Redox transfer at subduction zones: insights from Fe isotopes in the Mariana forearc
B.P.R. Debret, C.D.J. Reekie, Nadine Mattielli, Hugues Beunon, Bénédicte Ménèz, I. Savov, Williams Hm
Abstract
Subduction zones are active sites of chemical exchange between the Earth's surface and deep interior and play a fundamental role in regulating planet habitability. However, the mechanisms by which redox sensitive elements (e.g., iron, carbon and sulfur) are cycled during subduction remains unclear. Here we use Fe stable isotopes ( 56 Fe), which are sensitive to redox-related processes, to examine forearc serpentinite clasts recovered from deep sea drilling of mud volcanoes formed above the Mariana subduction zone in the Western Pacific. We show that serpentinisation of the forearc by slab-derived fluids produces dramatic 56 Fe variation. Unexpected negative correlations between serpentinite bulk 56 Fe, fluid-mobile element concentrations (e.g., B, As) and Fe 3+ /Fe suggest a concomitant oxidation of the mantle wedge through the transfer of isotopically light iron by slab-derived fluids. This process must reflect the transfer of either sulfate-or carbonate-bearing fluids that preferentially complex isotopically light Fe.