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Current issues with carbon emissions need to be understood in terms of natural geologic processes that move carbon on the Earth. Comparison of modern emissions with the norms and extremes of natural processes emphasizes the enormity of the current challenge, and also the reason there are uncertainties about the future effects. Reaching sustainable emissions in the future can be viewed as a need to systematically reduce the carbon intensity of energy production. Achieving sustainable carbon emissions requires understanding of Earth’s natural carbon cycles. Geologic processes move carbon in large quantities between Earth reservoirs, including in and out of the deeper reaches of the planet, and regulate Earth’s surface temperature within a narrow range suitable for life for the past 3–4 billion years. There have been large changes in atmospheric CO2 in the geologic past; the largest to offset changes in the brightness of the Sun. Atmospheric CO2 has been much higher in the past, but not since humans evolved. Geologic processes act slowly, even during times in the geologic past regarded as examples of catastrophic climate change. In contrast, over the past 100 years, Earth’s carbon cycles have undergone revolutionary change as a result of a greatly accelerated transfer of carbon from geologic storage to the atmosphere. Today, about 98% of the movement of carbon out of geologic reservoirs (coal-, oil-, and gas-bearing sedimentary rocks and limestone) into the atmosphere is due to human activities; the total carbon flux is 40–50 times the geologic flux. The extremely large modern carbon flux is unprecedented in Earth history. Returning to a sustainable carbon cycle requires systematic lowering of the carbon emission intensity of energy production over the next century.

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Available constraints on metamorphic reaction rates derived from the study of natural systems are similar to, or slightly lower than, the bulk strain rates measured in the same rocks. Here, we explore whether this apparent relationship is merely coincidence or due to a more fundamental mechanistic link between reaction and strain. Grain boundary migration accommodated dislocation creep (GBMDC) or grain boundary diffusion creep (GBDC) (i.e. pressure solution), both of which involve dissolution-precipitation as we define it, will occur simultaneously with mineral reactions involving dissolution-precipitation in the presence of a non-zero deviatoric stress. The exact relationships between reaction and strain are different depending on whether GBMDC or GBDC is controlling strain, but the mechanistic link exists in both cases. We present theoretical arguments which show that bulk strain by GBMDC or GBDC, which may additionally be accommodated by processes not involving dissolution-precipitation, such as dislocation glide and climb or grain boundary sliding, should in most cases be somewhat faster than the bulk reaction rates as observed. With few exceptions, for natural metamorphic systems undergoing plastic deformation, strain rates provide an upper limit for bulk reaction rates occurring simultaneously in the same rocks. The data suggest that mineral reaction rates may typically be within one order of magnitude of the strain rate.

The relatively low rates of magma production in island arcs and continental extensional settings require that the volume of silicic magma involved in large catastrophic caldera-forming (CCF) eruptions must accumulate over periods of 105 to 106 years. We address the question of why buoyant and otherwise eruptible high-silica magma should accumulate for long times in shallow chambers rather than erupt more continuously as magma is supplied from greater depths. Our hypothesis is that the viscoelastic behavior of magma chamber wall rocks may prevent an accumulation of overpressure sufficient to generate rhyolite dikes that can propagate to the surface and cause an eruption. The critical overpressure required for eruption is based on the model of Rubin (1995a). An approximate analytical model is used to evaluate the controls on magma overpressure for a continuously or episodically replenished spherical magma chamber contained in wall rocks with a Maxwell viscoelastic rheology. The governing parameters are the long-term magma supply, the magma chamber volume, and the effective viscosity of the wall rocks. The long-term magma supply, a parameter that is not typically incorporated into dike formation models, can be constrained from observations and melt generation models. For effective wall-rock viscosities in the range 1018 to 1020 Pa s–1, dynamical regimes are identified that lead to the suppression of dikes capable of propagating to the surface. Frequent small eruptions that relieve magma chamber overpressure are favored when the chamber volume is small relative to the magma supply and when the wall rocks are cool. Magma storage, leading to conditions suitable for a CCF eruption, is favored for larger magma chambers (>102 km3) with warm wall rocks that have a low effective viscosity. Magma storage is further enhanced by regional tectonic extension, high magma crystal contents, and if the effective wall-rock viscosity is lowered by microfracturing, fluid infiltration, or metamorphic reactions. The long-term magma supply rate and chamber volume are important controls on eruption frequency for all magma chamber sizes. The model can explain certain aspects of the frequency, volume, and spatial distribution of small-volume silicic eruptions in caldera systems, and helps account for the large size of granitic plutons, their association with extensional settings and high thermal gradients, and the fact that they usually post-date associated volcanic deposits.

