Lithos 122 (2011) 137–151

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Lithos
j o u r n a l h o m e p a g e : w w w. e l s ev i e r. c o m / l o c a t e / l i t h o s

40
Ar/39Ar ages and Sr–Nd–Pb–Os geochemistry of CAMP tholeiites from Western
Maranhão basin (NE Brazil)
Renaud Merle a,⁎, Andrea Marzoli a, Hervé Bertrand b, Laurie Reisberg c, Chrystèle Verati d,
Catherine Zimmermann c, Massimo Chiaradia e, Giuliano Bellieni a, Marcia Ernesto f
a
Dipartimento di Geoscienze, Università di Padova, via Gradenigo 6, 35100 Padova, Italy
b
Laboratoire des Sciences de la Terre, UMR-CNRS 5570, ENS Lyon et Université Lyon1, 46 Allée d'Italie, 69364 Lyon cedex 07, France
c
Centre de Recherches Pétrographiques et Géochimiques (CRPG), Nancy Université, CNRS, BP 20, 54501 Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy cedex, France
d
OCA, Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, UMR Géoazur, Parc Valrose, 06108 Nice, France
e
Section des Sciences de la Terre, Université de Genève, 13 rue des Maraîchers, 1205 Genève, Switzerland
f
Departamento de Geofisica, Instituto Astronomico, Geofisico e Ciencias Atmosfericas, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, 1226, São Paulo, CEP 05508-900, Brazil

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: The Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP), emplaced at the Triassic–Jurassic (T–J) boundary (~ 200 Ma),
Received 29 April 2010 is among the largest igneous provinces on Earth. The Maranhão basin in NE Brazil is located around 700 km
Accepted 20 December 2010 inland and 2000 km from the site of the earliest Pangea disruption. The CAMP tholeiites occur only in the
Available online 28 December 2010
western part of the basin and have been described as low and high-Ti. Here we document the occurrence of
two sub-groups among the high-Ti tholeiites in the Western Maranhão basin. The major and trace elements
Keywords:
CAMP
and the Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic ratios define three chemical groups corresponding to the low-Ti (TiO2 b 1.3 wt.%),
Osmium isotopes high-Ti (TiO2 ~ 2.0 wt.%) and evolved high-Ti (TiO2 N 3 wt.%) western Maranhão basin tholeiites (WMBT). The
SCLM new 40Ar/39Ar plateau ages obtained on plagioclase separates for high-Ti (199.7 ± 2.4 Ma) and evolved high-
Ti WMBT (197.2 ± 0.5 Ma and 198.2 ± 0.6 Ma) are indistinguishable and identical to those of previously
analyzed low-Ti WMBT (198.5 ± 0.8 Ma) and to the mean 40Ar/39Ar age of the CAMP (199 ± 2.4 Ma). We also
present the first Re–Os isotopic data for CAMP basalts. The low and high-Ti samples display mantle-like initial
(187Os/188Os)i ranging from 0.1267 to 0.1299, while the evolved high-Ti samples are more radiogenic ((187Os/
188
Os)i up to 0.184) We propose that the high-Ti WMBT were derived from the sub-lithospheric
asthenosphere, and contaminated during ascent by interaction with the subcontinental lithospheric mantle
(SCLM). The evolved high-Ti WMBT were derived from the same asthenospheric source but experienced
crustal contamination. The chemical characteristics of the low-Ti group can be explained by partial melting of
the most fertile portions of the SCLM metasomatized during paleo-subduction. Alternatively, the low-Ti
WMBT could be derived from the sub-lithospheric asthenosphere but the resulting melts may have
undergone contamination by the SCLM. The occurrences of high-Ti basalts are apparently not restricted to the
area of initial continental disruption which may bring into question previous interpretations such as those
relating high-Ti CAMP magmatism to the initiation of Atlantic ridge spreading or as the expression of a deep
mantle plume. We propose that the CAMP magmatism in the Maranhão basin may be attributed to local hotter
mantle conditions due to the combined effects of edge-driven convection and large-scale mantle warming
under the Pangea supercontinent. The involvement of a mantle-plume with asthenosphere-like isotopic
characteristics cannot be ruled out either as one of the main source components of the WMBT or as a heat
supplier.
© 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

1. Introduction
Many aspects of both the genesis and consequences of continental
flood basalt (CFB) volcanism remain poorly understood and contro-
versial, in particular the relationship between volcanism and
⁎ Corresponding author. Tel.: + 39 049 8279154; fax: + 39 049 8279134.
E-mail address: renmerle@yahoo.fr (R. Merle).
continental rifting or the development of hot spot tracks. The Central
Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP, Marzoli et al., 1999) is one of the
largest CFB provinces on Earth, extending more than 7500 km north
to south, on both sides of the central Atlantic Ocean over a surface in
excess of 107 km2 (Fig. 1; Marzoli et al., 1999; McHone, 2000). CAMP
emplacement occurred at the Triassic–Jurassic boundary with a peak
at ~199 Ma (40Ar/39Ar age) and distinct pulses of volcanic activity
occurring until about 190 Ma (Deckart et al., 1997; Jourdan et al.,
2009; Knight et al., 2004; Marzoli et al., 1999, 2004; Nomade et al.,

0024-4937/$ – see front matter © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.lithos.2010.12.010
138 R. Merle et al. / Lithos 122 (2011) 137–151

dyke
Sardinha formation: Faults sill and lava-flow
124-129 Ma (Parana CFB) craton (exposed)
Mosquito formation: Normal faults archaean
199 Ma (CAMP CFB)
250 km
Evolved high-Ti
Mesozoic sediments LTiB
tholeiite NORTH A
AMERICA Reguibat shield
Paleozoic sediments High-Ti tholeiite
Araguaia orogenic belt LTiB ?
(Brazilian orogen : 550-600 Ma) Low-Ti tholeiite
WEST AFRICA
Amazonian craton (>2.5Ga)
?
LTiB

4°S
HTiB Leo shield

C
Maranhão
CAMP flows
Guyana
shield LTiB
Amazonian
LTiB shield
SOUTH
AMERICA
Araguatins
Barro do Corda
Grajau
6°S
Tocantinopolis

Porto Franco
Fortaleza dos
Nogueiras
Surinam
French Guyana
Araguaina Cassipore
dyke swarms
Filadelfia
Maranhão
basin
Brazil
8°S

9°S
50°W 48°W 46°W 44°W

Fig. 1. A: General map of the circum-Atlantic regions at the time of CAMP emplacement and Pangea break-up (~200 Ma, modified after Deckart et al., 2005). The area where high-Ti
CAMP basalts were formerly recognized is shown by a dashed contour. Dykes of unknown age (Reguibat shield and Senegal) are represented by a dotted line. B: location of the
Maranhão Basin in South America. Also shown is the CAMP dyke swarm of Cassiporè. C: Schematic map of the Maranhão Basin with CAMP magmatism and sampling locations of
high-Ti, evolved high- and low-Ti rocks.

