Marty, B., Upton, B.G.J. and Ellam, R.M. (1998) Helium isotopes in early tertiary basalts, northeast Greenland: evidence for 58 Ma plume activity in the north Atlantic-Iceland volcanic province. Geology, 26(5), pp. 407-410. (doi: 10.1130/0091-7613(1998)026<0407:HIIETB>2.3.CO;2)
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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1998)026<0407:HIIETB>2.3.CO;2
Abstract
3He/4He ratios in olivine phenocrysts have been measured in 58 Ma basaltic lavas from the Hold with Hope region of northeast Greenland. These lavas constitute a part of the North Atlantic volcanic province. The samples exhibit a wide range of 3He/4He ratios between 1.7Ra and 21Ra (Ra =the atmospheric 3He/4He ratio =1.386 x 10-6), which is comparable to the previously recorded range for Quaternary Icelandic basalts. These He isotope variations may partly result from crustal assimilation, but 3He/4He ratios higher than those of mid-ocean-ridge basalts support early participation of plume-head material at the onset of volcanic activity in the North Atlantic volcanic province. As with the Deccan-Reunion plume and the Ethiopia-Afar plume, this long-term contribution of 3He-rich material is fully consistent with models that ascribe a deep (i.e., deeper than the convective mantle that drives plate tectonics) origin for plume-source material, but contradicts those that postulate a shallow-mantle origin for continental flood basalts and large igneous provinces.
Item Type: | Articles |
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Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Ellam, Professor Rob |
Authors: | Marty, B., Upton, B.G.J., and Ellam, R.M. |
Subjects: | G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences |
College/School: | College of Science and Engineering > Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre |
Journal Name: | Geology |
ISSN: | 0091-7613 |
ISSN (Online): | 1943-2682 |
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