched and depleted chondrite normalised REE patterns. Further, the majority have high Ti/Zr ratios and low Zr contents as well as relatively high Th contents relative to MORB. These features are common to rocks of Middle Devonian age as well as those of Early Devonian age and are suggestive of eruption in an arc setting. Thus, the data from this study provide new evidence for the evolution of the New England Fold Belt from the Late Silurian to the Late Devonian and reveal a history more complicated than previously reported.     

KOMATIITE WITS-1, LOW CONCENTRATION NOBLE METAL STANDARD FOR THE ANALYSIS OF NON-MINERALIZED SAMPLES

WITS-1 is a sample of silicified komatiite collected from close to the Komati River type section, near Barberton in South Africa. Two thousand kg of this komatiite was crushed and prepared for standardization. Noble metal analysis of WITS-1 has been carried out by six laboratories using four different analytical methods. The data obtained from these sources were subjected to statistical analysis (F ratio and Student t test) and a suite of "preferred" values for the noble metal concentrations are reported.     

Crystallochemistry and origin of pyroxenes in komatiites

We present a detailed mineralogical and major- and trace-element study of pyroxenes in two Archean komatiitic flows in Alexo, Canada. The pyroxenes in spinifex-textured lavas commonly are zoned with cores of magnesian pigeonite and rims of augite. Concentrations of incompatible trace elements are low in pigeonite and jump to higher values in the augite mantles, a variation that can be modelled using accepted partition coefficients and assuming crystallization from komatiitic liquids. Crystallization sequences are very different in different parts of both flows. In the flow top, the sequence is olivine followed by augite: deeper in the spinifex sequence, pigeonite crystallizes after olivine, followed by augite; in lower cumulates, orthopyroxene or augite accompany olivine. In spinifex lavas, pigeonite crystallizes sooner than would be predicted on the basis of equilibrium phase relations. We propose that contrasting crystallization sequences depend on the position in the flow and on the conditions of crystal growth. In the flowtop, rapid cooling causes quench crystallization. Deeper in the spinifex layer, constrained growth in a thermal gradient, perhaps augmented by Soret differentiation, accounts for the early crystallization of pigeonite. The cumulus minerals represent a near-equilibrium assemblage. Augites in Al-undepleted Archean komatiites in various localities in Canada and Zimbabwe have high moderate to high Wo contents but their Mg# (Mg/(Mg + Fe) are lower than in augites in komatiites from Barberton, South Africa. We attribute the combination of high Wo and high Mg# in Barberton rocks to the unusually high CaO/Al₂O₃ of these Al-depleted komatiites.     

Provenance and tectonic setting of the Lower Cambrian Niutitang formation shales in the Yangtze platform,South China: Implications for depositional setting of shales

Geochemical compositions of the Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation shales in the southeastern Yangtze Platform margin were investigated for provenance, tectonic setting, and depositional environment. The shale samples are characterized by higher abundances of large ion lithophile elements (Cs, Ba, and Pb), lower abundances of high field strength elements (Cr, Sc, and Co) and transition elements (Th, Zr, Hf, Nb, and Ta) relative to average shale. North American shale composition (NASC) -normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns are observed, with negative Ce anomalies, negative Eu anomalies, and positive Y anomalies. The chemical index of alteration (CIA) varies from 68.67–74.93. Alkali and alkaline element contents and CIA values suggest that the source rocks have undergone moderate weathering. The index of compositional variability (ICV), Zr/Sc and Th/Sc ratios vary from 0.53 to 1.07, 5.31 to 8.18 and 0.52–1.02, respectively. ICV values and relationships between Zr/Sc and Th/Sc ratios indicate negligible sedimentary recycling. The Al₂O₃/TiO₂ (14–26) and TiO₂/Zr (56–77) ratios imply that the source rocks of the investigated shales had intermediate igneous compositions. However, Cr/V ratios and a La/Th–Hf discrimination diagram suggest that the intermediate compositional signal of the source rocks was derived from a mixture of 75% mafic and 25% felsic igneous rocks rather than intermediate igneous rocks. The major source was the Jiangnan continental island arc with bimodal igneous rocks, lying to the south of the study area, together with a contribution from granites and gneisses uplifted and eroded in the Yangtze Block. Discrimination of tectonic setting using major and trace elements indicates that the source rocks originated in a transitional setting from active continental to passive margin, consistent with the failed intracontinental rift model for the evolution of the South China plate. The Niutitang Formation shales were deposited in a rift basin setting under conditions of anoxic bottom water in a redox-stratified water column, with organic-rich shales prospective for shale-gas production being found in deep-water downslope and basin environments rather than the shallow-water shelf.     

Petrogenetic implications of Ti,Zr, Y,and Nb variations in volcanic rocks

Data from experimental runs, coexisting phases in ultramafic rocks and phenocryst-matrix pairs in volcanic rocks have been used to compile a table of mineral-liquid distribution coefficients for Ti, Zr, Y, and Nb for basic, intermediate and acid melt compositions. These values have then been used to interpret variations of these elements, first in basalts and second, during fractional crystallization from basic to acid magmas. For basalts, petrogenetic modelling of Zr/Y, Zr/Ti, and Zr/Nb ratios, when used in conjunction with REE, Cr and isotopic variations, suggests that: (1) the increase in Zr/Y ratio from mid-ocean ridge to within plate basalts and the low Zr/Nb ratios of alkalic basalts are due to (fluid controlled) source heterogeneities; (2) the low Zr and Zr/Y ratio of volcanic arc basalts results from high degree of partial melting of a depleted source; and (3) the high Zr and similar Zr/Y ratio of basalts from fast spreading relative to slow spreading ridges results from open-system fractional crystallization. Modelling of fractionation trends in more evolved rocks using Y-Zr, Ti-Zr and Nb-Zr diagrams highlights in particular the change in crystallizing mafic phases from island arcs (clinopyroxene-dominated) to Andean-type arcs (amphibole±biotite-dominated). These methods can be applied to altered lavas of unknown affinities to provide additional information on their genesis and eruptive environment.     

Late Archaean Ti–rich,Al–depleted komatiites and komatiitic volcaniclastic rocks from the Murchison Terrane in Western Australia

Greenstone belts in the northern Murchison Terrane of the Yilgarn Craton contain an extensive suite of 2.9–3.0 Ga, porphyritic komatiites and komatiitic volcaniclastic rocks. These unusual Ti–rich Al–depleted komatiites have been sampled at Gabanintha and are characterised by higher incompatible‐element abundances than most suites of Barberton‐type Al–depleted komatiites. They form a petrogenetically related group with similar Ti– and incompatible‐element‐rich, Al–depleted porphyritic komatiites and komatiitic volcaniclastic rocks from Karasjok in Norway, Dachine in French Guiana and Steep Rock‐Lumby Lake in Canada (here called Karasjok‐type komatiites). Their Al–depletion results from magma generation at depths of >250 km in the presence of residual majorite‐garnet. The porphyritic textures and abundance of amygdales and volcaniclastic rocks typical of this type of komatiite are features of hydrous ultramafic magmas. The incompatible‐element‐rich ultramafic rocks from Dachine contain diamonds that were most likely picked up as parent magmas interacted with mantle lithosphere that had been hydrated and chemically modified. Consequently the interaction of Karasjok‐type komatiite magmas with thick, island arc or continental mantle lithosphere may have resulted in their elevated water and incompatible‐element contents. The occurrence of Karasjok‐type komatiite lavas and volcaniclastic rocks in the northern Murchison Terrane suggests that during the Late Archaean that terrane had a hydrated, metasomatised or subduction‐modified mantle lithosphere.     

Geochemistry of transition elements in garnet lherzolite nodules in kimberlites

The clinopyroxenes and garnets from garnet lherzolite nodules in kimberlites were analyzed for the major and trace elements (Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Sr, and Zr) with the secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) techniques using an ion-microprobe. The concentration ranges for clinopyroxenes are: 12–90 ppm Sc, 60–2540 ppm Ti, 110–350 ppm V, 2400 ppm-1.68% Cr, 470–1100 ppm Mn, 18–70 ppm Co, 85–710 ppm Sr, and 6.3–120 ppm Zr. Those for garnets are: 71–180 ppm Sc, 140–6200 ppm Ti, 220–450 ppm V, 1.05–6.24% Cr, 1600–5220 ppm Mn, 33–92 ppm Co, and 66–250 ppm Zr.These data were used to assess a possible use of distribution of transition elements between clinopyroxene and garnet for geothermometry/geobarometry. The distribution coefficients of V and Mn show good correlations with (Ca/Ca+Mg+Fe)_CPX, suggesting their potential usefulness.The abundances of these elements in minerals (and estimated whole-rocks) suggest that garnet lherzolite nodules in kimberlites can be classified into three groups. It is suggested that one of the groups (Group I) could be close to the pristine mantle on the basis of Ti and Zr abundances as well as REE systematics. Arguments on Ti/Zr ratios among different nodule types suggest that abundant granular garnet lherzolites could be cumulates crystallized from a residual liquid after ilmenite was extracted.IPG Contribution No. 281     

Major and trace element variation in ilmenite in the Skaergaard Intrusion: petrologic implications

