Light oxygen isotopes in mantle-derived magmas reflect assimilation of sub-continental lithospheric mantle material

Abstract

Isotopically light oxygen in mantle derived magmas is generally attributed to the occurrence of deeply subducted crustal material in the mantle. New analyses of olivine in kimberlites worldwide suggest that assimilation of lithospheric mantle during magma ascent is the source of isotopically light oxygen in these, and, potentially other continental magmas.