Geochemistry of lavas from the 2005–2006 eruption at the East Pacific Rise, 9°46′N–9°56′N : implications for ridge crest plumbing and decadal changes in magma chamber compositions

Author Posting. © American Geophysical Union, 2010. This article is posted here by permission of American Geophysical Union for personal use, not for redistribution. The definitive version was published in Geochemistry Geophysics Geosystems 11 (2010): Q05T09, doi:10.1029/2009GC002977.Detailed mapping, sampling, and geochemical analyses of lava flows erupted from an ∼18 km long section of the northern East Pacific Rise (EPR) from 9°46′N to 9°56′N during 2005–2006 provide unique data pertaining to the short-term thermochemical changes in a mid-ocean ridge magmatic system. The 2005–2006 lavas are typical normal mid-oceanic ridge basalt with strongly depleted incompatible trace element patterns with marked negative Sr and Eu/Eu* anomalies and are slightly more evolved than lavas erupted in 1991–1992 at the same location on the EPR. Spatial geochemical differences show that lavas from the northern and southern limits of the 2005–2006 eruption are more evolved than those erupted in the central portion of the fissure system. Similar spatial patterns observed in 1991–1992 lavas suggest geochemical gradients are preserved over decadal time scales. Products of northern axial and off-axis fissure eruptions are consistent with the eruption of cooler, more fractionated lavas that also record a parental melt component not observed in the main suite of 2005–2006 lavas. Radiogenic isotopic ratios for 2005–2006 lavas fall within larger isotopic fields defined for young axial lavas from 9°N to 10°N EPR, including those from the 1991–1992 eruption. Geochemical data from the 2005–2006 eruption are consistent with an invariable mantle source over the spatial extent of the eruption and petrogenetic processes (e.g., fractional crystallization and magma mixing) operating within the crystal mush zone and axial magma chamber (AMC) before and during the 13 year repose period. Geochemical modeling suggests that the 2005–2006 lavas represent differentiated residual liquids from the 1991–1992 eruption that were modified by melts added from deeper within the crust and that the eruption was not initiated by the injection of hotter, more primitive basalt directly into the AMC. Rather, the eruption was driven by AMC pressurization from persistent or episodic addition of more evolved magma from the crystal mush zone into the overlying subridge AMC during the period between the two eruptions. Heat balance calculations of a hydrothermally cooled AMC support this model and show that continual addition of melt from the mush zone was required to maintain a sizable AMC over this time interval.This work has been supported by NSF grants OCE‐0525863 and OCE‐0732366 (D. J. Fornari and S. A. Soule), OCE‐0636469 (K. H. Rubin), and OCE‐ 0138088 (M. R. Perfit), as well as postdoctoral fellowship funds from the University of Florida

Pre- and syn-eruptive degassing and crystallisation processes of the 2010 and 2006 eruptions of Merapi volcano, Indonesia

The 2010 eruption of Merapi (VEI 4) was the volcano’s largest since 1872. In contrast to the prolonged and effusive dome-forming eruptions typical of Merapi’s recent activity, the 2010 eruption began explosively, before a new dome was rapidly emplaced. This new dome was subsequently destroyed by explosions, generating pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), predominantly consisting of dark coloured, dense blocks of basaltic andesite dome lava. A shift towards open-vent conditions in the later stages of the eruption culminated in multiple explosions and the generation of PDCs with conspicuous grey scoria and white pumice clasts resulting from sub-plinian convective column collapse. This paper presents geochemical data for melt inclusions and their clinopyroxene hosts extracted from dense dome lava, grey scoria and white pumice generated during the peak of the 2010 eruption. These are compared with clinopyroxene-hosted melt inclusions from scoriaceous dome fragments from the prolonged dome-forming 2006 eruption, to elucidate any relationship between pre-eruptive degassing and crystallisation processes and eruptive style. Secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis of volatiles (H2O, CO2) and light lithophile elements (Li, B, Be) is augmented by electron microprobe analysis of major elements and volatiles (Cl, S, F) in melt inclusions and groundmass glass. Geobarometric analysis shows that the clinopyroxene phenocrysts crystallised at depths of up to 20 km, with the greatest calculated depths associated with phenocrysts from the white pumice. Based on their volatile contents, melt inclusions have re-equilibrated during shallower storage and/or ascent, at depths of ~0.6–9.7 km, where the Merapi magma system is interpreted to be highly interconnected and not formed of discrete magma reservoirs. Melt inclusions enriched in Li show uniform “buffered” Cl concentrations, indicating the presence of an exsolved brine phase. Boron-enriched inclusions also support the presence of a brine phase, which helped to stabilise B in the melt. Calculations based on S concentrations in melt inclusions and groundmass glass require a degassing melt volume of 0.36 km3 in order to produce the mass of SO2 emitted during the 2010 eruption. This volume is approximately an order of magnitude higher than the erupted magma (DRE) volume. The transition between the contrasting eruptive styles in 2010 and 2006 is linked to changes in magmatic flux and changes in degassing style, with the explosive activity in 2010 driven by an influx of deep magma, which overwhelmed the shallower magma system and ascended rapidly, accompanied by closed-system degassing

