An evaluation of temporal geochemical evolution of Loihi summit lavas: results from Alvin submersible dives

Stratigraphically controlled sequences of in situ lavas were collected from Loihi Seamount using the Alvin submersible to evaluate the volcano's temporal geochemical evolution. Results indicate that tholeiitic and alkalic volcanism at the summit of Loihi has been coeval. The tholeiitic and alkalic lavas have similar incompatible element ratios. These results are consistent with the different Loihi rock types being derived by variable degrees of melting from a common source. -from Authors