2007; Sebai et al., 1991; Verati et al., 2007). This magmatic event has
been linked to the break-up of Pangea leading to the initial opening of
the Central Atlantic Ocean in the Florida–Guyana–Liberia area (e.g.,
Bertrand, 1991; Bertrand et al., 1982; Cebria et al., 2003; De Min et al.,
2003; Dupuy et al., 1988; Nomade et al., 2007, Pegram, 1990, Verati
et al., 2005). Magmatism may have been induced either by the impact
of a plume head under the continental lithosphere (Cebria et al., 2003;
Courtillot et al., 1999; Ernst and Buchan, 2002; Hill, 1991; May, 1971;
Morgan, 1983; White and McKenzie, 1989; Wilson, 1997) or by heat
incubation under thick continental lithosphere and/or edge-driven
convection generated by thickness contrasts of different lithospheric
domains (Anderson, 1994; Coltice et al., 2007; De Min et al., 2003;
McHone, 2000).
The origin of the chemical characteristics of the CAMP basalts and
therefore the nature of their source(s) have been long debated. In the
CAMP, as in other CFB provinces, TiO2 concentrations are used to
define two types of tholeiites: prevailing low-Ti (TiO2 b 2.0 wt.%) and
occasional high-Ti tholeiites (TiO2 ≥ 2.0 wt.%). The low-Ti tholeiites
are widely distributed and differ fundamentally from normal mid-
ocean ridge basalts (N-MORB), having higher concentrations of light
Rare Earth elements (LREE), large ion lithophile elements (LILE) and
more enriched isotopic signatures. These chemical characteristics
were interpreted, by some authors, in terms of crustal contamination
of asthenospheric (MORB-type) melts (Dostal and Dupuy, 1984) or
derivation from an OIB-type plume-related mantle source (Janney
and Castillo, 2001). However, recent geochemical studies have
challenged this model (De Min et al., 2003; Deckart et al., 2005)
suggesting alternatively derivation from an enriched (metasoma-
tised) subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) source. This latter
model involves no or only limited crustal contamination during
magma ascent, without any interaction with OIB-type components
(Alibert, 1985; Bertrand, 1991; Bertrand et al., 1982; De Min et al.,
2003; Deckart et al., 2005; Dupuy et al., 1988; Heatherington and
Mueller, 1999, Pegram, 1990).
In contrast, high-Ti tholeiites were thought to be confined to a
narrow zone in northernmost South America (Guyana, Surinam and
the Cassiporé region of Brazil) and western Africa (Liberia, Sierra
Leone), contiguous to the sites of the first continental disruption of
Pangea (Fig. 1). Compared to the low-Ti group, these tholeiites have
distinct isotopic signatures, more akin to those of enriched MORB (E-
 R. Merle et al. / Lithos 122 (2011) 137–151
MORB) and are thought to originate in the asthenosphere (De Min
et al., 2003; Deckart et al., 2005; Dupuy et al., 1988). These spatial
and geochemical features have been interpreted to reflect a line of
preferential asthenospheric upwelling during a late CAMP stage,
isotopically transitional towards the forthcoming oceanic crust
(Deckart et al., 2005). Alternatively, this distribution could result
from preferential channelling of melts from a plume-related astheno-
spheric upwelling along lithospheric discontinuities.
Radiogenic isotope systematics (Sr–Nd–Pb) and 40Ar/39Ar geo-
chronology help to constrain the genesis and the mantle source(s) of
the CAMP. Improved geochronological data from the many poorly
dated CAMP occurrences is particularly useful, because the various
genetic models predict specific spatial age distributions. For instance,
if continental rifting is initiated by a plume head impacting beneath
the lithosphere, a radiating dyke swarm (May, 1971) and a time-
progression of ages away from the central plume head region (e.g.,
Ernst et al., 1995) are expected. In addition, a contribution of OIB-type
components may be expected in the isotopic composition of the CAMP
lavas if they are related to a mantle plume. Thus, new Sr, Nd and Pb
isotope data can help resolve the debate concerning the geodynamical
processes responsible for this volcanism, i.e. plume head (Cebria et al.,
2003; Courtillot et al., 1999; Morgan, 1983; Wilson, 1997) vs heat
incubation-related continental rifting (Coltice et al., 2007, 2009; De
Min et al., 2003; Deckart et al., 2005).
However, Sr–Nd–Pb systematics alone do not allow clear identi-
fication of the enriched component involved in the source of the low-
Ti basalts of many CFB, since contamination by upper continental
crust and metasomatised SCLM produce similar Sr–Nd–Pb signatures
(Carlson, 1991). In this study we employ the Re–Os isotopic system to
resolve this issue. The Re–Os compositions of crustal materials (high
Re/Os, thus high 187Os/188Os) are clearly distinct from those of
mantle-derived melts (low Re/Os, therefore low 187Os/188Os), in
particular, melts from the SCLM have very low 187Os/188Os (Shirey
and Walker, 1998). In consequence, the Re–Os system is a powerful
tool for tracing both crustal assimilation and the contribution of SCLM
to CFB. For example, Re–Os analyses of several CFB (Karoo, Ferrar,
Emeishan) have provided evidence for a SCLM component in their
sources (e.g., Brauns et al., 2001; Ellam, et al., 1992; Molzahn et al.,
1996; Xu et al., 2007).
This study presents the first Re–Os data for CAMP basalts, together
with major and trace element analyses, 40Ar/39Ar geochronology, and
Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes. We also report the first large scale occurrence of
high-Ti basalts sampled up to 2000 km south of the first continental
break-up area, in the western Maranhão basin where low-Ti tholeiites
and only one high-Ti sample have been previously documented
(Bellieni et al., 1990; De Min et al., 2003; Fodor et al., 1990). The
unique exposure of both high-Ti and low-Ti tholeiites in South
America far from the region of initial Pangea break-up is critical for
discussing: (1) whether the two tholeiitic types reflect different
mantle sources, contrasting magmatic processes, crustal interaction,
or some combination of these processes and (2) the relationship
between Pangea break-up and the genesis of the two magmatic
groups, in particular, the geodynamical process leading to the
emplacement of the high-Ti tholeiites far from the early Atlantic
Ocean.
2. Geological framework
2.1. Geology of the Maranhão basin
The Maranhão sedimentary basin is located in north-eastern
Brazil, ~ 700 km from the continental margin and approximately
250 km east of the Archean Brazilian craton (N2.5 Ga). The latter is
composed of greenstone belts, orogenic plutons and high grade
metamorphic rocks. The Maranhão basin extends over an area of
6 × 105 km2 and is related to Palaeozoic rifting and lithospheric
139
thinning (Almeida, 1986; Arora et al., 1999; de Oliveira and Mohriak,
2003; Petri and Fulfaro, 1983). This has affected the Late Proterozoic
Brazilian mobile belt (600–550 Ma, Trompette, 1994) which is
composed of metasediments metamorphosed in the amphibolite
facies. Rift structures occur at the NW margins of the Maranhão basin
(Fig. 1). Basin rifting may have been re-activated during of the first
stage of mid-Atlantic rifting during the Mesozoic (Arora et al., 1999).
The sedimentary fill of the basin is mainly composed of Silurian to Late
Permian rocks (conglomerates and sandstones) with a few Mesozoic
sediments (fine grained sandstones and clays) (Fig. 1). Triassic–early
Jurassic aeolian sandstones are interlayered with the CAMP tholeiites
which are locally covered by Middle–Late Jurassic sediments (Petri
and Fulfaro, 1983). The maximum thickness of the sediment fill in the
Maranhão basin reaches 2000 m (Almeida, 1986).
During Mesozoic times, the Maranhão Basin underwent wide-
spread basaltic magmatic activity associated with the two-stage
opening of the Atlantic Ocean adjacent to South America. Two
tholeiitic events are clearly distinguished in the Maranhão Basin
(Baksi and Archibald, 1997; Bellieni et al., 1990; Fodor et al., 1990).
Early Jurassic tholeiites crop out in the western part of the basin as
lava flows of low-Ti tholeiites (Baksi and Archibald, 1997; Bellieni
et al., 1990; Fodor et al., 1990) and are related to the opening of the
Central Atlantic Ocean (i.e., CAMP tholeiites; De Min et al., 2003). The
present-day exposures of these volcanic products are lava flows of the
stratoid Mosquito Formation (~ 40,000 km2 Bellieni et al., 1990; Fodor
et al., 1990). The CAMP basaltic pile reaches 175 m in the western side
of the basin (Almeida, 1986). Early Cretaceous tholeiites crop out in
the eastern part of the Maranhão Basin mainly as dykes and up to
400 m thick sills, constituting the Sardinha Formation (Bellieni et al.,
1990; Fodor et al., 1990). These rocks are mostly high-Ti tholeiites
yielding 40Ar/39Ar and K/Ar whole-rock ages of ~ 129–124 Ma. Two
altered samples yielded an apparent K/Ar whole-rock age of 144.1 ±
4.7 Ma (Baksi and Archibald, 1997; Bellieni et al., 1990; Fodor et al.,
1990), but this technique has been proven to be unreliable (Jourdan
et al., 2007a; Merle et al., 2009). The tholeiites from the Sardinha
Formation are considered as part of the Early Cretaceous Paranà-
Etendeka CFB, which is related to the opening of the Southern Atlantic
Ocean. It is worth noting that the CAMP CFB is not associated with
mafic-alkaline magmatism (i.e. lamproites, nephelinites, and kimber-
lites) contrary to others CFBs such as the Paranà-Etendeka (e.g.
Gibson et al., 1995), Karoo (see Jourdan et al., 2007b for a review) and
Siberia CFBs (e.g. Carlson et al., 2006).
2.2. Previous data on the western Maranhão basin tholeiites (CAMP
tholeiites)
The geochronology and petrology of the western Maranhão basin
tholeiites (WMBT) have been previously studied but few isotope data
are available. Step-heating 40Ar/39Ar ages obtained from whole-rock
and separated plagioclase range from 190.5 ± 1.6 Ma to 198.5 ±
0.8 Ma (Baksi and Archibald, 1997; Marzoli et al., 1999) which is con-
sistent with the main episode of South American CAMP magmatism,
mainly centered at 198 Ma (compilation of Nomade et al., 2007).
Among the WMBT, prevailing low-Ti tholeiites (1.2 N TiO2 N
0.8 wt.%) have been previously documented (Bellieni et al., 1990;
De Min et al., 2003; Fodor et al., 1990). These tholeiites are gen-
erally evolved (basalts and basaltic andesites), having 50 b SiO2 b
54 wt.% and 9 N MgO N 5 wt.% (De Min et al., 2003; Fodor et al.,
1990). The low-Ti WMBT are slightly enriched in the most
incompatible elements relative to the less incompatible elements,
and display strong negative Nb anomalies in primitive mantle
normalised multi-elements patterns (Fig. 4). The REE patterns are
moderately enriched in light REE (LREE) relative to middle REE
and heavy REE (LaCN/YbCN = 3.9–5.8; DyCN/YbCN = 1.1–1.4; LaCN/
Sm CN = 2.0–3.0; La CN/Ce CN = 1.1–1.4, chondritic normalization
values from Sun and McDonough, 1989). The composition of the
140 R. Merle et al. / Lithos 122 (2011) 137–151
only published WMBT sample with a relatively high TiO2 content
(~ 1.9 wt.%) is distinct from that of the other WMBT, in particular
being less enriched in LREE (LaCN/YbCN ≈ 2.3; DyCN/YbCN ≈ 1.4;
LaCN/SmCN ≈ 1.2; LaCN/CeCN ≈ 1) and having a less pronounced Nb
anomaly.
Sr–Nd initial isotope ratios are available for some WMBT. The Pb
isotopes measured by Fodor et al. (1990) cannot be taken into
consideration since they are not back calculated to 199 Ma. For the
low-Ti WMBT, the initial Sr and Nd isotope ratios (calculated at
199 Ma) are (87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.7061–0.7073, (143Nd/144Nd)i = 0.51222–
0.51242, εNd = −3.2 to 0.7 (De Min et al., 2003; Fodor et al., 1990).
These values are consistent with those of other low-Ti CAMP tholeiites
from South America (De Min et al., 2003; Deckart et al., 2005). These
isotopic signatures, combined with incompatible element ratios, have
been attributed to the melting of a subduction-related metasomatised
(enriched) SCLM and contamination by the upper crust (De Min et al.,
2003; Deckart et al., 2005) or interaction between a hypothetical hot-
spot and the SCLM (Fodor et al., 1990). The initial isotopic ratios of
the high-Ti CAMP tholeiites sampled in South America (dykes from
Guyana and Cassiporé state, NE-Brazil) are clearly different from
the low-Ti WMBT values: (143Nd/144Nd)i = 0.51260–0.51268 (εNdi =
+ 4.2 to + 5.8), (87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.70317–0.70508, (206Pb/204Pb)i =
17.97–18.49, (207Pb/204Pb)i = 15.46–15.64, (208Pb/204Pb)i = 37.66 –
38.10 (De Min et al., 2003; Deckart et al., 2005). They are con-
sistent with a source mainly composed of depleted asthenospheric
mantle and a subordinate EMII component (Zindler and Hart, 1986),
possibly modified by upper crustal contamination during magma
ascent (Deckart et al., 2005). For the single published high-Ti
WMBT sample, the initial isotopic ratios are (87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.70309
and (143Nd/144Nd)i = 0.51269 (εNdi = + 6.1; De Min et al., 2003).
3. The studied samples
All of the studied rocks were sampled in the western part of the
Maranhão Basin (Fig. 1; sampling coordinates are given in Table A1 in
the annexe). In this study, together with the low-Ti basalts, we
document the occurrence of two sub-groups among the high-Ti
tholeiites in the Western Maranhão basin.
While low-Ti rocks (lava flows) are the most widespread in the
entire western Maranhão Basin and attain a lava pile thickness of
about 170 m (Almeida), high-Ti rocks outcrop as a few thick lava
flows near the town of Araguaina. Evolved high-Ti rocks, inferred to be
dykes, were sampled in a very restricted area about 200 km to the
south of the main CAMP lava flow outcrops. Due to sparse exposure
and a generally smooth topography it was not possible to define
stratigraphic relationships among the three rock groups.
Three textural groups were distinguished, corresponding to the
three chemical groups (low-Ti, high-Ti and evolved high-Ti tholeiites,
respectively; see Major and trace elements section). Despite being the
Table 1
Summary of Maranhão geochronological data.
Sample Geochemical group Isochron age ± 2σ MSWD
M10 Evolved high-Ti 196.9 ± 1.0 2.1
M12 Evolved high-Ti 198.0 ± 1.2 1.3
M15 High-Ti 199.2 ± 1.0 0.02
The irradiation standard is the Hb3gr hornblende, with an age of 1072 Ma (Jourdan et al., 2006; Turner et al., 1971).
Plateau age calculation uses the mean weighted by the inverse variance of the percent of 39Ar of each step.
a
(40/36Ar)i intercept in the inverse isochron diagram.
b
Range of 37ArCa/39ArK for the plateau fraction. Related mean Ca/K = 37ArCa/39ArK × 1.83.
c
Age uncertainty for plateau age includes the error on the 40Ar/39Ar ratio of the monitors, but not the error on the age of the monitor.
d
Gas fraction which defines the plateau age.
e
Temperature steps used for isochron and plateau age calculations.
most widespread, the low-Ti tholeiites are fairly uniform petrographi-
cally (see mineral analyses in Table A2). They are fine-grained rocks,
having a slightly porphyritic texture carrying pheno- to micropheno-
crystals of clinopyroxene, plagioclase and very rare olivine. The
groundmass is composed of plagioclase, clinopyroxene and the Fe–Ti
oxides magnetite and ilmenite. The high-Ti basalts are coarse-grained
rocks, displaying a doleritic texture. They contain augite, zoned
plagioclase and very rare olivine phenocrysts. Oxides and pigeonite
occur as microphenocrysts. The evolved high-Ti rocks display a
porphyritic texture with mm-sized, strongly zoned plagioclase
phenocrysts. Oxides are rather large (up to about 200 μm) and have
Ti-magnetite composition. Augite and pigeonite are, except for a few
microphenocrysts, limited to the groundmass.
Regardless of the chemical group, the altered samples display
the same features such as olivine transformation to iddingsite and
clays, chloritisation of pyroxene, sericitization of plagioclase and
crystallisation of zeolites, carbonates and oxides-hydroxides in the
groundmass.
4. Results
Details of all the analytical techniques are available in the
electronic annexes.
40
4.1. Ar/39Ar ages
Three of the freshest samples, containing sufficiently large
plagioclase crystals, were selected for 40Ar/39Ar geochronology; two
evolved high-Ti tholeiites (M10 and M12) and one high-Ti tholeiite
(M15). Results of individual analyses are summarized in Table 1.
The high-Ti sample M10 yields a well-defined plateau age at
197.2 ± 0.5 Ma (2σ), concordant with the isochron age of 196.9 ±
1.0 Ma (Table 1, Fig. 2), and representing more than 96% of total
released 39Ar. The 37ArCa/39ArK spectrum associated with the plateau
age displays a relatively flat pattern, with values ranging from 14.9
to 17.0, concordant with microprobe Ca/K analyses (restricted peak
at 37ArCa/39ArK = 18 in the probability density distribution, Fig. 2).
The inverse isochron age is concordant with this plateau age, and
yields atmospheric initial 40Ar/36Ar (295.5). Therefore, this plateau
age is considered to be a crystallization age.
Sample M12 yields a plateau age of 198.2 ± 0.6 Ma, with 84% of the
total 39Ar. One younger step at 1200 °C is not concordant with the
plateau age within a 2σ confidence level. The statistically robust
isochron age for M12 (198.0 ± 1.2 Ma; MSWD = 1.3) is concordant
with the plateau age and yields atmospheric initial 40ArCa/36Ar.
Although the statistical distribution of the microprobe Ca/K (trans-
lated to 37ArCa/39ArK) is more scattered than that of M10, with three
different peaks at 13, 16 and 19 (Fig. 2B), the related 37ArCa/39ArK
spectrum (values from 14.5 to 17.5) remains concordant with
(40Ar/36Ar)ia ± 2σ 37
ArCa/39ArKb Ca/K Plateau agec ± 2σ %39Ard T° stepse
314 ± 60 14.9–17.0 ~ 30 197.2 ± 0.5 96.5 800 °C-Fuse
MSWD = 1.6
284 ± 62 14.5–17.1 ~ 30 198.2 ± 0.6 91.0 880 °C-Fuse (one step
MSWD = 1.3 at 1200 excepted)
308 ± 13 71.2–91.3 ~ 145 199.7 ± 2.4 69.0 750 °C–950 °C
MSWD = 0.0
 R. Merle et al. / Lithos 122 (2011) 137–151 141

