High–μ signature in lavas of Mt. Oku: Implications for lithospheric and asthenospheric contributions to the magmatism of the Cameroon Volcanic Line (West Africa)

This study presents geochemical data for mafic lavas from Mt. Oku to investigate the mantle source for Mt. Oku lavas and regional variations in isotopic ratios along the Cameroon Volcanic Line (CVL). The investigated mafic lavas present trace element and isotope signatures akin to ocean island basalts (OIB) and cover the entire range of the CVL. Major and trace element compositions of the studied lavas indicates that they have undergone fractionation of olivine + clinopyroxene + Fe-Ti oxide ± Cr–spinel with insignificant crustal contamination. The lavas were generated by <2% partial melting from a heterogeneous source containing less than 4% garnet. Major and trace elements abundances indicate the presence of hydrous minerals indicative of modal metasomatism.