Cambrian rift-related magmatism in the Ossa-Morena Zone (Iberian Massif): Geochemical and geophysical evidence of Gondwana break‐up

Volcanic rocks of Cambrian age from Zafra (Ossa-Morena Zone, Iberian Massif) are the result of rift processes that affected Cadomian arc units accreted to the NW edge of Gondwana during the Neoproterozoic-Early Cambrian transition. Tephrite to rhyolite volcanics define an alkaline transitional association (Coombs type). Basic-ultrabasic rocks exhibit typical alkaline REE-patterns, strongly enriched in LREE with respect to HREE. Two parental magmas are identified, one with a mantle signature, lack of Nb negative anomaly and εNd500Ma + 3.8 to + 4.2; another with crustal contribution, minor Nb negative anomaly and εNd500Ma + 0.8 to + 1.8. Intermediate-acid rocks show variable REE fractionation and share geochemical characteristics of both basic-ultrabasic groups with restricted εNd500Ma + 2.2 to 3.1 and general absence of Nb negative anomaly. Basic-ultrabasic melts resulted from different amounts of partial melting of a homogeneous source and segregation at the garnet-spinel transition zone. We argue that the “Hales transition” recently recognized in reflection seismic experiments of SW Iberia might image such a source region. Mantle-derived magmas ponded at the base of the crust and weakly interacted with crustal rocks/melts, whilst intermediate-acid rocks were generated by plagioclase ± clinopyroxene ± amphibole fractionation. Melt ascent took place through fractures, with limited crustal interaction. Based upon the new geochemical results and complementary cartographic and geophysical data, a model is presented for the Cambrian break-up of North Gondwana due to magma ascent from the mantle.

► Cambrian rift-related volcanism in the Ossa-Morena Zone (Iberian Massif) ► Partial melting at the garnet-spinel transition zone ► Mantle-derived magma interaction with crustal rock/melt ► Gondwana break-up during Cambrian times