1
David J. Springer, College of the Redwoods, 1211 Del Mar Drive, Fort Bragg, California 95437 [email protected] TABLE 3. Average major and trace element composition and selected ratios for meimichites from the Eel River, Japan, far east Russia, and Siberia. EelRiver(4) Japan (3) a FarEastRussia (19) a Siberia (15) b Acccretionary com plex Accretionary com plex Accretionary com plex Continental platform SiO 2 42.78 44.37 44.14 41.38 Ti0 2 1.17 2.01 1.57 1.93 Al 2 O 3 5.84 4.58 6.60 2.34 FeO * 12.18 12.56 14.36 12.87 MnO 0.19 0.18 0.23 0.19 MgO 30.84 24.77 26.34 36.0 CaO 4.48 7.63 5.90 4.69 Na 2 O 0.37 0.39 0.62 0.049 K 2O 0.56 0.11 0.16 0.21 P 2 O 5 0.23 0.35 0.08 0.25 TiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 0.20 0.25 0.24 0.83 FeO*/M gO 0.39 0.69 0.58 0.36 K 2 O/Na 2 O 1.51 0.28 0.26 0.43 K 2 O/Al 2 O 3 0.09 0.02 0.02 0.09 K (ppm ) 4,646 912 1,300 1,743 Ti 7,016 12,060 9,300 11,580 Cr 930 1,423 2,157 c 2,889 Ni 782 1,134 1,364 c 1,799 Y 9.4 18.6 16 c 10.8 Zr 58 138 81 c 149 Nb 15 25 13 c 31 K /Ba 34 10.4 Zr/Nb 4.2 5.6 6.2 4.9 N b/Th 14.4 10.6 La/Y b 14.5 0.5 Ti/Zr 121 87 115 78 Th/La 0.106 0.047 Zr/Y 6.1 7.4 5.1 14.2 Sr/Rb 22 36 La/Sm 3.8 4.9 Nb/Y 1.5 1.3 0.81 2.9 N b/Zr 0.25 0.18 0.16 0.21 1 Number of analyses averaged is shown in parentheses. All samples are meimechites as defined by the IUGS. a Sample data from Ishiwatari, A. and Ichiyama, Y. (2004). b Sample data from Arndt, N., et al. (1995). c Based on single Primorye, Russia sample from Ishiwatari, A. and Ichiyama, Y. (2004). EelR iver Lava O IB a N-M ORB a E-M ORB a Island arc calc-alkaline b Island arc tholeiitic c Back arc basalts d Prim itive m antle a C1 chondrite a K /Ba 34 34.3 95.2 36.8 28.8 30.3 85.3 36 226 Zr/N b 4.2 5.8 31.8 8.8 28.6 43.5 78.4 15.7 15.7 N b/Th 14.4 12 19.4 13.8 1.3 2.6 9.1 8.4 8.5 La/Y b 14.5 14 0.82 2.7 7.5 1.8 1.2 1.4 1.4 Ti/Zr 122 62 102 82 116 85.3 83.2 116 115 Th/La 0.106 0.108 0.048 0.095 0.110 0.119 0.042 0.124 0.122 Zr/Y 6.1 9.66 2.64 3.32 2.67 2.57 3.8 2.46 2.46 Sr/R b 22.4 21.3 161 30.8 39.3 34.9 38.5 33.2 3.13 La/Sm 3.8 3.7 .95 2.4 3.4 1.6 1.06 1.55 1.55 K /Rb 623 387 1046 414 617 400 699 394 235 Zr/R b 7.7 9.0 132 14 2.86 67 27 17.6 1.7 Data source: based on values of a Sun and McDonough (1989); b Sun (1980); c Nui and O’Hara (2003); d Ewart et al. (1994) TABLE 2. Eel River meimechite trace and minor element ratios compared to average values for major oceanic basalts, primitive mantle, and C1 chondrite. phlo 0.701 0.702 0.703 0.704 0.705 0.706 0.707 0.708 0.709 0.5120 0.5125 0.5130 0.5135 143 Nd/ 144 Nd 87 Sr/ 86 Sr BSE EMI HIMU PREMA DMMa DMMb 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5 15.6 15.7 15.8 15.9 16.0 207 Pb/ 204 Pb 206 Pb/ 204 Pb BSE EMI HIMU PREMA DMMa DMMb EMII cpx .1 1 10 100 CsRbBaTh U Nb K LaCePbPrSr PNdZrSmEuTiDy Y YbLu Rock/OIB Sun/McDon. 1989-OIB 1 10 100 La Ce Pr Nd Pm Sm Eu Gd Tb Dy Ho ErTm Yb Lu Rock/Chondrites REEs-Sun and McD 89 ABSTRACT Meimechites are rare, high-Ti ultramafic lavas in which Na 2 O + K 2 O is < 2% (Le Bas, 2000). The block described here shows a strong OIB signature and is geochemically similar to super-plume meimechites and high-Ti picrites reported from accretionary complexes of eastern Asia (Ishiwatari and Ichiyama, 2004) and to meimechite lavas and dikes found in the Meymecha River region on the Siberian continental platform (Arndt, et al, 1995). The Eel River outcrop, measuring ~16 m x 100 m, consists of multiple, smooth- surfaced flows, each ~ 0.5 to 1.0 meters thick. Occasional pillow structures, lack of vesiculation, high MgO (31%), and low SiO 2 (43%) suggest the flows were highly fluid, and were extruded in a