Earth Planet. Sci. Lett.

The existence of heat-producing elements (U, Th, K) and their highly heterogeneous distribution in the Earth's mantle suggests a link between thermal and chemical properties of the mantle. Previous studies have shown that this chemical-thermal relationship has a strong influence on the mantle convection pattern and structure. Here, we investigate the influence of this relationship on mantle melting and chemical variations in mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB). We use a model of convection in which mantle heterogeneities are considered as enriched blobs (enrichment factor of similar to1.8 relative to the bulk silicate Earth) within a convecting depleted medium. Our results explain the first-order chemical variations in MORB in terms of coupled compositional-thermal variations in the underlying mantle source. A consequence is that enriched MORB are formed by larger partial melting extent than depleted MORB. We show that: (1) excess temperatures of up to 100degreesC are produced in the centers of large (300 km radius) and enriched blobs, and these lead to a 10% increase in the degree of melting. Such large blobs could produce long-wavelength chemical anomalies in MORB whose amplitude, however, is attenuated by extensive melting. Small blobs (radius <100 km), in which only minor temperature excesses (DeltaT<10degreesC) develop, may be the cause of high-amplitude chemical spikes along spreading ridges. (2) The maximum temperature gradient within blobs is lower than the solidus slope, which causes the blob to melt progressively from top to bottom. (3) Source enrichment and the degree of melting are positively correlated but the two parameters have competing effects on MORB composition. Normally the source effect is more important than the melting effect. (4) Melting of homogeneous blobs results in a U-shaped chemical anomaly in MORB, the less enriched liquids corresponding to the maximum thermal anomaly. Blobs containing a chemical gradient, with the more depleted composition towards the periphery. may result from entrainment of surrounding depleted mantle, Such blobs, which are thermally more stable, could produce the hump-shaped chemical anomalies commonly observed along mid-ocean ridges. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved

Sr–Pb isotopes signature of Lascar volcano (Chile): Insight into contamination of arc magmas ascending through a thick continental crust

co-auteur étrangerInternational audienc

Isotopic constraints on selenium degassing from basaltic magma and near-surface capture by fumarolic deposits: Implications for Se redistribution onto the Earth's surface

