Bimodal magmatism produced by progressively inhibited crustal assimilation 2 (PICA)

F.C. Meade, V.R. Troll, R.M. Ellam, C. Freda, L. Font Morales, C.H. Donaldson, I. Klonowska

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-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 microgranites are the result of extensive assimilation of trace element-enriched partial melts of local metasiltstones into mafic 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 restite compositions only, producing mafic intrusions and a pronounced compositional gap. Considering the frequency of bimodal magma suites in the North Atlantic Igneous Province, and the ubiquity of suitable crustal compositions, we propose progressively inhibited crustal assimilationâ ™ (PICA) as a major cause of bimodality in continental volcanism. © 2014 Macmillan Publishers Limited.
Original languageEnglish
Article number4199
JournalNature Communications
Volume5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014

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