high-pressure submarine environment. Although the block lies within a mélange unit of the Franciscan Complex, it shows no evidence of the high P/T facies characteristic of that unit. The rock consists of 53% Mg-olivine, 16% Ti-clinopyroxene, 11% Ti-rich phlogopite, and 6% unidentified opaque. Amphibole comprises approximately 2% of the rock, and altered interstitial glass about 12%. Acicular apatite and masses of microlitic crystals of variable composition are present as minor constituents. In thin section, the rock is medium grained and inequigranular. Although it is not generally poikilitic, a number of large cpx crystals (2-4 mm) partially to completely enclose anhedral to subhedral olivine. Much of the olivine is altered to serpentine. In addition to high MgO and low SiO 2, bulk-rock composition includes 13.5% Fe 2 O 3 , 5.8% Al 2 O 3 , 4.5% CaO, 1.2 % TiO 2 , 0.6% K 2 O, 0.4% Na 2 O, 0.2% MnO, and 0.2% P 2 O 5. Mg#s range from 81 to 83, Ni content varies from 444 to 985 ppm, and Cr from 771 to 1040 ppm. REE patterns show enrichment in the LREE, with (La/Lu) N values ranging from 10 to 13. MORB-normalized spider diagrams reveal enrichment in the more incompatible elements and an overall pattern common to OIB. A garnet-bearing source is suggested by significant depletion in Y and Yb. Several LILE and HFSE ratios are consistent with an OIB association (K/Ba = 37, Zr/Nb = 6, Nb/Th = 14, and La/Yb = 15), while Nd, Sr, and Pb isotopic ratios ( 143 Nd/ 144 Nd = 0.5129, 87 Sr/ 86 Sr = 0.7038, 206 Pb/ 204 Pb = 18.438) point to a mantle source very close to the PREMA mantle component of Zindler and Hart (1986). The rock also plots within the OIB or WIP field on several discrimination diagrams including Ti-Zr-Y, Th-Hf- Ta, and Zr-Nb-Y. amph Figure 2. Close-up of the Eel River outcrop. The meimechite flows stand at a high angle and are disrupted by pervasive cross-faulting, jointing, and flow-parallel shear. The flows have heavily serpentinized chill margins, 1 to 10 mm thick, and are non-vesiculated. A large pillow structure is seen in the upper right corner. The view is approx.12 meters across. Figure 1. Site view of the Eel River meimechite. The block lies within a melange unit of the Franciscan Complex and is surrounded by blocks and boulders of various lithologies and metamorphic grade. The meimechite itself, however, shows only limited evidence of metamorphism other than serpentinization: aragonite, the high-pressure polymorph of CaCO 3 , has been detected in carbonate veins cutting the northern third of the block. phlo Figures 4a and 4b. A single, large crystal of Ti-clinopyroxene (cpx) occupies the central portion of these photomicrographs from a meimechite pillow-core. The cpx encloses numerous small grains of partially resorbed olivine. The outer edges of the olivine are replaced by serpentine. A single, small prismatic grain of apatite is seen in the groundmass in the upper left corner of the image. View width is approximately 4 mm. Figures 3a and 3b. Plane- and cross-polarized photomicrographs of a representative texture from the Eel River meimechite. Anhedral to euhedral olivine (olv), clinopyroxene (cpx), amphibole (amph), and phlogopite (phlo) are enclosed in a matrix (mtx) of altered microlites and glass. All of the olivine has been replaced by serpentine. Two clinopyroxene crystals occupy the lower-center portion of the image. A reaction corona of amphibole has formed where the cpx was in contact with residual melt. A crystal of phlogopite (orange) occupies the center-bottom portion of the image. The phlogopite, clinopyroxene and amphibole, all are Ti-rich varieties. The black opaque