HR: 1340h
AN: V23A-1229    [Abstracts]
TI: Transition Metal Systematics of Opx-Enriched Harzburgites From the Cascades Arc With Implications for the Origin of Cratonic Peridotites
AU: * Turner, S J
EM: stephenj@rice.edu
AF: Rice University, 6100 Main, Houston, TX 77005, United States
AB: A number of peridotite xenoliths collected from the Simcoe volcanic field region of the Cascades arc exhibit notable enrichment of modal orthopyroxene. The process driving this enrichment is most likely metasomatism of the mantle wedge by Si-rich fluids derived ultimately from the underlying slab. By investigating the resultant elemental systematics associated with subduction zone metasomatism of this type, we hope to shed light on the origin of other opx-rich peridotites, such as those seen in many cratonic xenolith suites. The xenoliths found in the Simcoe volcanic field provide a rare opportunity to examine the composition of sub arc mantle, as it is unusual to find mantle xenoliths in volcanic arc lavas. The samples were analyzed using laser ablation ICPMS and their bulk compositions were reconstructed from point-counted mineral modes. Two-pyroxene mineral thermometry of the samples yield temperatures of approximately 1000 degrees C, corresponding to a depth of origin at uppermost mantle pressures if typical arc geotherms are assumed. Most of the peridotites are harzburgites or olivine-orthopyroxenites (Mg#s 0.88-0.9; opx mode 0.15-0.9), with small amounts of clinopyroxene (<0.02). Clinopyroxenes are significantly enriched in the light rare earths, consistent with a metasomatic origin for these opx-rich harzburgites. Of note is the counterintuitive systematics of Zn. Whole-rock Zn decreases with opx, but Zn in olivine also decreases with opx mode while Zn in opx increases with opx mode, hence the decrease in whole- rock Zn is not simply due to mechanical segregation of harzburgite into opx- and ol-rich zones. In summary, the REE signatures suggest the subducting slab as the most likely candidate for the source of the fluids that caused the opx enrichment. The opx-enrichment itself and the unusual trends in Zn suggest a reaction between a silicic fluid and normal harzburgite. Moreover, the concomitant decrease in olivine and whole-rock Zn with opx mode suggests significant leaching of Zn from the peridotite during this process. Because the bulk partitioning of Zn in anhydrous peridotite melting is unity, low Zn contents are anomalous. The best explanation for these low values is that Zn partition coefficients decrease in hydrous environments. Many opx-enriched Archean cratonic peridotite xenoliths have anomalously low Zn contents, supporting the suggestion that such peridotites formed in arc environments.
DE: 1000 GEOCHEMISTRY
DE: 1031 Subduction zone processes (3060, 3613, 8170, 8413)
DE: 3613 Subduction zone processes (1031, 3060, 8170, 8413)
DE: 8413 Subduction zone processes (1031, 3060, 3613, 8170)
SC: Volcanology, Geochemistry, Petrology [V]
MN: 2007 Fall Meeting