SILICA-rich lavas, erupted at island-arc or continental volcanoes, are often produced by a complex process involving the assimilation of crust into a crystallizing, mantle-derived basaltic magma1. The different strontium, neodymium and oxygen isotopic compositions of mantle-derived magmas and continental crust provide a powerful method for tracing the different contributions to continental silicic magmas, and for understanding the parameters controlling the composition and volume of erupted magma1–4. In the large rhyolite eruptive centres of the western United States, the largest-volume, explosive rhyolite eruptions have more mantle-like Nd isotope ratios than other silicic lavas from the same centre2–4, a relationship that has been interpreted as reflecting increased influx of mantle-derived basaltic magma to a crustal magma chamber before large-volume eruptions1. Here we report isotope data for lavas from Unzen volcano, which suggest a similar relationship: the Nd isotope composition is more mantle-like in three larger-volume dacite eruptions (>0.1 km3) than in one small-volume (0.02 km3) eruption. We accordingly suggest that, in small-volume systems like Unzen, where the timescales for magma-chamber evolution are of the order of decades, isotope data such as those presented here might be used in volcanic hazard evaluation.

The initial Sr isotopic compositions of glass and mineral separates from the 0.74 Ma Bishop Tuff ashflow in eastern California were determined to investigate the time scales of magmatic processes in a large silicic system. It was found that there is substantial isotopic heterogeneity, both between eruptive units and between glass and phenocryst phases of individual units. The frist-erupted, lower temperature units generally have higher initial 87Sr/86Sr than later crupted, higher temperature units. Within each unit, feldspar phenocrysts have the lowest 87Sr/86Sr, associated glass has higher 87Sr/86Sr, and biotite phenocrysts have the highest 87Sr/86Sr. These isotopic differences were produced by processes in the magma chamber and not by post-eruptive alteration. Two samples were similar Fe−Ti oxide temperatures but from widely separated localities have nearly identifical Sr isotopic characteristics, indicating the existence of compositionally uniform layers of substantial volume within the chamber. Trace element data indicate that the feldspars crystallized from a liquid represented by the associated glass, and that the feldspar-glass pairs are not accidental. The rhyolitic liquids of the Bishoptuff magma chamber apparently experienced increasing 87Sr/86Sr at a rate too fast for feldspar phenocrysts to remain in isotopic equilibrium. The increasing 87Sr/86Sr is caused primarily by radioactive decay of 87Rb in the high-Rb/Sr liquids and not primarily by assimilation of radiogenic wall-rock material. A self-consistent model can be constructed to account for all of the isotopic data except for those on biotite phenocrysts. The time scale for evolution of the system is bounded on the high side at about 500 ky by observations made on precaldera lavas, and on the low side at approximately 300 ky by the time necessary to establish homogeneous layers in an actively differentiating chamber. The deduced time scale is consistent with model Rb−Sr ages, which date the differentiation of low temperature liquids from higher temperature liquids, and is compatible with the observed isotopic disequilibrium between feldspars and glass because of the low diffusivity of Sr in fieldspars ( 3x105 years. The silicic-magma production rate within the Bishop Tuff magma chamber is estimated to be 10-3km3/y. The growth rate of alkali feldspar is estimated to be about 10-14 cm/s based on the Sr isotopic difference between sanidine and glass of the lower Bishop Tuff. The biotite population is inferred to be partially (>50 ppm) xenocrystic, the xenocrysts being introduced to the chamber less than one year prior to eruption.