mineral has not been identified. Width of view is approximately 4 mm. REFERENCES CITED Arndt, N., Lehnert, K., and Vasil’ev, Y., 1995, Meimechites: highly magnesian lithosphere- contaminated alkaline magmas from deep subcontinental mantle: Lithos, v. 34, p. 41-59. Ewart, A., Collerson, D., Reglous, M., Wendt, J., and Niu, Y., 1998, Geochemical evolution within the Tonga- Kermadec-Lau Arc-Backarc system: The role of varyingmantle wedge compoistion in space and time: Journal of Petrology, v. 39, p. 331-368. Ishiwatari, A. and Ichiyama, Y., 2004, Alaskan-type plutons and ultramafic lavas in far east Russia, Northeast China, and Japan: International Geology Review, v. 46, p. 316-331. Le Bas, M.J., 2000, IUGS reclassification of the high-Mg and picritic volcanic rocks: Journal of Petrology, v. 41, p. 1467-1470. Niu, Y. and O’Hara, M., 2003, Origin of ocean island basalts: A new perspective from petrology, geochemistry, and mineral physics considerations: Journal of Geophysical Research, v. 108, p. 5-1 – 5-16. Pearce, J.A., 1983, Role of sub-continental lithosphere in magma genesis at active continental margins, in Hawkesworhthy, C.J., and Norry, M.J., eds., Continental basalts and mantle xenoliths: Shiva Publishing, Cheshire, England, p. 230-250. Sun, S.-S., 1980, Lead isotopic sturdy of young volcanic rocks from mid-ocean ridges, ocean islands and island arcs: Philosophic Transactions of the Royal Society of London, A297, p. 409-445. Sun, S.-S. and McDonough, W.F., 1989, Chemical and isotopic systematics of ocean basalts: Implications for mantle composition and processes: In A.D. Saunders and M.J. Norry (eds), Magmatism in the ocean basins, Geological Society, London, Special Publication 42, p. 313-345. Zindler, A. and Hart, S., 1986, Chemical Geodynamics: Annual Review Earth and Planetary Science, v. 14, p. 493- 571. Note: The discrimination diagrams for this presentation were produced using IgPet for Windows, by Michael Carr, Rutgers University. Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c. (a) Chondrite-normalized REE diagram of the Eel River meimechite displaying the fairly steep negative slope typical of OIB magmas. Fractionation of the HREE suggests a garnet-bearing source. (b) MORB-normalized spider diagram showing considerable enrichment in the LIL elements and two of the more incompatible HFS elements, Ta and Nb. The resulting ‘humped’ pattern is typical of an OIB magma source. (c) OIB-normalized plot of the Eel River samples lies below, but subparallel to, ‘typical’ OIB values (red line). The lower position of the plot may result from a high degree of melting rather than from any actual depletion of the trace elements. .1 1 10 100 Sr K Rb Ba Th Ta Nb Ce P Zr Hf Sm Ti Y Yb Rock/MORB Pearce, 1983 Figure 5. Trace and minor element ratios are useful for inferring the original tectonic setting of a volcanic rock. Each of the discrimination diagrams displayed here is based on well-established geochemical indicators of specific tectonic environments. The Eel River meimechite plots in either the within-plate or OIB field on each diagram. The within-plate field includes oceanic islands and continental flood basalts. Figure 7a and 7b. Proposed mantle reservoirs based on isotopic signature (Zindler and Hart, 1986). The Eel River meimechite (red square) plots very close to the PREMA (prevalent mantle) reservoir. The PREMA mantle component is the source for many of Earth’s oceanic islands, including Hawaii, Iceland. COMMENTS AND FURTHER RESEARCH: It is reasonable to conclude from the analysis presented here that the Eel River meimechite is a fragment of an oceanic island. However, several