Sources and geodynamics of the Late Cenozoic volcanism of Central Mongolia: Evidence from isotope-geochemical studies

Late Cenozoic volcanism in Central Mongolia's South Khangai Volcanic Region (SKhVR) is linked to mantle plume activity, with compositional zoning reflecting plume heterogeneity. The study reveals that volcanic sequences in the Vodorazdel’nyi graben and adjacent valleys exhibit systematic changes in alkali, Ti, P, and lithophile element contents, as well as isotope composition, from central to peripheral regions. Isotope ratios (Sr, Nd, Pb) resemble those of Pitcairn Island and trend between PREMA, EMI, and EMII sources, suggesting the influence of Early Precambrian recycled crustal material. Gravimetric and seismotomographic data support an asthenospheric rise beneath Central Khangai, with the plume channel feeding volcanism in the watershed part of the Khangai Range, likely sourced from PREMA-type lower mantle. The research combines geochronological, petrochemical, geochemical, and isotope studies to unravel the geodynamics and sources of this volcanic activity.

Savatenkov, V. M., Yarmolyuk, V. V., Kudryashova, E. A., & Kozlovskii, A. M. (2010). Sources and geodynamics of the Late Cenozoic volcanism of Central Mongolia: Evidence from isotope-geochemical studies. Petrology, 18(3), 278–307. https://doi.org/10.1134/s0869591110030057