Abstract
We report mineralogical and chemical compositions of spinel peridotite xenoliths from two Tertiary alkali basalt localities on the Archean North China craton (Hannuoba, located in the central orogenic block, and Qixia, in the eastern block). The two peridotite suites have major element compositions that are indistinguishable from each other and reflect variable degrees (0-25%) of melt extraction from a primitive mantle source. Their compositions are markedly different from typical cratonic lithosphere, consistent with previous suggestions for removal of the Archean mantle lithosphere beneath this craton. Our previously published Os isotopic results for these samples [Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 198 (2002) 307] show that lithosphere replacement occurred in the Paleoproterozoic beneath Hannuoba, but in the Phanerozoic beneath Qixia. Thus, we see no evidence for a compositional distinction between Proterozoic and Phanerozoic continental lithospheric mantle. The Hannuoba xenoliths equilibrated over a more extensive temperature (hence depth) interval than the Qixia xenoliths. Neither suite shows a correlation between equilibration temperature and major element composition, indicating that the lithosphere is not chemically stratified in either area. Trace element and Sr and Nd isotopic compositions of the Hannuoba xenoliths reflect recent metasomatic overprinting that is not related to the Tertiary magmatism in this area.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 609-637 |
Number of pages | 29 |
Journal | Lithos |
Volume | 77 |
Issue number | 1-4 SPEC. ISS. |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2004 Sep 1 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Archean craton
- Major and trace element geochemistry
- North China craton
- Peridotite xenolith
- Sr and Nd isotopes
- Thermometry
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Geology
- Geochemistry and Petrology