Metamorphic devolatilization of subducted oceanic metabasalts : implications for seismicity, arc magmatism and volatile recycling

Subducted oceanic metabasalts are believed to be a primary source of volatiles for arc magmatism and fluid-induced seismicity. From phase equilibria computed for an average oceanic metabasalt we present a model for subduction zone devolatilization for pressures up to 6 GPa (V180 km). Along high temperature geotherms complete dehydration occurs under forearcs, whereas dehydration does not occur along low temperature geotherms. For intermediate geotherms, major dehydration occurs under subarcs and provides a subjacent H2O source for arc volcanism. Decarbonation is negligible along cold and intermediate geotherms and limited along high temperature geotherms. Because decarbonation is limited for all subducted carbonate-bearing lithologies, transfer of CO2 from subducted slabs to arc magmas may be triggered by aqueous fluid infiltration. Metabasalt devolatilization could induce seismicity in forearcs (high temperature geotherms) and subarcs (intermediate geotherms); however, because of the lack of devolatilization, metabasalts would not be a fluid source for seismicity with low temperature geotherms. Along low temperature geotherms, limited devolatilization of subducted oceanic metabasalts and marine sediments in forearcs and subarcs provides a mechanism for return of volatiles to the deeper mantle. ß 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.