ALBERT

Description: Little is known about the effects that subducting an oceanic large igneous province (LIP) has on the petrogenesis of submarine arc volcanoes and their geochemical composition. The southern Kermadec arc represents a rare example where an LIP—the Hikurangi Plateau—is currently subducting and where its effect on mantle composition, element recycling and arc volcanism can be studied. We present mineral chemistry and whole-rock major and trace element, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotope data from samples recovered from the southern Kermadec arc volcanoes Rumble II East and Rumble II West, together with shipboard gravity and magnetic measurements. The Rumble II volcanoes (including a volcanic cone ~10 km further west) form an ~23 km long arc–backarc transect located ~250 km north of New Zealand above the subducting Hikurangi Plateau. Although only a short distance apart, rocks from the two volcanoes have different mineral and whole-rock geochemical compositions. Lavas from Rumble II East are predominantly basaltic and contain primitive olivine phenocrysts (≤Fo 91 ), high-Mg# clinopyroxene (≤96) and anorthitic plagioclase (≤An 97 ). Geochemically these lavas are very diverse and cover a spectrum from low Th/Yb (〈0·15) at high Ba/Th (〉1014) to higher Th/Yb (〉0·15) at lower Ba/Th (〈844). This spectrum, together with 206 Pb/ 204 Pb and 143 Nd/ 144 Nd in the range of 18·74–18·83 and 0·51309–0·51298 respectively (at similar to slightly elevated 87 Sr/ 86 Sr), suggests a mantle wedge that has undergone previous melt extraction and significant fluid addition from the subducting Pacific Plate and that contains sediment and HIMU-type Hikurangi Plateau components. The geochemistry of the sediment–HIMU-type components is exemplified in an olivine pyroxenite (e.g. 206 Pb/ 204 Pb = 20·02; 87 Sr/ 86 Sr = 0·70516; 143 Nd/ 144 Nd = 0·5126). We propose that the olivine pyroxenite formed through melt or fluid–rock metasomatism and represents the first direct evidence of a near Moho arc mantle rock that shows the imprint from a subducting HIMU-type (Hikurangi) seamount. Conversely, lavas from Rumble II West and the cone ~10 km to the west are generally more silica rich than Rumble II East lavas and mainly contain plagioclase with less ortho- and clinopyroxene + olivine phenocrysts. The low Ba/Th (〈470) and 206 Pb/ 204 Pb (〈18·74), a range of 143 Nd/ 144 Nd (0·51297–0·51307) and elevated Th/Yb (0·13–0·39) in these lavas can best be explained by minor sediment input into a less depleted mantle wedge. In addition, the geochemical composition of the Rumble II West lavas does not require involvement of a Hikurangi component, placing a spatial limit on Hikurangi material influencing regional melt generation beneath the backarc. Supported by a gravity model requiring two distinct magma chambers, the different geochemical compositions of Rumble II East and West lavas are inconsistent with a shared magma plumbing system. The different geochemical compositions of lavas from the two Rumble II volcanoes furthermore demonstrate that across-arc geochemical heterogeneities can occur within a few kilometres and may originate from both a geochemically heterogeneous mantle wedge and Moho transition layer, recording inherited geochemical heterogeneities beneath the volcanoes.

Description: The Quesnel terrane in the Interior Plateau of British Columbia, Canada, is highly prospective for locating new porphyry deposits; however, the bedrock in this region is obscured by a nearly continuous blanket of till, making mineral exploration challenging. Located within the Quesnel terrane is the Mount Polley deposit. It is an alkaline, silica-undersaturated, Cu-Au porphyry deposit mined by Imperial Metals Corporation. Eighty-six basal till samples were collected for geochemical and mineralogical analyses in the region of this deposit. Ore elements (Ag, Au and Cu), as well as pathfinder element (Hg and Zn) contents in till reflect detrital glacial dispersal from the Mount Polley deposit. The distribution of anomalous mineral counts of andradite garnet, apatite, chalcopyrite, epidote, jarosite and native gold also reflect glacial dispersal from the deposit. Outcrop-scale ice-flow indicators indicate a dominant ice-flow event to the NW that was preceded by a southwestward glacial advance. The element and mineral signatures of the Mount Polley Cu-Au porphyry deposit are dispersed in sub-glacial surface tills up to 12 km in the down-ice (NW) direction. We demonstrate that till geochemistry and mineralogy can serve for mineral exploration of Cu-Au porphyry mineralization in drift covered areas. Supplementary material: Complete data set for element and mineral results and ice-flow measurement is available at www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18828

