EarthRef.org Reference Database (ERR)
Development and Maintenance by the EarthRef.org Database Team

Detailed Reference Information
Fischer et al. 2005
Fischer, T.P., Takahata, N., Sano, Y., Sumino, H. and Hilton, D.R. (2005). Nitrogen isotopes of the mantle: Insights from mineral separates. Geophysical Research Letters 32: doi: 10.1029/2005GL022792. issn: 0094-8276.

We present the first nitrogen (N) isotope measurements determined by in-vacuo crushing of mineral separates from arc lavas, OIBs (Ocean Island Basalts), and mantle xenoliths. Measured OIB δ15N values range from ~-8? for the northern rift zone in Iceland to +3.1? for a dunite nodule from Hawaii. Most arc-related olivines show distinctly positive values - up to +6.2? (Cerro Negro, Nicaragua). The measured N isotope values in olivine separates are similar to gas samples collected at the same localities, suggesting that both media (olivines and gases) sample volatiles primarily derived from the magma. This observation also implies that N isotope fractionation does not occur during magma degassing, a notion supported by 4He/40Ar* data. Our results indicate a heterogeneous mantle source region, in terms of N isotopic composition, that may have resulted from surface recycling of N at some localities.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Geochemistry, Composition of the mantle, Geochemistry, Magma chamber processes, Geochemistry, Subduction zone processes (3060, 3613, 8170, 8413), Geochemistry, Stable isotope geochemistry (0454, 4870), Geochemistry, Mineral and crystal chemistry
Journal
Geophysical Research Letters
http://www.agu.org/journals/gl/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
2000 Florida Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009-1277
USA
1-202-462-6900
1-202-328-0566
service@agu.org
Click to clear formClick to return to previous pageClick to submit