geochemical characteristics of the rock are inconsistent with a strict OIB interpretation and will need to be examined during further research: 1) The Eel River samples show significant depletion in the elements Zr, Hf, Sm, and Ti (Figure 6b). These elements are highly incompatible during mantle melting and fractional crystallization and should be enriched in OIB rather than depleted relative to MORB. 2) Figure 6b also shows a significant negative anomaly at Ce, as well as a small amount of relative depletion in Th. Both of these elements are highly incompatible during mantle melting and are not normally under-enriched in OIB. 3) OIB often display a negative Eu anomaly as the result of plagioclase fractionation. The cause of the slight positive anomaly on the chondrite-normalized plot of the Eel River rocks (Figure 6a) requires additional investigation. The Eel River meimechite is very similar geochemically to meimechites found in accretionary complexes of eastern Asia and to meimechites erupted within the continental platform of Siberia (Table 2). Both of these other occurrences have been attributed to deep mantle melting and superplume activity involving voluminous extrusion of many types of lava and pyroclastic material. The Eel River meimechite, on the other hand, is an isolated fragment of an oceanic island; it has no accompanying related lavas, and no obvious superplume connection. The Eel River block may represent a model of melting and meimechite formation that is fundamentally different from the superplume model. As small and seemingly insignificant as the Eel River meimechite at first appears, further study of its petrogenesis may provide valuable information regarding intra-plate magma formation and mantle (a ) (b ) (a ) (b ) (a) (b) (c) GSA 2005 Cordilleran Section Meeting, San Jose, California Zr/4 Y Nb*2 AI AII B C D AI,A AII, B = D = C,D Zr Y*3 Ti/100 C DA B Islan Ocea Calc Wit Th Ta Hf/3 A B C D A = B = C = D = SAM PLE SiO [2] A l[2]O [3] Fe[2]O [3] M nO M gO C aO N a[2]O K [2]O TiO [2] P [2]O [5] V Cr Co Ni Zn G a G e As Rb Sr ER 9211B 43.36 6.03 12.31 0.197 31.24 4.74 0.202 0.52 1.21 0.21 104 933 47 444 0 5 0 0 7 191 ER 9213B 42.61 5.93 14.24 0.193 30.16 4.59 0.24 0.59 1.19 0.24 135 1040 105 893 98 10 1.1 0 7 197 ER 06971 43.17 5.83 14.04 0.19 30.13 4.31 0.33 0.61 1.14 0.24 94 771 121 985 104 10 1 0 8 171 ER -00-S S 41.99 5.56 13.57 0.182 31.83 4.28 0.707 0.53 1.12 0.23 89 977 93 804 42 16 0.7 -5 8 118 Y Zr Nb M o Sb Cs Ba La Ce Pr Nd Eu G d Tb Dy Ho Er Tm Yb Lu Hf 9.6 60 10 6 0 2.3 115 9.6 18 2.31 10.1 0.952 2.54 0.38 2.03 0.35 0.91 0.118 0.69 0.1 1.5 10 69 14.8 2 0.3 3 125 9.92 18.7 2.39 10.6 1.03 2.66 0.4 2.09 0.37 0.95 0.124 0.7 0.096 1.7 9 50 16 0 0.5 3.6 120 9.8 18 2.26 11 0.87 2.5 0.4 1.9 0.3 0.9 0.12 0.6 0.08 1.5 9.2 53 17 -2 0.3 2.3 257 8.86 17.6 Feb-30 10.3 0.913 2.45 0.37 1.92 0.35 0.87 0.107 0.66 0.092 1.5 Ta W Sc Be Th U Sm LO I M g# {87}Sr/{86}Sr {143}N d/{144}N d {206}P b/{204}Pb {207}Pb/{204}P b {208}P b/{204}Pb 1 0 11 0 0.98 0.37 2.44 10.44 83.43804 0 0 0 0 0 1.1 0.4 11 0 1.02 0.38 2.6 10.41 80.78087 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 10.6 0 0.9 0.4 2.6 9.77 80.98454 0 0 0 0 0 1.22 -0.5 12 -1 1.12 0.47 2.34 8.98 82.31887 0.703852 0.512958 18.438 15.509 37.835 TABLE1. Major and trace element geochemical analyses and isotopic ratios for the Eel River meimechite Chemical analysis by fusion ICP and ICP/MS performed by ActLabs of Ontario, Canada. (a ) (b) (This poster has been altered to meet the 2Mb file limit set by the GSA. Please contact the author if you have questions, comments, or would like to view any of the missing photos.)

