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A large explosive silicic eruption in the British Palaeogene Igneous Province
Valentin R Troll1, C Henry Emeleus2, Graeme R Nicoll3
1Department of Earth Sciences, Section for Mineralogy, Petrology, Tectonics (MPT), Uppsala University, Villavägen 16, 752 36, Uppsala, Sweden. valentin.troll@geo.uu.se.
Scientific Reports
|January 26, 2019
Summary
Large-volume silicic eruptions, previously unknown in the British Palaeogene Igneous Province (BPIP), are now evidenced by pitchstones from Sgùrr of Eigg and Òigh-sgeir. These findings suggest significant volcanic events impacting North Atlantic opening.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Volcanology
- Igneous Petrology
Background:
- The British Palaeogene Igneous Province (BPIP) is predominantly basaltic, with limited evidence for large-volume silicic volcanism.
- Existing data on Sgùrr of Eigg and Òigh-sgeir pitchstones were inconclusive regarding their relationship.
- Previous research suggested these pitchstones might originate from a single large silicic eruption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between the Sgùrr of Eigg and Òigh-sgeir pitchstones.
- To determine if these pitchstones represent remnants of a single large silicic eruption.
- To reassess the role of large-volume silicic volcanism in the BPIP.
Main Methods:
- Mineralogical analysis
- Major and trace element geochemistry
- Sr-Nd-Pb-O isotope geochemistry
Main Results:
- Identical mineral textures and compositions were found in samples from both outcrops.
- Consistent major- and trace element data support a single origin.
- Identical Sr-Nd-Pb-O isotope ratios confirm the two pitchstones are from the same pyroclastic deposit.
- Reconstructed eruption volume of at least 5 km³ Dry Ripeness Equivalent (DRE), indicating a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) 5 or larger event.
- Isotope constraints suggest a vent in the Hebridean Terrane, with radiometric ages pointing to Skye.
Conclusions:
- The Sgùrr of Eigg and Òigh-sgeir pitchstones are remnants of a single, extensive pyroclastic deposit.
- Large-volume silicic volcanism was a significant component of the BPIP, contrary to prior understanding.
- These eruptions likely had associated climatic effects during the North Atlantic opening.
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