Petrology and geochemistry of post–kinematic mafic rocks from the Paleoproterozoic Ubendian belt, NE Katanga (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Abstract

The Paleoproterozoic post-kinematic Ubendian mafic rocks from northeastern Katanga (Democratic Republic of Congo) are olivine-and-quartz tholeiites which in many respects resemble Phanerozoic continental tholeiites. The analogies are suggested by the petrographic features and the major element diagrams classically used to infer magmatic affinity. The clinopyroxene compositions straddle the boundary between clinopyroxenes from orogenic and extensional tectonic settings. In addition, the whole-rock compositions are mostly Ti- and P-poor as in low Ti–P continental flood basalts and in subduction-related mafic magmas. The same conclusion is sustained by the trace-element compositions (e.g., occurrence of mafic magmas with high Th/Ta and La/Ta values; low Sr/Ce ratios, etc). These geochemical features indicate involvement of a subduction component at the source of these extensional igneous rocks. Convective mixing of asthenospheric mantle with the overlying lithospheric mantle enriched during the Ubendian subduction or mixing of melts from both mantle components can account for the composition of the post-orogenic Ubendian mafic rocks.