Ilmenite separates from the floor (LS), roof (UBS), and wall (MBS) sequences of the Skaergaard Intrusion were analyzed for major and trace elements using DCP-AES and ICP-MS techniques. In all three sequences, FeO progressively increases, and MgO and Al₂O₃ progressively decrease with differentiation. Although trace element abundances are, in general, higher in UBS ilmenite than in MBS and LS ilmenite, all three sequences have similar trends for trace element abundance vs. crystallization. Ba, Cs, Rb, Sr, Th, U, Y, and the REEs are excluded elements in ilmenite, and remained at low abundances during differentiation. Cr, Ni, Sc, and V are included elements in ilmenite and other mafic phases, and decreased during differentiation. V contents in ilmenite, however, do not decrease significantly until the upper part of the middle zone, suggesting that magnetite did not begin to affect the magma differentiation trend until much later than when it first appears in the intrusion. Hf, Nb, Ta, and Zr, which are strongly excluded elements in silicates, are included elements in ilmenite. The element ratios Zr/Hf, Y/Ho, Nb/Ta, and U/Th are relatively constant in Skaergaard ilmenite from different parts of the intrusion, suggesting that fluid transport did not significantly effect these elements during differentiation or post-solidification cooling. Calculated partition coefficients for ilmenite in the Skaergaard Intrusion are similar to those reported from previous studies of lunar and terrestrial basalts and kimberlites, and for most elements are significantly lower than those reported for ilmenite in rhyolitic magma. Similar D_i's for Zr, Hf, Nb, and Ta suggest that ilmenite crystallization did not significantly affect Zr/Nb or Hf/Ta in the Skaergaard magma, but the ratios of Zr, Hf, Nb, or Ta to other high field strength elements, such as Th, U, Y, or the REEs, may have been altered by ilmenite fractionation.     

Trace Element Residence and Partitioning in Mantle Xenoliths Metasomatized by Highly Alkaline, Silicate- and Carbonate-rich Melts (Kerguelen Islands, Indian Ocean)

Mantle xenoliths in alkaline lavas of the Kerguelen Islandsconsist of: (1) protogranular, Cr-diopside-bearing harzburgite;(2) poikilitic, Mg-augite-bearing harzburgite and cpx-poor lherzolite;(3) dunite that contains clinopyroxene, spinel phlogopite, andrarely amphibole. Trace element data for rocks and mineralsidentify distinctive signatures for the different rock typesand record upper-mantle processes. The harzburgites reflectan initial partial melting event followed by metasomatism bymafic alkaline to carbonatitic melts. The dunites were firstformed by reaction of a harzburgite protolith with tholeiiticto transitional basaltic melts, and subsequently developed metasomaticassemblages of clinopyroxene + phlogopite ± amphiboleby reaction with lamprophyric or carbonatitic melts. We measuredtwo-mineral partition coefficients and calculated mineral–meltpartition coefficients for 27 trace elements. In most samples,calculated budgets indicate that trace elements reside in theconstituent minerals. Clinopyroxene is the major host for REE,Sr, Y, Zr and Th; spinel is important for V and Ti; orthopyroxenefor Ti, Zr, HREE, Y, Sc and V; and olivine for Ni, Co and Sc. KEY WORDS: mantle xenoliths; mantle metasomatism; partition coefficients; Kerguelen Islands; trace elements     

Geochemical and strontium isotopic characteristics of parental Aleutian arc magmas: evidence from the basaltic lavas of Atka

Eighteen flows from a basal stratigraphic sequence on the Aleutian Island of Atka were analyzed for major elements, trace elements and initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios. Petrographically, these lavas contain abundant plagioclase (24–45%) and lesser amounts of olivine (<7%), magnetite and clinopyroxene phenocrysts. Compositionally, the lavas are high-alumina (20wt%) basalts (48–51 wt% SiO₂) with low TiO₂ (<1%) and MgO (<5%). Within the section, compositional variations for all major elements are quite small. While MgO content correlates with olivine phenocryst contents, no such relationship exists between the other oxides and phenocryst content. These lavas are characterized by 8–10 ppm Rb, high Sr (610–669 ppm), 308–348 ppm Ba and very constant Zr (23–29 ppm) and Sc (23–29 ppm) abundances. Ni and Cr display extremely large compositional ranges, 12–118 ppm and 12–213 ppm, respectively. No correlation exists between trace element concentrations and phenocryst contents. Strontium isotopic ratios show a small but significant range (0.70314–0.70345) and are slightly elevated with respect to typical MORB. No systematic correlation between stratigraphic position and petrography or geochemistry is evident. REE abundances measured on six samples are LREE enriched ((La/ Yb)_N = 2.20–2.81) and display similar chondrite normalized patterns. One sample has a slight positive Eu anomaly but the other lavas do not. Compared to other Aleutian basalts of similar silica content, these lavas are less LREE enriched and have lower overall abundances. The geochemical characteristics of these basalts suggest they represent true liquid compositions despite their highly porphyritic nature. Published phase relations indicate fractionation of a more MgO-rich magma could not have produced these lavas. The high Al₂O₃ and low MgO and compatible element abundances suggest a predominantly oceanic crustal source for parental high-alumina basalts.