Coexistence of abyssal and ultra-depleted SSZ type mantle peridotites in a Neo-Tethyan Ophiolite in SW Turkey: Constraints from mineral composition, whole-rock geochemistry (major-trace-REE-PGE), and Re-Os isotope systematics

Abstract

We present new, whole-rock major and trace element chemistry, including rare earth elements (REE), platinum-group elements (PGE), and Re-Os isotope data from the upper mantle peridotites of a Cretaceous Neo-Tethyan ophiolite in the Mugla area in SW Turkey. We also report extensive mineral chemistry data for these peridotites in order to better constrain their petrogenesis and tectonic environment of formation. The Mugla peridotites consist mainly of cpx-harzburgite, depleted harzburgite, and dunite. Cpx-harzburgites are characterized by their higher average CaO (2.27 wt.%), Al2O3 (2.07 wt.%), REE (53 ppb), and Os-187/Os-188((i)) ratios varying between 0.12497 and 0.12858. They contain Al-rich pyroxene with lower Cr content of coexisting spinel (Cr# = 13-22). In contrast, the depleted harzburgites and dunites are characterized by their lower average CaO (0.58 wt.%), Al2O3 (0.42 wt.%), and REE (1.24 ppb) values. Their clinopyroxenes are Al-poor and coexist with high-Cr spinel (Cr# = 33-83). The Os-187/Os-188((i)) ratios are in the range of 0.12078-0.12588 and are more unradiogenic compared to those of the cpx-harzburgites. Mineral chemistry and whole rock trace and PGE data indicate that formation of the Mugla peridotites cannot be explained by a single stage melting event; at least two-stages of melting and refertilization processes are needed to explain their geochemical characteristics. Trace element compositions of the cpx-harzburgites can be modeled by up to similar to 10-16% closed-system dynamic melting of a primitive mantle source, whereas those of the depleted harzburgites and dunites can be reproduced by similar to 10-16% open-system melting of an already depleted (similar to 16%) mantle. These models indicate that the cpx-harzburgites are the products of first-stage melting and low-degrees of melt-rock interaction that occurred in a mid-ocean ridge (MOR) environment. However, the depleted harzburgites and dunites are the product of second-stage melting and related refertilization which took place in a supra subduction zone (SSZ) environment. The Re-Os isotope systematics of the Mugla peridotites gives model age clusters of similar to 250 Ma, similar to 400 Ma and similar to 750 Ma that may record major tectonic events associated with the geodynamic evolution of the Neo-Tethyan. Rheic, and Proto-Tethyan oceans, respectively. Furthermore, >1000 Ma model ages can be interpreted as a result of an ancient melting event before the Proto-Tethys evolution. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.