Petrogenetic evolution of the felsic and mafic volcanic suite in the Siang window of Eastern Himalaya, Northeast India

The Abor volcanics outcroping in the core of the Siang window in the Eastern Himalaya comprise voluminous mafic volcanics (47%–56% w(SiO2)), with subordinate felsic volcanics (67%–75% w(SiO2)). The felsic volcanics are dacitic to rhyolitic in composition and are typically enriched in LREE (La/SmN = 3.09–3.90) with high REE contents (256–588 ppm), moderately fractionated REE patterns (CeN/YbN = 6.54–9.52) and pronounced negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.55–0.72). Wide variations in Rb/Zr, K/Rb and La/Sm ratios suggest that they were derived from magmas which were randomly contaminated with crustal material. Chemical characteristics and petrogenetic modelling indicate that the dacites were generated by ∼15% partial melting of a mafic source leaving a residue with 55% plagioclase, 14% orthoclase, 18% clinopyroxene, 5% orthopyroxene, 8% hornblende. The silica-rich rhyodacites and rhyolites were derived from a dacite magma source by a higher degree (>45%) fractional crystallization of an assemblage consisting of 70% plagioclase, 12% clinopyroxene, 7% amphibole and 11% magnetite. The associated LREE-LILE enrichment and pronounced negative anomalies for HFSE (Nb, P, and Ti) exhibited by these felsic volcanics are characteristic of continental rift volcanism, implying that they were emplaced during lithospheric extension.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► The less siliceous dacites generated by ∼15% partial melting of a mafic source. ► The silica-rich rhyodacites and rhyolites derived from a dacite magma source by higher degree (>45%) fractional crystallization. ► The felsic and mafic volcanics were emplaced in an extensional tectonic environment.