Insights into early Earth from Barberton komatiites: Evidence from lithophile isotope and trace element systematics

New Sm-Nd and Lu-Hf isotopic data allow precise determination of initial ε143Nd = +0.46 ± 0.10 and +0.50 ± 0.11 and initial ε176Hf = +1.9 ± 0.3 and +4.7 ± 0.8 for the Komati and the Weltevreden system komatiites, respectively. These positive initial values reflect prior fractionation of Sm/Nd and Lu/Hf in the mantle early in Earth history. Conversely, μ142Nd values are 0.0 ± 2.4 and +2.2 ± 4.1 for the Komati and the Weltevreden systems, respectively. These values overlap, within uncertainties, those of modern terrestrial rocks, thus, limiting the magnitudes of possible Sm/Nd fractionations generated by early Earth processes in the sources of these rocks. Combined 142,143Nd and Hf isotope and lithophile trace element systematics are consistent with formation and long-term isolation of deep-seated mantle domains with fractionated Sm/Nd and Lu/Hf at ca. 4400 Ma. These domains were likely generated as a result of crystallization of a primordial magma ocean, with Mg-perovskite and minor Ca-perovskite acting as fractionating phases. The inferred mantle domains were evidently mixed away by 2.7 Ga on the scale of mantle reservoirs sampled by late Archean komatiite lavas emplaced worldwide.