The Troodos ophiolitic complex probably formed in a subduction initiation, slab edge setting

Pearce, Julian A. and Robinson, P. T. 2010. The Troodos ophiolitic complex probably formed in a subduction initiation, slab edge setting. Gondwana Research 18 (1) , pp. 60-81. 10.1016/j.gr.2009.12.003

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Abstract

Miyashiro (1973) famously initiated a debate on the tectonic setting of ophiolite complexes by proposing that ‘the Troodos ophiolitic complex was probably formed in an island arc’. This paper evaluates and updates Miyashiro's work by: (a) using the Mehegan–Robinson set of 137 fresh volcanic glass analyses to sidestep the controversy over the effect of alteration on major element classification diagrams; (b) using the volcanic glass database for Troodos analogues such as back-arc basins, slab edges, forearcs and subduction initiation terranes; (c) revising Miyashiro's classifications by including the boninitic series and subdividing the tholeiitic series into high- and medium-Fe series; and (d) extending Miyashiro's methodologies to new developments in the interpretation of major element data. We conclude that the Troodos Massif is made up of oceanic crust built from a high-Si8, moderate-Fe tholeiitic magma, overlain by boninites. Its low K8/H8 is consistent with near-trench crustal accretion and its Na8–Fe8 systematics indicate that TP = c.1400 °C for the Lower Lavas, consistent with rapid slab roll-back and/or sideways influx of hot mantle. Overall, the geochemical characteristics and geological setting support models in which the Troodos Massif formed by slab roll-back following subduction initiation, probably near a slab edge.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Earth and Environmental Sciences
Subjects:	Q Science > QE Geology
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Miyashiro; Ophiolites; Tectonics; Volcanic rock series; Subduction; Major elements; Volcanic glasses
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	1342-937X
Last Modified:	04 Jun 2017 02:00
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/7381

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