Consequences of plume-lithosphere interactions

Abstract Splitting or thinning of lithosphere above a mantle plume can result in voluminous melt generation, leading to the formation of large igneous provinces, or LIPs. Examples of LIPs include continental flood basalt provinces and oceanic plateaus. Basaltic samples from the Ontong Java Plateau, Nauru Basin and Manihiki Plateau, which are among the largest of the LIPs, have isotopic compositions within the range of ocean island basalts. The majority of continental basalts, however, record a trace element and isotopic contribution from the lithosphere through which they have erupted. We are thus unable to reconcile the available compositional data with models which derive the isotopic and large-ion lithophile element-enriched character of continental flood basalts solely from sub-lithospheric mantle plume sources. A combination of mantle sources is indicated, with the thermal energy being supplied by voluminous melts from a plume, and the lithospheric components in continental flood basalts being inherited by contamination of plume-derived melts by low melting point hydrous and carbonated fractions in the lithosphere. Successive injection of plume-derived melts serves to heat the lithosphere, reducing its viscosity and making it susceptible to rupture if allowed by regional plate forces. Furthermore, the lithosphere, including the mechanical boundary layer, may be thinned by thermal stripping from below, allowing the plume mantle to ascend and decompress further. Such a system has the potential for positive feedback leading to rapid melt generation. While we do not exclude recent models of LIP formation which require the sudden impact of a new mantle plume, we favour a model whereby the thermal anomaly builds gradually, incubating beneath a steady-state lithospheric cap.