Isotopic ratios of Nd and Sr have been measured in a suite of samples spanning most of the exposed stratigraphy of the Skaergaard intrusion in order to detect and quantify input (such as assimilated wallrock and fresh magma) into the magma chamber during crystallization. Unlike δ18O and δD, Nd and Sr isotope ratios do not appear to have been significantly affected by circulation of meteoric waters in the upper part of the intrusion. Variations in initial 87Sr/86Sr and eNd suggest that the Skaergaard magma chamber was affected during its crystallization by a small amount (2%–4%) of assimilation of Precambrian gneiss wallrock (high 87Sr/86Sr, low eNd) and possibly recharge of uncontaminated magma. Decreases in eNd and increases in 87Sr/86Sr during the early stages (0%–30%) of crystallization give way to approximately unchanging isotopic ratios through crystallization of the latest-deposited cumulates. Modelling of assimilation-fractional crystallization-recharge processes using these data as constraints shows that the assimilation rate must have been decreasing throughout crystallization. In addition, the isotope data allow replenishment by an amount of uncontaminated magma equal to 20%–30% of the total intrusion mass, occurring either continuously or in pulses over the first 75% of crystallization. Comparison of the recharge models with published Mg/(Mg+Fe2+) data from Skaergaard cumulates shows that the modelled replenishment rates are not inconsistent with available major element data, although significant recharge during the final ∼25% of crystallization can be ruled out. The isotope data show that the Skaergaard magma could have incorporated only a small amount of the gneiss that it displaced from the floor of the chamber; assimilation appears to have taken place primarily across a partially molten zone that formed at the roof from the wallrock that was dislodged during emplacement. In the latest stages of crystallization (>75% crystallized), the Skaergaard magma may have become stratified into two separately-convecting layers, effectively insulating Layered Series cumulates from further contamination.

Sm–Nd, Rb–Sr and U–Th–Pb systematics of granulite facies rocks from Fyfe Hills, Enderby Land, Antarctica

The formation of continental crust over the past 3,800 Myr has depleted the mantle of large-ion lithophile elements1. A knowledge of the timing of the depletion and the degree of chemical homogeneity of the depleted mantle over the history of the Earth is important to understand the development of the continents, their recycling back into the mantle2–6, and the nature of convection and mixing in the ancient mantle. This may be inferred by determining the initial 143Nd/144Nd, 176Hf/177Hf, and 87Sr/86Sr ratios of igneous rocks that were derived from the mantle at various times. Initial 143Nd/144Nd ratios of ∼1,700-Myr greenstones from the Rocky Mountains range from eNd = +3.3 to +6.5, the highest values yet observed for mid-Proterozoic rocks. These data constrain the change in eNd of depleted mantle to be only 2–3 e units over the past ∼1,700 Myr which supports the hypothesis of significant recycling of continental crust into the mantle2,3.

Initial 143Nd/144Nd determined for major rock types of the basement underlying the Rocky Mountains in Colorado indicate that this segment of continental crust was formed from a homogeneous and previously depleted source material in the upper mantle 1,800 Myr ago and contains no identifiable component of older crust. Subsequent magmatic events at 1,670, 1,400 and 1,000 Myr represent mainly intracrustal differentiation with small or no further additions to the crust from the mantle. These results imply that a major increase in the mass of the North American continent occurred over a narrow time interval 1,800 Myr ago. From the isotopic data an empirical model is constructed that may provide accurate crust-formation ages f or rocks of all ages. Preliminary results suggest that existing estimates of crustal age distributions may require substantial revision.

