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Correlated helium and lead isotope variations in Hawaiian lavas

Journal Article · · Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta
; ;  [1]
  1. California Inst. of Tech., Pasadena, CA (United States). Div. of Geologic and Planetary Sciences

Variations in {sup 3}He/{sup 4}He ratios among Hawaiian shield-building and pre-shield basalts are correlated with variations in {sup 208}Pb/{sup 204}Pb and {sup 206}Pb/{sup 204}Pb ratios. Using this correlation, the {sup 32}He/{sup 4}He ratio of Hawaiian lavas can be predicted to within 2.9 R{sub A} (mean deviation) between 7 and 32 R{sub A} based only upon the lead isotope composition. This level of prediction is as good as can be expected based upon the precision of lead isotope ratio measurements. This correlation demonstrates a coupling of volatile and nonvolatile elements in the sources of Hawaiian basalts and allows the nonvolatile-element characteristics of the high-{sup 3}He/{sup 4}He component of the mantle sources of Hawaiian lavas to be defined. This result confirms and extends previous inferences based upon correlations between helium and strontium isotope ratios in individual suites of Hawaiian lavas. The source of high {sup 3}He/{sup 4}He ratios in Hawaiian lavas has a higher time-integrated Th/U ratio than the sources of Pacific mid-ocean ridge basalts, consistent with it being a mixture containing primitive mantle or having differentiated in two or more stages from primitive mantle.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States); National Science Foundation, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
FG03-85ER13445
OSTI ID:
651177
Journal Information:
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Journal Name: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta Journal Issue: 11 Vol. 62; ISSN GCACAK; ISSN 0016-7037
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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