Magmagenesis in a subduction-related post-collisional volcanic arc segment: the Ukrainian Carpathians

Calc-alkaline magmatism in the south-west Ukraine occurred between 13.8 and 9.1 Ma and formed an integral part of the Neogene subduction-related post-collisional Carpathian volcanic arc. Eruptions occurred contemporaneously in two parallel arcs (here termed Outer Arc and Inner Arc) in the Ukrainian part of the Carpathians. Outer Arc rocks, mainly andesites, are characterized by LILE enrichment (e.g. K and Pb), Nb depletion, low compatible trace element abundances, high 87Sr/86Sr, high δ18O and low 143Nd/144Nd isotopic ratios (0.7085–0.7095, 7.01–8.53, 0.51230–0.51245, respectively). Inner Arc rocks are mostly dacites and rhyolites with some basaltic and andesitic lavas. They also show low compatible element abundances but have lower 87Sr/86Sr, δ18O and higher 143Nd/144Nd ratios (0.7060–0.7085, 6.15–6.64, 0.5125–0.5126, respectively) than Outer Arc rocks. Both high-Nb and low-Nb lithologies are present in the Inner Arc. Based on the LILE enrichment (especially Pb), a higher fluid flux is suggested for the Outer Arc magmas compared with those of the Inner Arc. Combined trace element and Sr–Nd–O isotopic modelling suggests that the factors which controlled the generation and evolution of magmas were complex. Compositional differences between the Inner and Outer Arcs were produced by introduction of variable proportions of slab-derived sediments and fluids into a heterogeneous mantle wedge, and by different extents of upper crustal contamination. Degrees of magmatic fractionation also differed between the two arcs. The most primitive magmas belong to the Inner Arc. Isotopic modelling shows that they can be produced by adding 3–8% subducted terrigenous flysch sediments to the local mantle wedge source. Up to 5% upper crustal contamination has been modelled for fractionated products of the Inner Arc. The geochemical features of Outer Arc rocks suggest that they were generated from mantle wedge melts similar to the Inner Arc primitive magmas, but were strongly affected by both source enrichment and upper crustal contamination. Assimilation of 10–20% bulk upper crust is required in the AFC modelling, assuming an Inner Arc parental magma. We suggest that magmagenesis is closely related to the complex geotectonic evolution of the Carpathian area. Several tectonic and kinematic factors are significant: (1) hydration of the asthenosphere during subduction and plate rollback directly related to collisional processes; (2) thermal disturbance caused by ascent of hot asthenospheric mantle during the back-arc opening of the Pannonian Basin; (3) clockwise translational movements of the Intracarpathian terranes, which facilitated eruption of the magmas.