Relation between alkalic volcanism and slab-window formation

Hole, M.J.; Rogers, G.; Saunders, A.D.; Storey, M.. 1991 Relation between alkalic volcanism and slab-window formation. Geology, 19 (6). 657-660. 10.1130/0091-7613(1991)019<0657:RBAVAS>2.3.CO;2

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Abstract/Summary

Ridge crest-trench interactions along continental destructive plate margins may result in the development of slab-free windows beneath the continental margin. Slab windows were generated at various locations along the Pacific margin of the Americas and the Antarctic Peninsula during the past 70 m.y. Slab-window formation is temporally and spatially associated with mafic, alkalic volcanism. Lavas erupted above the loci of slab windows are geochemically indistinguishable from some ocean-island, plume-related basalts. However, generation of slab-window basalts from deep-seated mantle plumes requires the fortuitous initiation of plume activity following cessation of subduction. Asthenospheric upwelling and associated decompressional melting following slab-window formation are probably promoted by removal of subducted oceanic lithosphere from beneath the continental margin following the cessation of subduction. Major lithospheric extension is not a prerequisite for alkalic volcanism in this case. The close association of subduction-related volcanism and within-plate alkalic volcanism within the geologic record may also be explained by this mechanism.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1130/0091-7613(1991)019<0657:RBAVAS>2.3.CO;2
ISSN:	0091-7613
Date made live:	09 May 2018 10:24 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/520001

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