New Constraints on the Origin of the EM‐1 Component Revealed by the Measurement of the La‐Ce Isotope Systematics in Gough Island Lavas

A new study challenges the long-held hypothesis that recycled pelagic sediments contribute to the enriched mantle (EM‐1) component. By analyzing 12 lavas from Gough Island using La–Ce, Sm–Nd, and Lu–Hf isotope systems, researchers found no evidence of a negative cerium anomaly or high La/Ce ratios typical of old sedimentary material. Instead, the data support a model where subcontinental lithospheric material is incorporated at shallow depths during plume ascent, explaining the isotopic signatures observed in Gough Island lavas. This finding provides fresh insights into the origin of EM‐1 and its role in mantle heterogeneity.

Boyet, M., Doucelance, R., Israel, C., Bonnand, P., Auclair, D., Suchorski, K., & Bosq, C. (2019). New Constraints on the Origin of the EM‐1 Component Revealed by the Measurement of the La‐Ce Isotope Systematics in Gough Island Lavas. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, 20(5), 2484–2498. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1029/2019gc008228