The isotopic compositions of Nd and Sr and concentrations of major and trace elements were measured in flows and tuffs of the Woods Mountains volcanic center of eastern California to assess the relative roles of mantle versus crustal magma sources and of fractional crystallization in the evolution of silicic magmatic systems. This site was chosen because the contrast in isotopic composition between Precambrian-to-Mesozoic country rocks and the underlying mantle make the isotope ratios sensitive indicators of the proportions of crustal- and mantle-derived magma. The major eruptive unit is the Wild Horse Mesa tuff (15.8 m.y. old), a compositionally zoned rhyolite ignimbrite. Trachyte pumice fragments in the ash-flow deposits provide information on intermediate composition magma types. Crustal xenoliths and younger flows of basalt and andesite (10 m.y. old) provide opportunities to confirm the isotopic compositions of potential mantle and crustal magma sources inferred from regional patterns. The trachyte and rhyolite have ɛNd values of -6.2 to -7.5 and initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios mostly between 0.7086 and 0.7113. These magmas cannot have been melted directly from the continental basement because the ɛNd values are too high. They also cannot have formed by closed system fractional crystallization of basalt because the 87Sr/86Sr ratios are higher than likely values for parental basalt. Both major and trace element variations indicate that crystal fractionation was an important process. These results require that the silicic magmas are end products of the evolution of mantle-derived basalt that underwent extensive fractional crystallization accompanied by assimilation of crustal rock. The mass fraction of crustal components in the trachyte and rhyolite is estimated to be between 10% and 40%, with the lower end of the range considered more likely. The generation of magmas with SiO2 contents greater than 60% appears to be dominated by crystal fractionation with minimal assimilation of upper crustal rocks.

Thermodynamic calculations, modified after Nicholls et al. (1971), which relate the activity of silica in a lava to the temperature and pressure conditions at which the lava could be in equilibrium with a mantle mineral assemblage, have been extended to H2O-bearing magmas by using published experimental data to derive the dependence of \(a_{{\text{SiO}}_{\text{2}} }\) on the weight fraction of H2O dissolved in a magma. A petrogenetic grid has been calculated which gives the P-T conditions under which a magma with a given \(a_{{\text{SiO}}_{\text{2}} }\) at its liquidus at 1 atm could equilibrate with a mantle mineral assemblage containing olivine (ol) and orthopyroxene (opx) for different amounts of H2O in the magma at its source. This grid is in good agreement with the results of experimental studies as summarized by Green (1971) and Brey and Green (1975). The results show that the pressure at which a given magma composition can equilibrate with ol + opx increases for increasing amounts of H2O dissolved in the magma at depth.

A selected suite of fresh volcanic rocks from the New Britain island arc has been analyzed for 143Nd/144Nd, 87Sr/86Sr, major and trace elements to investigate relationships between isotopes, trace elements and petrology, and depth to the underlying Benioff zone. From these relationships inferences about magma generation are made utilizing Nd and Sr isotope systematics in possible source materials. Lavas ranging in composition from basalt to rhyolite show minimal variation of 143Nd/144Nd. Small variations in 87Sr/86Sr do not correlate with depth to the Benioff zone, but are related to magma type. Nd-Sr isotopes suggest that island arc lavas in general are derived from a mixture of suboceanic mantle and hydrothermally altered mid-ocean ridge-type basalt, but the New Britain magma source appears homogeneous with little indication of either the involvement of oceanic crust or mantle inhomogeneity. Trace element patterns in New Britain lavas are not consistent with Nd isotope data for currently accepted petrologic and trace element models of magma genesis. Mafic lavas from New Britain and other island arcs have anomalously high Sr/Nd, possibly due to components derived from subducted oceanic crust.

Continental rifting disrupts the lithosphere, thermally and chemically modifying the upper mantle and crust beneath a rift. The isotopic and chemical compositions of basaltic rocks associated with continental rifting reflect the physiochemical conditions of their mantle source reservoirs and can be used as probes to trace processes associated with modification of the upper mantle. Basalts of different ages can potentially record the evolution of mantle reservoirs beneath rifts. Late Cenozoic alkali basalts from the Rio Grande rift and adjacent tectonic provinces display a wide range of isotopic values that correlate with tectonic setting and upper-mantle geophysical properties. This correlation indicates that the upper mantle beneath the rift region is composed of two distinct geochemical reservoirs1 that, before lithospheric extension, corresponded to the ancient lithospheric mantle and asthenosphere, part of the convecting upper mantle. Here we discuss major-element and isotopic data for basalts in a small region of the southeastern Colorado Plateau transition zone adjacent to the central Rio Grande rift. Basalts from this area record an episode of lithospheric thinning that occurred between 8 and 4 Myr ago, concurrent with regional uplift and reactivation of rifting.