11 Volcanology, Magmatism, Geochemistry

Thursday, 10 April 2014
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Cascades

THE CENTRAL ATLANTIC MAGMATIC PROVINCE: A VIEW FROM SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA MAFIC DIKES

Paper number: 11-10
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 3:55 PM – 4:15 PM

Authors

Abstract

The formation mechanism of the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP) has been hotly debated since it was suggested that a mantle plume was the primary mechanism for the breakup of Pangaea. Those favoring a more passive mechanism have cited the lack of geochemical evidence for the involvement of a mantle plume as well as no current hotspot. In addition mantle potential temperatures computed from primitive melts are too cold for the involvement of a mantle plume. Diabase dikes were sampled in Virginia for major and trace element data as well as Sr, Nd, and Pb isotopic ratios. AFC modelling and Zr/Y -Nb/Y (delta Nb) systematics were used to investigate mantle sources and to evaluate potential formation mechanisms for the LIP.