ISSN:
1432-0967
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Geosciences
Notes:
Abstract 87 samples of granulitic xenoliths scavenged by the Neogene volcanoes in French Massif Central, have been analysed for major elements and Li, Rb, Sr, Ba, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn. These data confirm the presence of rocks with both sedimentary and igneous derivation chemically similar to other granulitic rocks, especially those of the Frazer Range in Australia. Relatively high K and Rb concentration of the metasedimentary rocks conflicts with the hypothesis of systematic depletion of lithophile elements in the lower continental crust. The composition and the elemental variations of the igneous derived rocks suggest a parent magma and a differentiation trend characteristic of tholeiitic rocks. It is proposed that this differentiation was produced at low pressure and consequently, the elemental variation existed before the high pressure granulite facies metamorphism of this series. Although an andesite average of the lower crust (between 25–26 and 12–16 km), directly beneath the Bournac pipe (Velay) is calculated, confirming earlier suggestions of a relatively basic composition but it does not mean that this crust was derived from andesitic rocks.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00371016
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