0 100 0 100 0 100

Fig. 2. A: 40Ar/39Ar age spectra and 37ArCa/39ArK spectra, as a function of %39Ar released. The error boxes of each step are at the 1σ level. Arrows show the plateau age fraction. Error of
the plateau ages is given at the 2σ level. For samples M10 and M12, the 37ArCa/39ArK ranges of the plagioclase deduced from electron microprobe Ca/K data are reported (grey fields),
as well as related peak values from B shown by dotted lines. Microprobe Ca/K peak value from the plagioclase of the high-Ti basalt M13 is reported on the M15 37ArCa/39ArK spectrum
(see text for explanation). B: Probability density distribution of 37ArCa/39ArK for samples M10 and M12 calculated from electron microprobe Ca/K data. The Ca/K ratio is proportional
to the 37ArCa/39ArK ratio (with the relationship Ca/K = 1.83 x 37ArCa/39ArK). n = number of electron microprobe analyses. Analytical details and complete data set are available in the
online data set.

microprobe values. This dispersal of microprobe Ca/K is due to the
zoning of the plagioclase (An71 to An55) rather than to post-magmatic
alteration (sericitization), since the decrease of 37ArCa/39ArK with
decreasing apparent age that would be expected in case of alteration
is not observed. Therefore, the plateau age of 198.2 ± 0.6 Ma is
considered to be valid.
Sample M15 shows a mini-plateau age at 199.7 ± 2.4 Ma (69% of
39
Ar; according to the adopted definition, a plateau age requires at
least 70% of 39Ar), concordant with the isochron age (Fig. 2, Table 1).
The 37ArCa/39ArK spectrum displays high values (71–92 for the plateau
fraction), consistent with the high Ca/K of the anorthite-rich (An88-60)
plagioclase of the high-Ti WMBT. The mini-plateau age of M15
probably corresponds to unaltered plagioclase because it is related to
the highest 37ArCa/39ArK. Lower apparent ages for the high tempera-
ture steps are linked to (1) K-rich alteration phases, i.e. sericite, and
(2) high atmospheric contamination (up to 10%).
These three plagioclase bulk samples of evolved high- and high-Ti
WMBT yield concordant plateau and mini-plateau ages, which are
interpreted as emplacement ages.
4.2. Major and trace elements
Samples from the western Maranhão basin are fresh to slightly
altered (Table 2). Three low-Ti samples displaying more than 4%
LOI (loss on ignition) are not considered further. Compositions of
samples with LOI b 4 wt.% range from basalt to basaltic andesite and
plot in the tholeiitic field on the total alkali-silica diagram (Fig. A1). No
primitive samples were found, as shown by the relatively low MgO
(2.6 b MgO b 7.9 wt.%) and compatible trace element contents (e.g.,
Ni = 18–103 ppm).
On a TiO2 vs Mg# diagram (Fig. 3), three groups are distinguished:
low-Ti (TiO2 b 1.3 wt.%; 5.6 b MgO b 7.9 wt.%), high-Ti (TiO2 ≈ 2.0 wt.%;
6.6 b MgO b 7.2 wt.%) and evolved high-Ti tholeiites (TiO2 = 3.4–
3.7 wt.%; 2.6 b MgO b 2.7 wt.%). The tholeiites of the evolved high-Ti
group are the most differentiated among the sampled rocks and the
other high-Ti basalts from the rest of the CAMP (e.g., lower Mg#;
Fig. 3).
The three chemical groups are also clearly identified in terms of
other major and trace element contents and display different
evolutionary trends (Figs. A2, A3, A4). In the low-Ti group, TiO2,
FeOt, Na2O and K2O increase whereas CaO and Al2O3 decrease with
decreasing MgO, suggesting low-pressure clinopyroxene and plagio-
clase fractionation (Figs. A2 and A3). The chemical evolution of the
evolved high- and high-Ti groups is difficult to constrain, given the
small number of samples and the apparent homogeneity of each
group. However, evolved high-Ti basalts are strongly depleted in
Al2O3 and CaO compared to the other groups, which can be related to
dominant plagioclase and clinopyroxene fractionation. The high-Ti
basalts are characterized by lower SiO2 and higher FeO relative to the
low-Ti samples with similar MgO (Fig. A2). Olivine fractionation likely
occurred in order to explain the low Ni and Co contents in the samples
from the three chemical groups.
 142
Table 2
Major and trace elements analyses.

Sample M10 M11A M11B M12 M13 M15 M2 M3 M4 M5 M6 M16 M17 M18 M19 M19A M21 M22 M23 M24 M25 M26 M27

Group Evolved Evolved Evolved Evolved High-Ti High-Ti Low-Ti Low-Ti Low-Ti Low-Ti Low-Ti Low-Ti Low-Ti Low-Ti Low-Ti Low-Ti Low-Ti Low-Ti Low-Ti Low-Ti Low-Ti Low-Ti Low-Ti
high-Ti high-Ti high-Ti high-Ti

SiO2 (%Wt) 51.33 50.67 51.70 51.53 47.30 47.43 51.88 51.07 51.98 52.37 51.55 50.68 48.74 49.14 50.49 51.13 53.90 51.47 53.53 50.85 50.57 51.02 50.02
TiO2 3.24 3.51 3.28 3.39 2.03 2.05 1.15 1.08 1.23 1.15 0.99 1.09 1.03 0.99 1.07 1.07 1.21 1.06 1.11 1.12 1.05 1.13 1.02
Al2O3 12.34 12.40 12.43 12.29 13.73 13.87 14.04 14.00 13.60 14.01 14.31 14.35 14.03 13.86 14.68 14.70 13.88 13.98 13.81 13.88 14.37 13.68 13.70
FeO* 14.98 15.09 14.41 14.82 12.65 13.50 9.88 9.87 10.15 9.76 9.31 9.46 9.25 8.95 9.23 9.28 9.88 9.65 9.71 9.69 9.61 9.85 9.63
MnO 0.24 0.24 0.25 0.24 0.27 0.23 0.17 0.18 0.15 0.16 0.17 0.14 0.16 0.13 0.14 0.15 0.15 0.17 0.16 0.16 0.15 0.16 0.16
MgO 2.56 2.64 2.52 2.55 6.89 6.37 7.03 7.42 6.17 6.31 7.06 7.14 7.52 7.20 7.68 7.68 5.53 6.84 6.09 6.86 6.67 6.96 7.63
CaO 6.71 6.93 6.63 6.76 9.69 9.90 9.46 9.92 8.90 9.91 10.21 10.58 10.87 10.98 10.94 10.95 9.25 10.17 9.77 10.18 10.12 10.29 10.17
Na2O 2.56 2.55 2.58 2.54 2.26 2.30 2.08 2.11 2.11 2.13 2.03 2.05 1.55 1.79 1.95 1.98 2.46 1.95 2.25 2.28 2.47 2.40 2.39
K2O 1.37 1.21 1.43 1.29 0.28 0.30 1.01 0.86 0.98 0.94 0.79 0.75 0.36 1.00 0.70 0.63 1.49 0.91 1.05 0.97 0.93 0.93 0.78
P2O5 0.80 0.76 0.82 0.80 0.15 0.17 0.14 0.13 0.15 0.15 0.12 0.13 0.11 0.11 0.13 0.13 0.17 0.13 0.16 0.12 0.13 0.12 0.11
L.O.I. 2.34 2.42 2.30 2.32 3.52 2.61 2.61 2.52 3.27 2.07 2.38 2.66 5.39 5.12 2.59 2.36 2.00 3.58 1.97 3.42 3.02 3.12 4.40

R. Merle et al. / Lithos 122 (2011) 137–151

Tot 99.08 99.09 98.95 99.11 99.22 99.22 99.82 99.38 99.05 99.28 99.16 99.44 99.37 99.66 99.84 100.28 100.30 100.06 99.99 99.78 99.50 99.94 100.38
Sc (ppm) 16 13 15 16 23 23 27 19 22 22 17 16 19 9 20 17 22 18 23 20 19 25 23
V 241 273 242 252 440 440 268 258 286 266 243 276 248 270 258 244 276 252 254 268 262 267 263
Cr 9 7 b6 9 65 67 170 188 96 150 202 271 267 263 318 314 88 188 162 263 163 303 318
Co 39 41 37 42 53 54 47 46 47 46 45 51 43 43 56 51 42 52 46 54 47 46 50
Ni 18 22 19 21 104 93 73 77 50 67 79 82 77 76 95 86 56 76 66 64 69 66 72
Rb 42 – 46 42 5 6 – 29 35 – 27 – – – 19 – – – 28 – – 31 –
Sr 291 – 306 310 207 210 – 171 169 – 170 – – – 174 – – – 186 – – 261 –
Y 85 – 83 85 29 31 – 23 26 – 22 – – – 22 – – – 23 – – 22 –
Zr 535 – 551 438 112 107 – 98 109 – 89 – – – 87 – – – 101 – – 84 –
Nb 28 – 27 26 6 6 – 8 9 – 7 – – – 7 – – – 7 – – 5 –
Ba 426 – 467 460 76 87 – 214 233 – 191 – – – 172 – – – 195 – – 222 –
La 41.02 – 40.51 35.22 6.63 7.33 – 11.12 13.84 – 10.71 – – – 9.49 – – – 10.70 – – 9.28 –
Ce 100.24 – 101.25 90.46 17.59 19.29 – 24.70 30.12 – 22.89 – – – 21.13 – – – 24.58 – – 21.52 –
Pr 14.06 – 14.42 12.21 2.76 3.05 – 3.07 3.80 – 2.97 – – – 2.81 – – – 3.02 – – 2.70 –
Nd 66.62 – 65.93 55.49 13.50 14.95 – 13.46 16.75 – 13.01 – – – 12.23 – – – 12.84 – – 11.57 –
Sm 16.66 – 16.45 13.58 3.90 4.31 – 3.41 4.15 – 3.22 – – – 3.13 – – – 3.15 – – 2.94 –
Eu 4.95 – 5.00 4.03 1.44 1.55 – 1.07 1.23 – 1.05 – – – 1.04 – – – 1.02 – – 1.00 –
Gd 17.43 – 18.26 15.11 4.55 5.10 – 3.81 4.67 – 3.61 – – – 4.20 – – – 4.40 – – 4.06 –
Tb 2.72 – 2.64 2.12 0.75 0.86 – 0.63 0.78 – 0.62 – – – 0.60 – – – 0.59 – – 0.55 –
Dy 15.67 – 15.16 12.14 4.62 5.23 – 3.92 4.81 – 3.87 – – – 3.74 – – – 3.75 – – 3.43 –
Ho 2.92 – 2.81 2.24 0.90 1.03 – 0.79 0.98 – 0.78 – – – 0.75 – – – 0.74 – – 0.69 –
Er 7.98 – 7.67 6.08 2.56 2.88 – 2.29 2.86 – 2.24 – – – 2.16 – – – 2.16 – – 2.01 –
Tm 1.07 – 1.02 0.80 0.34 0.39 – 0.33 0.41 – 0.31 – – – 0.30 – – – 0.30 – – 0.28 –
Yb 6.67 – 6.32 4.97 2.17 2.43 – 2.13 2.67 – 2.02 – – – 1.97 – – – 1.91 – – 1.80 –
Lu 0.95 – 0.90 0.69 0.31 0.35 – 0.31 0.40 – 0.30 – – – 0.28 – – – 0.28 – – 0.26 –
Hf 13.41 – 13.71 11.61 3.05 3.17 – 2.59 3.12 – 2.42 – – – 2.34 – – – 2.59 – – 2.32 –
Pb 6.09 – 5.67 5.62 0.91 1.01 – 3.59 4.38 – 3.34 – – – 2.68 – – – 3.56 – – 3.43 –
Th 4.31 – 4.31 2.65 0.55 0.59 – 2.42 3.05 – 2.37 – – – 1.87 – – – 2.22 – – 1.76 –
U 1.39 – 1.40 1.30 0.17 0.18 – 0.60 0.71 – 0.56 – – – 0.39 – – – 1.16 – – 0.34 –

Major elements, compatible trace elements and Y, Nb, Zr, Rb, Sr, Ba analyzed by XRF; REE, U, Pb, Th and Hf analyzed by ICP–MS. FeO* refers to total iron.
 R. Merle et al. / Lithos 122 (2011) 137–151 143

6.0
LILE compared to the other incompatible elements leading to a steep
pattern. The high-Ti basalts exhibit incompatible element patterns
5.0 comparable to those of enriched MORBs (e.g., nearly flat pattern) and
Low-Ti WMBT
CAMP high-Ti High-Ti WMBT
the weakest Nb and Pb anomalies among WMBT rocks. The evolved
4.0 Evolved high-Ti WMBT high-Ti tholeiites show the highest incompatible element contents
TiO2 (Wt%)

but display only a moderate enrichment in the most incompatible

3.0 elements relative to the less incompatible ones. These patterns also
show clear negative Sr and Ti anomalies, indicative of plagioclase and
2.0 Fe–Ti oxide fractionation, respectively.
The REE patterns of the low-Ti and high-Ti tholeiites overlap the
respective fields of low- and high-Ti WMBT previously documented
1.0
(De Min et al. 2003; Fodor et al., 1990). The high-Ti group presents
CAMP low-Ti nearly flat REE patterns (Fig. 4B), particularly for the light REEs (LaCN/
0.0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 CeCN = 0.97–0.98; LaCN/SmCN = 1.1; LaCN/YbCN ≈ 2.2). The evolved
Mg # high-Ti tholeiites are the most enriched in REE and display patterns
with higher LREE/HREE ratios (LaCN/CeCN = 1.01–1.06; LaCN/SmCN =
Fig. 3. TiO2 vs Mg# diagram for WMBT. Fields of low-, high-CAMP tholeiites from De 1.6–1.7; LaCN/YbCN = 4.4–5.1) except for the slight negative Eu
Min et al. (2003), Deckart et al. (2005), Dupuy et al. (1988), Jourdan et al. (2003), anomalies related to plagioclase fractionation. The patterns of the
Nomade et al. (2002), Verati et al. (2005). The data have been recalculated to volatile
free values; cumulative rocks have been excluded. Mg# = Mg2+/(Mg2++ Fe2+). Thick
low-Ti basalts are more enriched in light REE (LaCN/CeCN = 1.11–1.21;
grey arrows: differentiation trends. LaCN/SmCN = 2.0–2.2; LaCN/YbCN = 3.5–4.0) and show minor negative
Eu anomalies. The three chemical groups display slightly fractionated
heavy REE patterns with an increasing slope from the low-Ti (DyCN/
The three chemical groups show common features on primitive YbCN = 1.2–1.3) to the high-Ti (DyCN/YbCN ≈ 1.4) and the high-Ti
mantle normalized trace elements diagrams (Fig. 4A), such as group (DyCN/YbCN ≈ 1.6).
moderate enrichment of the most incompatible elements and positive
Pb and negative Nb anomalies. However, each of the three groups also
displays distinctive characteristics, for example in terms of LILE vs REE 4.3. Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic ratios
ratios. The low-Ti group shows a particularly strong enrichment in
Table 3 presents results from six samples selected for Sr–Nd–Pb
isotopic analyses: two low-Ti (M19 and M26), two high-Ti (M13 and
A M15) and two evolved high-Ti tholeiites (M10 and M12). All the
ratios discussed below are initial values calculated at 199 Ma. As for
100 the major and trace elements, the isotopic ratios of the three chemical
groups are distinct, although those of the high- and the evolved high-
Rock/Primitive mantle

Ti groups display similarities. The low-Ti group displays more

radiogenic initial Pb and Sr isotopic ratios and less radiogenic Nd
signatures than the two other groups (Figs. 5 and 6). The initial
isotopic ratios of these samples are similar to those of previously
analyzed low-Ti WMBT (De Min et al., 2003) as well as to other low-Ti
10 CAMP basalts (Figs. 5 and 6). The low-Ti WMBT display radiogenic
207
Pb/204Pb (15.61–15.62) for relatively low 206Pb/204Pb (18.11–
Average E-MORB 18.17), moderate 208Pb/204Pb (38.02–38.30), high Sr and low Nd
initial ratios (87Sr/86Sr = 0.70616–0.70713, εNd = − 1.92 and − 1.93).
The high-Ti basalts yield substantially lower Sr and Pb initial ratios
Rb Ba Th U K Nb La Ce Pb Sr Nd P Zr Sm Eu Ti Gd Dy Y Er Yb (87Sr/86Sr = 0.70300–0.70306, 206Pb/204Pb = 17.85–17.94, 207Pb/
204
Pb = 15.50–15.52, 208Pb/204Pb = 37.75–37.80) and higher Nd ra-
B tios (εNd = + 6.19 and + 6.43). These isotopic compositions are
similar to that of the other high-Ti WMBT (De Min et al., 2003, Figs. 5
Low-Ti WMBT
and 6). The high-Ti WMBT also yield positive Δ7/4 (distance above the
High-Ti WMBT NHRL, Fig. 5), which are however lower than for the low-Ti group and
100 Evolved high-Ti WMBT close to the field of the high-Ti CAMP tholeiites.
Rock/Chondrite

