Low water contents in pyroxenes from spinel-peridotites of the oxidized, sub-arc mantle wedge

Computer Science

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

21

Scientific paper

Pyroxene water contents measured by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry for Mexican and Simcoe (WA, USA) spinel-peridotite xenoliths range from 140 to 528 ppm in clinopyroxenes and 39 to 265 ppm in orthopyroxenes. Correlations between these water contents and major-element compositional data for the pyroxenes, associated spinels, and whole-rock xenoliths demonstrate that these water contents record mantle values that have not been perturbed since the xenoliths were brought to the surface by their host magmas. Broad positive correlations of pyroxene water contents with whole-rock Al2O3 are consistent with water behaving as an incompatible element during peridotite melting. The main control on the range of pyroxene water contents, however, appears to be the redox state of the peridotite, because estimates of oxygen fugacity from Mössbauer (Simcoe) and microprobe data (Mexico) on spinels are negatively correlated with water contents. This is consistent with the dominant mechanism of H incorporation into pyroxene, which is dependent on the oxidation-reduction of iron. Metasomatism of sub-arc mantle-wedge peridotites by oxidized fluids or melts rising from the slab raises the oxygen fugacity of the peridotites, and where temperature is high enough, induces them to partially melt. The oxidation, in turn, lowers the solubility of water in the peridotite minerals, causing more than half of the original water to be expelled. That water enters the hydrous partial melts and these ascend through the lithosphere to feed the arc magmatic system in the upper crust. Low water contents in pyroxenes from sub-arc mantle-wedge peridotites, such as those from Simcoe and some western Mexican sites, therefore appear to be complementary to the high water contents that characterize subduction-zone magmas and fuel their explosive eruptions. An estimate of water budget in subduction zones, however, indicates that the amount of water coming from the dehydration of mantle-wedge anhydrous minerals probably accounts for less than 5% of the total water present in subduction-related magmas. The high water contents of arc magmas thus are mainly attributed to fluids or melts from the slab proper. The relatively dry sub-arc mantle wedge appears to be an effective medium through which subducted water is transported from slabs toward the surface.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Low water contents in pyroxenes from spinel-peridotites of the oxidized, sub-arc mantle wedge does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Low water contents in pyroxenes from spinel-peridotites of the oxidized, sub-arc mantle wedge, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Low water contents in pyroxenes from spinel-peridotites of the oxidized, sub-arc mantle wedge will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-732842

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.