Description: Lake Texoma is a large impoundment on the border of Texas and Oklahoma, formed from the confluence of two river systems with different salinities, the Red River (total dissolved salt, TDS, of 2700–11 900 mg/l, average of 4862 mg/l) and the Washita River (TDS of 420–915 mg/l, average of 701.4 mg/l). Systematic analyses for major and trace elements were conducted of water samples collected spatially and with depth in the lake in different seasons. Overall, Lake Texoma waters are characterized by Na-Ca-Cl-SO 4 -type waters with spatial distribution shifting from Na-Cl type to Ca-SO 4 type from the Red River arm to the main lake and to the Washita River arm. In addition, vertical and seasonal variations in major and trace elements concentrations indicate major elements in the lake are mainly controlled by different bedrock weathering from the two river systems. Trace elements that exhibit different distribution patterns to the major species are associated with variable sources such as river inflow, summer stratification effects, biological effects and anthropogenic activities. In Lake Texoma, differential inflow volumes and summer stratification are principal factors controlling the variation and geochemistry of lake waters and mixing dynamics. Supplementary material: Summary of major and trace element chemistry in the five zones of Lake Texoma for summer, fall and spring seasons (2003–2004) is available at http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18771

Description: East Diamante is a submarine volcano in the southern Mariana arc that is host to a complex caldera ~5 x 10 km (elongated ENE-WSW) that is breached along its northern and southwestern sectors. A large field of barite-sulfide mounds was discovered in June 2009 and revisited in July 2010 with the R/V Natsushima , using the ROV Hyper-Dolphin . The mound field occurs on the northeast flank of a cluster of resurgent dacite domes in the central caldera, near an active black smoker vent field. A 40 Ar/ 39 Ar age of 20,000 ± 4000 years was obtained from a dacite sample. The mound field is aligned along a series of fractures and extends for more than 180 m east-west and 〉120 m north-south. Individual mounds are typically 1 to 3 m tall and 0.5 to 2 m wide, with lengths from about 3 to 8 m. The mounds are dominated by barite + sphalerite layers with the margins of each layer composed of barite with disseminated sulfides. Rare, inactive spires and chimneys sit atop some mounds and also occur as clusters away from the mounds. Iron and Mn oxides are currently forming small (〈1-m diam, ~0.5-m tall) knolls on the top surface of some of the barite-sulfide mounds and may also drape their flanks. Both diffusely and focused fluids emanate from the small oxide knolls. Radiometric ages of the layered barite-sulfide mounds and chimneys vary from ~3,920 to 3,350 years. One layer, from an outcrop of 10- to 100-cm-thick Cu-rich layers, is notably younger with an age of 2,180 years. The Fe-Mn oxides were 〈5 years old at the time of collection in 2009. Most mound, chimney, and layered outcrop samples are dominated by barite, silica, and sphalerite; other sulfides, in decreasing order of abundance, are galena, chalcopyrite, and rare pyrite. Anglesite, cerussite, and unidentified Pb oxychloride and Pb phosphate minerals occur as late-stage interstitial phases. The samples contain high Zn (up to 23 wt %), Pb (to 16 wt %), Ag (to 487 ppm), and Au (to 19 ppm) contents. Some layered outcrop samples are dominated by chalcopyrite resulting in ≤4.78 wt % Cu in a bulk sample (28 wt % for a single lens), with a mean of 0.28 wt % for other samples. Other significant metal enrichments are Sb (to 1,320 ppm), Cd (to 1,150 ppm), and Hg (to 55 ppm). The East Diamante mound field has a unique set of characteristics compared to other hydrothermal sites in the Mariana arc and elsewhere. The geochemical differences may predominantly reflect the distribution of fractures and faults and consequently the rock/water ratio, temperature of the fluid in the upper parts of the circulation system, and extensive and prolonged mixing with seawater. The location of mineralization is controlled by fractures. Following resurgent doming within the caldera, mineralization resulted from focused flow along small segments of linear fractures rather than from a point source, typical of hydrothermal chimney fields. Based on the mineral assemblage, the maximum fluid temperatures were ~260°C, near the boiling point for the water depths of the mound field (367–406 m). Lateral fluid flow within the mounds precipitated interstitial sphalerite, silica, and Pb minerals within a network of barite with disseminated sulfides; silica was the final phase to precipitate. The current low-temperature precipitation of Fe and Mn oxides and silica may represent rejuvenation of the system.

Description: Depletion of oxygen in lakes and reservoirs due to summer stratification has significant effects on many aspects of water chemistry, including lake productivity, elemental cycling and water quality. We have studied the redox conditions of Lake Texoma, a large impoundment lake on the border of Texas and Oklahoma, USA, formed from the confluence of the Red and Washita rivers, in order to understand the impact of summer anoxia on metal distribution. In summer, dissolved oxygen decreases with depth (from c. 7.0 to 0.1 mg/L), whereas dissolved (〈0.45 µm) Fe (and Fe 2+ ), Mn and HS – concentrations show complementary increases in the hypolimnion. Summer anoxia is, to a large degree, responsible for vertical variations in Fe and Mn concentrations, and Fe speciation is controlled by Fe-oxyhydroxide reduction and subsequent pyrite precipitation in sulphide-rich bottom waters. Summer anoxia is also responsible for vertical variations in the concentration of other metals including Ba, Pb and Ni in the deepest portion (main lake) of the lake. Lake Texoma and its two river arms show relatively minor variation in 34 S CDT (from +11.5 to +13.4), mirroring variation in Permian/Cretaceous marine gypsum and anhydrite deposits ( 34 S CDT +10 to +15) in the headwater regions of the catchment. Increasing 34 S CDT with depth (〉16 m) in the main lake is consistent with fractionation associated with sulphate reduction in anoxic bottom waters. 13 C PDB values of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) become more negative (from –2.5 to –8.2 ) with depth in summer, due to bacterial oxidation of organic matter linked to sulphate reduction. Summer anoxia may induce temporal degradation of water quality in the central three zones of the lake with elevated Fe and Mn concentrations owing to breakdown of oxyhydroxides and release of adsorbed heavy metals, such as Pb and Ni. However, complete turnover of the water column in the autumn lowers dissolved Fe, Mn and heavy metal concentrations by oxidation and formation of oxyhydroxides . The characterization of anoxia in Lake Texoma provides the background for further water quality research and management for the rapidly increasing population of North Texas and improves our understanding of redox cycling and metal mobility in reservoirs.

