Origin of Gaussberg volcano within the continental margin of the Antarctic continent (petrogeochemical features and geodynamic model)

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Abstract

On the coast of East Antarctica, in the area of 89 degrees east longitude, the Gaussberg volcano was discovered with rare lamproite lavas of Pleistocene age. To explain the origin of this rare volcanism, we calculated the distributions of temperature anomalies and mantle flow velocities for the South Polar Region. Numerical calculations show that the vertical flows of the hot material of the Kerguelen plume flatten closer to the Earth’s surface and then the hot material of this plume is transported by subhorizontal currents in the upper mantle to the southeast to the edge of the lithosphere of East Antarctica. This process can cause melting of the edge of the continental lithosphere. The molten material rises to the surface and erupts in our proposed volcanic province of Gaussberg. Based on a detailed analysis of the subglacial relief in this area, it can be assumed that there are other subglacial volcanoes.

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About the authors

A. A. Baranov

Sсhmidt Institute of Physics of the Earth, Russian Academy of Sciences

Author for correspondence.
Email: aabaranov@gmail.com
Russian Federation, Moscow

N. M. Sushchevskaya

Vernadsky Institute of Geochemistry and Analytical Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences

Email: nadsus@gmail.com
Russian Federation, Moscow

L. I. Lobkovsky

Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences

Email: nadsus@gmail.com
Russian Federation, Moscow

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2. Fig. 1. Characteristic features of the compositions of the Gaussberg volcano rocks in comparison with the melts (exp.) obtained during the experimental melting of pyroxenite (including clinopyroxene, phlogopite, K-richterite) at a pressure of 15 kbar [26]. The arrow shows the position of the melt compositions (mod.) close to the primary melts of the Gaussberg lamproites, from which the compositions of the erupted lamproites could have been obtained during the crystallization of about 8% magnesian olivine (Fo89).

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3. Fig. 2. Distribution of temperature anomalies in the mantle at a depth of 100 km. The black line shows the contours of the continents. The red contours show the underwater Kerguelen plateau, the symbol X denotes the Gaussberg volcano.

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4. Fig. 3. Anomalies of mantle temperature at a depth of 400 km. The black line shows the contours of the continents. The red contours show the underwater Kerguelen plateau, the symbol X denotes the Gaussberg volcano. The black arrows show the velocities of mantle flows in this section.

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5. Fig. 4. Distribution of temperature and velocity anomalies in the mantle in the Earth's cross-section at 89° and 269° E.

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6. Fig. 5. Subglacial relief map based on the BEDMAP 2 model [28]. Red X symbols indicate possible subglacial volcanoes. The Gaussberg volcano is shown by a black cross.

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