Geodynamic Regimes of Carbonatite Formation According to the Paleo-Reconstruction Method

Abstract

Three models of geodynamic regimes of carbonatite formation are now actively being developed because of the high trace metal potential of this rock type: carbonatite melt generation within the lithosphere mantle; carbonatite relation to orogenic zones; the formation of carbonatite complexes as a result of the ascent of deep mantle plumes. The application for the first time of a modern model of “absolute” paleotectonic reconstructions combined with databases (both our own and published) demonstrates the general relationship of occurrences of the Phanerozoic carbonatite magmatism to Large Low S–wave Velocity Provinces: those are allocated in the lower mantle and are zones of generation of deep mantle plumes.