Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Geochemical and isotopic signatures of magmatic products in the MAR rift valley at 12°49′–17°23′ N and 29°59′–33°41′ N: Evidence of Two contrasting sources of the parental melts

  • Published:
Petrology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Data presented in the paper suggest significant differences between the thermodynamic conditions under which magmatic complexes were formed in MAR at 29°–34° N and 12°–18° N. The melts occurring at 29°–34° N were derived by the melting of a mantle source with a homogeneous distribution of volatile components and arrived at the surface without significant fractionation, likely, due to their rapid ascent. The MAR segments between 12° and 18° N combine contrasting geodynamic environments of magmatism, which predetermined the development of a large plume region with the widespread mixing of the melting products of geochemically distinct mantle sources. At the same time, this region is characterized by conditions favorable for the origin of localized zones of anomalous plume magmatism. These sporadic magmatic sources were spatially restricted to MAR fragments with the Hess crust, whose compositional and mechanical properties were, perhaps, favorable for the focusing and localization of plume magmatism. The plume source between 12° and 18°N beneath MAR may be geochemically heterogeneous.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. D. Bideau, R. Hekinian, B. Sichler, et al., “Contrasting Volcanic-Tectonic Processes during Past 2 Ma on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge: Submersible Mapping, Petrological and Magnetic Results at Lat. 34°52′N and 33°55′N,” Marine Geophys. Res. 20, 425–458 (1998).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. H. Bougault, L. Dmitriev, J.-C. Schilling, et al. “Mantle Heterogeneity from Trace Elements: MAR Triple Junction near 14°N,” Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 88, 27–36 (1988).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. A. Büchl, C. Münker, K. Mezger, and A. W. Hofmann, “High-Precision Nb/Ta and Zr/Hf Ratios in Global MORB,” Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta. Spec. Suppl. 66, A108 (2002).

    Google Scholar 

  4. M. Cannat and J. F. Casey, “An Ultramafic Lift at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge: Successive Stages of Magmatism in Serpentinized Peridotites from the 15°N Region,” in Mantle and Lower Crust Exposed in Oceanic Ridges and in Ophiolites, Ed. by R. L. M. Vissers and A. Nicolas. (Kluwer, Norwell-Dordrecht, 1995), pp. 5–34.

    Google Scholar 

  5. J. F. Casey, W. B. Bryan, and S. Silantyev, “Major and Trace Element Geochemistry of Basalts, Gabbros and Peridotites from the Northern MAR: An Assessment of the Range of Subaxial Parental and Evolved Melt Compositions,” in AGU Fall Meeting, San Francisco, USA, 1995 (San Francisco, 1995), p. 694.

  6. C. Chauvel, “Melting of a Complete Section of Recycled Oceanic Crust: Trace Element and Pb Isotopic Evidence from Iceland,” Geochem. Geophys. Geosyst. 1, 1999G000003 (2000).

    Google Scholar 

  7. L. V. Danyushevsky, A. V. Sobolev, and L. V. Dmitriev, “Estimation of Pressure of Crystallization and H2O Content of MORB and BABB Glasses: Calibration of an Empirical Technique,” Mineral. Petrol. 57, 185–204 (1996).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. L. V. Danyushevsky, S. M. Eggins, T. J. Falloon, and D. M. Christe, “H2O Geochemistry in Depleted to Moderately Enriched Mid-Ocean Ridge Magmas; Part 1: Incompatible Behaviour, Implications for Mantle Storage, and Origin of Regional Variations,” J. Petrol. 41, 1329–1364 (2000).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. L. V. Dmitriev, W. G. Melson, and M. G. Reisner, “The Distribution of Petrochemical Types of the Tholeiitic Abyssal Glasses,” in International Geological-Geophysical Atlas of the Atlantic Ocean (IOC, UNESCO, 1990), p. 110.