The evolved high-Ti basalts have initial isotopic ratios similar to

those of the high-Ti group (εNd = + 5.63 and + 6.02, 206Pb/
204
Pb = 18.00–18.03; 208Pb/204Pb = 37.73–37.85) except for slightly
lower 207Pb/204Pb (207Pb/204Pb = 15.48–15.49) and slightly higher
87
Sr/86Sr (87Sr/86Sr = 0.70341–0.70356). These signatures are similar
to those of other high-Ti CAMP tholeiites (Figs. 5 and 6).
high-Ti WMBT field
(previous studies) The Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions of the three WMBT chemical
10 low-Ti WMBT field
(previous studies) groups are distinct from those of Central Atlantic OIB (Cape Verde,
Fernando de Noronha and Ascension) that could have been in the
La Ce Pr Nd Pm Sm Eu Gd Tb Dy Ho Er Tm Yb Lu required paleogeographic position at 200 Ma to initiate the CAMP
magmatism (e.g., Hill, 1991; Wilson, 1997). The high-Ti and evolved
Fig. 4. A: Incompatible element patterns of the WMBT. Normalisation values for the high-Ti WMBT plot in the field of the pre-120 Ma Atlantic oceanic
primitive mantle, chondrite and average value for E-MORB are from Sun and
McDonough (1989). B: Rare Earth element patterns of the WMBT. Light grey field:
crust (Janney and Castillo, 2001) in the Pb–Pb and Pb–Sr isotopic
previously studied low-Ti WMBT. Data from De Min et al., 2003 and Fodor et al., 1990. diagrams, but have slightly less radiogenic Nd isotopic ratios (Figs. 5
Thick grey line: a previously studied high-Ti WMBT (De Min et al., 2003). and 6).
144 R. Merle et al. / Lithos 122 (2011) 137–151

Table 3
Sr–Nd–Pb isotope ratios.
87
Sr/86Sr Error 87
Sr/86Sr 143
Nd/ Error 143
Nd/ (εNd)i 206
Pb/ Error 206
Pb/ 207
Pb/ Error 207
Pb/ 208
Pb/ Error 208
Pb/
144 144 204 204 204 204 204 204
Nd Nd Pb Pb Pb Pb Pb Pb

Measured (± 2σ) Initial Measured (± 2σ) Initial Measured (± 2σ) Initial Measured (± 2σ) Initial Measured (± 2σ) Initial

M10 0.704440 0.000008 0.703409 0.512867 0.000008 0.512670 5.63 18.476 0.002 18.031 15.511 0.002 15.488 38.183 0.006 37.729
M12 0.704414 0.000006 0.703556 0.512883 0.000008 0.512690 6.02 18.455 0.002 18.003 15.500 0.002 15.477 38.158 0.004 37.855
M13 0.703184 0.000002 0.703000 0.512939 0.000010 0.512711 6.43 18.209 0.026 17.847 15.515 0.022 15.496 38.138 0.054 37.752
M15 0.703242 0.000006 0.703062 0.512926 0.000008 0.512699 6.19 18.284 0.026 17.940 15.535 0.022 15.518 38.183 0.056 37.805
M19 0.706943 0.000004 0.706155 0.512485 0.000010 0.512284 − 1.92 18.400 0.0006 18.112 15.628 0.0004 15.613 38.471 0.001 38.021
M26 0.707985 0.000004 0.707129 0.512483 0.000010 0.512283 − 1.93 18.366 0.006 18.168 15.631 0.004 15.621 38.632 0.012 38.300

(εNd)i were calculated related to the CHUR at 199 Ma using the present day values for CHUR:
(143Nd/144Nd)chur = 0.512638, 147Sm/144Nd = 0.1967, (Jacobsen and Wasserburg, 1980).

U 4.4. Os isotopic results

n

15.7 HIM
chro

EM II
Geo

Fd
N
A
All the samples analyzed for Sr–Nd–Pb initial isotope ratios were
15.6 also selected for Re–Os isotopic analyses. Measured Os isotopic ratios,
CV related uncertainties, Os and Re concentrations and initial ratios are
(207Pb/204Pb)i

reported in Table 4. All the Os ratios discussed below are initial values
15.5
EM I calculated at 199 Ma.
187
Os/188Os ratios have been plotted against 187Re/188Os in a
15.4 RL whole-rock isochron diagram (Fig. 7). Despite the fact that the three
M NH
DM groups of WMBT were probably not cogenetic (see discussion below),
the data from samples of the low-Ti and high-Ti groups define an
15.3
apparent isochron yielding an age of 198.9 ± 7.6 Ma (MSWD = 0.81;
Probability = 0.44) with initial 187Os/188Os = 0.1284 ± 0.0039. This
15.2 age is indistinguishable from the 40Ar/39Ar ages of the samples
HIMU (199 Ma), suggesting that the Re–Os system was not disturbed after
the eruption of the CAMP basalts, and that the initial ratios back-
EM II N CV
Fd calculated to 199 Ma have a real geological significance. The two
A
evolved high-Ti samples have higher 187Re/188Os ratios and more
39
radiogenic measured 187Os/188Os ratios, and plot within error of
(208Pb/204Pb)i

(sample M12) or slightly above (sample M10) the apparent isochron

defined by the other samples.
EM I
Low-Ti CAMP Initial 187Os/188Os of the low-Ti and high-Ti WMBT display
38
High-Ti CAMP restricted variations. Samples M13, M15, M19 and M26 have
Low-Ti WMBT indistinguishable values, ranging from 0.1267 ± 0.0044 to 0.1299 ±
0.0033. The Os concentrations are lower for the low-Ti (26.5–
RL Evolved high-Ti WMBT

DMM NH High-Ti WMBT 57.7 ppt) compared to the high-Ti basalts (70.5–104.6 ppt). This
37 may be related to distinct stages of magmatic differentiation since the
Pre-120 Ma Atlantic crust
Post-120 Ma Atlantic crust high-Ti group have higher Ni contents (Table 2). There is no
0.708 correlation between initial 187Os/188Os and Os concentration. The
EM II initial Os isotope ratios of the low- and high-Ti basalts are close to the
0.707 estimated value of the hypothetical Primitive Upper Mantle (Fig. 8;
PUM199Ma = 0.1281 ± 0.0008; based on present-day PUM ratio of
(87Sr/86Sr)i

0.706
0.1296 from Meisel et al., 2001), but are slightly less radiogenic than
those of most modern OIB (e.g., 187Os/188Os = 0.13–0.15; Shirey and
EM I Walker, 1998). In Pb–Os, Sr–Os and Nd–Os isotopic diagrams (Fig. 8),
0.705
the low- and high-Ti WMBT do not match modern OIB compositions.
FdN In particular, the initial Os isotopic compositions of the low and high-
0.704
Ti WMBT are less radiogenic than those of the lavas from the Cape
CV Verde archipelago, which has been suggested to be a present-day
0.703 A remnant of a postulated CAMP mantle-plume (e.g., Wilson, 1997).
DMM HIMU Even if the Cape Verde lavas are slightly contaminated by oceanic
0.702
17.5 18.5 19.5 lithosphere (Escrig et al., 2005) even though their compositions may
(206Pb/204Pb)i not exactly represent the melts from the mantle plume, the estimated
plume composition (187Os/188Os = 0.1325, Escrig et al., 2005) is still
Fig. 5. Initial Pb and Sr isotopic compositions of WMBT. Fields of pre-120 Ma and post- more radiogenic than those of the low and high-Ti WMBT.
120 Ma Atlantic MORBs from Janney and Castillo (2001), data for CAMP low- and high- The evolved high-Ti samples M10 and M12 have low Os
Ti tholeiites from Cebria et al. (2003), De Min et al. (2003), Deckart et al. (2005), Dupuy concentrations (19 and 6 ppt), consistent with their differentiated
et al. (1988), Jourdan et al. (2003), Verati et al. (2005). Also shown are fields of present- character. These samples have initial 187Os/188Os ratios of 0.184 ±
day OIB lavas from Ascension (A), Fernando de Noronha (FdN) and Cape Verde (CV);
data of Ascension, Fernando de Noronha and Cape Verde lavas from the Georoc
0.012 and 0.16 ± 0.1 respectively, with the large uncertainties
database. Mantle end-member values from Zindler and Hart (1986) back-calculated to resulting from the very large radiogenic Os corrections. The initial
199 Ma. ratio of M10 is more radiogenic than those of the low- and high-Ti
 R. Merle et al. / Lithos 122 (2011) 137–151 145

0.5135

A A
0.5130
(143Nd/144Nd)i

DMM DMM CV
CV
FdN FdN

PUM HIMU
0.5125
HIMU

EM II EM II
EM I
EM I
0.5120
0.702 0.703 0.704 0.705 0.706 0.707 0.708 17.5 18.0 18.5 19.0 19.5 20.0
(87Sr/86Sr)i (206Pb/204Pb)i

Low-Ti WMBT Low-Ti CAMP Low-Ti WMBT (previous studies) Pre-120 Ma Atlantic crust

High-Ti WMBT High-Ti CAMP High-Ti WMBT (previous studies) Post-120 Ma Atlantic crust

Evolved high-Ti WMBT

Fig. 6. Nd–Sr and Nd–Pb diagrams of initial isotopic ratios from WMBT. Same references as in Fig. 5 for fields of pre-120 Ma and post-120 Ma Atlantic MORB, Ascension (A), Fernando
de Noronha (FdN) and Capo Verde (CV) OIB lavas, low-Ti and high-Ti CAMP tholeiites. Sr–Nd isotopic compositions of previously analyzed WMBT from De Min et al., 2003 and Fodor
et al., 1990. Oceanic mantle end-members values from Zindler and Hart (1986) back-calculated to 199 Ma. PUM: primitive upper mantle (values from Zindler and Hart, 1986).

samples, of PUM and of most OIB. The large error on the initial 187Os/
188
Os of M12 precludes interpretation of the Os signature of this
sample.
5. Discussion
5.1. Timing of igneous activity in the Western Maranhão basin and its
relationship with other CAMP areas
The new 40Ar/39Ar plateau ages obtained for high-Ti and evolved
high-Ti basalts overlap the previously published 40Ar/39Ar plateau
age obtained on plagioclase from a low-Ti WMBT (198.5 ± 0.8 Ma;
Marzoli et al., 1999) which belongs to the main magmatic phase of the
CAMP in South America (198 Ma, Nomade et al., 2007). This
demonstrates that (1) the newly documented high-Ti basalts found
in the Western Maranhão basin belong to the CAMP magmatic event
and (2) the three chemical groups were emplaced synchronously (i.e.,
within a time-span ≤ analytical uncertainty). CAMP magmatic activity
occurred in South America from 199.0 until 190.5 Ma and spread over
three phases (Baksi and Archibald, 1997; Marzoli et al., 1999; Nomade
et al., 2007). Using the age data selection criteria outlined by Nomade
et al. (2007), the only previously published ages that can be
considered as reliable for South America are those of the low-Ti lava
flows and dykes. Nevertheless, the few available data for high-Ti
basaltic dykes (Deckart et al., 1997; Marzoli et al., 1999) suggest that
they were intruded during the CAMP peak activity in South America.
Our new high-quality age data confirm that the high-Ti magmas were
emplaced during the peak activity at ~ 198 Ma. More ages meeting the
high quality criteria from high-Ti basalts from South America and in
particular Brazil are needed to better constrain this activity.
When compared to ages from elsewhere in the CAMP, our age data
do not show evidence of a centripetal time-related migration from the
location of the hypothetical plume head (Blake Plateau; Ernst and
Buchan, 2002; Ernst et al., 1995; Hill, 1991; May, 1971; Wilson, 1997)
towards marginal CAMP areas such as the western Maranhão basin.
Instead, and although the mean ages of CAMP basalts from the
different circum-Atlantic areas overlap within uncertainty, our new
ages seem to be consistent with a slightly younger peak event for
CAMP in South America than in North America and Africa (Jourdan
et al., 2009; Nomade et al., 2007).
5.2. Nature of the mantle source(s) of CAMP magmatism in the Western
Maranhão basin
As previously stated, the initial 187Os/188Os of both low-Ti and
high-Ti WMBT are similar within uncertainties, and overlap with
typical mantle values, i.e. those of the primitive upper mantle (PUM).
This suggests that (1) the amount of crustal contamination was

Table 4
Re–Os isotope data of basalts from the western Maranhao Basin.

