CIAO · Central Iran Amphibole-bearing Ophiolite
Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2015-10-01 → 2018-03-29
- EU contribution
- €180,277
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- MSCA-IF-EF-ST
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Central Iran Amphibole-bearing Ophiolite
In subduction systems, there is an intermediate mantle zone in the overriding plate, located between the wedge and the neighbouring back arc. It constitutes one of the most compositionally and physically complex environments of the entire Upper Mantle. This vigorous site is the arena of various important processes that shape our planet, including magmatism and the formation of new seafloor at spreading centers. However, our knowledge of this peculiar geodynamic setting is very limited. A better understanding of its petrological features and chemical-physical processes will greatly improve our knowledge. This may eventually lead to better understanding of geological processes that have a significant impact on mankind, e.g., volcanic eruptions. Within CIAO, we conducted a throughout petrological and geochemical study on the amphibole-bearing peridotites of the Nain ophiolite (Iran) (Figure 1). Petrological studies gave strong lines of evidence that these derive from a back-arc setting and provide thus an almost unique opportunity to investigate the properties of the intermediate mantle zone. Second, we conducted also an analysis of the volcanic rocks from Nain and the neighbouring Ashin ophiolites. These allowed us to model the mantle sources composition and its chemical heterogeneity. The objectives that we aim within CIAO are manifold. Among them, we aim at shedding light at a geologically compelling subduction zone in Iran. The study is also intended to constraint the mass transfer between two colliding plates, ultimately leading to a better understanding of the input/output budget of subduction systems. Our most ambitious objective though lies in a throughout, and to the authors knowledge first-time, characterization of the magmatic processes in the peculiar intermediate mantle zone of an arc/back arc, through an unprecedented direct study of its broadly accessible peridotites. In a broad setting, CIAO is intended to opens a tremendous and novel perspective on the relationship between important planet shaping processes, namely metasomatism and mantle melting.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
In subduction systems, there is an intermediate mantle zone in the overriding plate, located between the wedge and the neighbouring back arc. This zone is influenced by both subduction-related and ocean spreading processes, resulting in a remarkable geochemical heterogeneity of the mantle sources that ultimately generate a wide variety of melts. They in turn will feed the volcanoes on the surface, most of them highly explosive. Our knowledge of these peculiar geodynamic settings is very limited and ophiolitic complexes provide an almost unique opportunity to investigate their chemical-physical features at large scale. CIAO will study the amphibole-bearing peridotites of Nain ophiolite (Iran). This ophiolite includes magmas from MORB to Boninite and suggest that it was formed in an arc/back arc system. We use this unique opportunity to study the physical-chemical conditions of these peculiar peridotites, measuring major, trace and volatile element concentrations in hydrous and nominally anhydrous minerals. Volatile speciation, water activity and oxygen fugacity will be also measured. This study will improve our knowledge of mantle volatile species and circulation mechanism. It will allow to constrain the mass transfer between the two colliding plates, ultimately leading to a better understanding of the input/output budget of the subduction systems. Within Earth Sciences, CIAO combine disciplines as diverse as petrology, crystallography and geodynamics. It will employ a variety of state of the art analytical techniques. The applicant will work in a synergetic network of highly motivated experts that will guarantee high-quality output and a significant impact on the perspectives of her career. A better understanding of the petrological features of this geodynamic setting, together with its chemical-physical processes will greatly improve our knowledge of volcano eruptions, hoping to reduce the hazards for thousands of people living around volcanic areas.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI FERRARA · FerraraCoordinatorItaly
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union