  10. L. Dosso, B. B. Hanan, H. Bougault, et al., “Sr-Nd-Pb Geochemical Morphology Between 10° and 17°N on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge: A New MORB Isotope Signature,” Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 106, 29–43 (1991).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. L. Dosso, H. Bougault, C. Langmuir, et al., “The Age and Distribution of Mantle Heterogeneity Along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (31°–41°N),” Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 170, 269–286 (1999).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. E. Gracia, L. M. Parson, D. Bideau, and R. Hekinian, “Volcano-Tectonic Variability along Segments of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge Between Azores Platform and Hayes Fracture Zone: Evidence from Submersible and High-Resolution Sidescan Sonar Data,” in Modern Ocean Floor Processes and the Geological Record, Ed. by R. A. Mills and K. Harrison, Geol. Soc. London, Spec. Publ. 148, 1–15 (1998).

  13. A. N. Halliday, L. Der-Chuen, S. Tommasini, et al., “Incompatible Trace Elements in OIB and MORB and Source Enrichment in the Sub-Oceanic Mantle,” Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 133, 379–395 (1995).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. S. R. Hart, “The DUPAL Anomaly: a Large-Scale Isotopic Anomaly in the Southern Hemisphere,” Nature 309, 753–756 (1984).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. E. Jarosewich, J. A. Nelen, and J. A. Norberg, “Reference Samples for Electron Microprobe Analysis,” Geostand. Newslett. 4, 43–47 (1980).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. A. J. R. Kent, M. D. Norman, I. D. Hutcheon, and E. M. Stolper, “Assimilation of Seawater-Derived Components in an Oceanic Volcano: Evidence from Matrix Glasses and Glass Inclusions from Loihi Seamount, Hawaii,” Chem. Geol. 156, 299–319 (1999).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. E. M. Klein and C. H. Langmuir, “Global Correlations of Ocean Ridge Basalt Chemistry with Axial Depth and Crustal Thickness,” J. Geophys. Res. 92, 8089–8115 (1987).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. S. E. Le Douaran and J. Francheteau, “Axial Depth Anomalies from 10° To 50° North along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge: Correlation with Other Mantle Properties,” Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 54, 29–47 (1981).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. P. J. Michael and J.-G. Schilling, “Chlorine in Mid-Ocean Ridge Magmas: Evidence for Assimilation of Seawater-Influenced Components,” Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 53, 3131–3143 (1989).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. P. J. Michael and W. C. Cornell, “Influence of Spreading Rate and Magma Supply on Crystallization and Assimilation beneath Mid-Ocean Ridges: Evidence from Chlorine and Major Element Chemistry of Mid-Ocean Ridge Basalt,” J. Geophys. Res. 103(B8), 356 (1998).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. P. Michael, “Regionally Distinctive Sources of Depleted MORB: Evidence from Trace Elements and H2O,” Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 131, 301–320 (1995).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. P. J. Michael, “The Concentration, Behavior and Storage of H2O in the Suboceanic Upper Mantle: Implications for Mantle Metasomatism,” Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 52, 555–566 (1988).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Y. Niu and R. Bariza, “Trace Element Evidence from Seamounts for Recycled Oceanic Crust in the Eastern Pacific Mantle,” Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 148, 471–483 (1997).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. RIDGE Petrological Data Baseline (LGEO, Lamont-Doherty Observatory, New York, 1999).

  25. Relief of the Surface of the Earth. Computer-Generated Coler-Coded Shaded Relief Map, Ed. by J. R. Hertzler. WHOI., Word Data Center for Marine Geology and Geophysics, Report MGG-2, Sheet-2, 1991.

  26. J.-G. Schilling, M. Zajac, R. Evans, et al., “Petrologic and Geochemical Variations along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge from 27°N and 73°N,” Am. J. Sci. 283, 510–586 (1983).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Shipboard Scientific Party. 2003. Leg 209 Preliminary Report, ODP Prelim. Rpt. 109 [Online].

  28. S. A. Silantyev, “Variations in the Geochemical and Isotopic Characteristics of Residual Peridotites along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge as a Function of the Nature of the Mantle Magmatic Sources,” Petrologiya 11, 339–362 (2003) [Petrology 11, 305–326 (2003)].

