Geochemistry and tectonic setting of the «ophites» from the external zones ofthe Betic Cordilleras (S. Spain)

Abstract

Mesozoic basic magmatism in the External Zones of the Betic Cordilleras (S. Spain) is represented by small tectonic bodies (ophites) in Triassic formations, and submarine flows with abundant pillow-lavas interbedded with Jurassic sediments. Both basic igneous manifestations suffered very low- to low-grade metamorphism, more intense in the case of the ophites.
Two types of ophites are distinguished on the basis of their primary mineralogy. In the first type, orthopyroxene is present in the less differentiated products. Clinopyroxene and Ca-plagioclase are the main primary phases and quartz appears in the more evolved rocks. In the second type, olivine is present in the less differentiated products. Ti-rich augite and Ca-plagioclase are also important primary minerals, but quartz is absent. Whole-rock chemistry (major and trace elements, including REE) also allows us to discriminate between these two groups. The first group has higher SiO₂, and lower TiO₂, P₂O₅ and lower Na₂O/K₂O ratios than the second. Normative quartz is almost invariably present in this first group, whereas normative nepheline (lower than 5%) is characteristic of the second group. Both groups are Sr, K, Ba, Rb, Th, Nb and Ce enriched with respect to normal MORB, but the first group has higher K, Rb, Ba, Th and lower Nb, Ce contents than the alkaline group. Nb/Y and Ti/V ratios are also different and show a tholeiitic affinity for the first group and transitional to alkaline for the second. Chondrite-normalised REE patterns in both groups are similar and characterized by LREE enrichment with respect to HREE. LREE/HREE ratios are, however, slightly higher in the transitional to alkaline group.
Various discriminant tectonic diagrams indicate a continental intraplate setting for both ophite groups. This magmatism is related to the first extensional period of the Betic Cordilleras, during the Triassic-Jurassic. Geochemical differences between the two groups could evidence different degrees of crustal contamination, and/or different mantle sources. Trace element ratios [(La/Ce)_n ≻1, La/Nb ≺ 1.5] for both magmatism are indicative of an enriched mantle source. Differences in Th/Yb, Zr/Nb, Zr/Y and Ba/Zr ratios underline the greater influence of a lithospheric component in the case of the Triassic magmatism.