David J. Springer, College of the Redwoods, 1211 Del Mar Drive, Fort Bragg, California 95437 [email protected] TABLE 3. Average major and trace element

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Page 1: David J. Springer, College of the Redwoods, 1211 Del Mar Drive, Fort Bragg, California 95437 springer@mcn.org TABLE 3. Average major and trace element

David J. Springer, College of the Redwoods, 1211 Del Mar Drive, Fort Bragg, California 95437

[email protected]

TABLE 3. Average major and trace element composition and selected ratios for meimichites from the Eel River, Japan, far east Russia, and Siberia.

Eel River (4) Japan (3)a Far East Russia (19)a Siberia (15)b

Acccretionary complex

Accretionary complex

Accretionary complex

Continental platform

SiO2 42.78 44.37 44.14 41.38 Ti02 1.17 2.01 1.57 1.93 Al2O3 5.84 4.58 6.60 2.34 FeO* 12.18 12.56 14.36 12.87 MnO 0.19 0.18 0.23 0.19 MgO 30.84 24.77 26.34 36.0 CaO 4.48 7.63 5.90 4.69 Na2O 0.37 0.39 0.62 0.049 K2O 0.56 0.11 0.16 0.21 P2O5 0.23 0.35 0.08 0.25

TiO2/Al2O3 0.20 0.25 0.24 0.83 FeO*/MgO 0.39 0.69 0.58 0.36 K2O/Na2O 1.51 0.28 0.26 0.43 K2O/Al2O3 0.09 0.02 0.02 0.09

K (ppm) 4,646 912 1,300 1,743 Ti “ 7,016 12,060 9,300 11,580 Cr “ 930 1,423 2,157c 2,889 Ni “ 782 1,134 1,364c 1,799 Y “ 9.4 18.6 16c 10.8 Zr “ 58 138 81c 149 Nb “ 15 25 13c 31

K/Ba 34 10.4 Zr/Nb 4.2 5.6 6.2 4.9 Nb/Th 14.4 10.6 La/Yb 14.5 0.5 Ti/Zr 121 87 115 78 Th/La 0.106 0.047 Zr/Y 6.1 7.4 5.1 14.2 Sr/Rb 22 36 La/Sm 3.8 4.9 Nb/Y 1.5 1.3 0.81 2.9 Nb/Zr 0.25 0.18 0.16 0.21

1 Number of analyses averaged is shown in parentheses. All samples are meimechites as defined by the IUGS. a Sample data from Ishiwatari, A. and Ichiyama, Y. (2004).b Sample data from Arndt, N., et al. (1995).c Based on single Primorye, Russia sample from Ishiwatari, A. and Ichiyama, Y. (2004).

Eel River Lava

OIBa N-MORBa E-MORBa Island arc

calc-alkalineb Island arc tholeiiticc

Back arc basaltsd

Primitive mantlea

C1 chondritea

K/Ba 34 34.3 95.2 36.8 28.8 30.3 85.3 36 226

Zr/Nb 4.2 5.8 31.8 8.8 28.6 43.5 78.4 15.7 15.7

Nb/Th 14.4 12 19.4 13.8 1.3 2.6 9.1 8.4 8.5

La/Yb 14.5 14 0.82 2.7 7.5 1.8 1.2 1.4 1.4

Ti/Zr 122 62 102 82 116 85.3 83.2 116 115

Th/La 0.106 0.108 0.048 0.095 0.110 0.119 0.042 0.124 0.122

Zr/Y 6.1 9.66 2.64 3.32 2.67 2.57 3.8 2.46 2.46

Sr/Rb 22.4 21.3 161 30.8 39.3 34.9 38.5 33.2 3.13

La/Sm 3.8 3.7 .95 2.4 3.4 1.6 1.06 1.55 1.55

K/Rb 623 387 1046 414 617 400 699 394 235

Zr/Rb 7.7 9.0 132 14 2.86 67 27 17.6 1.7

Data source: based on values of aSun and McDonough (1989); b Sun (1980); c Nui and O’Hara (2003); d Ewart et al. (1994)

TABLE 2. Eel River meimechite trace and minor element ratios compared to average values for major oceanic basalts, primitive mantle, and C1 chondrite.

phlo

0.701 0.702 0.703 0.704 0.705 0.706 0.707 0.708 0.7090.5120

0.5125

0.5130

0.5135

143Nd/

144Nd

87Sr/

86Sr

BSE

EMI

HIMU

PREMA

DMMa

DMMb

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 2215.0

15.1

15.2

15.3

15.4

15.5

15.6

15.7

15.8

15.9

16.0

207Pb/

204Pb

206Pb/

204Pb

BSE

EMI

HIMU

PREMA

DMMa

DMMb

EMII

cpx

.1

1

10

100

CsRbBaThUNbK LaCePbPrSr PNdZrSmEuTiDyY YbLu

Rock/OIB Sun/McDon. 1989-OIB

1

10

100

La Ce Pr NdPmSm Eu Gd Tb Dy Ho Er Tm Yb Lu

Rock/Chondrites REEs-Sun and McD 89

ABSTRACT

Meimechites are rare, high-Ti ultramafic lavas in which Na2O + K2O is < 2% (Le Bas, 2000). The block described here shows a strong OIB signature and is geochemically similar to super-plume meimechites and high-Ti picrites reported from accretionary complexes of eastern Asia (Ishiwatari and Ichiyama, 2004) and to meimechite lavas and dikes found in the Meymecha River region on the Siberian continental platform (Arndt, et al, 1995). The Eel River outcrop, measuring ~16 m x 100 m, consists of multiple, smooth-surfaced flows, each ~ 0.5 to 1.0 meters thick. Occasional pillow structures, lack of vesiculation, high MgO (31%), and low SiO2 (43%) suggest the flows were highly fluid, and were extruded in a high-pressure submarine environment. Although the block lies within a mélange unit of the Franciscan Complex, it shows no evidence of the high P/T facies characteristic of that unit. The rock consists of 53% Mg-olivine, 16% Ti-clinopyroxene, 11% Ti-rich phlogopite, and 6% unidentified opaque. Amphibole comprises approximately 2% of the rock, and altered interstitial glass about 12%. Acicular apatite and masses of microlitic crystals of variable composition are present as minor constituents. In thin section, the rock is medium grained and inequigranular. Although it is not generally poikilitic, a number of large cpx crystals (2-4 mm) partially to completely enclose anhedral to subhedral olivine. Much of the olivine is altered to serpentine. In addition to high MgO and low SiO2, bulk-rock composition includes 13.5% Fe2O3, 5.8% Al2O3, 4.5% CaO, 1.2 % TiO2, 0.6% K2O, 0.4% Na2O, 0.2% MnO, and 0.2% P2O5. Mg#s range from 81 to 83, Ni content varies from 444 to 985 ppm, and Cr from 771 to 1040 ppm. REE patterns show enrichment in the LREE, with (La/Lu)N values ranging from 10 to 13. MORB-normalized spider diagrams reveal enrichment in the more incompatible elements and an overall pattern common to OIB. A garnet-bearing source is suggested by significant depletion in Y and Yb. Several LILE and HFSE ratios are consistent with an OIB association (K/Ba = 37, Zr/Nb = 6, Nb/Th = 14, and La/Yb = 15), while Nd, Sr, and Pb isotopic ratios (143Nd/144Nd = 0.5129, 87Sr/86Sr = 0.7038, 206Pb/204Pb = 18.438) point to a mantle source very close to the PREMA mantle component of Zindler and Hart (1986). The rock also plots within the OIB or WIP field on several discrimination diagrams including Ti-Zr-Y, Th-Hf-Ta, and Zr-Nb-Y.

amph

Figure 2. Close-up of the Eel River outcrop. The meimechite flows stand at a high angle and are disrupted by pervasive cross-faulting, jointing, and flow-parallel shear. The flows have heavily serpentinized chill margins, 1 to 10 mm thick, and are non-vesiculated. A large pillow structure is seen in the upper right corner. The view is approx.12 meters across.

Figure 1. Site view of the Eel River meimechite. The block lies within a melange unit of the Franciscan Complex and is surrounded by blocks and boulders of various lithologiesand metamorphic grade. The meimechite itself, however, shows only limited evidence of metamorphism other than serpentinization: aragonite, the high-pressure polymorph of CaCO3, has been detected in carbonate veins cutting the northern third of the block.

phlo

Figures 4a and 4b. A single, large crystal of Ti-clinopyroxene (cpx) occupies the central portion of these photomicrographs from a meimechite pillow-core. The cpx encloses numerous small grains of partially resorbed olivine. The outer edges of the olivine are replaced by serpentine. A single, small prismatic grain of apatite is seen in the groundmass in the upper left corner of the image. View width is approximately 4 mm.

