ISSN:
1432-0967
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Geosciences
Notes:
Abstract Variation of major and trace elements in drilled basalts from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (DSDP Leg 37) reflects distinct cycles of low pressure fractionation operating independently within a complex network of magma storage reservoirs beneath the crustal spreading axis. Low pressure phase relations are determined by parental magma composition, which varies from An-rich (An/Di 〉 ca. 1.4) to Di-rich (An/Di 〈 ca. 1.4). High An/Di magmas probably formed under slightly hydrous conditions in the mantle. They have low LIL element contents, low P/Y and high Mg/(Mg + Fe) ratios. Zr, P and Y abundance and inter-element ratios are highly diagnostic of primary magma type, and are used to quantify fractional crystallization models. Low pressure fractionation hypotheses were tested by least-squares modelling of whole-rock and phenocryst chemistry, which indicated removal or addition of phenocryst assemblages: ol; pl; ol + pl; ol + pl + cpx; pl + cpx, (± sp). Accumulation of plagioclase or olivine is an important mechanism for generating highly porphyritic rocks. A rare 3-phase (ol + pl + cpx) cumulate resulted from cotectic fractionation of a low An/Di magma type. Olivine and plagioclase cumulates appear to be related to high An/Di magmas. Olivine accumulation has been monitored by comparison of olivine/bulk rock partitioning of Fe and Mg to experimental measurements of the equilibrium KD value. A single extensive sub-axial magma chamber could not account for the observed chemical variation and would probably be dynamically unstable.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00371510
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