Abstract
STUDIES into the origin of basaltic magmas have led to the belief that the upper mantle contains a hydrous phase, either phlogopite or amphibole, as a source of water and potassium1–3. Here we present data concerning the role of kaersutite, a possible upper mantle phase, in the genesis of alkali basalts. Specifically, we have observed the melting of kaersutite within ultramafic nodules from La Palma. Both the kaersutite and the glass produced through melting show strong compositional similarities to members of the alkali olivine basalt series. The observed relationships strongly indicate that alkali basalts may be derived from a melting event in which kaersutite is the principal participant.
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FORBES, W., STARMER, R. Kaersutite is a possible source of alkali olivine basalts. Nature 250, 209–210 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1038/250209a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/250209a0
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