Description: We want to know when plate tectonics began and will consider any important Earth feature that shows significant temporal evolution. Kimberlites, the primary source of diamonds, are rare igneous features. We analyze their distribution throughout Earth history; most are young (~95% are younger than 0.75 Ga), but rare examples are found as far back as the Archean (older than 2.5 Ga). Although there are differing explanations for this age asymmetry (lack of preservation, lack of exposure, fewer mantle plumes, or lack of old thick lithosphere in the Archean and Proterozoic), we suggest that kimberlite eruptions are a consequence of modern-style plate tectonics, in particular subduction of hydrated oceanic crust and sediments deep into the mantle. This recycling since the onset of modern-style plate tectonics ca. 1 Ga has massively increased mantle CO 2 and H 2 O contents, leading to the rapid and explosive ascent of diamond-bearing kimberlite magmas. The age distribution of kimberlites, combined with other large-scale tectonic indicators that are prevalent only in the past ~1 Ga (blueschists, glaucophane-bearing eclogites; coesite- or diamond-bearing ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks; lawsonite-bearing metamorphic rocks; and jadeitites), indicates that plate tectonics, as observed today, has only operated for 〈25% of Earth history.

Description: The Sudbury Igneous Complex (SIC) and its associated mining camp is one of the largest Cu, Ni, PGE ore systems in the world. Due to a long history of mining (〉100 years), the SIC has been extensively explored making the discovery of new surface deposits difficult. This study explored the use of dendrochemical analysis as an economic means to locate deposits concealed by overburden. Tree cores combined with soil samples were collected and analyzed from two sites to provide a comparison between a known deposit (Broken Hammer) and a known contamination location (downwind site). Samples were collected from both White Pine (Pinus Strobus) and Scots Pine (Pinus Sylvestris) species, however White Pine proved to have a stronger affinity for the uptake of ore-associated metals (i.e., Cu, Ni, Fe, Co, Hg, Cd, Pb, Sb, S). Analyses of tree-core intervals revealed clear anthropogenic effects in the samples from both sites; however, due to the age of the trees the magnitude of these effects compared to pre-mining conditions could not be determined. The concentrations of S, Cu, Ni, Fe, Al, Pb and As in the downwind samples increased over time. On average, S increased from 6.37 to 8.98 ppm, Cu from 0.503 to 0.908 ppm, Ni from 0.605 to 1.18 ppm, Fe from 124 to 273 ppm, Al from 4.38 to 6.60 ppm and As from 0.008 to 0.012 ppm. Conversely, the concentrations of Cu, Fe, Ni, Al, S and As in the samples from Broken Hammer decreased over time. Copper decreased from 0.84 to 0.55 ppm, Fe from 2.45 to 1.19 ppm, Ni from 1.02 to 1.18 ppm, Al from 6.81 to 4.96 ppm, S from 7.62 to 7.57 ppm and As from 0.014 to 0.002 ppm. The total Pb concentration decreased over time in all samples from both sites. There were no trends in the Pb isotopic ratios with the exception of the 207 Pb/ 206 Pb. A comparison of the samples from each location revealed unique trends in the distribution of the data, which could suggest two sources. Soil (Ah and B horizon) collected proximal to the sampled trees near Broken Hammer showed the metal concentration increasing with depth. Copper averaged 33.6 – 187.9 ppm, whereas Ni had an even steeper trend, increasing from an average of 22.4 ppm–234.5. Sulphur and Hg also displayed a similar trend, however the difference was not as substantial. The highs and lows in concentration levels in the tree cores correspond to various historical events. During WWII (1939 – 1945), the Korean War (1950 – 1953) and the Vietnam war (1964 – 1973), the demand for Ni increased resulting in increased smelting activities and a spike in contamination levels. Conversely, the recession in the late 1970s early 1980s and the INCO strike in the late 1990s resulted in a decrease in Ni production and a drop in contamination levels. The distribution of metal concentrations at Broken Hammer indicates a lack of surface contamination and therefore a non-contaminated B-horizon. The higher concentrations in the B-horizon are anomalous to other studies in the Sudbury area suggesting a possible subsurface source. This is encouraging and the potential remains to develop a method for mineral exploration applications utilizing tree core samples, even in heavily mining impacted areas like the Sudbury.