Paleo-Asian oceanic subduction-related modification of the lithospheric mantle under the North China Craton: evidence from peridotite xenoliths in the Datong basalts

Abstract:

In-situ major and trace elements and Sr isotopic compositions of peridotite xenoliths carried by the Datong Quaternary alkaline basalt were analyzed. These peridotite xenoliths were classified into three groups. The type 1 peridotites preserve depleted trace element and Sr isotopic signatures and record the lowest temperature (930 - 980 °C). Clinopyroxenes in these peridotites exhibit LREE-depleted REE patterns, and have the lowest ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.70243 - 0.70411. The types 2 and 3 peridotites are featured by enriched trace element and Sr isotopic signatures and record a higher temperature (1003 - 1032 °C). Clinopyroxenes in the type 2 peridotite have U-shaped REE patterns and relatively higher ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.70418 - 0.70465. Clinopyroxenes in the type 3 peridotite have concave-downward REE patterns and unusually high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.70769 - 0.70929. Carbonatitic veinlets are found in the type 1 peridotites. They show steep LREE-enriched REE patterns with enrichments in LILE and depletions in HFSE, and have the highest ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.71147 - 0.71285.

The types 2 and 3 peridotites suffered latter cryptic carbonatitic metasomatism, as indicated by the decreased Ti/Eu and increased Zr/Hf and CaO/Al₂O₃ ratios of clinopyroxenes. The carbonatitic veinlets have generally consistent trace element patterns and Sr isotopic ratios with the calculated melts being equilibrated with the clinopyroxenes in the type 3 peridotite, and may represent the metasoamtic agent solidified in the relatively cold and shallow mantle. The negative Eu anomalies (0.37 - 0.61) and high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of the calculated melts indicate a crustal sedimentary origin. It is speculated that the REE-rich and high-⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr metasoamtic agent should be carbonatitic melt derived from the carbonated pelite carried by the subducted PAOP, which could have contributed to the transformation of the lithospheric mantle beneath the NCC.