Mantle-derived volatiles in continental crust: the Massif Central of France

Computer Science

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

23

Scientific paper

CO2-rich gases and groundwaters from springs and boreholes originating within the basement of the Massif Central have variable 3He/4He ratios with corresponding R/Ra values ranging from 0.8 to 5.5 and 0.3 to 2.8 respectively, indicating the presence of a significant component of mantle helium. Molar concentrations of rare gases in the CO2-rich gases are approximately 5 orders of magnitude greater than in the waters and suggest that a near-surface Henry's Law fractionation has occurred between exsolving CO2 and water. δ13C values of the CO2-rich gases are in the range -4.2 to -6.1‰, i.e. in that range normally attributed to mantle carbon, but which could also represent an average crustal composition and therefore do not discriminate between mantle and crustal sources. C/3He ratios show 4 orders of magnitude variation from 1.4 × 1012 to 5 × 108 and, compared to a mantle C/3He ratio of ~ 109, indicate that either a complex fractionation has occurred between mantle helium and mantle CO2 or more likely that mantle rare gases have been diluted by large quantities of CO2 with an average crustal carbon isotope composition. The regional distribution of 3He and C does not show any obvious relationship to age or proximity of volcanic centres or major faults, suggesting that mantle-derived C and He components decoupled from their silicate melt sources at some depth.
The results from this area of active fluid circulation suggest that C-isotope data derived from metamorphic terrains should be interpreted with great caution, but that input of some mantle-derived carbon is expected to accompany crustal extension.

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

Mantle-derived volatiles in continental crust: the Massif Central of France 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 Mantle-derived volatiles in continental crust: the Massif Central of France, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Mantle-derived volatiles in continental crust: the Massif Central of France will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1673310

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