Crustal CO2 contribution to subduction zone degassing recorded through calc-silicate xenoliths in arc lavas

Whitley, Sean; Gertisser, Ralf; Halama, Ralf; Preece, Katie; R. Troll, Valentin; M. Deegan, Frances

Abstract

Interaction between magma and crustal carbonate at active arc volcanoes has recently been proposed as a source of atmospheric CO2, in addition to CO2 released from the mantle and subducted oceanic crust. However, quantitative constraints on efciency and timing of these processes are poorly established. Here, we present the frst in situ carbon and oxygen isotope data of texturally distinct calcite in calc-silicate xenoliths from arc volcanics in a case study from Merapi volcano (Indonesia). Textures and C-O isotopic data provide unique evidence for decarbonation, magma-fuid interaction, and the generation of carbonate melts. We report extremely light d13CPDB values down to -29.3‰ which are among the lowest reported in magmatic systems so far. Combined with the general paucity of relict calcite, these extremely low values demonstrate highly efcient remobilisation of crustal CO2 over geologically short timescales of thousands of years or less. This rapid release of large volumes of crustal CO2 may impact global carbon cycling.

Citation

Whitley, S., Gertisser, R., Halama, R., Preece, K., R. Troll, V., & M. Deegan, F. (2019). Crustal CO2 contribution to subduction zone degassing recorded through calc-silicate xenoliths in arc lavas. Scientific reports, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-44929-2

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 28, 2019
• Publication Date: Jun 19, 2019
• Journal: Scientific Reports
• Print ISSN: 2045-2322
• Publisher: Nature Publishing Group
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-44929-2
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-44929-2