Research Article Open Access

Petrology and Origin of Ultramfic Xenoliths from North Eastern Jordan Volcanoes

Hassan Al-Fugha and Mazen AL-Amaireh

Abstract

The distribution of major, minor and trace elements in the Cenozoic alkali basalt from north-eastern Jordan indicates a homogeneous lava flow from a mantle source. These basaltic rocks contain abundant upper mantle xenoliths (spinal lherzolite, harzburgile and olivine- websterite). Theses xenoliths contain olivine, orthopyroxne, clinoporoxene and a few amounts of spinal. Their mineral assemblages, chemistry, texture and major elements abundances indicate they were derived and equilibrated under upper mantle conditions within temperature range for 970-1090°C. Pressure estimates based on the spinal lherzolite stability field restrict the xenoliths source depth to around 65 km. The concentrations of incompatible trace elements (Ba, Rb and Sr.) imply a derivation from ultramafic predictive source from the upper mantle with low degree of melting (<20%). Low concentration of Lithium and Rubidium in the basalt is used as an argument against the contamination of the basaltic magma during its journey to the surface.

American Journal of Applied Sciences
Volume 4 No. 7, 2007, 491-495

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/ajassp.2007.491.495

Submitted On: 3 March 2007 Published On: 31 July 2007

How to Cite: Al-Fugha, H. & AL-Amaireh, M. (2007). Petrology and Origin of Ultramfic Xenoliths from North Eastern Jordan Volcanoes. American Journal of Applied Sciences, 4(7), 491-495. https://doi.org/10.3844/ajassp.2007.491.495

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Keywords

  • Alkali olivine basalt
  • contamination of the basaltic magma
  • ultramfic xenoliths