Serpentinite-derived slab fluids control the oxidation state of the subarc mantle.

Abstract

Recent geochemical evidence confirms the oxidized nature of arc magmas, but the underlying processes that regulate the redox state of the subarc mantle remain yet to be determined. We established a link between deep subduction-related fluids derived from dehydration of serpentinite ± altered oceanic crust (AOC) using B isotopes and B/Nb as fluid proxies, and the oxidized nature of arc magmas as indicated by Cu enrichment during magma evolution and V/Yb. Our results suggest that arc magmas derived from source regions influenced by a greater serpentinite (±AOC) fluid component record higher oxygen fugacity. The incorporation of this component into the subarc mantle is controlled by the subduction system’s thermodynamic conditions and geometry. Our results suggest that the redox state of the subarc mantle is not homogeneous globally: Primitive arc magmas associated with flat, warm subduction are less oxidized overall than those generated in steep, cold subduction zones.