Here it is shown that the ratio of zinc to total iron content constrains the valence state of iron in primary arc basalts and their mantle sources. Primitive arc magmas have identical Zn/FeT ratios (FeT = Fe2+ + Fe3+) as mid-ocean-ridge basalts, indicating a similar iron oxidation state of primary mantle melts in arcs and ridges and that the subduction of oxidized crustal material may not significantly alter the redox state of the mantle wedge. It is concluded that the observed higher oxidation states of arc lavas must therefore be, in part, a consequence of shallow-level differentiation processes.
- Cin-Ty A. Lee
- Peter Luffi
- William P. Leeman