Figures 3a and 3b. Plane- and cross-polarized photomicrographs of a representative texture from the Eel River meimechite. Anhedral to euhedralolivine (olv), clinopyroxene (cpx), amphibole (amph), and phlogopite (phlo) are enclosed in a matrix (mtx) of altered microlites and glass. All of the olivine has been replaced by serpentine. Two clinopyroxene crystals occupy the lower-center portion of the image. A reaction corona of amphibole has formed where the cpx was in contact with residual melt. A crystal of phlogopite (orange) occupies the center-bottom portion of the image. The phlogopite, clinopyroxene and amphibole, all are Ti-rich varieties. The black opaque mineral has not been identified. Width of view is approximately 4 mm.

REFERENCES CITED

Arndt, N., Lehnert, K., and Vasil’ev, Y., 1995, Meimechites: highly magnesian lithosphere-contaminated alkaline magmas from deep subcontinental mantle: Lithos, v. 34, p. 41-59.

Ewart, A., Collerson, D., Reglous, M., Wendt, J., and Niu, Y., 1998, Geochemical evolution within the Tonga-Kermadec-Lau Arc-Backarc system: The role of varyingmantle wedge compoistion in space and time: Journal of Petrology, v. 39, p. 331-368.

Ishiwatari, A. and Ichiyama, Y., 2004, Alaskan-type plutons and ultramafic lavas in far east Russia, Northeast China, and Japan: International Geology Review, v. 46, p. 316-331.

Le Bas, M.J., 2000, IUGS reclassification of the high-Mg and picritic volcanic rocks: Journal of Petrology, v. 41, p. 1467-1470.

Niu, Y. and O’Hara, M., 2003, Origin of ocean island basalts: A new perspective from petrology, geochemistry, and mineral physics considerations: Journal of Geophysical Research, v. 108, p. 5-1 – 5-16.

Pearce, J.A., 1983, Role of sub-continental lithosphere in magma genesis at active continental margins, in Hawkesworhthy, C.J., and Norry, M.J., eds., Continental basalts and mantle xenoliths: Shiva Publishing, Cheshire, England, p. 230-250.

Sun, S.-S., 1980, Lead isotopic sturdy of young volcanic rocks from mid-ocean ridges, ocean islands and island arcs: Philosophic Transactions of the Royal Society of London, A297, p. 409-445.

Sun, S.-S. and McDonough, W.F., 1989, Chemical and isotopic systematics of ocean basalts: Implications for mantle composition and processes: In A.D.

Saunders and M.J. Norry (eds), Magmatism in the ocean basins, Geological Society, London, Special Publication 42, p. 313-345.

Zindler, A. and Hart, S., 1986, Chemical Geodynamics: Annual Review Earth and Planetary Science, v. 14, p. 493-571.

Note:

The discrimination diagrams for this presentation were produced using IgPet for Windows, by Michael Carr, Rutgers University.

Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c. (a) Chondrite-normalized REE diagram of the Eel River meimechite displaying the fairly steep negative slope typical of OIB magmas. Fractionation of the HREE suggests a garnet-bearing source. (b) MORB-normalized spider diagram showing considerable enrichment in the LIL elements and two of the more incompatible HFS elements, Ta and Nb. The resulting ‘humped’ pattern is typical of an OIB magma source. (c) OIB-normalized plot of the Eel River samples lies below, but subparallel to, ‘typical’ OIB values (red line). The lower position of the plot may result from a high degree of melting rather than from any actual depletion of the trace elements.

.1

1

10

100

Sr K Rb Ba Th Ta Nb Ce P Zr Hf Sm Ti Y Yb

Rock/MORB Pearce, 1983

Figure 5. Trace and minor element ratios are useful for inferring the original tectonic setting of a volcanic rock. Each of the discrimination diagrams displayed here is based on well-established geochemical indicators of specific tectonic environments. The Eel River meimechite plots in either the within-plate or OIB field on each diagram. The within-plate field includes oceanic islands and continental flood basalts.

Figure 7a and 7b. Proposed mantle reservoirs based on isotopic signature (Zindler and Hart, 1986). The Eel River meimechite (red square) plots very close to the PREMA (prevalent mantle) reservoir. The PREMA mantle component is the source for many of Earth’s oceanic islands, including Hawaii, Iceland.

COMMENTS AND FURTHER RESEARCH:

It is reasonable to conclude from the analysis presented here that the Eel River meimechite is a fragment of an oceanic island. However, several geochemical characteristics of the rock are inconsistent with a strict OIB interpretation and will need to be examined during further research:

1) The Eel River samples show significant depletion in the elements Zr, Hf, Sm, and Ti (Figure 6b). These elements are highly incompatible during mantle melting and fractional crystallization and should be enriched in OIB rather than depleted relative to MORB.