Volcanic emanations from cooling basaltic lava represent a diffuse and relatively poorly constrained source of metallic and non-metallic compounds to the Earth's surface. These compounds become incorporated in fumarolic minerals and redeposit at the surface of lava flows before entering the environmental cycle. The semi-volatile and chalcophile element selenium (Se) can be either vital or toxic to animals and humans. Thus, understanding the pathways of Se capture and relative concentrations in fumaroles is imperative for estimating their contributions to soils and aquifers in volcanically active regions, with implications for animal and human health. In this study, we report Se concentrations and Se stable isotope composition in a sample suite comprising degassed and undegassed basaltic rocks and various fumarolic deposits (thenardite, Na-K sulfate, gypsum, fluoride, and native sulfur) fed from degassing lava flows at Piton de la Fournaise volcano, Réunion Island. Erupted basaltic lavas (136–58 ng·g Se) lost up to more than half of their pre-eruptive Se due to subaerial degassing and retained a heavier isotope composition (δSe = 0.11 ± 0.17‰, 2 s.d.) compared to less undegassed volcanic glass (138 ng·g Se and δSe = −0.19 ± 0.04‰, 2 s.e.). Fumarolic deposits that formed over a temperature range of ~800–100 °C and captured Se from the degassing lava show higher to very high Se concentrations ranging from 0.54 μg·g to 1578 μg·g and significant Se isotope fractionation (δSe = +0.6 to −2.08‰). We propose two separate models that can explain the relative concentration and Se isotope composition of the deposits: 1) A compound oxidation state-dependent Se incorporation into the various fumarolic minerals, or 2) Temperature-dependent Rayleigh condensation from a cooling gas triggered by compound saturation. The Rayleigh condensation model can entirely explain the Se concentration and isotope composition of the fumaroles and predicts that up to 80% of the Se released from the lava is likely to be captured by precipitation to form solid phases within the lava pile, most dramatically in the coldest deposits below the sublimation temperature of SeO (< 315 °C). In contrast, mineral-dependent isotope pathways cannot fully explain our data, including the lighter Se isotope compositions in the more oxidized compounds compared to more reduced ones. Such a mineralogical effect cannot be excluded but further investigations and experimental studies are required in order to scrutinize and invoke its role. Finally, the environmental impact of these degassing-induced secondary products will be dependent on the relative compound water solubilities resulting in either Se mobilization towards aquifers or accumulation onto developing soils and plants. Such studies could prove useful for developing risk assessments in volcanically active regions on our planet, and for reaching a better understanding of the global continent-ocean Se isotope budget and signature.C.R., S.K., and M.I.V-R., acknowledge the ERC Starting Grant project O2RIGIN (636808) to S.K. for funding this research. M.I.V-R. additionally acknowledges funding from the DFG project VA 1568/1-1. C.R. further acknowledges funding from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science as part of the Excellence Strategy of the German Federal and State Governments, contract: PRO-ROSCA-2021-11. S.K additionally acknowledges the contracts: Ramon y Cajal RYC2020-030014-I and EMERGIA20_38349

Geochemistry of the Hollister Ridge: relation with the Louisville hotspot and the Pacific–Antarctic Ridge

International audienceThe Hollister Ridge is located on the western flank of the Pacific–Antarctic Ridge (PAR), between the Udintsev fracture zone (FZ) and the Eltanin fault system. It is a linear aseismic structure, 450 km long, oblique with respect to the PAR. Data show that the most recent activity is located in the central part of the chain, which can be considered as being still volcanically active. Both major/trace element and isotopic data suggest that some interaction occurred between the Pacific–Antarctic Ridge and the Hollister Ridge. The source of the Hollister Ridge samples has its own geochemical characteristics. The geochemical variations observed along the ridge can be explained by mixing between two major end-member components: (1) a PAR depleted source, and (2) a Hollister enriched source. A small contribution (20% maximum) of Louisville plume material is likely to exist in the middle of Hollister Ridge. These data unequivocally reject the possibility that the Hollister Ridge could be the present location of the Louisville hotspot. Ages and geochemistry data support the idea of an influence of intraplate deformation as a probable cause of the origin of the Hollister Ridge

Control of source fertility on the eruptive activity of Piton de la Fournaise volcano, La Réunion

Abstract The eruptive activity of basaltic hotspot volcanoes displays major fluctuations on times scales of years to decades. Theses fluctuations are thought to reflect changes in the rate of mantle melt supply. However, the crustal filter generally masks the mantle processes involved. Here, we show that the cyclic and generally increasing activity of the Piton de la Fournaise volcano (La Réunion) since the mid 20th century is tightly linked to the fertility of its source, as recorded by 87Sr/86Sr and incompatible trace elements ratios of lavas. We identify a twofold control of source fertility on eruptive activity: melt extraction from fertile, incompatible element-enriched veins initiates decadal-scale eruptive sequences, so that vein distribution in the plume source directly controls the cyclic activity. Indirectly, reactive flow of enriched melts increases mantle porosity and promotes melts extraction from the peridotite matrix. This process is thought to have caused a fourfold increase in magma supply between 1998 and 2014 at Piton de la Fournaise, and could also explain magma surges at other frequently active hotspot volcanoes, such as Kilauea, Hawaii. The short-term eruptive activity of hotspot volcanoes appears to be ultimately linked to the distribution and size of lithological heterogeneities in mantle plumes

Resolving mantle and magmatic processes in basalts from the Cameroon volcanic line using the Re–Os isotope system

