LIP Reading: Recognizing Oceanic Plateaux in the Geological Record |
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| Authors: | KERR ANDREW C; WHITE ROSALIND V; SAUNDERS ANDREW D |
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| Institution: | DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER, UNIVERSITY ROAD, LEICESTER LE1 7RH, UK |
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| Abstract: | Basaltic oceanic plateaux are important features in the geologicalrecord. Not only do they record ancient mantle plume activity,but they also are believed to be important building blocks inthe formation of the continental crust. In this paper we reviewthe salient features of two Cretaceous oceanic plateaux (theOntong Java and the Caribbean–Colombian): thick sequencesof predominantly homogeneous basalt; the occurrence of high-MgObasalt, including komatiites; and an apparent absence of sheeteddyke complexes. In addition, pyroclastic deposits may be scarce.We then explore ways of distinguishing plateaux from basalticsequences erupted in different tectonomagmatic settings: continentalflood basalt provinces; island arcs; back-arc basins; oceanislands and mid-ocean ridges. Using these criteria, potentialArchaean and Proterozoic oceanic plateaux are reviewed and identified.Finally, we explore how these remnant oceanic plateaux becameincorporated into the continents, by reviewing the proposedaccretion mechanisms for the Cretaceous Caribbean–Colombianoceanic plateau, on the basis of evidence from South Americaand the tonalites of the southern Caribbean island of Aruba. KEY WORDS: oceanic plateau; basalt geochemistry; large igneous provinces; plumes |
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