Mineralogical and geochemical fingerprints of mantle metasomatism beneath Nyos volcano (Cameroon volcanic line)

M. I. Teitchou*, M. Grégoire, R. Temdjim, R. T. Ghogomu, C. Ngwa, F. T. Aka

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

20 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Basaltic lavas of Nyos volcano (Cameroon) mostly contain mantle peridotite xenoliths consisting of spinel-bearing lherzolites and harzburgites. Based on the trace-element patterns, especially rare earth element (REE) patterns, two groups of samples have been distinguished: group 1 samples are characterized by spoonshaped REE patterns, and group 2 samples show light (L) REE-enriched patterns. Mineralogical characteristics together with major-and trace-element compositions point to a low degree of partial melting (less than 5%) and metasomatic processes. The latter mechanism explains in particular the LREE content of bulk rocks and clinopyroxenes and the occurrence of hydrous minerals in some samples. All the metasomatic features observed in both groups of samples are related to more or less alkaline-and carbonated-mafic silicate melts. These melts are related to the magmatic activity of the Cameroon volcanic line, leading in particular to the eruption of the host lava xenoliths.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationVolcanism and evolution of the African lithosphere
EditorsLuigi Beccaluva, Gianluca Bianchini
Place of PublicationBoulder, Colo
PublisherGeological Society of America
Pages193-210
Number of pages18
ISBN (Print)9780813724782
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameSpecial Paper of the Geological Society of America
Volume478
ISSN (Print)00721077

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