The geochemistry of Middle Jurassic dykes associated with the Straumsvola-Tvora alkaline plutons, Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica and their association with the Karoo large igneous province

Jurassic dykes of western Dronning Maud Land (Antarctica) form a minor component of the Karoo large igneous province. Ail extensive local dyke swarm intrudes Neoproterozoic gneisses and Jurassic syenite plutons oil the margins of the Jutulstraumen palaeo rift in the Svedrupfjella region. The dykes were intruded in three distinct episodes (similar to 204, similar to 176 and similar to 170 Ma). The 204 Ma dykes are overwhelmingly low-Ti, olivine tholeiites including some primitive (pieritic) compositions (MgO >12 wt.%; Fe₂O₃ >12 wt.%; Cr >1000 ppm; Ni >600 ppm). This 204 Ma event precedes the main Karoo volcanic event by similar to 25 Ma, so any correlations to the wider province are difficult to make. However, it may record the earliest phase of rill activity along the Jutulstraumen. The 176 Ma dyke event is more intimately associated with the two syenite plutons. The dykes are alkaline (basanite/tephrite) and were small-degree melts from an enriched, locally derived Source and underwent at least some degree of interaction with a syenitic contaminant. This similar to 176 Ma dyke event is widespread elsewhere in the Karoo (southern Africa and Dronning Maud Land). Later-stage (170 Ma) felsic (phonolite-comendite) dykes intrude the 176 Ma basanite-tephrite suite and represent the last phase of magmatic activity in the region.