[Re] (ppt) [Os] (ppt) 188

Os (mol g−1) (187Os/188Os)mes error(± 2σ) 187
Re/188Os (187Os/188Os)199 Ma (± 2σ)

M10 841 18.9 1.19E−14 0.97763 0.00115 239 0.184 0.012

M12 990 5.9 2.68E−15 4.30101 0.00769 1247 0.16 0.10
M13 219 70.5 4.89E−14 0.17725 0.00061 15.1 0.1273 0.0053
M15 408 104.6 7.24E−14 0.19122 0.00017 18.9 0.1283 0.0024
M19 433 57.7 3.96E−14 0.25195 0.00028 36.7 0.1299 0.0035
M26 282 26.5 1.81E−14 0.30134 0.00046 52.6 0.1267 0.0050

Uncertainties listed for the measured 187Os/188Os ratios correspond to 2 standard errors from in-run statistics.
In-house standard reproducibility was b 0.2%.
All data are blank corrected, using blank values given in the analytical procedures.
Uncertainties on initial ratios include in-run errors and uncertainties on blank corrections and on 187Re/188Os ratios and ages used for radiogenic corrections (all 2σ).
Initial ratios were calculated using a decay constant λ = 1.666 × 10E−11 (Smoliar et al., 1996).
146 R. Merle et al. / Lithos 122 (2011) 137–151

data-point error crosses are 2σ 143

Nd/144Nd, and lower 87Sr/86Sr isotopic ratios than the rocks
0.34
Model 1 Solution (±95%-conf.) on 4 points studied here. However, as suggested for the Paraná-Etendeka
Age = 198.9±7.6 Ma LIP (Thompson et al., 2001), the tholeiitic basalts of the CFB
Initial 187Os/188Os = 0.1284±0.0039
MSWD = 0.81, Probability = 0.44 event could sample a distinct portion of the mantle plume and
0.30
thus have a geochemical signature distinct from that of the
related OIBs. In this case, the CAMP magmas might represent

0.26
0.19

187Os/188Os
5

0.22 0.18 ACC

4
Os/188Os

3 0.17
2 CV

(187Os/188Os)i
0.18 0.16
187

1
HIMU
187
187Re/188Os
0.15 EMI
Re/188Os
400 800 1200
0.14
5 15 25 35 45 55 65 0.14 EMII

Fig. 7. Re–Os isochron plot of WMBT. Age and uncertainties were calculated using the 0.13 PUM
Isoplot software (Ludwig, 2003) for high- and low-Ti rocks. Line is regressed through DMM

SCLM
the low- and high- Ti samples. Inset shows positions of evolved high-Ti samples relative 0.12
to this regression line. Uncertainties on each data point are 2σ and include in-run errors
Average SCLM
and blank and weighing uncertainties. 0.11
17 18 19 21 22
206
Pb/204Pb
negligible for these magmas and (2) derivation from a common
parental magma (implying the same mantle source) that would 0.19
have been subsequently contaminated by the same component but in
0.18 ACC
different ways is unlikely. This latter aspect is also shown by the Sr–
Nd–Pb isotopic plots (Figs. 5–6). Indeed, the WMBT plot in two 0.17
distinct fields, corresponding to the low-Ti and high- plus evolved
(187Os/188Os)i

high-Ti groups. These two groups are separated by a significant gap as 0.16
shown also for low- and high-Ti CAMP intrusive rocks from Guyana HIMU
0.15 EMI
and Guinea (Deckart et al., 2005). As is true for other CFB provinces in
which low- and high-Ti basalts are present, this lack of compositional CV
0.14
continuum between the low-Ti and high- plus evolved high-Ti groups EMII
suggests involvement of at least two distinct sources, as previously 0.13
PUM
proposed for the Guyana CAMP basalts (Deckart et al., 2005).

SCLM
0.12
DMM
5.2.1. Mantle source of the low-Ti WMBT Average SCLM
0.11
The low-Ti WMBT are characterized by (1) LILE enrichment, 0.702 0.703 0.704 0.706 0.707 0.708
(2) strong negative Nb and positive Pb anomalies, (3) radiogenic 87Sr/ 87
Sr/86Sr
86
Sr and unradiogenic 143Nd/144Nd signatures, (4) high 207Pb/204Pb for
0.19
relatively low 206Pb/204Pb and (5) mantle-like initial 187Os/188Os close worldwide OIB
to the PUM value at 199 Ma. We will examine several hypotheses 0.18 Low-Ti WMBT
that could explain this combination of “enriched,” characteristics (high ACC
High-Ti WMBT
LILE, high 207Pb/204Pb and 87Sr/86Sr, low 143Nd/144Nd) with low Os 0.17 Evolved high-Ti WMBT
isotopic composition in the low-Ti basalts. These include: (1) deriva-
(187Os/188Os)i

0.16
tion from a deep mantle plume with the required trace element
and isotopic characteristics; (2) contamination of asthenospheric or EMI
0.15
plume-related magmas by the continental lithosphere or (3) partial HIMU
melting of enriched, metasomatized portions of the SCLM. CV
0.14
High 207Pb/204Pb for relatively low 206Pb/204Pb is usually docu- EMII
mented either in old (N1 Ga) continental crust material or in mantle 0.13
PUM
plumes incorporating recycled continental crust or sediments (EM-
SCLM

0.12 DMM
type mantle plumes; Zindler and Hart, 1986). However the hypothesis
of a mantle plume as the sole component or possibly contaminated 0.11
Average SCLM
by continental lithosphere (SCLM and/or crust) presents several 0.5120 0.5125 0.5130 0.5135
143
problems: Nd/144Nd
Fig. 8. Initial Os vs Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic ratios of WMBT. Os mantle pole values from
(1) Ocean Island Basalts with trace element and Sr–Nd–Pb–Os Shirey and Walker (1998) and primitive upper mantle (PUM) from Meisel et al. (2001).
isotopic compositions similar to those of the Maranhão low-Ti Sr, Nd and Pb mantle end-members values from Zindler and Hart (1986). The mantle
basalts are absent in the Central Atlantic OIB lavas (see Figs. 5, 6 poles as well as the PUM in the diagrams were back-calculated to 199 Ma (present-day
and 8). In particular those ocean islands suggested to be the PUM values: 187Os/188Os = 0.1296 ± 0.0008; 187Re/188Os = 0.4353; Meisel et al., 2001).
Data points of modern worldwide OIB and lavas from Cape Verde (CV) from Georoc
present-day expression of the mantle-plume that may have
databases and Escrig et al. (2005). The OIB data have been filtered for lithosphere
generated the CAMP, i.e. Cape Verde, Ascension and Fernando contamination: data with [Os] b 30 ppt and 187Os/188Os N 0.16 have been discarded. ACC:
de Noronha, yield clearly higher 206Pb/204Pb, 187Os/188Os and Average continental crust.
 R. Merle et al. / Lithos 122 (2011) 137–151
high temperature melts, while the cited Atlantic OIBs would all
be low-temperature alkaline magmas that probably sampled
the most fertile and enriched portions of a heterogeneous
mantle-plume. However, this hypothesis is in contradiction
with the Sr, Nd and 207Pb/204Pb isotopic ratios of the CAMP
low-Ti basalts which display more enriched compositions than
the OIBs.
(2) It is widely accepted that plume-related melts (i.e. OIBs) do not
show negative Nb and positive Pb anomalies (Weaver, 1991).
Exceptions are magmas issued from the extreme end-member
EM-II mantle plume from Samoa which display Sr–Nd–Pb
isotopic compositions and negative Nb (but not positive Pb)
anomalies broadly similar to those observed in the low-Ti
WMBT (Jackson et al., 2007). However, such extreme composi-
tions are absent in other oceanic islands worldwide and rare
even at Samoa. A similar small-scale heterogeneity would
produce isotopic zoning as observed at Samoa, contrasting with
the uniform composition of the low-Ti CAMP over the entire
province (N 10 million km2). In consequence, an extinct plume
with the required trace element and isotopic characteristics
(extreme EMII composition such as documented for the
Samoan lavas) seems unlikely. Nevertheless we cannot
completely rule out this possibility.
(3) In the hypothesis of a plume interacting with the SCLM, trends
between OIB and SCLM compositions might be expected in the
Os–Nd, Os–Pb and Os–Sr isotopic diagrams (Fig. 8). On the
contrary, the compositions of the low-Ti WMBT plot far from
any OIB composition in the 143Nd/144Nd vs 187Os/188Os diagram
(Fig. 8), suggesting that the SCLM signature is dominant and is
hiding possible sub-lithospheric components.
(4) The enriched signature of low-Ti WMBT could alternatively be
attributed to large amounts of continental crust assimilation of
plume-related magmas during ascent towards the surface.
Regardless of the composition of this plume (present Central
Atlantic OIBs or a distinct hypothetical plume), the initial Os
isotopic ratios of the samples argue against this scenario
especially considering the low Os concentration of sample M26
which would make it sensitive to crustal contamination. An
open magma chamber in the lower crust, undergoing AFC and
magma replenishment at the same time might produce
magmas with unradiogenic Os compositions coupled with
enriched Sr–Nd–Pb compositions (Molzahn et al. 1996).
However, such magma chamber behaviour tends to yield
high incompatible elements contents (e.g. Aitcheson and
Forrest, 1994) which are not observed in the low-Ti WMBT.
Low-Ti basalts represent the vast majority of preserved CAMP
rocks and their origin has been previously investigated based on Sr–
Nd–Pb isotopic data (De Min et al., 2003; Deckart et al., 2005; Pegram,
1990). These isotope studies argued in favour of a dominant SCLM
component in the low-Ti magmas (De Min et al., 2003; Deckart et al.,
2005; Pegram, 1990) but were unable to dismiss the possibility of
contamination by the continental crust. However, the contrasting
chemical characteristics of the low-Ti WMBT, i.e. low 187Os/188Os and
“enriched” crustal-like incompatible trace element and Sr–Nd–Pb
isotopic signatures, match those expected for continental flood basalts
derived from the SCLM (e.g., Brauns et al., 2001). As the off-cratonic
SCLM beneath the WMBT is probably more fertile than cratonic SCLM
(Griffin et al., 2009) and may also have been hydrated by subduction
derived fluids, partial melting of this metasomatised lithosphere is a
plausible process (Gallagher and Hawkesworth, 1992). Indeed, partial
melting of a heterogeneous and fluid-metasomatised SCLM has been
proposed to explain the isotopic characteristics of the low-Ti basalts
from the Karoo CFB (Jourdan et al., 2007b). The resulting basaltic
magmas would be characterised by enrichment in LILE, LREE and Pb
and by high 207Pb/204Pb at moderate 206Pb/204Pb. This “continental-
147
like” geochemical signature would be carried by subduction-related
fluids into the mantle wedge and the overlying lithospheric mantle.
The initial 187Os/188Os ratios of the low-Ti group are at the high end of
the range of typical off-cratonic SCLM values (~0.118–0.129; Carlson,
2005). This could be explained by very minor amounts of crustal
contamination (see the AFC modelling below) or by partial melting of
SCLM components with slightly more radiogenic Os compositions,
similar to those measured in mantle xenoliths from arc settings
(187Os/188Os = 0.1182–0.1585; Brandon et al., 1996; Saha et al., 2005;
Widom et al., 2003).
However, SCLM melting (Gallagher and Hawkesworth, 1992)
requires a thick lithosphere which is unlikely underneath the
Maranhão Basin. Alternatively, the low-Ti basalts might have been
produced by mixing between magmas derived from an astheno-
sphere-like source (sub-lithospheric asthenosphere or astheno-
sphere-like mantle plume) and liquids that originated from melting
of metasomatic veins in the SCLM (e.g. Arndt and Christiansen, 1992).
The geochemical signature of the asthenosphere-derived magmas
may have been swamped by the SCLM-derived melts such as
demonstrated for the Paraná-Etendeka CFB (Gibson et al., 1995).
Both hypotheses (i.e. partial melting of the SCLM contaminated by
upper continental crust or asthenosphere-derived magmas mixed
with melts from metasomatised parts of the SCLM) will be tested by
simple numerical modelling.
5.2.2. Source of the high- and evolved high-Ti WMBT
Due to the broad similarities of Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic signatures
between the high- and evolved high-Ti WMBT, a common source is
suggested for these rocks. Nonetheless, small but significant differ-
ences between the isotopic signatures of the two groups indicate
either heterogeneities within a single source or involvement of one or
several other components. Since the moderately radiogenic initial
187
Os/188Os ratios of the evolved high-Ti WMBT argue for a
contribution from the continental crust (at least for Os isotopes),
only the high-Ti samples were used to constrain the origin of the
mantle source of the magmas.
The mantle source characteristics of the high-Ti WMBT may be
inferred from their main geochemical features which are: (1) moder-
ately enriched REE patterns, similar to those of E-MORBs, (2) weak
negative Nb and positive Pb anomalies, (3) 143Nd/144Nd slightly lower
than those of N-MORBs, (4) Sr–Pb isotopic compositions similar to
those of pre-120 Ma Atlantic MORBs (Janney and Castillo, 2001) and
(5) Os isotopic compositions close to that of the PUM.
These data suggest a dominant involvement of a depleted
asthenosphere-type mantle source (sub-lithospheric asthenosphere
or asthenosphere-like mantle plume), largely similar to that of the
pre-120 Ma Atlantic MORBs. As pointed out also by Janney and
Castillo (2001) for the Jurassic Atlantic MORBs, a minor input of an
enriched component is required to explain the fact that the high-Ti
WMBT are slightly enriched compared to present-day Atlantic N-
MORBs having slightly lower 143Nd/144Nd, slightly higher 87Sr/86Sr
and incompatible element contents, and Pb isotopic compositions
slightly above the NHRL. Since the isotopic compositions of the
present-day hot-spot related Atlantic OIBs do not match those of the
pre-120 Ma Atlantic MORBs (and of the CAMP high-Ti basalts) (Figs. 5
and 6), Janney and Castillo (2001) interpreted the enriched signature
of the pre-120 Ma MORBs as related to a short-lived and now extinct
mantle-plume with EM-I characteristics. According to this interpre-
tation, such an “extinct plume” would have generated the CAMP and
could explain the slightly enriched composition of the high-Ti CAMP
basalts. However, unlike the pre-120 Ma MORBs, high-Ti WMBT are
characterized by negative Nb and positive Pb elemental anomalies,
features that are not typical of plume-related OIBs. A significant
contamination by the upper continental crust could produce these
elemental anomalies, but is in contradiction with the PUM-like Os
signature. Alternatively, the SCLM is a good candidate for the required
148 R. Merle et al. / Lithos 122 (2011) 137–151
enriched component since its composition matches EMI-type compo-
sitions and is consistent with low initial 187Os/188Os (Hofmann, 1997).
Moreover, the CAMP high-Ti magmas plot between a depleted
asthenospheric end-member (e.g., DMM) and the enriched composi-
tions of the low-Ti CAMP basalts, which we interpret to be dominated
by a SCLM contribution. Under this scenario, the enriched signature
may have been acquired by assimilation of the SCLM en route to the
surface by magmas originating from either the sub-continental
asthenosphere or an asthenosphere-like mantle plume.
In summary, based on the isotopic and trace element data we
conclude that the low-Ti basalts may be dominated by a SCLM
contribution which could reflect either partial melting of the
subcontinental lithosphere or contamination during ascent of as-
thenosphere-derived magmas. The high and evolved high-Ti WMBT
were produced by melting of an asthenospheric source but were
contaminated by distinct components of the continental lithosphere.
The plausibility of these scenarios will be tested by a numerical
modelling.
5.3. Petrogenesis of the western Maranhão basin tholeiites
5.3.1. Fractional crystallization of the WMBT
The generally low MgO, Cr and Ni concentrations show that
fractional crystallization strongly influenced the chemical evolution of
the WMBT. However, the major element trends, the REE patterns, and
most conclusively, the initial Sr, Nd and Pb isotopic compositions,
preclude derivation of one group from another through fractional
crystallization (see Figs. A2, A3 and A4 in annexes). On the other hand,
the major element trends and the concentrations of compatible trace
elements, as well as the Sr, Eu and Ti anomalies in multi-element
diagrams (Fig. 4) argue for fractionation of plagioclase, clinopyroxene,
Fe–Ti oxides and olivine within each group in different proportions.
The more pronounced negative Sr and Eu anomalies observed in the
evolved high-Ti basalts suggest that plagioclase fractionation has been
more extensive in this group than in the other groups. Even if olivine
phenocrysts are always very rare in CAMP basalts (but not in CAMP
intrusions; e.g. Deckart et al., 2005), the evolved character of the
basalts suggests that this phase probably crystallized from the most
primitive magmas. Olivine phenocrysts were probably subsequently
resorbed by reaction with the more Fe-rich evolved magma.
5.3.2. Modelling lithospheric contamination of the WMBT
5.3.2.1. Modelling of crustal contamination of the evolved high-Ti WMBT
through an AFC process. Considering that the evolved high-Ti WMBT
have Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions broadly similar to those of the
high-Ti WMBT (Figs. 5 and 6), we suggest that they were derived from
a similar sub-continental asthenospheric source. However, assuming
that sample M10 is representative, the evolved high-Ti WMBT have
relatively high 187Os/188Osi suggestive of a significant continental
crustal contribution. This interpretation, which will be modelled
below, is consistent with (1) higher enrichment in LREE and LILE,
(2) slightly stronger negative Nb anomalies, and (3) higher initial
87
Sr/86Sr and slightly lower εNd of the evolved high-Ti WMBT (Figs. 4,
6 and 8).
Here we try to quantitatively evaluate the extent of crustal
assimilation. This cannot be constrained from Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic
compositions alone because: 1) we do not know the initial primary
composition of the mantle melts; 2) data are available for only a few
WMBT samples (high-Ti and evolved high-Ti rocks in particular are
rare); 3) the only isotopic data published for the local basement are
from a section of the Amazonian craton (Andorinhas greenstone belt)
that has very high Sr and very low Pb isotopic ratios (measured 206Pb/
204
Pb = 13.9–17.1; 87Sr/86Sr back calculated to 199 Ma = 0.710568–
2.577866, de Souza et al., 2001; Gibbs et al., 1986) and which thus
cannot plausibly represent the crustal contaminant involved in the
genesis of the WMBT basalts. In contrast, Os isotopes may more tightly
constrain crustal contamination processes due to the large contrast
between typical mantle and crustal compositions.
The effect of continental crust contamination has been modelled
assuming an Assimilation-Fractional-Crystallization (AFC) process
(DePaolo, 1981). We considered as a target the Os compositions of the
sample M10. For the initial primary melt we chose a typical
asthenospheric (PUM) Os isotopic composition for the evolved high-Ti
magmas (187Os/188Os= 0.129). Since no data are available for the local
crust, we used the average continental crustal Os parameters (187Os/
188
Os= 1.05 and [Os]= 31 ppt; Peucker-Ehrenbrink and Jahn, 2001).
Further parameters are given in Table A5.
The evolved high-Ti magmas may be obtained from a primary
magma with picritic Os content (~ 1600 ppt) by 10.9% crustal
assimilation. This degree of assimilation by an AFC process (para-
meters: Dsr = 0.6, F and r as in Table A5) may explain the shift of the Sr
isotopic ratios from an asthenosphere-derived parental magma (87Sr/
88
Sr = 0.70220, [Sr] = 188 ppm) to those measured for the evolved
high-Ti WMBT (87Sr/88Sr = 0.70341) if the contaminant is typical
continental crust (87Sr/88Srcont crust = 0.7100, [Sr] = 235 ppm). How-
ever, derivation of the evolved high-Ti basalts from the high-Ti basalts
via a simple AFC process is not easy to reconcile with the Pb isotopic
compositions, since the evolved high-Ti WMBT have lower 207Pb/
204
Pb, higher 206Pb/204Pb and similar 208Pb/204Pb, and are thus closer
to the NHRL (Fig. 5) than the high-Ti basalts. Therefore, a slight
difference in the composition of the primary magmas and thus in the
mantle source, or in the relative contributions of the asthenosphere vs
the SCLM may be envisaged for the two groups.
5.3.2.2. Modelling mixing between asthenosphere-derived high-Ti
magmas and SCLM-derived melts. Since plagioclase cannot crystallize
under the high pressures that exist in the lithospheric mantle, it seems
likely that most of the fractional crystallisation occurred after, rather
than during the mixing process. This would suggest that the observed
isotopic compositions reflect mixing between two primitive melts,
one consisting of Mg-rich melts derived from the asthenosphere and
the other of ultra-alkaline liquids from the SCLM.
To model the possible mixing between asthenosphere-derived
magmas and ultra-alkaline liquids from the SCLM, we consider the
sample with the lowest Os initial ratio (M13) which therefore may be
the least contaminated by the continental crust and the most by the
SCLM. Note that the initial 187Os/188Os ratios of the two high-Ti
samples are indistinguishable considering the uncertainties, thus we
use the nominal isotopic composition of M13 only as an example to
illustrate the possible effects of mixing.
We modelled a mixing process affecting an asthenosphere-derived
primitive magma (187Os/188Os = 0.129; [Os] ≈ 1000 ppt; 87Sr/88Sr =
0.70220; [Sr] = 180 ppm; Carlson, 2005; Sun and McDonough, 1989;
Workman and Hart, 2005). The contaminant is assumed to be a
primitive ultra-alkaline mafic melt (e.g. lamproites, kimberlites, and
kamafugites) which has been proven to best represent a liquid
derived from partial melting of a metasomatised off-craton SCLM (e.g.
Karoo CFB, Heinonen et al., 2010; Paraná-Etendeka CFB; Gibson et al.,
1995). Considering that no ultra-alkaline mafic melts are associated
with the CAMP, we used extreme values of the ultra-alkaline mafic
melts associated with the Paraná-Etendeka CFB to define the geo-
chemical characteristics of the contaminant (187Os/188Os = 0.122;
[Os] ≈ 3000 ppt; 87Sr/88Sr = 0.70455; [Sr] ≈ 1000 ppm; Araujo et al.,
2001; Carlson et al., 1996, 2007; Comin-Chiaramonti et al., 1997;
Gibson et al., 1995) in order to estimate the maximum contribution of
the SCLM melts in the mixing. The Os concentration of this component
is rather high, but is comparable to those of highly magnesian dykes
from the Karoo province of Antarctica (Heinonen et al., 2010). The
M13 characteristics could be matched by mixing of asthenosphere-
derived magmas with 9.4% of ultra-alkaline silicate melts from the
SCLM.
 R. Merle et al. / Lithos 122 (2011) 137–151
5.3.2.3. Modelling of the contamination of the low-Ti magmas by the
crust and the SCLM. We have also tried to evaluate also whether the
low-Ti WMBT magmas originated either from partial melting of a
metasomatised SCLM, with possible contamination by the continental
crust through an AFC process or from mixing of an asthenosphere-
derived magma mixed with ultra-alkaline melts from a metasoma-
tised SCLM.
In order to model the AFC process, we used the composition of the
sample with the highest Os initial ratio (M19), which was therefore
potentially the most contaminated by the upper continental crust.
However, as was the case with the high Ti samples, the initial 187Os/
188
Os ratios of the low Ti samples are indistinguishable within the
uncertainties, so the nominal isotopic composition of M19 is used to
illustrate the effects of the AFC process. We assumed an off-craton
SCLM-derived melt (187Os/188Os = 0.125 according to Carlson, 2005;
[Os] ≈ 1100 ppt; 87Sr/88Sr = 0.706; [Sr] = 160 ppm) assimilating a
typical upper continental crust (187Os/188Os = 1.05; [Os] = 31 ppt;
87
Sr/88Sr = 0.710; [Sr] = 230 ppm). The compositions of basalt M19 is
matched for only a negligible degree of 2.6% of crustal assimilation
(DOs = 8.5; DSr = 0.8; F = 0.7; r = 0.08; Table A5). Even lower amounts
of assimilation would be required if the non-contaminated low-Ti
magmas were assumed to be derived from a source with an Os
composition similar to the PUM value (187Os/188Os ~ 0.128 at 199 Ma).
Alternatively, we have considered the possibility that the low-Ti
WMBT formed from mixing of asthenosphere-derived magmas with
ultra-alkaline mafic liquids from the SCLM. As for the high-Ti group,
we tried to model the composition of the sample suspected to be the
least contaminated by the continental crust and the most by the SCLM
among the low-Ti WMBT (sample M26) and we assume that the
mixing process involved primitive, high MgO melts, which would be
expected to have high Os contents. We assumed an asthenosphere-
derived parental magma (187Os/188Os = 0.129; [Os] ≈ 1500 ppt; 87Sr/
88
Sr = 0.70220; [Sr] ≈ 160 ppm; Carlson, 2005; Sun and McDonough,
1989; Workman and Hart, 2005) and a contaminant slightly distinct
from those for the high-Ti group (metasomatised off-craton SCLM-
derived mafic ultra-alkaline melts: 1 8 7 Os/ 1 8 8 Os = 0.125;
[Os] ≈ 2000 ppt; 87Sr/88Sr = 0.7076; [Sr] ≈ 1500 ppm). The isotopic
characteristics of sample M26 can be modelled by a contribution of
SCLM-derived ultra-alkaline melts of ~ 52%.
6. Geodynamic significance of CAMP magmatism from the
Maranhão basin
Our geochemical data suggest that the high-Ti group is derived
from magmas that originated from an asthenosphere-like source
contaminated by the SCLM while the evolved high-Ti basalts were
contaminated by the continental crust. The low-Ti group yields
instead a dominant lithospheric signature which may be derived from
metasomatically enriched portions of the SCLM. Due to the slight
(high-Ti magmas) or dominant (low-Ti magmas) SCLM component,
any sub-lithospheric geochemical signature is either diluted or
swamped out, rendering the recognition of a clear mantle-plume
geochemical signature problematic. Nonetheless, we cannot exclude a
contribution from a deep mantle plume, in particular as a purveyor of
heat and as a triggering mechanism for the mantle melting. However,
since our data do not explicitly point to the presence of a plume, other
heat sources that could potentially generate WMBT magmatism,
should also be examined.
Two mechanisms are considered, in particular: 1) edge-driven
convection which consists of small-scale convecting cells developed at
the edges of cratonic roots by strong density and viscosity contrasts
between a cold lithospheric mantle keel and the hotter asthenosphere
(King and Anderson, 1998; King and Ritsema, 2000); and 2) large-
scale mantle warming under supercontinents such as Pangaea, which
occurs by accumulation of the internal heat beneath the insulating
lithosphere (Coltice et al., 2007, 2009). This process may lead to an
149
increase of temperature up to 100 °C (Coltice et al., 2007). Edge-
driven convection is likely to develop in the geological context of the
Maranhão basin since Pangaean rifting occurred along a mobile belt
bordering the Amazonian craton (Fig. 1), thought to be underlain by a
deep lithospheric keel. Indeed, such a mechanism has already been
proposed for the genesis of the other Brazilian CAMP occurrences (De
Min et al., 2003). Heat incubation is also likely to occur under the
mega-continent Pangea, particularly considering that in the Maran-
hão region no significant basic magmatism occurred during the
Paleozoic and the Triassic, before eruption of the CAMP basalts.
Therefore, we propose that at the time of Pangea break-up, both edge-
driven convection and heat-incubation acted as heat purveyors.
Considering that a mantle-plume may have further contributed heat
and that an extensional tectonic regime was active and possibly
induced lithospheric thinning and thus general decompression, it is
reasonable to envisage partial melting of the asthenospheric mantle
underneath the Maranhão basin. The increased heat flux may have
possibly also affected the lower SCLM and induced melting of its most
enriched and thus most fertile portions. These metasomatically
enriched portions were likely formed during one of the several
orogenic events that affected this region from the Proterozoic to the
early Paleozoic (e.g., Brasiliano orogen). Since the Brazilian SCLM
probably did not experience any significant melting episodes before
the CAMP event, these enriched components were probably pre-
served. Indeed, there is no evidence in this region of SCLM-derived
magmatic rocks such as lamproites and carbonatites of Paleozoic or
Triassic age. As a consequence, the SCLM underneath the Maranhão
basin might contain large portions of metasomatic veins with melting
temperatures more than 150 °C lower than the peridotitic mantle
(e.g., Kogiso et al., 2003). Therefore, near-synchronous melting of
these low-temperature SCLM materials and of the sub-lithospheric
asthenosphere may have occurred due to the combined effects of heat
incubation, edge-driven convection and possibly mantle-plume
impingement at the base of the SCLM.
In summary, our data do not rule out the occurrence of a mantle
plume of nearly asthenospheric composition as a supplier of heat and
material but we suggest rather that the CAMP event was triggered by
the combined effects of shallow mantle processes.
7. Summary and conclusions
Major and trace element and isotopic analyses as well as 40Ar/39Ar
age determinations were performed on newly sampled CAMP basalts
from the Maranhão basin of Brazil. Three chemical groups were
identified: low-Ti, high-Ti and evolved high-Ti tholeiites, the latter
being the first high-Ti CAMP basalts sampled up to 700 km inland. The
main results of this study are:
(1) The new 40Ar/39Ar plateau ages obtained from plagioclase
separates of high-Ti (199.7 ± 2.4 Ma) and evolved high-Ti
WMBT (197.2 ± 0.5 Ma and 198.2 ± 0.6 Ma) are indistinguish-
able from those of previously analyzed low-Ti WMBT (198.5 ±
0.8 Ma) and from the mean 40Ar/39Ar age of the CAMP (mean
199 ± 2.4 Ma).
(2) The low-Ti WMBT derived either from partial melting of the
most fusible parts of the metasomatised continental litho-
spheric mantle or from contamination of an asthenospheric
melt by ultra-alkaline melts from the metasomatised SCLM.
The high-Ti WMBT yield a dominant asthenospheric signature
with a minor contribution from the SCLM. The evolved high-Ti
basalts are the only analyzed samples which yield clear
evidence of continental crust assimilation.
(3) Indistinguishable ages of the three chemical groups imply sub-
contemporaneous melting of lithosphere and asthenosphere.
(4) CAMP magmatism in the Maranhão basin may be attributed to
local hotter mantle conditions due to the combined effects of
150 R. Merle et al. / Lithos 122 (2011) 137–151
edge-driven convection and large-scale mantle warming under
the Pangea supercontinent. The mantle melting might well
have been triggered by a mantle-plume with asthenosphere-
like isotopic compositions.
Supplementary materials related to this article can be found online
at doi:10.1016/j.lithos.2010.12.010.
Acknowledgments
We acknowledge P. Capiez for XRF analyses, R. Carampin for
Electron Microprobe analyses, C. Douchet for the ICP-MS analyses and
D. Fontignie for the TIMS analyses. Dr. S.A. Gibson and an anonymous
reviewer and Dr. A. Kerr as editor are thanked for comments on the
manuscript. Financial support from the Fondo Ateneo-Università di
Padova, CARIPARO (to AM) and PRIN-2005 (to GB) is acknowledged.
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