Temporal and geochemical evolution of Miocene volcanism in the Andean back-arc between 36°S and 38°S and U-series analyses of young volcanic centers in the arc and back-arc, Argentina: constraints on the relations between volcanism and a changing tectonic regime

Charlotte Thorup Dyhr

Abstract

New 40Ar/39Ar, major and trace element, and Sr, Nd and Pb isotopic data for the c. 24-7 Ma volcanic rocks from the Andean back-arc (35°S – 38°S) in the Mendoza and Neuquén (Argentina) regions shed light on the Miocene evolution of the back-arc of the Southern Volcanic Zone. Incipient shallowing of the subducting slab at ca. 20 Ma is inferred. The eruption of 24-20 Ma alkali olivine basalt up to 500 km east of the trench marks the beginning of a long-lasting magmatic episode with widespread volcanism north of the Cortaderas lineament following a regional magmatic hiatus lasting from 39 Ma to 26 Ma. Geochemical characteristics indicate a back-arc mantle devoid of arc-like components and with a strong OIB-like signature. They erupted at a time of extension along the Andean margin. After 20 Ma, basaltic – trachyandesitic lavas with a more depleted isotopic and incompatible trace element signature and showing evidence of a weak, but temporally increasing, arc component in the mantle source were erupted in a contractional regime. The increasing arc-influence in lavas erupted up to 500 km east of the trench indicates a shallowing of the subducting zone. A long period of volcanic quiescence followed lasting from ~17 to ~9 Ma. The reoccurrence of extensive magmatism in the Sierra de Palaoco provides evidence for a retreat of the shallow subduction zone towards the west during the Late Miocene. Evidence for the ending of the time of flat subduction comes from major- and trace element chemistry and Nd-Sr-Pb isotopic compositions. The arc-like component that dominates the geochemistry of the Palaoco rocks is absent in both the Early Miocene and the Pliocene-Pleistocene in the same area.
Young volcanic Provinces in the main arc, retro-arc and back-arc are further investigated by U-series analyses which confirm the fluid-enriched nature of arc-related rocks (U-excess are found in most rocks) and the more OIB-like nature of the Payún Matrú complex (Th-exsess is observed in all rocks). The fluid addition to the mantle source is modeled revealing timescales of 10 – 100 ka for the fluid enrichment. For the back-arc lavas model ages of differentiation from basalt to trachybasalt are on the order of 100 ka.

Original languageEnglish
PublisherDepartment of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen
Number of pages233
Publication statusPublished - 2013

Cite this