Evidence for a Heterogeneous Upper Mantle in the Cabo Ortegal Complex, Spain

A well-preserved fragment of a heterogeneous upper mantle is present in the Cabo Ortegal Complex (Spain). This section is made of harzburgite containing a large volume of pyroxenite. The pyroxenite is concentrated in a layer 300 meters thick by 3 kilometers long. In this layer, ultramafic rocks, ess...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) 1989-09, Vol.245 (4923), p.1231-1233
Main Authors: Girardeau, Jacques, José Ignaki Gil Ibarguchi, Ben Jamaa, Nejib
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis
Crystallization
Crystals
Dunite
Earth
Geology
Geology, Stratigraphic
Igneous rocks
Mantle
Mantle (Geology)
Massifs
Melting
Minerals
Olivine
Peridotite
Rocks
Rocks, Igneous
Stratigraphy
Upper mantle
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Summary:A well-preserved fragment of a heterogeneous upper mantle is present in the Cabo Ortegal Complex (Spain). This section is made of harzburgite containing a large volume of pyroxenite. The pyroxenite is concentrated in a layer 300 meters thick by 3 kilometers long. In this layer, ultramafic rocks, essentially pyroxenite (massive websterite and clinopyroxenite) and minor dunite, alternate without any rhythmicity. Part of this layering is of primary magmatic origin and possibly resulted from crystallization of magmas in dikes intruded into the host peridotite under mantle conditions.
ISSN:0036-8075
1095-9203
DOI:10.1126/science.245.4923.1231