International audienceThis study presents major-, trace element and Re–Os isotope and elemental data for young alkaline basalts ( 20) possess 187Os/188Os isotope compositions between 0.14 and 0.18 (e.g., basalts from Mt Cameroon and Sao Tomé) which reflect the chemical characteristics that are more likely to be primary features of CVL, and are close to the value of 0.153 attributed to the HIMU end-member (Tubuai–Mangaia). However, most of the lavas from the continental sector show highly radiogenic initial 187Os/188Os ratios (0.36 to 0.56) that are outside the range previously observed for ocean island basalts, with shifts to radiogenic Os isotope compositions accompanied by less radiogenic 206Pb/204Pb and increasing SiO2 contents. The increase in 187Os/188Os is also associated with the decrease of Os, Ni, MgO and phenocryst abundances. These data can be explained by fractional crystallisation and assimilation of continental crust by the ascending magma.The systematic shift to unradiogenic lead isotope compositions from the COB into the oceanic sector is positively correlated with variations in 187Os/188Os isotope composition (from 0.140 to 0.128). At first sight this covariation might be attributed to the mixing of HIMU material with the ambient upper mantle (DMM). However, there is a clear covariation of the Os isotope and elemental composition, best explained with contamination of the oceanic basalts by the physical entrainment of xenoliths and xenocrysts of mantle origin. Overall, these results indicate that Os in CVL basalts is highly susceptible to contamination from both oceanic and continental lithospheres, under these circumstances covariations with other isotopes and elements must be interpreted with caution

Corrigendum to "Gas and aerosol emissions from Lascar volcano (Northern Chile): Insights into the origin of gases and their links with the volcanic activity" [J. Volcanol. Geoth. Res. 287 (2014) 51-67]

International audienceThe authors regret that an error occurred whilst converting the SO2 normalized mass ratios to trace gas fluxes. This implies that Lascar volcanic gas fluxes, shown in Table 6 and discussed in Section 5.1.2.2, are lower than previously estimated. The correct trace element emission rate estimates are now presented in the Table below. The average rates over the 2009-2012 period range from 0.1 g/day (In) to 324 g/day (As), suggesting that Lascar does not represent such a significant local source of pollutants for the environment

Uptake of gaseous thallium, tellurium, vanadium and molybdenum into anhydrous alum, Lascar volcano fumaroles, Chile

co-auteur étrangerInternational audienceFormation of secondary sulfate minerals during the reaction between volcanic gases and rocks modulates the compositionand flux of gaseous emanations. We report on the sub-surface formation of anhydrous alum (MIMIII(XVIO4)2with MI=-NH4+,Na+,K+;MIII=Al3+,Fe3+and XVI=S6+,Mo6+) in the 330°C fumaroles of the Lascar volcano (Chile). The alumoccurs as a few millimetres thick crust that grew internally by two-way diffusion of reaction gases and diffusive influx of rockcations within the crust. The average growth rate is estimated at ca. 0.3lm/day, based on the 19-year-long activity of thedegassing fracture hosting the crust. The growth rate is controlled by the slow migration of the rock cations and decreasestowards crust rim. The crust selectively concentrates Tl, V and Te (thousands oflg/g) and to a lesser extent Mo (hundredsoflg/g). The uptake of gaseous Tl, V and Mo is due to the possibility for these elements to enter the MI,MIIIand XVIsites ofalum, respectively. The process of Te uptake must be related to the incorporation of Tl and V with which Te tightly correlates.Extensive substitution of Tl, V and Te occurs at the surface of the crust where the supply of rock cations is the lowest. Suchsurface enrichment does not occur for Mo, because Mo substitutes for S, another element from the gas. These findings suggestthat the surface of mature alum crust has a high adsorption capacity for those gaseous metals able to compensate for the lackof rock-derived cations. Based on the composition of gases escaping from the fracture hosting the crust, it is estimated that thepartition coefficients of Tl (3.3107), V (1.1107) and Te (0.6107) between crust surface and gases are two to four ordersof magnitude higher than for other volatile metals and metalloids. It follows that gases equilibrating with anhydrous alumslose between 77 and 95% of their initial Tl content, but less than 1% of Pb. Given the Tl emission rate of Lascar volcano(5 g/day), between 17 and 104 g of toxic Tl would deposit every day if all Lascar gases were to equilibrate with anhydrousalums. This study suggests that anhydrous alums significantly immobilize Tl, V and Te in the ground of quiescent volcanoes,reducing the atmospheric emissions of these three elements.Ó2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved