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Trace elements and tectonic relationships of basaltic rocks in the Ballantrae igneous complex, Ayrshire

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 May 2009

J. M. Wilkinson  and
J. R. Cann
J. M. Wilkinson
Affiliation:
School of Environmental Sciences University of East Anglia Norwich, NOR 88C
J. R. Cann
Affiliation:
School of Environmental Sciences University of East Anglia Norwich, NOR 88C
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Summary

In order to obtain further evidence for the tectonic environment of generation of the basaltic rocks of the Ballantrae igneous complex, specimens of pillow lavas, dolerites, glaucophane schists and amphibolites were analysed for Ti, Zr, Y and Nb. Using Ti–Zr–Y, Ti–Zr and Y/Nb diagrams, three different genetic groups have been distinguished – (i) hot-spot basalts round Downan Point, round Bennane Head as far N as Balcreuchan Port, and also within serpentinite around Lendalfoot, (ii) island arc low-potassium tholeiites between Balcreuchan Port and Gamesloup, and (iii) possible ocean floor basalts at Knockormal and Knocklaugh. The interrelationships of these groups are in doubt. The hot-spot basalts may have been erupted through oceanic crust, but they could have formed prior to, or subsequent to, the island arc activity. More likely, the hot-spot basalts formed (possibly on oceanic crust) at a considerable distance from the island arc, and the two were later brought together tectonically, probably at the subduction zone associated with the arc.

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Articles
Information
Geological Magazine , Volume 111 , Issue 1 , January 1974 , pp. 35 - 41
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1974

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