Petrogenesis of the highly potassic 1.42 Ga Barrel Spring pluton, southeastern California, with implications for mid-Proterozoic magma genesis in the southwestern USA

Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology
By: , and 
Edited by: I. S. E. Carmichael

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Abstract

Syenites from the Barrel Spring pluton were emplaced in the Early Proterozoic Mojave crustal provine of southeastern California at 1.42 Ga. All rocks, even the most mafic, are highly enriched in incompatible elements (e.g. K2O 4–12 wt%, Rb 170–370 ppm, Th 12–120 ppm, La 350–1500xchondrite, La/Ybn 35–100). Elemental compositions require an incompatible element-rich but mafic (or ultramafic) source. Trace element models establish two plausible sources for Barrel Spring magmas: (1) LREE enriched garnet websterite with accessory apatite±rutile (enriched lithospheric mantle), and (2) garnet amphibolite or garnet-hornblende granulite with enriched alkali basalt composition, also with accessory apatite±rutile (mafic lower crust). Nd and Pb isotopic ratios do not distinguish a crust vs mantle source, but eliminate local Mojave province crust as the principal one, and indicate that generation of the enriched source occurred several hundred million years before emplacement of the Barrel Spring pluton. 1.40–1.44 Ga potassic granites are common in southeastern California, suggesting a genetic link between the Barrel Spring pluton and the granites; however, although the same thermal regime was probably responsible for producing both the granitic and syentic magmas, elemental and isotopic compositions preclude a close relationship. Isotopic similarity of the Barrel Spring pluton to 1.40–1.44 Ga granites emplaced in the Central Arizona crustal province to the east may imply that a common component was present in the lithosphere of these generally distinct regions.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Petrogenesis of the highly potassic 1.42 Ga Barrel Spring pluton, southeastern California, with implications for mid-Proterozoic magma genesis in the southwestern USA
Series title Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology
DOI 10.1007/BF01052868
Volume 118
Year Published 1994
Language English
Publisher Springer
Description 16 p.
First page 182
Last page 197
Country United States
State California
Other Geospatial Barrel Spring Pluton, Piute Mountains
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