    Google Scholar 

  29. S. A. Silantyev, B. V. Belyatsky, V. E. Beltenev, et al., “The Distribution of Isotope Signatures in MAR Peridotites Between 12° and 36°N and Two Main Kinds of Mantle Substratum below Ridge Axis,” InterRidge News 10(2), 27–33 (2001).

    Google Scholar 

  30. S. A. Silantyev, J. F. Casey, H. J. B. Dick, et al., “How Many Mantle Sources Are Involved in Formation of Residual Peridotites from MAR Between 14° N and 16° N?,” Europ. Geophys. Soc. Annales Geophysicae Pt. 1. Soc. Symp. Solid Earth Geophys. Geodesy Suppl. 1 16, 294 (1998).

    Google Scholar 

  31. S. E. Smith, J. F. Casey, W. B. Bryan, et al., “Geochemistry of Basalts from the Hayes Transform Region of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge,” J. Geophys. Res. 103(B3), 5305 (1998).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Smitsonian Volcanic Glass Data File, 2000. http://www.nmnh.si.edu/minsci/research/glass/index.htm

  33. A. V. Sobolev and M. Chaussidon, “H2O Concentrations in Primary Melts from Supra-Subduction Zones and Mid-Ocean Ridges: Implications for H2O Storage and Recycling in the Mantle,” Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 137, 45–55 (1996).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. A. V. Sobolev, L. V. Dmitriev, O. P. Tsameryan, et al., “On the Structure and Origin of Geochemical Anomaly in the Second-Layer Basalts between 12 and 18°N of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge,” Dokl. Akad. Nauk 326(3), 541–546 (1992).

    Google Scholar 

  35. S.-S. Sun and W. F. McDonough, “Chemical and Isotopic Systematics of Oceanic Basalts: Implications for Mantle Composition and Processes,” in Magmatism in Ocean Basins, Ed. by A. D. Saunders and M. J. Norry, Geol. Soc. London Spec. Publ. 42, pp. 313–345 (1989).

  36. R. N. Taylor, M. F. Thirlwall, B. Murton, et al., “Isotopic Constraints on the Influence of the Icelandic Plume,” Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 148, E1–E8 (1997).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. M. Wilson, Igneous Petrogenesis (Unwin Hyman, London, 1989).

    Book  Google Scholar 

  38. C. Xia, J. F. Casey, S. Silantyev, et al., “Geochemical Variations between 12 to 16° N, Mid-Atlantic Ridge: A Region with High Degrees of Partial Melting yet Magma Starved?,” EOS Trans., Amer. Geophys. Union 73(43), 553 (1992).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Vernadsky Institute of Geochemistry and Analytical Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Kosygina 19, Moscow, 119991, Russia

    S. A. Silantyev, A. A. Plechova & B. A. Bazylev

  2. University of Tasmania, GPO Box 252-79, TAS 7001, Hobart, Australia

    L. V. Danyushevsky

  3. Institute Français de Recherche pour L’exploration de la Mer, BP 70-29280, Plouzane Cedex, Brest, France

    L. Dosso

  4. Polar Geological Exploration Expedition, ul. Pobedy 24, Lomonosov, 189510, Russia

    V. E. Bel’tenev

Authors
  1. S. A. Silantyev
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. L. V. Danyushevsky
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. A. A. Plechova
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. L. Dosso
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. B. A. Bazylev
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. V. E. Bel’tenev
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to S. A. Silantyev.

Additional information

Original Russian Text © S.A. Silantyev, L.V. Danyushevsky, A.A. Plechova, L. Dosso, B.A. Bazylev, V.E. Bel’tenev, 2008, published in Petrologiya, 2008, Vol. 16, No. 1, pp. 38–65.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Silantyev, S.A., Danyushevsky, L.V., Plechova, A.A. et al. Geochemical and isotopic signatures of magmatic products in the MAR rift valley at 12°49′–17°23′ N and 29°59′–33°41′ N: Evidence of Two contrasting sources of the parental melts. Petrology 16, 36–62 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1134/S0869591108010037

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1134/S0869591108010037

Keywords

Search

Navigation