Petrochemical evidence for the genesis of a Lower Carboniferous transitional basaltic suite in the Midland Valley of Scotland

Abstract

ABSTRACTStudies of the chemistry of Lower Carboniferous igneous rocks in the Midland Valley of Scotland throw light on the nature and magmatic evolution of transitional basaltic suites. Major oxide and trace element chemistry of least altered lavas of the Campsie Fells reveals a lower group of basalts, basaltic hawaiites and hawaiites, and an upper, more variable group, ranging from basalt to trachyte. Chemical composition of associated vent intrusions confirms their association with the lower group of flows. The magmatically evolved condition of the erupted material indicates high-pressure fractionation of clinopyroxene at depth followed by fractional crystallisation of olivine, plagioclase and Ti-Fe ores at lower pressures. In the case of the upper lavas, further differentiation appears to have taken place in a shallow magma chamber under a central volcano.The observed chemical variations in the Campsie Fells and other areas of Lower Carboniferousvolcanic activity can be attributed to a number of different factors during the evolution of the magmas. Detailed studies of the cumulative phases of the lavas may throw further light on the various stages involved.