Major, Volatile, Ore, and Trace Elements in Magmatic Melts in the Earth’s Dominant Geodynamic Settings. II. Similarities and Differences

Abstract

Based on the mean contents of elements and their standard deviations estimated in the first part of this contribution (Naumov et al., 2023), we compared in detail the geodynamic settings distinguished earlier. In order to compare the compositions of mafic melts, a correction was introduced for changes related to the fractionation of the main minerals. Using numerical criteria, the elements were arranged in a sequence of the increasing degree of compatibility during melting and crystallization, and regular variations in element contents normalized to the mean composition of oceanic-island melts were distinguished. The melts of mid-oceanic ridges show a monotonous increase in normalized contents from the most incompatible (Cs, Ba, U, La, etc.) to compatible elements (Sc, Ni, and Cr). The settings of convergent plate boundaries show relative enrichment in the most incompatible elements and significant negative Ta−Nb anomalies relative to neighboring elements. The magmas of continental rifts show the most significant enrichment in the most incompatible elements, as well as Pb, Li, and some other elements. Indicator element ratios showing significant variations between the settings were distinguished for mafic melts. Some element ratios are almost identical (within observed variations) in mafic melts from all the settings. The mean element ratios in mafic, intermediate, and silicic magmas show three types of behavior. Some ratios (including the canonic ratios Nb/Ta, Zr/Hf, etc.) in intermediate and silicic magmas are inherited from the composition of mafic melts. Some ratios show irregular changes from mafic to silicic melts (Sr/Cr, F/Th, etc.). Some other ratios change monotonously and significantly in the sequence from mafic to silicic melts (Ni/Yb, Lu/P, etc.). The variations in element ratios are related to the crystallization differentiation of melts and contributions of geochemically contrasting reservoirs.