Bimodal magmatism produced by progressively inhibited crustal assimilation

Fiona Meade, Valentin Troll, Rob Ellam, C Freda, L Font, Colin Henry Donaldson, I Klonowska

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    The origin of bimodal (mafic-felsic) rock suites is a fundamental question in volcanology. Here we use major and trace elements, high-resolution Sr, Nd and Pb isotope analyses, experimental petrology and thermodynamic modelling to investigate bimodal magmatism at the iconic Carlingford Igneous Centre, Ireland. We show that early micro granites are the result of extensive assimilation of trace-element-enriched partial melts of local metasiltstones into magic magic parent magmas. Melting experiments reveal the crust is very fusible, but thermodynamic modelling indicates repeated heating events rapidly lower its melt-production capacity. Granite generation ceased once enriched partial melts could no longer form and subsequent magmatism incorporated less fertile restate compositions only, producing magic intrusions and a pronounced compositional gap.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1-11
    Number of pages11
    JournalNature Communications
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 20 Jun 2014

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