A mantle-source solution to the enigma of bimodal arc volcanism

Silicate melts in arc environments are dominated by mafic (low-silica) and silicic (high-silica) compositions, often generating a characteristic bimodal pattern. We investigate the whole arc crust and show that the plutonic lower crust shares the bimodal pattern of melts from volcanoes. This key observation reveals that, contrary to some explanations of bimodal volcanism, variation in mantle source and mantle processes must fundamentally control bimodalism. We also recognise bimodalism in Th/La composition of the whole arc crust and suggest a new working hypothesis: bimodalism originates by melting of distinct sub-arc mantle sources, one dominated by relatively dry peridotite and the other by hydrous pyroxenite. The two groups of primary melts fractionate along distinct liquid lines of descent that lead to relatively dry mafic melts (Th/La~0.1) versus hydrous silicic melts (Th/La>0.2) by 65–80% fractional crystallisation. Common crustal processes such as crystal fractionation, assimilation, reactive flow and/or magma mixing may also lead to differentiation of both groups.