2) Figure 6b also shows a significant negative anomaly at Ce, as well as a small amount of relative depletion in Th. Both of these elements are highly incompatible during mantle melting and are not normally under-enriched in OIB.

3) OIB often display a negative Eu anomaly as the result of plagioclase fractionation. The cause of the slight positive anomaly on the chondrite-normalized plot of the Eel River rocks (Figure 6a) requires additional investigation.

The Eel River meimechite is very similar geochemically to meimechites found in accretionary complexes of eastern Asia and to meimechites erupted within the continental platform of Siberia (Table 2). Both of these other occurrences have been attributed to deep mantle melting and superplume activity involving voluminous extrusion of many types of lava and pyroclastic material. The Eel River meimechite, on the other hand, is an isolated fragment of an oceanic island; it has no accompanying related lavas, and no obvious superplume connection. The Eel River block may represent a model of melting and meimechite formation that is fundamentally different from the superplume model. As small and seemingly insignificant as the Eel River meimechite at first appears, further study of its petrogenesis may provide valuable information regarding intra-plate magma formation and mantle geochemistry.

Ar-Ar dating of the Eel River rock is in progress.

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GSA 2005 Cordilleran Section Meeting, San Jose, California

Zr/4 Y

Nb*2

AI

AII

B

C

D

AI,AII = WP Alk

AII,C = WP Th

B = E-MORB

D = N-MORB

C,D = VAB

Zr Y*3

Ti/100

C

D A

B

Island- arc A,B

Ocean-floor B

Calc-alkali B,C

Within-plate D

Th Ta

Hf/3

A

B

C

D

A = N-MORB

B = E-MORB

C = OIB (Rift)

D = Arc-basalts

SAMPLE SiO[2] Al[2]O[3] Fe[2]O[3] MnO MgO CaO Na[2]O K[2]O TiO[2] P[2]O[5] V Cr Co Ni Zn Ga Ge As Rb SrER9211B 43.36 6.03 12.31 0.197 31.24 4.74 0.202 0.52 1.21 0.21 104 933 47 444 0 5 0 0 7 191ER9213B 42.61 5.93 14.24 0.193 30.16 4.59 0.24 0.59 1.19 0.24 135 1040 105 893 98 10 1.1 0 7 197ER06971 43.17 5.83 14.04 0.19 30.13 4.31 0.33 0.61 1.14 0.24 94 771 121 985 104 10 1 0 8 171ER-00-SSU 41.99 5.56 13.57 0.182 31.83 4.28 0.707 0.53 1.12 0.23 89 977 93 804 42 16 0.7 -5 8 118

Y Zr Nb Mo Sb Cs Ba La Ce Pr Nd Eu Gd Tb Dy Ho Er Tm Yb Lu Hf9.6 60 10 6 0 2.3 115 9.6 18 2.31 10.1 0.952 2.54 0.38 2.03 0.35 0.91 0.118 0.69 0.1 1.510 69 14.8 2 0.3 3 125 9.92 18.7 2.39 10.6 1.03 2.66 0.4 2.09 0.37 0.95 0.124 0.7 0.096 1.79 50 16 0 0.5 3.6 120 9.8 18 2.26 11 0.87 2.5 0.4 1.9 0.3 0.9 0.12 0.6 0.08 1.59.2 53 17 -2 0.3 2.3 257 8.86 17.6 Feb-30 10.3 0.913 2.45 0.37 1.92 0.35 0.87 0.107 0.66 0.092 1.5

Ta W Sc Be Th U Sm LOI Mg# {87}Sr/{86}Sr {143}Nd/{144}Nd {206}Pb/{204}Pb {207}Pb/{204}Pb {208}Pb/{204}Pb1 0 11 0 0.98 0.37 2.44 10.44 83.43804 0 0 0 0 01.1 0.4 11 0 1.02 0.38 2.6 10.41 80.78087 0 0 0 0 01 0 10.6 0 0.9 0.4 2.6 9.77 80.98454 0 0 0 0 01.22 -0.5 12 -1 1.12 0.47 2.34 8.98 82.31887 0.703852 0.512958 18.438 15.509 37.835

TABLE1. Major and trace element geochemical analyses and isotopic ratios for the Eel River meimechite

Chemical analysis by fusion ICP and ICP/MS performed by ActLabs of Ontario, Canada.

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(This poster has been altered to meet the 2Mb file limit set by the GSA. Please contact the author if you have questions, comments, or would like to view any of the missing photos.)