Composition and thermal structure of the lithospheric mantle beneath kimberlite pipes from the Catoca cluster, Angola

Garnet, clinopyroxene and ilmenite xenocrysts from three Angolan kimberlite pipes belonging to the Catoca cluster (Angola Caquele, Camitongo I and II, and Catoca) from the SW part of the Congo-Kasai craton, reveal similar features which suggest a similarity of mantle structure. PT estimates for pyropes, Cr-diopsides and picroilmenites reveal similar geothermal conditions of ~ 37 - 40 mW/m2. This is slightly higher than the values determined for the Catoca pipe. Higher temperature conditions ~ 45 mW/m2 were determined for low-Cr pyroxenes and omphacites. The similar general mineralogy and suggested mantle lithology, as well as reconstructed layering of the sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM), are similar for Camitongo I-II as well as for Caquele and Catoca pipes. Heating at depths of 7.5-4.5 GPa (240-140 km) is a general feature of the SCLM beneath the field. The high temperature trend for low-Cr and hybrid pyroxenes from the base of the SCLM up to 30 GPa (100 km) represents the PT path of the protokimberlite melts. PT conditions for ilmenites mainly correspond to colder conditions of crystallization in wall rocks and the outer parts of magmatic channels. Individual geochemical features of the minerals for each SCLM suggest pervasive metasomatism in lower part of the SCLM. Clinopyroxene trace element patterns from the Caquele pipe reveal a lherzolitic affinity; they are LILE-enriched with Ba peaks due to phlogopite melting, while those from Camitongo I-II show Ta-Nb enrichment and Pb troughs. The ilmenite trends trace the mantle column from deep to shallow mantle, evolving to Fe-ilmenites due to advanced AFC of protokimberlite magma that also produced abundant Fe-rich clinopyroxenes. The rise of calculated fO2 correlates with the position of protokimberlites. Comparison with the thermal gradient derived from peridotitic inclusions from Catoca cluster is lower then for Lesotho possibly related to the thicker lithospheric roots beneath the Congo-Kasai craton

Regularities and mechanism of formation of the mantle lithosphere structure beneath the Siberian Craton in comparison with other cratons

Regularities of the mantle structure beneath the Siberian craton were determined using the monomineral thermobarometry and common Opx- Gar methods. Samples were taken from 80 pipes from the Siberian Craton and in comparison 70 pipes from worldwide kimberlites. The largest pipes contain several dunite layers in the lower part of lithospheric mantle which are responsible for the diamond grade. The lithospheric mantle consists of two major parts divided at a depth of 4.0 GPa by a pyroxenite layer. Major intervals determined for the mantle beneath Udachnaya and Mir are: 1) 8.0-6.5 GPa harzburgites, eclogites and dunitic veins; 2) 6.5-5.5 GPa sheared peridotites, low-Cr pyroxenites, dunites; 3)in 5.5-4.0 GPa interval there are 4–6 layers of harzburgitic paleoslabs; 4) 4.0-3.5 GPa the pyroxenites lens; 5) upper layered Sp-Gar peridotite sequence including a trap of basaltic and other silicate melt cumulates at 3.0-2.0 GPa. The lithospheric mantle beneath seven different tectonic terrains in Siberia is characterized by TRE geochemistry and major elements of peridotitic clinopyroxenes. The mantle in Magan terrain contains more fertile peridotites in the South (Mir pipe) then in North (Alakit) which were metasomatized by subduction-related melts producing Phl and Cpx about 500–800 Ma ago. Daldyn terrain is essentially harzburgitic in the west part (abyssal peridotite) but in the east in Upper Muna (East Daldyn terrain) the mantle is more differentiated and in general more oxidized. The Markha terrain (Nakyn) contains depleted but partly refertilized harzburgites, subducted pelitic material and abundant eclogites. Circum-Anabar mantle is ultradepleted in the lower part but in the upper regions it has been fertilized by fluid-rich melts very enriched in incompatible elements. The – P- Fe# diagrams (and other components) reveal different structure of mantle columns in each terrain. They are subvertical for the mantle sampled by Devonian pipes. Beneath Mesozoic pipes the mantle has been affected by melt percolation caused by the Siberian Superplume which created continuous Fe-enrichment in the upper part. The models of continent growth and evolution are briefly discussed. In general the geothermal regime and mantle heating is negatively correlated with the thickness of lithosphere. The sheared peridotites under Udachnaya and other kimberlite pipe are likely to have formed after the intrusion of protokimberlite volatile rich (hydrous) melts and hydraulic fracturing. This mechanism is responsible for the origin of asthenospheric lenses. Progressive melting especially in the pervasive zones may be responsible for the creation of 34 upper asthenospheric lens near 4.0 GPa which may be accompanied by mantle diapirism. Such a lens is the trap for the kimberlites in Siberia in Mesozoic time and in rifted intracontinental areas and margins