Ultrabasic inclusion from the basalts of the Hut Point area, Ross Island, Antarctica

Abstract

The basaltic rocks of the Hut Point area contain a diverse suite of inclusions. The xenolithic nature of many sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous inclusion types is clearly displayed, but previous studies have left considerable doubt as to whether the ultrabasic inclusions are noncognate xenoliths, and possible relicts from the mantle brought to the surface in a magma originating in this zone; or rather of cognate and/or cumulative origin.

Olivine grains in the dunite and enstatite bearing peridotite inclusions commonly display undulose extinction and strain bands (translation laminae), and preferred indicatrix orientations expressed as B γ girdles. Enstatite frequently contains clinopyroxene exsolution laminae, and many grains are deformed and/or disrupted by shear zones.

Weak B γ olivine fabrics have also been detected in the titanaugite peridotites and pyroxenites, but no evidence of post-crystallization deformation was detected. Titanaugite also occurs as phenocrysts (xenocrysts?) and in the groundmass of the host basalt chemical and optical data suggest that the titanaugite grains in the basalt and the inclusions are genetically related.

These preliminary findings suggest that the titanaugite bearing inclusions may be of cognate origin, and that the dunite and enstatite bearing peridotite fragments are more likely noncognate xenoliths.

Field and laboratory studies of this problem are continuing as supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation.