RHENIUM ABUNDANCES AND SYSTEMATICS IN OCEANIC BASALTS

Abstract

We have examined the systematics of Re abundances in concert with new and published data on major and trace elements in oceanic basalts. Re abundances in MORB average 927 ppt (parts per trillion), a factor of 2.6 higher than the OIB average (350 ppt). The variability of Re abundances in both MORB and 01B is only 45%, similar to moderately incompatible major and trace elements such as Ca, Al, and the heavy rare earths. The inferred mantle/melt partitioning behavior of Re is similar to Yb, and average Re/Yb ratios in MORB, O1B, and the continental crust are within 50% of each other. The Re/Yb ratios of the depleted mantle and continental crust are both lower than the primitive mantle.