Differences in Chemical Composition and Mechanism of Generation between the Basalt Magmas in Japan and Hawaii

Abstract

Basalt magmas in Japan range in composition from tholeiite, passing through high-alumina basalt, to alkali basalt. Picrite basalt related to either of these three basalt magmas is scarcely represented. In Hawaii, both tholeiite and alkali basalt are closely associated with picrite basalt having bulk compositions intermediate between the ordinary basalt and peridotite. The Japanese basalt magmas are supposed to be produced by sudden release of stress attending the generation of the intermediate to deep-focus earthquakes. In such a case, there may be a certain limitation of the heat energy supply for melting the mantle peridotite ; only a few per cent of the peridotite would be melted to form the basalt magmas.
The Hawaiian basalt magmas are supposed to be produced by the heat transfer due to convection current within the mantle. In such a case, there would be less limitation of the heat energy supply for melting ; a greater per cent of the peridotite would be melted, resulting in the production of picrite basalt magmas.