Abstract:
The trace element compositions of eclogites, blueschists and mafic granulites from high-pressure terranes have been analysed to investigate element losses and fractionation that occur during dehydration of oceanic basalt in subduction zones. Abundances of elements that are suggested to be near-immobile (e.g., Nb, Zr, Ti), Sr-Nd isotopic compositions, and major element compositions indicate that most samples had altered MORB protoliths. The samples show only limited retrograde alteration, and cover a range in pressure-temperature conditions (1.2–4 GPa, 300–1000°C). In ratio diagrams, strong depletions (95–98%) of K, Rb and Ba relative to Nb and Th in most samples are obvious when compared with unaltered and altered MORB or ocean island basalts. The largest fraction of K, Rb and Ba appears to be lost at temperatures average arc front magma compositions. The low estimate for Sr confirms previous indications that contributions [page end] from average altered MORB cannot explain the Sr enrichment in arc lavas. Most of the Nd, heavy rare earth elements (REE), Y, high-field strength elements (HFSE) and compatible elements in primitive arc front magmas must be supplied by the depleted mantle wedge and a sedimentary component in arc lavas.